MVL Sun — 03.13.25

SWISH!

MV girls’ state champions for second time in program history

and other members of the team cheer upon receiving the first place trophy at Wells Fargo Arena Friday, March 7.

The Mount Vernon Mustang girls were the Class 3A State Champions this year, besting West Marshall 75-19, Estherville Lincoln-Central 35-34 and Dubuque Wahlert Catholic 47-36 at the state tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. That concluded a 24-1 season for the girls’ team. That comes after the team four years ago had only one win and coach Nate Sanderson’s rebuilding effort for the program began, taking the team to the semifinals last year in a 22-4 season.

The win is the second win in program history for the Mount Vernon Mustang girls’ basketball program. The team has broken at least eight different program records over the course of the season as well.

Beginning farmers can gain experience through Labor4Learning program

PFI

program connects beginning farmers with experienced mentors, applications now open

Beginning farmers looking to gain hands-on skills can now apply for paid on-farm jobs through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Labor4Learning program, which offers training with experienced farmers who are committed to mentoring the next generation. This year, over a dozen jobs are available in a range of farm enterprises and production systems, including Emma Barber at Rhubarb Botanicals in Mount Vernon.

“Hands-on experience is crucial for beginning farmers — not just in daily farm tasks but also in learning how to successfully manage a farm business,” says Martha McFarland, PFI’s senior farmland viability coordinator. “This year, trainees can learn directly from PFI member trainers and gain skills in agroforestry, vegetable production, orcharding, raising livestock and more.”

Prior to launching their own farm businesses, it’s important that beginning and aspiring farmers gain experience with not only the day-to-day tasks of running a farm, but also what it takes to run a farm business.

Most on-farm jobs, however, do not expose employees to the full range of responsibilities required to run a farm operation. Labor4Learning seeks to fill the gap by offering a more well-rounded job experience.

In addition to core work tasks, experienced PFI farmers will provide extra training on topics such as record-keeping, marketing and other skills beginning and aspiring farmers might not otherwise be exposed to.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t use the knowledge I learned while working for the Gilberts at Gibralter Farms,” says Stephen Riggins, a past

Linn County Food Systems Council to host food symposium

March 28

The Linn County Food Systems Council will host a food symposium on March 28, 2025, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office in Hiawatha. The food symposium is a dynamic event aimed at growing connections and bringing together producers, buyers, and curious community members to strengthen the local food system in Linn County. Registration is required. The event is free for attendees.

The half-day event will explore sustainability in agriculture, local sourcing and distribution, grants, marketing, and certification opportunities. Attendees will hear from passionate speakers from across Iowa, join engaging discussions, and network with others commit-

Labor4Learning trainee. “There’s no better way to learn than by doing, and the Labor4Learning program gave me that opportunity.”

Each trainer farm in the program was approved by a committee of PFI members to serve as qualified teachers. The farms represent a diversity of enterprises and production practices, including row crops, multiple species of livestock, fruits and vegetables, flowers, cover crops, organic certification and more.

A list of participating farms is included below, along with their locations and farm enterprises. Complete job descriptions and program details can be found at practicalfarmers. org/labor4learning.

To participate as a trainee in Labor4Learning, applicants should submit resumes and references directly to the trainer farm. If hired, participants are given a PFI membership, opportunities to network with other beginning and aspiring farmers and discounts to PFI learning events.

For questions, contact Martha McFarland at (515) 232-5661 or martha.mcfarland@practicalfarmers.org

2025 Labor4Learning Trainer Farms:

Benton County

• Eric Franzenburg – Pheasant Run Farm (Keystone, IA) – Corn, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal herbs, agritourism

Boone County

• Mike Salama – Salama Greenhouse (Boone, IA) – Ornamental plants, seasonal bedding plants, house plants, seasonal flowering plants, trees and shrubs, perennials, cut flowers

Carroll County

• David Royer – David Royer Farms (Coon Rapids, IA) – Row crops, cattle, hogs

Clayton County

• Andrew Phelps – Phelps Farm (Guttenberg,

ted to local food in and around Linn County.

“The Linn County Food systems Council is excited to host the upcoming Local Food Symposium, organizing a day for building connections, sharing knowledge, and collaborating to strengthen the resilience of our local food system in Linn County and surrounding communities,” said E mmaly Renshaw, chair of the Linn County Food Systems Council.

Event Details:

When: March 28, 2025, at 8 a.m.

Where: ISU Extension and Outreach Linn County Office, 1770 Boyson Rd, Hiawatha, Iowa

Cost: Free

Registration Required: https://form.jotform.com/250475854726062

Agenda: 8-8:45 a.m. - Grow Your Network: Producers & Buyers Coffee Hour (Optional Event)

8:30-8:50 a.m. - Registration/Check In 9 a.m. - Welcome

IA) – Vegetables, flowers, ducks, chickens, goats, maple syrup, honey

Floyd County

• John Rafkin and Wendy Johnson – Joia Food Farm (Charles City, IA) – Sheep, cattle, poultry, pigs, small grains, agroforestry

Iowa County

• Elana Gingerich – Olivia’s Orchard (Parnell, IA) – Chestnuts, pawpaws, other tree crops, grass-finished beef

Linn County

• Emma and Marcus Johnson – Buffalo Ridge Orchard (Central City, IA) – Herb plants, vegetables, apples, pears, row crops

• Shae Pesek – Over the Moon Farm (Coggon, IA) – Berkshire hogs, chickens, turkeys, ducks

• Emma Barber – Rhubarb Botanicals (Mount Vernon, IA) – Flowers, herbs, perennial fruits and vegetables

Louisa County

• Kathy Dice and Tom Wahl – Red Fern Farm (Wapello, IA) – Tree crops, seed nuts, scion wood, sheep

Story County

• Alice McGary – Mustard Seed Farm (Ames, IA) – Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, prairie, chicken, sheep

Winneshiek County

• Hannah Breckbill and Emily Fagan – Humble Hands Harvest (Decorah, IA) – Vegetables, rotationally-grazed sheep, woody perennial crops

Nebraska

• Mike Levine – Fruit Of Levine LLC (Douglas, NE) – Specialty fruits, vegetables, flowers, duck and goose eggs, honey products

9:30-10:30 a.m. - Session 1 (choose one class to attend)

• “Powering a Resilient Food Systems with Food Hubs” with Michelle Kenyon, Field to Family Food Hub

• “Business Builder Grants 101 & Home Cottage Startup” with Penny Brown Huber, Iowa State University

10:30-10:45 a.m. - Break

10:45-11:45 a.m. - Session 2 (choose one class to attend)

• “Unlocking Iowa’s Agritourism Potential: Choose Iowa Brand and Grant Opportunities” with Beth Romer, Choose Iowa

• “Buying Local & Becoming a Local Vendor” with Sue Andrews, New Pioneer Food Coop

• “Farmer Market Nutrition Program Certification” with Emmaly Renshaw, Iowa Valley RC&D

11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Lunch and Facilitated Networking

The Linn County Food Systems Council invites everyone interested in promoting sustainable food systems and nourishing the community to join this inspiring event.

Volume

Mount Vernon, IA 52314

Phone: 319-895-6216 news@mvlsun.com

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Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly every Thursday by Student Publications, Inc., 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room E131, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Mount Vernon Post Office and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, 108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314. Subscriptions: Contact Rochelle Ferguson at 319-895-6216 or rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually.

Copyright 2025 Mount VernonLisbon Sun, 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.

mvlsun.com

Climate change and how it impacts health discussed at LBC

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Dr. Peter Thorne of the University of Iowa presented on “The Nexus of Climate Change and Health” for the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center’s adult speaker series Thursday, March 6.

Thorne highlighted how the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to increased heating and droughts, as well as other effects like increased pollen from weeds, more severe storms and more algae blooms in water, making those sources undrinkable.

“Eighty-five to 95 percent of diseases is attributable to environmental exposures,” Thorne said. “If you have people who live in poverty or deal with homelessness, that adds to the exposures they encounter, as it adds another stressor to their lives.”

Thorne said that the earth is on track to be housing 10.4 billion people in 2086, which exceeds the Earth’s capacity. The earth’s capacity is roughly 2 billion people. That increase in population and industrialization have led to the increases of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide gases in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide’s halflife in the atmosphere is 100 years to 1,000 years, nitrous oxide’s half life is 109 years and methane’s half life is roughly 11.9 years.

Thorne said people studying environmental science have been able to determine that our parts per million of carbon dioxide have not been as high as they have been for more than 800,000 years.

Childcare expansion to LBC could have $11 million price tag

City continues investigating options

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

It’s time to swing the bat.

That was the resounding answer of the Mount Vernon City Council on if the city should continue investigating the construction of a child care addition to the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center.

That addition, according to rough initial numbers of square footage for the addition, would come at roughly a $11 million price tag.

“What we’re seeing is unprecedented,” Thorne said.

Burning of oil and coal contributes to the majority of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The global air temperature has risen on average by 2.9 degrees Fahrenheit over the past decades.

“That’s averaged over the entire Earth, which means there are places that experience more of that increase in heat than others,” Thorne said.

Thorne said that increases in temperature are impacting the temperatures in the oceans, which increases the ice caps melting and also the severity of storms we encounter.

China, the United States and the E.U. account for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, but India’s levels are starting to rise as they modernize and industrialize their continent.

“If India is to increase the usage of items like coal burning power plants like China has done, instead of more renewable energies, that would be devastating,” Thorne said.

When it came to how climate change impacts health, Thorne indicated that happens in multiple ways:

• Increases of temperature means more people contracting heat stress and more water usage.

• Cardiovascular issues increase because of the increase of fine particulates in the air.

• Higher temperatures increase the number of algae blooms in the water streams used by people, which could lead to scarcity of that resource.

• More severe storms increase the possibility of more injury or deaths.

• Rising sea levels increase the possibility of more illnesses from species like mosquitoes who now have more areas to increase.

One of the areas that have knock on effects are the creations of heat domes. Thorne explained that one of those heat domes hit in Canada in 2021, pushing temperatures to 15 degrees higher than usual.

“That’s an area where air conditioning is not usual, which made enduring that more severe,” Thorne said.

Heat domes trap more than heat, they also trap air pollutants, which increases impacts to diseases like cardiovascular or asthma.

Thorne said data said that we could see more increased temperatures for 30-days per year and up to 90 days per year over the next century.

City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that when the LBC was originally constructed, the cost per square foot was roughly $250 per square foot. Current prices for construction are now roughly $400 per square foot.

The center, as is being looked into by OPN Architects, will amount to 19,000 square feet for the first floor. That would allow construction of eight classrooms. The entire first floor can be isolated from the LBC, and locked separately from the addition. With eight classrooms, that would allow between 80 to 110 children of different ages to be taken care of at the center.

The second floor of the addition would add three more rooms and storage for the LBC. One of the rooms would be a large room to be reserved for things like parties. One would be a wide open turf room, that would have multi-purpose usage. The third would be an indoor interactive play area.

With that $11 million price tag, Nosbisch estimates the city’s investment would be in the $5.5 million.

“That would impact other projects in the city’s capital improvement plan,” Nosbisch said.

One of the issues that Thorne noted is that while many communities offer cooling stations during heat waves, increasing those hours outside of business hours should be what is practiced, as many of these centers closed at 5 p.m., when temperatures were still in increased heat indexes.

Another area that is impacted has been the fine particulate matter that increases. He reminded of the wildfires in northern Canada in 2023, which impacted air quality in Iowa, thousands of miles away.

“That also increases a positive feedback loop,” Thorne said. “You lose forests, which helped to capture some of the carbon in the atmosphere.”

More particulates in the air increase issues for people with asthma and exacerbation of other diseases.

The increase in temperatures has drastically increased the number of severe weather events in the past several decades, with roughly 27 severe weather events in 2024.

The cost of those severe storms has a cumulative cost of nearly $2.9 trillion in material and loss of time.

Health conditions are also made worse by disasters and storm events.

“When people lose things like power and are reliant on medications like insulin that has to be temperature controlled or lose power and are on concentrated oxygen devices, those power outages can lead to a loss of life,” Thorne said.

Thorne said that things that people can do to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions include:

• Replacing the fossil fuel powered

machines in homes

• Consider residential solar

• Switching to a heat pump as opposed to an air conditioner

• Switch to an electronic vehicle

Those decisions have a far bigger impact in reducing the footprint of greenhouse gases in your life.

The United States is currently at 8.8 percent of electrical vehicle usage in 2023. Other countries like Norway at 90 percent and China at 53.9 percent are doing more.

Questioners asked if the greenhouse gases are leading to increased cancer rates. Thorne said that in Iowa, a lot of that is coming from a combination of factors, including allowable items like arsenic and nitrate levels in drinking water, pesticide exposures and alcohol consumption. Iowa also has obesity rates that contribute to some cancers as well. One area that Thorne said could slowly start impacting one of those greenhouse gases is to start reducing consumption of red meats, like beef. Beef is one of the largest contributors of methane gases in the environment.

He said something he has found in his Climageddon class is that 90 percent of students have some level of climate anxiety, and teaching them some sustainability practices benefit those students. When it came to innovations that are reducing greenhouse gases, there are efforts in many of the transportation areas, like ships, long haul freight, rail and other areas that are addressing reductions in greenhouse gases that give hope for changes in the future.

Above: Tables outline the growth of more severe weather effects over the past decade, with more than 20 severe weather events hitting in

That would include two significant projects for the city, including the Hwy. 1 project that the Iowa Department of Transportation will be working on in 2027. That has an initial cost of $1 million for the city, where the DOT will tackle a significant amount of additional work on the project.

The other project in the next five years, the streetscape project in uptown Mount Vernon will be on the plate for roughly 2029. Each phase of that project is slated to cost $2.5 million.

Nosbisch asked the council if they felt the childcare project should be a top priority for the next seven years.

The council’s answer was a resounding yes.

Council member Paul Tuerler said that this would be a potential economic tool for the community, as it could also help to improve the quality of life of citizens in the community.

“When I look back when my children were younger, we were blessed to have childcare options in our area and have actual choices,” Tuerler said. “For the good of the community, this is a project that makes sense, from enhancing the offerings at LBC and meeting a need in

the community. One way to guarantee you never get a hit is to not swing the bat. I think it’s time to swing the bat.”

Council member Scott Rose said that he thinks there are good reasons to move forward with this, including the driving potential of helping the local economy.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Rose said.

Mayor Tom Wieseler said that the city is aware that it will also need to make steps in increasing entry level housing in the community, as the city needs homes for people in starting professionally in the community as well.

Rose questioned what happens if the childcare is started now, but in the next to five to 10 years, the center is no longer needed as a childcare center.

Nosbisch said in those instances, there is an ability to turn spaces into a career to technical education classrooms that could be utilized by the local school districts as well or community college classroom space.

Rose did commend those who have kept the pressure going on this childcare issue in the community, as there have been multiple points he thought this might have been dead in the water, but the community has proved that is not the case.

OPINIONS

Legislators seek to prevent control of Iowa weather

Living in Iowa

As American democracy dissolves before our eyes and we seem to be on the verge of war with, uh, Canada, Iowa legislators turn their attention to the pressing matter of (I am not making this up) stopping people from controlling the weather.

Last Thursday, Republicans introduced a bill, Document: HF 191 banning artificial manipulation of the weather. I find this sudden sense of urgency baffling. Iowans are proud of our bad weather. It’s central to our identity. Why would we want to change that now?

Rep. Sam Wengryn of Pleasanton reports that he and his fellow Republican legislators have been inundated with phone calls and emails from constituents who are concerned about substances sprayed into the air by high-flying aircraft. Wengryn appears to be referring to the “chemtrail” conspiracy. This was a popular hoax in the late 1990’s, begun after the US Air Force published a report on weather modification, prompting late night radio talk show host Art Bell to launch the idea that aircraft contrails, those white puffy lines in the sky which dissipated more slowly than normal are the result of mysterious substances sprayed by the US government. The conspiracy theory contended that the chemtrails contained chemical or biological agents designed for mind control or weather manipulation. It turned out to be complete nonsense.

Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee and whistleblower was determined to get to the bottom of the chemtrail scare. After exhaustive research, Snowden appeared on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” He told Rogan, “In case you were wondering, chemtrails are not a thing.” They are nothing but normal contrails, made up of frozen water vapor and a little soot. (Does that sound like a CIA coverup?)

While Iowa Republicans are trying to ban weather manipulation, Democrats like, Ken Croken of Davenport, argue that this technology could be used for good. “There may come a time very soon,” he said, “if drought conditions in Iowa continue to worsen, when agricultural interests might choose to seed the clouds to produce rain.” Are these guys crazy? Are they drinking their bathwater? Humans can’t change the weather. (We have changed the climate—but that’s a different matter.)

Cloud seeding, aerial spraying of silver iodide, can increase the chance of precipitation by about 10 percent but only under certain conditions when the clouds are already saturated and are especially cold. Cloud seeding cannot squeeze rain out of a clear blue sky—or even out of relatively dry clouds. Rainmaking is a fantasy. If rainmaking worked, there would be no droughts.

Geez!

Sadly, rain dances, firing cannons into the air, prayers or animal sacrifice have all proven ineffective in altering the weather. Once Donald Trump even proposed using nuclear bombs to disrupt hurricanes. But as impressive as we think nukes are, this would be like trying to stop a blizzard with a sneeze.

It’s tough to admit, but, against the majestic power of Nature, human efforts are puny, even comical. And when Iowa Republicans dream up legislation, permitting weather to do what it wants, it must make Mother Nature smile.

SUN EDITORIAL

Special section highlights consistency, changes in area businesses

Another year, another Progress special sec tion is printed.

As always, the special section tries to highlight the business in Mount Vernon and Lisbon who have had changes this year, cele brating an anniversary or opened their doors for the first time.

Some changes are pretty huge, like Uncommon Church and Living Hope Global Methodist Church joining together.

Some are businesses moving to new locations, like Wren and Purl and White Tree Bakery.

Some are celebrating anniversaries this year – Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center five years and Silver Spider 25 years this November.

And some are new businesses or new owners, like Mount Vernon Family Medicine or Spot-On Nutrition.

All of these businesses are weathering unprecedented times at the moment for small businesses, what with the constant threat of tariffs to countries like Canada, Mexico or China that are constantly on again and off again, amidst other areas that impact small towns.

But as we’ve said in other editorials – They’re also businesses who support this community. Who provide to our wonderful downtown and what we have to offer. They’re the places we should shop at first, because they support all of this community, too.

This special section is a highlight of many of those businesses and their stories and what they offer to the communities.

A Stitch in time saves ninety

My winter coat has had a minor tear along a seam near the right pocket since earlier this winter. I noticed it when I first picked it up at the beginning of winter.

And I probably should have grabbed some needles and thread at that point, given the area a couple of stitches and moved on. A stitch in time saves nine, after all.

As the winter has gone on, that non reinforcement of the loose threads at that tear has inched that gap wider and wider. To the point it almost became confused as the pocket, just without zippers.

I wear the coat for maybe 30 minutes on average on a day, so it’s one of those things I would see, go I should do something about that, and then fail to do that after the coat is set down indoors and repeat the cycle the next time it was worn.

In February, as I was taking groceries in from Gary’s on one of the brutally cold winter days, my hands were full, I was trying to make my way to my ground floor apartment. And that hole on my coat which is now about hand size catches on the closing door knob in just the right way to stretch that seam even longer. Thankfully, the tear continued straight down the seam itself.

And suddenly, that minor two to three stitches on the coat became upwards of 20 to fix. What might have been a disguisable blemish of one or two reinforced stitches, was now a lot harder to hide.

And I have to pull on home economics classes from two decades ago now on how to properly sew. A class that I wasn’t necessarily an A student in when it came to sewing. I was a much better cook or able to follow recipes.

Cut to me on my couch having acquired a sewing kit, watching A Marx Brothers comedy “A Day at the Races” as I’m trying to thread a needle and failing for five minutes straight. Clearly mimicking one of the stretched too long jokes in the comedy. I think I have the correct amount of string for this mend only to find I have too much, the thread is tangling at different points on the areas I’m trying to sew and somehow ends up knotted around the needle. I’ve definitely rolled a 1, as we would say in Dungeons and Dragons parlance, on this particular skill check. And I give up on that attempt and undo some of the damage as best I can.

But there is one thing I am, it is tenacious. And I had no evening activity to stand in my way, and another bobbin of thread. We are going to see this coat mended before bed. My second attempt I fixed a lot of issues that occurred with the first. The mend is still slightly garish to look at, not blending in with the original seam.

But the coat’s interior is again protected from the elements, just as it’s time to probably put that coat aside for another winter.

One of my “Doctor Who” hooded sweatshirts has a pocket that has a tear around it. I think I’m just going to leave that one alone.

The importance of a home inventory before a disaster or insurance claim

Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

When disaster strikes, whether a tornado, fire, burglary, or other insurance-covered peril, homeowners and renters often find themselves overwhelmed by the loss and the claims process. One critical step an insured can take to prepare for such situations is to create a comprehensive home inventory.

After a covered peril occurs, an insurance company may require policyholders to provide proof of ownership and value for lost or damaged items. Insureds may struggle to recall every item they own, leading to incomplete claims and potential financial losses. A home inventory is a detailed list of personal belongings with descriptions, receipts, purchase dates, photographs, appraisals, and estimated values.

To create an inventory, go room by room and list your

belongings with photos, receipts or estimated worth, and descriptions including the make, model, and serial numbers. Always store your inventory in a safe place not in your residence, like a safety deposit box or in the cloud. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a home inventory app that can help with the documentation process by allowing you to take pictures and scan barcodes of items.

An inventory allows claimants to submit accurate and detailed reports, ensuring they receive the actual or replacement cost compensation they are entitled to under their policy. Actual cash value is paid after depreciating for age and wear and tear. Replacement cost means reimbursement for the cost to repair or replace with a similar item. With replacement cost, the depreciated amount is paid first, and once proof is provided for the repair or replacement the company will reimburse the cost.

Insurance policies cover personal property up to the

limit on your declarations page. In the absence of a home inventory, insurers may default to estimating the value of lost items, often leading to underpayment. By having an organized record, policyholders can provide concrete evidence, increasing the likelihood of receiving the full replacement cost for their belongings.

In the case of burglary, a home inventory is a valuable tool for insurance claims and law enforcement investigations. Many homeowners and renters underestimate the value of their possessions, leading to insufficient insurance coverage. A home inventory helps individuals assess whether their current policy limits are adequate to replace their belongings. If the total value of possessions exceeds the policy’s coverage limit, policyholders can make informed decisions about adjusting their coverage before a loss occurs. This proactive approach prevents the unpleasant surprise of being underinsured when it is too late to make changes. Speak to your licensed insurance agent annually about policy limits and if they need to be adjusted.

A home inventory is an invaluable tool that simplifies the insurance claims process, ensures fair compensation, and provides peace of mind during difficult times. Taking the time to create a comprehensive inventory before disaster strikes, allows homeowners and renters to protect their financial well-being and recover more quickly from losses.

Iowa Republicans unveil property tax relief bills Thursday, March 6

The bills would cap property tax levy increases, expand tax credits, and eliminate rollback.

Liam Halawith

The Daily Iowan

Iowa Republicans in charge of tax policy in the Iowa House and Senate released their proposal to provide property tax relief to Iowans on Thursday, March 6, fulfilling one of the caucus’ top priorities for this legislative session.

The bills, House Study Bill 313 and Senate Study Bill 1208, would bring the largest property tax reform to the state since 1977 and would bring more than $426 million in property tax relief.

The leaders of the House and Senate Ways and Means Committee, who handle tax policy, unveiled their identical proposals on Thursday.

The bills would limit tax levy increases, expand property tax credits, and eliminate the antiquated “rollback”

Attorney

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird today announced tips to protect Iowans from tax and IRS scams during the 2025 tax filing season.

“As tax season kicks into high gear, Iowans should be on the lookout for IRS and tax scams,” said Attorney General Bird. “Criminal scammers are on the prowl to steal Iowans’ hard-earned money, and they will use every opportunity they can get. Iowans should not get tricked into losing money for following the law and filing their taxes. Remember that the IRS will never contact you by phone or email to ask you to share personal or financial

system limiting property value assessment growth.

Rep. Bobby Kauffmann, R-Wilton, who leads the House Ways and Means Committee, said the bills offered, “big, bold reforms to Iowa’s property tax system.”

“We either needed to do something big, or do nothing at all,” Kauffmann said. “This proposal is the biggest overhaul to the property tax system in decades, puts Iowa homeowners first, brings much needed relief to property taxpayers, and puts restraints on local governments to limit spending while the system is updated and modernized.”

Among the biggest changes under the bill are a 2 percent property tax levy growth cap, excluding revenue from new construction, using state general fund dollars to replace $426 million in property taxes currently used to fund public schools, and phasing out the antiquated property tax rollback system that limits the amount of a property valuation that is taxable.

The amount of “rollback” on a properties assessed valuation is determined by the Iowa Department of Management each year to limit total assessed value growth in the state by 3 percent. The system was put in place 50 years ago, and lawmakers said it confuses property taxpayers.

information. If you are suspicious of a scam, call my office at 1-888-777-4590, and follow our top tips to stay safe this tax season.”

Common tax scams include:

• Phone/Imposter Scams: Scammers impersonate IRS agents and call taxpayers, threatening arrest or legal action if Iowans do not immediately “pay taxes.”

• Email/Text/Phishing Scams: Deceptive emails or texts, claiming to be from the IRS or tax software companies, will request personal information or direct Iowans to fake websites to steal their data.

• Spoofed Phone Numbers: Scammers may call using fake caller IDs. If you are suspicious of a call, hang up and call back at an official and verified number that you found yourself. Do not call a number the scammer provides.

• Identity Theft: Scammers use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds.

• Tax Preparer Fraud: Dishonest tax preparers may inflate refunds, falsify deductions, or charge excessive fees.

To protect against tax scams, Iowans should:

• Watch out for demands and threats: If you receive an email, call, or message from an alleged tax authority that is demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest, it is a scam.

• Avoid pressure to act quickly: Scammers will try

The bill would also create a $25,000 homestead tax exemption for all residential property owners and raise the veteran property tax exemption from $4,000 to $7,000.

Republican lawmakers who are leading the reforms said the bill is nowhere near its final form and are looking to work with stakeholders in improving the bill before it is signed into law.

“We heard a lot from Iowans that rising property taxes continued to be an issue in their communities and are looking to the legislature for solutions,” said Sen. Dan Dawson, R-Council Bluffs, who leads the Senate Ways and Means Committee in a news release Thursday. “This solution, I believe, Iowans will support, cities and counties can support, and I am looking forward to the continued conversation about how we can rebuild this entire system to make it simpler and fairer, prioritize Iowa property taxpayers and their families, and help make Iowa a more competitive state.”

Lawmakers’ last reforms to the property tax system were in 2023, where lawmakers capped the amount of revenue growth that a local government could see from year to year and required excess funds be used to lower property taxes.

to get you to act quickly so that you don’t realize it’s a scam. Avoid pressures to take immediate action.

• Research tax preparers thoroughly: Choose reputable professionals with a proven track record.

• Never share personal or financial information over phone or email: The IRS makes first contact through the mail. If the IRS reaches out by phone or email, it is usually a scam.

• Protect yourself online: Keep computers and mobile devices secure with up-to-date antivirus software and firewalls. Also, beware of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

• Know the right way to pay: The IRS and state tax agencies will never ask for payment via cash, gift cards, payment apps (e.g., Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App), or cryptocurrency ATMs. Scammers push these methods because they are difficult to trace or recover. If you owe taxes, always verify payment details directly through the official IRS or state tax authority website or phone number.

• Report suspected tax fraud or scams: Contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590, or the IRS to report suspected scams.

The Iowa Attorney General’s office investigates fraud, seeks reimbursement and relief for fraud victims, ensures fair competition in the marketplace, and aims to protect Iowans from falling victim to scams or fraud.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a tax or IRS scam, contact the Iowa Attorney General’s office at 1-888-777-4590 or file a complaint online: https://www. iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint.

One injured in rural Mount Vernon crash

Mariah Gabby, 24, Cedar Rapids, was injured in a two-vehicle crash along Mount Vernon Road Thursday, March 6. Gabby was transported by Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service to an area hospital with non life-threatening injuries. A passenger in Gabby’s vehicle, Jennifer Gaunt, 34, was uninjured.

According to the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were paged out to a crash at 8:45 a.m. along Mount Vernon Road near the intersection of Hokes

Way.

Gabby had been eastbound on Mount Vernon Road in a silver 2008 Toyota Sienna. Manuel Garza, 31, Mount Vernon was westbound on Mount Vernon Road in a black 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. Garza lost control on the icy roadway, crossed the center line and struck the Toyota head on. Both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch.

Garza was cited for failure to maintain control in the crash.

Other agencies responding included

vaccinated amid growing measles

As the number of measles cases reported across the U.S. continues to grow, vaccination rates decline, and spring break travel begins, the American Medical Association (AMA) issued the following statement urging individuals to get vaccinated against the measles if not already immune.

“In Texas and a growing number of states across the country, declining vaccination rates are fueling a staggering increase in measles illnesses, measles hospitalizations, and the first death from the disease in years – all primar -

ily among unvaccinated populations, said Bruce A. Scott, president of the American Medical Association.

“As parents, our instinct is to do everything we can to keep our children safe. In the case of measles – a highly contagious disease that can cause severe health problems – that means getting your children vaccinated today. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is extraordinarily safe and effective. Available at doctors’ offices, clinics, and government health centers, the MMR vaccine is the sur -

food for one menu and also a personal care product.

est, safest way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from measles. I urge you to talk to your physician, talk to your pediatrician, and get your family and children the MMR vaccine as soon as possible if you have not already done so.

“With measles outbreaks occurring in multiple states and spring break travel approaching, the AMA urges everyone who isn’t already vaccinated to get themselves and their families vaccinated against measles now. Measles is extremely contagious and can

cause life-threatening illness. There is no cure or specific antiviral treatment for measles. Vaccination remains the best defense against measles infection. Vaccination not only prevents infection, measles-related complications and even death, but also helps prevent further spread to loved ones, neighbors, co-workers and others in close contact. When immunization rates are high, people who cannot be protected directly by vaccines are protected because they are not exposed to the disease.”

The Hoover Presidential Foundation invites the community to join in our Day of Service on Saturday, March 29, to support the West Branch Food Pantry. There will be opportunities to contribute throughout the month of March. Those wishing to help can do so in three ways. Participants can choose to shop for needed items, volunteer to

stock the pantry shelves, or donate money that will be used to purchase items on the donor’s behalf.

For those wishing to shop, a downloadable menu sheet is available. This sheet has menus of needed items that can be combined to make a meal. Personal care products are also listed. Shoppers are encouraged to purchase

Volunteer shifts are available. You can sign up for shifts involving donation solicitation at the Dodge Street Hy-Vee in Iowa City or as food organizers to unpack and organize food. Those wishing to volunteer can register online. Shifts are available on March 8 and 29. Donations are graciously accepted. Monetary gifts will be used to purchase food and personal care items for the event.

If you would like more information, download a menu sheet, sign up for a volunteer shift, or donate, visit hooverpres -

identialfoundation.org/ day-of-service. Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, was known as the Great Humanitarian. During World War I, he led efforts to feed 9.5 million citizens in German-occupied northern France and Belgium every day for four years. In his lifetime, his humanitarian efforts are credited for saving as many as 100 million people on five continents.

Dennis Vincent Pisarik, 81, of Mechanicsville, formerly of Hopkinton, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, with his family by his side, after living with Parkinsons for 28 years. The visitation was held Sunday, March 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mechanicsville. Funeral Mass was 10 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mechanicsville, by Reverend James Flattery. Burial with military honors at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Solon. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Mount Vernon.

Dennis was born Jan. 25, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Raphael and Elizabeth (Becker) Pisarik. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1962, and then later from Kirkwood Community College. Dennis served honorably in the US Army from 1964-67, attaining the rank of Sergeant. On Jan. 24, 1970, he married Joyce Meloy in Dubuque.

Dennis was an avid outdoorsman appreciating opportunities to trap, fish, and hunt. He was always on the hunt for the best places to gather mushrooms and adding to his collection of arrowheads. “The Tooth” was his most famous find and he loved showing it off. Dennis’ hands crafted many pieces of furniture including tables and chests which he graciously gifted to family and friends. He also shared his talent for playing the accordion and was always up for a game of euchre or listening to polka and old country music. He farmed for forty years near Hopkinton. His list of loves and achievements is lengthy, but he was most proud of his family and the time he spent with them.

His memberships included St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Mechanicsville, the Knights of Columbus, 75-year member of Catholic Order of Foresters, and American Legion Busch-Dennis Post 309.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce; daughters, Sarah (Jason) Russell and Molly (Ryan) Crock; grandchildren, Bailey, Caleb, Rylee, and Brendon Crock, and Harper, Owen, and Nora Russell; brothers and sisters, Francis (Terri) Pisarik, Terese Pisarik, Larry (Kathy) Pisarik, Ron (Nancy) Pisarik, John (Jane) Pisarik, Kathy (Minor) Dix, Mark (Luann) Pisarik, Steve (Susan) Pisarik, and Mary (Ron) Holubar; brothers-in-law, Michael (Lisa) Meloy, and Julie (Mike) Hemmer; brother-in-law, Fred Nichols; and sister-in-law, LeAnn Pisarik. He is also survived by 39 nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Christine Pisarik; brother, Pat Pisarik; sister-in-law, Janet Nichols; and brother-in-law, John Meloy. Memorials are suggested to the Sts. Peter & Paul Historical Chapel, 1165 Taft Avenue NE, Solon, Iowa 52333.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Dennis’ Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with his family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.

Lisbon Public Library holding spring break events

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Lisbon Public Library will be holding a number of events during spring break week at the library.

All throughout the week director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez said that the library will be hosting a puzzle building competition, where participants will work at completing a 500 piece puzzle in teams or on their own. Times will be taken, and those with the fastest times will be eligible for a prize.

On Wednesday, March 19, the library and Southeast Linn Community Center will be holding a joint crafting event and a slime making workshop. That time is still being confirmed for when it begins, so check the library and SELCC’s calendars in the next week for start time or if there is a registration required for the events.

Thursday, March 20, the library will be hosting a family bingo event. Come play bingo at the library beginning at 1 p.m. and play for prizes.

The week will also have an all-ages story time with Hannah Thompson of Starlight Yoga Friday, March 21, beginning at 10 a.m. at the library, where she will provide an introduction to dance motion therapy she helps teach.

Spots

Lisbon parks and recreation softball and baseball registration beginning

Registration for third through sixth grade baseball and softball is open. That is to help Lisbon Parks and Recreation and other parks and recreation departments the ability to know numbers of the programs before April 16. Registrations for Intro, T-ball, and Coach Pitch will be posted at a later date.

Forms are available online at www.cityoflisbon-ia.gov or in person at City Hall. Please return the player information form along with a signed waiver to the City Hall offices.

Deadline for third through sixth grade baseball and softball is Friday, April 4. No registrations will be taken after April 4.

Signature Saturday Ed

Fallon concert

The next Signature Saturday event for adults at the Lisbon Public Library will be held Saturday, April 12 at Lisbon’s Heritage Hall at 2 p.m. Ed Fallon, a musician and farmer with Birds and Bees Urban Farm will present a piano concert and lead a conversation about local food farming. This is a free event.

Spring garden talks

Lisbon Public Library will also be hosting spring garden talks through the month of April. The talks will be 6:307:30 p.m. the first four Wednesdays of April. April 2’s topic will be homesteading. April 9 will feature conversations on cottage gardening in Iowa. April 16 will feature gardening for good health. April 23 will be “don’t throw away orchid after it blooms.”

Grant applications now open to boost Main Street Iowa businesses

Small businesses located within Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group’s Main Street district and other designated Main Street Iowa districts are invited to compete for up to $25,000.

Main Street Iowa’s annual Open 4 Business program supports existing businesses and revitalization in the more than 50 Main Street Iowa communities. For the contest, entrepreneurs will outline a business development or expansion idea, such as additional services and product offerings or needed equipment.

Eligible businesses are for-profit and have been operating for at least one year in a Main Street district. In addition to the online application, applicants also must submit a short video highlighting their business project and how it will benefit their community’s economic climate. A 25% cash match is required.

Only one application is allowed per Main Street community. To determine which local business will represent Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group, businesses must complete the pre-application form by April 4. The form is available online https://visitmvl. com/business-resources/.

State competition applications must be submitted through the local program to Main Street Iowa by May 1. Main Street Iowa staff will review them for project impact within the designated Main Street district; business innovation; and opportunity for continued growth, enhanced revenue, and sustainability. Five finalists will advance to the state competition on Aug. 4 in Muscatine, where they will pitch their expansion ideas before a panel of judges.

Open 4 Business launched in 2015 and over the past decade has awarded dollars to over 50 businesses across the state. Grants are administered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Iowa Downtown Resource Center and Main Street Iowa programs.

For complete details, contact Jessie Thurn at director@visitmvl.com, or Brooke Prouty at brooke.prouty@ iowaeda.com.

Cole Corner

Cathy Boggs Cole Library

Cole Library’s seed share library open for season

Spring is coming. How do I know? I just got my first seed catalog in the mail. If you too are interested in planting seeds then you should visit Cole Library’s Seed Share located on the first floor.

What is a seed share? A seed share is a collection of open pollinated seeds – sometimes called “heirlooms.” The seeds can be vegetable, herb or flower seeds and are provided for people to borrow. Seeds are then planted and grown in your home garden. At the end of the plant’s growing season, you harvest as usual but also save some of the seeds to return to the seed library. Saving seeds is not required but this helps creates a self-sustaining seed library.

To use the Cole Library’s Seed Share we ask that you open a packet, take out the seeds you need and will use and put them into the small envelopes provided. That way we will have enough seeds to share

Thursday, March 13: 8am-4:30pm

Friday, March 14: 8am-4:30pm

Saturday, March 15: 10am-2pm

Sunday, March 16: Closed

Monday, March 17: 8am-10pm

Tuesday, March 18: 8am-10pm

Wednesday, March 19: 8am-10pm

Thursday, March 20: 8am-10pm

POLICE CALLS

March 3 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon

March 4 - Agency assist- fire, Linn Co

March 4 – Medical, 500 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon

March 4 – Welfare check, 100 blk First St SE, Mount Vernon

March 5 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co

March 5 – Agency assist- alarm, Linn Co

March 5 – Welfare check, 300 blk Hillview Dr, Mount Vernon

March 5 – Accident, 300 blk business 30, Lisbon

March 6 – Warrant, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon

March 6 – Car unlock, Meadow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon

March 6 – Car unlock, 300 blk Third St SW, Mount Vernon

March 7 – Suspicious vehicle, 100 blk Hwy 1, Mount Vernon

March 7 – Accident, 700 blk Meadow Lane Ct, Mount Vernon

March 7 – Car unlock, 100 blk Fourth Ave SW, Mount Vernon

March 7 – Welfare check, 300 blk E. Second Ave, Lisbon

March 7 – Medical, 400 blk Third St SW, Mount Vernon

March 8 – Alarm, 700 blk S. First Ave, Mount Vernon

March 8 – Car unlock, 200 blk Fifth St NW, Mount Vernon

March 8 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co

March 9 – Accident, 900 blk Martha St, Lisbon

March 9 – Warrant, 200 blk Third Ave NW, Mount Vernon

The Intercultural Life Office encourages conversation around community and belonging as it presents Cultural Celebrations

This year’s theme is “Understanding,” and the events will offer participants the opportunity to share dialogue, celebrate differences, and explore important cultural topics and experiences that make up our campus community.

“Celebrating different cultures creates an environment where all students feel valued and respected, helping break down barriers and fostering mutual understanding of one another,” said Director of Intercultural Life Satin Bennett. “Each culture that volunteered to share their story this week will expose our campus community to new perspectives, challenging their own beliefs while deepening their empathy and appreciation for others’ experiences.”

All events are free and open to the public.

Monday, March 17:

• Gente Craft and Tell, Orange Carpet, 5–7 p.m.

Learn the cultural expression of Puerto Rican heritage by creating your own rendition of a Vejigante paper mache mask. Members of Gente will teach you about the celebrations of medieval Spanish folklore that represent a blend of Spanish, African, and Taino influences as a way to connect with ancestral traditions through art and performance.

Tuesday, March 18:

• Understanding Cornell’s Intercultural Life: Walk-Through Symposium, Orange Carpet, all day Join ICL in this self-directed walk-through symposium on the impact of Community and Belonging, seeing why we embrace all on our campus.

• Unapologetically Me Craft and Tell, Orange Carpet, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Celebrate your culture and express yourself

City budget will require dipping into reserves

City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that this year’s budget will see the city dip into reserves for the year.

“We will be making some cuts, don’t get me wrong, but it also will require us to dip into financial reserves to continue to offer services,” Nosbisch said.

As well, Nosbisch said that water and sewer rates will most likely be increasing more than the regular eight percent this year.

“Our sewer bond from 2009 is requiring that we increase those rates to continue to make the payments to the bond rate,” Nosbisch said. “That bond doesn’t sunset until 2029.”

Nosbisch said even with the cuts and running into the city’s reserves, Mount Vernon is still better off than other communities in the state.

Bench request approved for Sauter family

An installation for a memorial bench at Sauter Park in memory of Ed Sauter was approved by the city council. The family would be responsible for paying for the bench and that would allow for a nameplate in honor of Ed Sauter.

City administrator Chris Nosbisch said this has been an informal policy by the city when this comes up. Council members Mark Andresen and Stephanie West said it would be best for the council to formalize the procedure in the future.

Council member Paul Tuerler said that during his time as council and mayor in 1994, the one constant in this community was Sauter.

“He believed in the history of the community, the value of architecture and the downright goodness of people,” Tuerler said. “Ed Sauter epitomized what good was all about.”

Council rebidding former public works site

The City of Mount Vernon will be rebidding the former public works site at 1040 Second Avenue S.W.

According to city administrator Chris Nosbisch, no bids were received for the project by Friday, Feb. 28. Nosbisch said the city will switch to a sealed bid process.

Stonebrook’s 10th addition approved

The 10th addition to the Stonebrook development has been approved, the final plat of the subdivision.

According to city administrator Chris Nosbisch, the

unapologetically on Canvas.

Wednesday, March 19:

• Understanding Cornell’s Spiritual, Disabilities, and Wellness offices, Orange Carpet, 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Let’s fidget and learn together. Chaplain Rev. Melea White will highlight the importance of each individual’s spiritual beliefs in fostering cultural understanding, while Coordinator of Disability Services Hannah Ganzel will celebrate the multiplicity of abilities and promote designing our world to be more accessible to all. Also, discover how leveraging your cultural strengths can enhance your wellbeing by joining the Ebersole Health and Wellbeing staff for an engaging activity.

• Posse Sip, Snack and Share, Orange Carpet, 5–7 p.m.

Taste a bit of family tradition that our Posse

10th addition is the largest phase of the Stonebrook subdivision with 47 buildable lots.

A slight deviation on lots 20 and 21 were the only changes. That shift impacted a stormwater detention area along lot 21’s boundary.

The planning and zoning commission voted 5-0 in favor of approving the final plat of Stonebrook’s 10th addition.

Water meter replacement project completed

Ferguson Waterworks completed the water meter radio read project.

The total cost of the project was estimated at $678,641.20.

According to city administrator Chris Nosbisch, the city has roughly 60 water meters left to replace of more than 1,400 that were slated to be replaced. Nosbisch said that staff will be presenting a plan for the monthly surcharges to those on older water meters until they are able to be replaced at the next council meeting.

There will also be some discussion on citizens who are now experiencing high water meter reads with the new water meters for potential relief.

students bring to campus: Coquito, Agua Frescas de Jamaica and Piña,and Sandwichitos de Mezcla! Join us for sips, snacks, shirts, candies, and conversation over the dinner hour.

You’ll also have time to complete your Gente Craft and Tell Vejigante Mask.

Thursday, March 20:

• Don’t Touch My Hair, Orange Carpet, 7–9 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate understanding our hairstyle differences through educational discussions and games. There will be haircut and style giveaways along with hair care prizes just for being there. This is an ISA (International Student Association) and BACO (Black Awareness Cultural Organization) collaboration.

Friday, March 21:

• International Food Mixer, The Hilltop Café, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Hilltop Café will have international foods and drinks for participants to try, with suggestions from some of our very own international Cornellians. This is an ISA and ICL collaboration catered by Bon Appétit.

Saturday, March 22:

• Culture Show, Kimmel Theater, 6–8 p.m.

Join us at the 2025 Culture Show for a vibrant night of fashion, singing, dancing, poetry, and instrumentals. The Culture Show is an exciting opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to engage in a lively night of cultural expression and appreciation. This is an ISA and ICL collaboration.

Improvements to buildings at pool approved

The City of Mount Vernon approved a $157,368.57 change order to pool improvements to the bathhouse, office area and chemical rooms.

City administrator Chris Nosbisch said that these improvements were left off the initial bid for the project until the costs for basin repair were more solid.

Fixing things like the rotting soffit around the concession stand, improvements to the chemical rooms and bathhouse will help give the pool a longer life.

Lisbon Dance Showcase 2025 held

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Lisbon Dance team held their annual dance showcase Saturday, March 8, at the Lisbon Lion’s Den.

The team placed at the state dance championships back in December, with their kick routine to “Harry Potter” and their pom routine to “Jump.”

As well, the dance team were recognized for their outstanding GPAs this year of 3.93, the highest of all schools their size in the state.

The team sees four seniors departing this season.

Aislin Andrews was a two-year member of the team. She will be attending the University of Iowa and major in business next year.

Andrews said her favorite dance was the pom routine this year. Her favorite memory was “winning judge’s choice in that pom routine this year.”

Kaitlynn Hasselbusch is a three year member of the dance team. She will be attending Iowa State University and majoring in marketing.

Her favorite routine was last year’s pom routine.

“My favorite memory was throwing a

surprise baby shower for coach Amy,” Hasselbusch said.

Gretchen Moehlman was a three year member of the team. She will be attending Capri College to become a nail technician/esthetician.

Her favorite dance was the one to the Kim Possible theme from last year.

“My favorite memory was just the team bonding we had that Sunday night the weekend of state dance competition,” Moehlman said.

Brynn Epperly is a two-year member of the dance squad. Epperly plans to attend Wartburg College, where she’ll major in biology and run on the track team.

Her favorite memory of dance has been being able to dance with her sister, Paige, on this year’s team.

Head coach Amy Geis called the team this year “joy filled.”

“These are some of the happiest 15 team members I’ve ever worked with,” Geis said. “We could have performed at state and took home no awards, and they would still have been okay with that because they just enjoyed dancing.”

Geis also commended her assistant coach Bailey Hill this year, who stepped in and really helped the team through the season.

MV girls Class 3A State champions in 2025

Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

After winning a state championship Friday night, the Mount Vernon girls’ basketball team stayed up late, late, late into the night in the hotel lobby and hotel rooms, soaking up how good it all felt.

And just not wanting the season to be over.

“We just wanted to celebrate,” freshman Savanna Wright said. “We accomplished so much. We didn’t want the moment to end. We stayed up all night bonding. It was the last time this exact team would play together. We might never nave that again.”

Mount Vernon earned its Class 3A crown. Winning three games in five days at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. The Mustangs finished 26-1, their only loss an early-season setback to 5A state qualifier Cedar Rapids Prairie.

“It was really gratifying to see how far we’ve come,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Sanderson said. “It is a credit to all the players and kids who bought in the process and what we’ve tried to build.

“I think back to the first three senior classes, who built the foundation to make this possible.”

The year before Sanderson came to Mount Vernon, the Mustangs finished 1-20. The next year it was 12-11, then 16-8, then 22-4 and a push into the state semifinals.

And, finally, the title. The second in Mount Vernon history and first since 2010.

“It was a great feeling,” junior Courtney Franck said. “We were just all happy we

got it done. We knew that we could. We had the talent.”

Mount Vernon dominated the alltournament team, with Wright, Franck and senior Sydney Huber earning three of the six spots. Huber, who averaged 17.0 points per game at state, was named the all-tournament team captain.

“It meant a lot,” Huber said. “That was a great, great feeling.”

Quarterfinal: Mount Vernon 75, West Marshall 19

Class 3A teams have the longest wait from their regional final to their state quarterfinal on Monday, March 3. The Mustangs invested a lot of time learning about West Marshall.

“Our coaching staff does a great job learning what the other team wants to do, then taking most of that away,” Sanderson said.

Those assistants are Jacob Misener, Ben Knake and Jason Pershing.

But no amount of coaching could’ve prepared the Mustangs for how their freshman guard would react during her first game on the biggest stage.

“Oh, I was definitely nervous,” Wright said. “My teammates helped me not be nervous. Once I touched the ball, everything was fine.”

Wright scored 10 points as Mount Vernon raced out to a 17-4 lead. That included two 3-pointers and a steal and layup.

“She was all over the court and played a great game,” Sanderson said. “You never know with freshmen, but Sav is a gamer.

Left

Left bottom: Chloe Meester cuts a piece of the net at the

She is poised and tough. We got to see that all week.”

Mount Vernon led 25-7 after one quarter, then started the second quarter with a 17-0 run. It was 47-9 at halftime.

That set up a rematch with Estherville-Lincoln Central, the team that beat the Mustangs in the semifinals a year prior.

Semifinal: Mount Vernon 35, ELC 34

The final score is a bit misleading. The Midgets sank two 3-pointers in the final 20 seconds.

Mount Vernon was never comfortably ahead, but led 17-14 at half, and never trailed in the second half on Thursday, March 6.

“When we play ELC, our offense isn’t there sometimes,” Franck said. “But our defense stepped up. That’s the main thing that helped us get the win.”

The Mustangs made sure to make life miserable for ELC senior Haylee Stokes, who will play collegiately at Minnesota State.

“Taylor (Franck) wore her down,” Sanderson said. “We tried to make it tough on her.”

Stokes finished just 5 of 22 shooting, including 1 of 10 from the arc.

After losing to the Midgets 45-37 last March, Mount Vernon beat ELC on Rivalry Saturday back in November, 52-42.

“It is tough any time you know a team that well,” Sanderson said. “But I didn’t expect the score to be in the 30s. But we find a way when we have to.”

(Mount Vernon previous low-scoring game was in a 47-43 win over Bolingbrook, Ill., in December.)

Stokes did surge a bit in the third quarter, tying the game up 19-19 with a pair of baskets. But Huber came through with a pair of big 3-pointers for Mount Vernon, and Courtney Franck closed the quarter with a second-chance bucket to make it 27-21.

“Stokes is a senior, and we knew she was going to give it her all,” Courtney Franck said. “The key was not giving her any easy catches or wide-open shots. She is capable of knocking those down.”

ELC took a time out with 3:53 left to play, and Rylee Yager hit a 3-pointer after that to cut the lead

to four, 32-28.

Taylor Franck had a big second-chance basket and Courtney Franck hit 1 of 2 at the line to make it 35-28 with 20 seconds to play.

“It was a two-possession game for most of the last three quarters, and we couldn’t get it to 10 points,” Sanderson said. “We were never comfortable until the last few seconds.”

“Honestly I was really happy to beat them,” Franck said. “I was more nervous to play them than Wahlert.”

Championship: Mount Vernon 47, Dubuque Wahlert 36

Huber has signed to play with the Evansville next year. If any Purple Ace fans need a resume, they can check out the first quarter of the 3A championship.

Huber was ready to go Friday night, making five baskets, including two 3-pointers, in the first quarter as Mount Vernon got out to a 14-10 lead.

“She was awesome at both ends of the floor,” Sanderson said. “She drew the defensive assignment on Claire Lueken, a first-team all-state player she plays with in AAU.

“She was excited about that.”

“I know that she is a great player,” Huber said of Lueken. “I was guarding one of my good friends, and I was glad I got to do that.

“I tried to be on her every time she touched the ball.”

Like the semifinal round, defense set the tone in the championship. Mount Vernon led at half 22-15. They opened the second half with a driving layup by Courtney Franck and an and-1 3-point play by Chloe Meester to make it 27-15 with 4:47 left in the third quarter.

Mount Vernon led by ten, 36-26, going into the final quarter. Claire King and Lucy Lueken hit back-to-back 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to six, 38-32, but Huber put on her cape again.

The senior hit a pair of foul shots, then sank a 3-pointer to make it an 11-point lead, 43-32.

“Syd came up with the big shot,” Sanderson said. “What an outstanding way to end her high school career. Pretty unbelievable.” Time to celebrate.

2-2, Jackson 2-5, Wischmeyer 0-1). Rebounds –

(C.Meester 9). Assists

0-1,

28 (Zahnd 6,

3-6,

6),

2, MV 18 (C.Franck 7). Turnovers – WM 21, MV 7. Total fouls – WM 6, MV 8.

Class 3A Semifinal

Mount Vernon 35, Estherville-Lincoln Central 34 ELC (34) – Cara Schiltz 0-2 0-0 0, Rylee Yager 3-10 1-2 8, Haylee Stokes 5-22 4-6 15, Julissa Smith 1-1 0-0 2, Hillary Ruschy 3-7 0-0 9. Totals 12-42 5-8 34. Mount Vernon (35) – Savanna Wright 1-6 1-2 3, Taylor Franck 3-10 1-2 7, Chloe Meester 2-5 2-2 6, Courtney Franck 3-7 1-4 8, Sydney Huber 4-14 0-0 11, Eryn Jackson 0-0 0-0 0, Rylee Rasmussen 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 13-42 5-10 35. ELC 11 3 7 13 – 34

Mount Vernon 7 10 10 8 – 35 3-point goals – ELC 5-20 (Schiltz 0-2, Yager 1-3, Stokes 1-10, Ruschy 3-5), MV 4-20 (Wright 0-5, T.Franck 0-3, C.Franck 1-2, Huber 3-10). Rebounds – ELC 30 (Yager 11),

Class 3A Championship

Mount Vernon 47, Dubuque Wahlert 36 Dubuque Wahlert (36) – Claire King 3-9 0-0 7, Olivia Donovan 4-8 0-0 9, Caroline Freed 1-7 0-0 3, Ruth Tauber 2-10 0-0 4, Claire Lueken 2-15 4-4 10, Lucy Lueken 1-8 0-0 3, Myla Breithaupt 0-0 0-0 0. Total 13-57 4-4 36. Mount Vernon (47) – Savanna Wright 1-7 4-4 6, Taylor Franck 3-10

March 13 IATC Indoor

March 28

April 3

April 10 at Alburnett invite

April 12 at Davenport Assumption

Saturday, April 12 at Eastern Iowa Track and Field

April 15 .

April 17 host co-ed meet

Tuesday, April 22 at Tipton Invite

Thursday, April 24 Drake Relays

April 24 at West Liberty invite

Tuesday, April 29 at Anamosa

8

May 9

15 through May 17

Friday, April 11

MOUNT VERNON GIRLS’ TRACK

Friday, March 14 at 2025 IATC Indoor Championships Girls (Lied Recreational

Tuesday, March 25 at Grinnell College invite

Monday, March 31 at Benton Community Invitational

Thursday, April 3 . . host Mount Vernon Invite

Saturday, April 5 at Cedar Rapids

Tuesday, April 8 at

Friday, April 11 at

Saturday, April 12 at Iowa City West High School invite

Tuesday, April 15

at Lisbon ............................................

Thursday, April 17 at Davenport invite

Tuesday, April 22 at Solon

Thursday, April 24 Drake Relays

Tuesday, April 29 at Anamosa

May 8

Tuesday, April 1 host Marquette Catholic

Friday, April 4 host Iowa City Liberty

Tuesday, April 8 at Clear Creek-Amana

Thursday, April 10 at Grinnell

Friday, April 11 .

Thursday, April 17 host South Tama

Tuesday, April 22 at Williamsburg

Thursday, April 24 host Center Point-Urbana

Tuesday, April 29 host Marion 6:30 p m

Thursday, May 1 ....... at West Delaware

Tuesday, May 6 host Independence 6:30 p m

Thursday, May 8 at Vinton Shellsburg 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, May 10 at Solon

Tuesday, May 13 at Benton

Thursday, May 15 ..... at Iowa City Regina

MOUNT VERNON TENNIS

Friday, March 28 Tipton (scrimmage)

Tuesday, April 1

April 3

April 8 at

Thursday, April 10 at

Friday, April 11 host West

Thursday, April 17 host South Tama

Tuesday, April 22 at

Thursday, April 24 host Center

Saturday, April 26 host West Branch

Tuesday, April 29 host Marion

Thursday, May 1 at West Delaware

Tuesday, May 6 host Independence

Thursday, May 8 at Vinton-Shellsburg

Saturday, May 10 at Solon

Tuesday, May 13 At Benton

Mount Vernon Wrestling Club sends nine to 2025 Iowa AAU State Wrestling Championships

Local athletes Macklen Meyer, Sawyer Blum, Andrew Smith, Dalton Johnson, Ricky Ryan, Quinlan O’Connor, Eli Casey, Beckett Curran, and Beckett Meyer wrestled recently in the Iowa AAU State Wrestling Championships held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on March 1-March 2.

Volunteer Mount Vernon Wrestling club coach Jacob Ryan commented on the state AAU tournament, “We had a good showing at the AAU as our guys grabbed three medals and we had a couple others that were in the hunt,” said Jacob Ryan volunteer Mount Vernon Wrestling Club coach. “All of these guys showed great courage working through the district qualifier a couple weeks ago and then going toe to toe with the top 32 kids in the state. Fourth grader Sawyer Blum, fifth grader Ricky Ryan, and eighth grader Quinlan O’Connor all fought their way to the podium over the weekend. Dalton Johnson (fourth grade) wrestled well, but fell one match short of placing.” Blum, Ryan, and O’Connor joined a long list of Mount Vernon Wrestling Club medalists over the past 30 seasons. The historical medalist list includes: Billy Thomsen, Matt Kroul (2X), Derrick Alger (2X), Jacob Craig (4X), Dustin Smith, Skylar Smith (3X), Jacob Ryan (2X), George Zacharakis-Jutz (2X), Tyler Craig (2X), Jared Parker, Ryan Cox, Mitchell Jilovec, Nathan Simons, Trey Ryan (3X), Charlie Engelbrecht, Zach Perry, Paul Ryan (2X), Lincoln Holub, Logan O’Connor, Clark Younggreen (5X), Jackson Jaspers (3X), Jase Jaspers (4X), Mikey Ryan (3X), Ethan Wood (2X), Libby Dix (3X), Maddie Plotz, Jackson Hird, Gracie Pinckney, Ricky Ryan (2X), Sawyer Blum, and Quinlan O’Connor.

2025 State AAU Results for Mount Vernon Wrestlers were as follows:

Name Division Class Record (finish)

Dalton Johnson A60 3rd-4th Grade 2-2 (round of 12)

Macklen Meyer A75 3rd-4th Grade 1-2 (round of 24)

Sawyer Blum A100 3rd-4th Grade 4-2 (Fifth place)

Andrew Smith B77 5th-6th Grade 0-2 (round of 32)

Beckett Meyer B89 5th-6th Grade 0-2 (round of 32)

Ricky Ryan B98 5th-6th Grade 3-3 (Sixth place)

Eli Casey C135 7th-8th Grade 2-3 1-2 (round of 24)

Quinlan O’Connor C215 7th-8th Grade 2-3 (Sixth place)

Beckett Curran C260 7th-8th Grade 0-2 (round of 32)

Communities received nearly $9.3M from Alliant Energy in 2024

Giving advanced efforts including the company’s One Million Trees and Rural Hunger initiatives

Alliant Energy and the company’s charitable foundation, along with the company’s employees and retirees, collectively contributed nearly $9.3 million and over 80,000 volunteer hours to various causes and nonprofits in 2024.

“The passion Alliant Energy has for customers can be directly seen through the work of our Foundation and the volunteerism of our employees,” said Aimee Davis, Alliant Energy Foundation board chair. “In 2024 we partnered with food banks to offer programs to combat rural hunger and reached a major milestone in our goal to plant 1 million trees. I’m proud of the creative ways we worked to make things better for the communities we serve.”

The Alliant Energy Foundation’s giving and volunteer efforts focused on four areas: Community safety and engagement, environmental stewardship, workforce readiness and hunger and housing.

• Community safety and engagement:

Improvements for emergency services and over $55,000 in safety grants covered 37 communities for many first response organizations including police and fire departments as they received vital new or upgraded equipment. Support was also provided to initiatives that bring communities together such as special events like fairs and building playgrounds.

• Environmental stewardship: Alliant Energy reached the halfway milestone last year in its goal to plant a million trees by the end of 2030. Since July 2021, the company has helped plant over 551,000 trees in Iowa and Wisconsin.

• Workforce readiness: To aid in the development of a solid workforce and attract future employees, the company worked to create accessible paths for students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Over 100 students received scholarships with contributions totaling more than $103,000 to offset tuition costs and student loans.

• Hunger and housing: In partnership with local food banks, the Rural Hunger Initiative is a collaborative effort to combat challenges surrounding food insecurity in rural communities. The initiative provided $1 million

over two years to combat hunger across Iowa and Wisconsin. Two programs were launched with food bank partners in Iowa. One focuses on school pantries. The other develops partnership agreements to bring fresh proteins like beef and pork from agricultural partners to hungry neighbors.

“Each day we provide support to critical programs and our partners who work to improve the communities we serve across Iowa and Wisconsin,” said Andy Kitslaar, executive director of the Alliant Energy Foundation. “Beyond grant support, our focus on employee volunteerism creates a direct impact on our neighbors. We are proud of the opportunities we provided to serve customers and build stronger communities last year.”

In memory of Monster

Memorial for Monster held at PD

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department held a memorial service for Monster Saturday, March 8.

The former church building was standing room only in the garage for the department, as members of the public and members of local fire, police, sheriff and Iowa State Patrol gathered to pay respect to the beloved K-9 unit.

Pastor Erika Uthe with Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church delivered opening remarks.

“They say dogs aren’t creatures we will know our whole lives, but they make our lives whole,” Uthe said. “We’re gathered here today to help fill the hole that Monster has made in the lives of this community.”

Chief Doug Shannon again thanked the community for the support they’ve had with Monster’s passing, especially towards officer Steve Moel and his family.

Shannon said one of the first tasks that he was asked to investigate when being named chief of the police department was to look into the formation of a K-9 program for the department.

“A lot of thought and research went into this before we even began the program,” Shannon said.

In 2018, after significant private donations

and having an officer willing to partner with a K-9 unit, the department started looking for a K-9 officer and discovered Monster.

“The more time you spent around him as an officer, the more he grew on everyone he met,” Shannon said.

And Monster proved his worth to the department in a number of different cases. One of his first assignments was helping to locate a missing 2-year-old who had wandered into a farm field.

He also helped locating a perpetrator of an armed robbery.

Crystal Moel Martindell, Moel’s sister, spoke on behalf of the family and Monster’s impact there. The dog was Steve’s partner since September 2018.

“While he loved playing fetch when he wasn’t working, with whoever would, whenever Steve would get dressed in his uniform, he was also excited because that meant it was time to get to work,” Martindell said.

Each of the children in the Moel family had their own interactions and lessons learned from Moel, like what happened when they encountered laser tag game in process or could be territorial in nature.

“He had a larger than life personality, and a giant nose he would use to get people’s attention, especially when they were working on their reports,” Martindell said.

MOUNT VERNON, IOWA 52314

MARCH 3, 2025

The Mount Vernon City Council met March 3, 2025, at City Hall, 213 1st Street NW, Mount Vernon, IA. A Zoom option was available. The following Council members were present: Andresen, Tuerler, West, Engel and Rose.

Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m. Mayor

Thomas M. Wieseler called the meeting to order. Council and those in attendance observed a moment of silence in honor of our fallen K9 officer Monster and his years of service with the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department after Police Chief Doug Shannon read a statement from Mayor Wieseler.

Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval.

Motion made by Engel, seconded by Tuerler to approve the Agenda. Motion carries.

Consent Agenda

Approval of City Council Minutes – February 19, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. Motion made by Rose, seconded by West to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carries.

Public Hearing

Public Hearing on the Awarding of Bid and Authorizing the Sale of 1040 2nd Avenue SW, Mount Vernon. Mayor Wieseler opened the public hearing at 6:36 pm. The City did not receive any sealed bids for 1040 2nd Ave SW on Friday, February 28, 2025. The City will need to start the process over next month, with possible changes being made to the bid process/ requirements. Hearing no public comment, Mayor Wieseler closed the public hearing at 6:38 pm. Council then acted on Resolution 3-3-2025A.

Resolutions for Approval

Resolution #3-3-2025A: Awarding Bid and Authorizing Sale of 1040 2nd Avenue SW, Mount Vernon. Resolution dies for lack of a motion.

Resolution #3-3-2025B: Approving the Final Plat of Stonebrook 10th Addition

Subdivision to the City of Mount Vernon. Stonebrook 10th Addition was slated to be the final phase of this subdivision before the developer purchased an additional ten acres to the west. The 10th Addition is the largest phase of this subdivision, containing forty-seven (47) buildable lots. There has been a slight deviation with lot’s 20 and 21 from the preliminary plat, otherwise no major changes were made between the preliminary and final plat.

Planning and Zoning voted 5-0 in favor of approving the final plat of Stonebrook 10th Addition. Motion made by Engel, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #3-32025B. Roll call all yes. Resolution passes.

Resolution #3-3-2025C: Approving Quit Claim Deed to Outlot A of Stonebrook 8th Addition to the City of Mount Vernon. As mentioned in the previous agenda item, there was a small deviation made to the configuration of lots 20 and 21 from the preliminary plat. Lots 20 and 21 have shifted to the east and changed the boundary of Outlot A (stormwater detention area). Outlot A was dedicated to the City during the approval of the 8th Addition. The City must approve a quit claim deed to return the portion of Outlot A that was adjacent to the east side of Lot 21. In turn, the developer is dedicating new ground to the City on the west side of Lot 20. In short, they shifted the lots from the west side of the cul-de-sac to the east. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve Resolution #3-3-2025C. Roll call all yes. Resolution passes. Resolution #3-3-2025D: Accepting Work of the Project Known as the 2024 Water Meter Replacement Project with Ferguson Waterworks. The 2024 Watermain Replacement Project is now complete. Ferguson Waterworks completed the project for $678,641.20. The retainage of $33,932.06 will be released after the mandatory thirty day waiting period. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve Resolution #3-3-2025D Roll call all yes. Resolution passes. Motions for Approval

Consideration of Claims List – Motion to Approve. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Engel to approve the Claims List. Motion carries.

ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-PD 1,558.86

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC HWY 1 RECONSTRUCTION 1,514.10 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-FD 1,428.42 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTALL DEPTS 1,265.00 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-ALL DEPTS 1,244.54 MENARDS SHELVING-PW FACILITIES 1,119.96

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC NPDES COMPLIANCE 1,028.50 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTPD 1,010.00 PITNEY BOWES METER POSTAGE-ALL DEPTS 1,000.00 NIGHT SHIFT LLC CLEANING

ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-SIRENS 222.79

SUSAN COLEMAN INSTRUCTOR-LBC 196.00

RC TECH CAMERA SERVICE-SW 186.50

CITY LAUNDERING SERVICES-CITY HALL 183.48

ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-PW 177.59

CENTRAL IOWA DISTRIBUTING SUP-

PLIES-PW 176.00

US CELLULAR CELL PHONEP&REC,WAT,SEW 169.84

MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO ACH

RETURN-WAT,SEW,SW 166.30

CAUSE TEAM UNIFORMS-ALL DEPTS 133.11

KONICA MINOLTA MAINT PLAN/COPIES-LBC 130.38

MATT SIDERS MILEAGE-P&REC,LBC 129.50

ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-POOL 122.24

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO. PAINT-PD 109.25

MECHANICSVILLE TELEPHONE PHONE/ INTERNET-POOL 108.77

AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUP-

PLIES-P&REC 108.35

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUB-

LICATIONS-P&REC 107.73

RC TECH EQUIP REPAIR-LBC 103.36

ALEX VOLKOV FITNESS MEMBER-

SHIP-WAT,SEW 100.00

ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY US-

AGE-P&A,RUT,WAT,SEW 96.80

PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING

WINDOW CLEANING-CITY HALL 80.00

CHARLOTTE MCDERMOTT INSTRUCTOR-LBC 80.00

IOWA DEPT AGRICULTURE & LAND DOG

KENNEL LICENSE 75.00

MOUNT VERNON BANK & TRUST CO ACH

RETURN-WAT,SEW,SW 64.45

LYNCH FORD-LYNCH CHEVROLET VEHICLE MAINT-PW 63.68

CHRISTOPHER BROWN CLEANING SERVICES-FD 60.00 TERMINIX PRESTO-X PEST CONTROL-VC 55.00

CENTRAL IOWA

378.62

VEENSTRA & KIMM INC NPDES PERMIT RENEWAL 374.00 TASC FSA ADMIN FEE-ALL DEPTS 328.86 DE NOVO MARKETING WEBSITE SUPPORT-LBC 325.00

VEENSTRA

Discussion and Consideration of Change Order #7 – 2024 Pool Improvements – Council Action as Needed. Woodruff Construction has submitted a proposed change order in the amount of $157,368.57. Change order #7 was prepared at the request of staff, and would complete necessary repairs to the bathhouse, office area and chemical rooms.

These improvements were left off the original bid due to the relative unknowns of the basin repair costs. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to approve Change Order #7-2024 Pool Improvements. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of a Required Financial Software Package Upgrade – Council Action as Needed. Tyler Technologies (financial management/billing software) informed staff that the City’s version of its financial/billing software program would no longer be functional beyond 2026 without upgrading to a newer version. The one-time costs necessary for the transition of programs is $61,569.00, along with an annual maintenance fee of $28,192.00. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Tuerler to approve the Software Service Agreement with Tyler Technologies for upgraded software. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice #51378-5 – Rachel Street Design – Council Action as Needed. This invoice is in the amount of $13,004.50 for the design of Rachel Street public improvements. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve V&K Invoice #51378-5-Rachel Street Design. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Memorial Bench Request for Ed Sauter – Council Action as Needed. Ed Sauter’s family has requested consideration of naming a memorial bench near the trail in Sauter Park. The benches that are currently located adjacent to the trail were purchased by the City. In the past, the City has asked the family to donate an amount equal to the cost of the bench purchase in order to have it commemorated in memory of a loved one if they choose to use one of these benches. The family also has the option of purchasing their own bench. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve the naming of a memorial bench in honor of Ed Sauter. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Setting a Public Hearing for Budget Amendment #1 to the FY 2024-2025 Budget for April 7, 2025 – Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to set the public hearing for FY25 Budget Amendment #1 for April 7, 2025. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Carrico Aquatic Resource, Inc. Water Management Assistance Program - Pool – Council Action as Needed. Carrico Aquatic Resource provides the city with chlorine and other chemicals for the municipal pool. The annual cost of supplying pool chemicals is $15,900 for the 2025 season. This is a slight increase of $500 over the previous season. Motion made by Engel, seconded by West to approve the Water Management Assistance Program with Carrico Aquatic Resource, Inc. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 1 – Council Action as Needed. The next seven agenda items identify the tax increment financing reimbursement certification for each phase of the Spring Meadow Heights and Stonebrook subdivisions. Just over 37% of the certified amount will be reserved for the low to moderate income fund. Stonebrook Phase 1 will have $42,175.32 going to the LMI account and $71,107.83 going to the developer. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Engel to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 1. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 2A – Council Action as Needed. Stonebrook Phase 2A will have $20,635.43 going to the LMI account and $34,791.46 going to the developer. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Tuerler to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 2A. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 2B – Council Action as Needed. Stonebrook Phase 2B will have $110.97 going to the LMI account and $187.10 going to the developer. Motion made by Engel, seconded by West to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 2B. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Cer-

tification for Stonebrook Phase 3 – Council Action as Needed. Stonebrook Phase 3 will have $30,211.90 going to the LMI account and $50,937.45 going to the developer. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 3. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 4 – Council Action as Needed. Stonebrook Phase 4 will have $1,188.11 going to the LMI account and $2,003.16 going to the developer. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Tuerler to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Stonebrook Phase 4. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Spring Meadow Heights Phase 1 – Council Action as Needed. Spring Meadow Heights Phase 1 will have $61,640.26 going to the LMI account and $51,404.10 going to the developer. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Engel to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Spring Meadow Heights Phase 1. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Spring Meadow Heights Phase 2 – Council Action as Needed.

Spring Meadow Heights Phase 2 will have $20,760.32 going to the LMI account and $35,002.03 going to the developer. Motion made by West, seconded by Rose to approve the Tax Increment Financing Reimbursement Certification for Spring Meadow Heights Phase 2. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Change Order #1 – 2024 Water Meter Replacement Project – Council Action as Needed. Fergusson (Vepo) staff encountered a number of smaller meters while beginning the water meter changeout program. It was decided early in the project that Ferguson would credit the City for the meters that were originally specified, and replace those meters with the smaller version. The net increase for the entire project was $5,698.00. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by West to approve Change Order #1-2024 Water Meter Replacement Project. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Pay Application #1 - 2024 Water Meter Replacement Project – Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to approve Pay Application #1-2024 Water Meter Replacement Project in the amount of $201,606.09. Motion carries.

Discussion and Consideration of Pay Application #2 - 2024 Water Meter Replacement Project – Council Action as Needed. This pay application represents the retainage on the project and will be released by City Hall after 30 days. Motion made by Engel, seconded by West to approve Pay Application #2-2024 Water Meter Replacement Project in the amount of $33,932.06. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of Surface Pro Replacements for the LBC –Council Action as Needed. The four Surface Pros utilized by the LBC front desk need to be replaced as they have reached the end of their lifecycle. The total replacement cost for the surface pros and subsequent equipment is $10,047.90. Motion made by West, seconded by Andresen to approve the purchase of four Surface Pros for the LBC. Motion carries. Discussion Items (No Action) LBC Childcare Discussion. After meeting with OPN Architects, staff gave an update on building layouts and potential costs of adding a childcare addition to the Lester Buresh Center. Initial project cost estimation is $11,000,000 for a two story addition. The entire first floor would be dedicated to a childcare facility and the second floor being utilized for the LBC. The childcare facility would serve between 80 and 100 children. The City would need to borrow approximately $5,500,000 for it’s contribution towards the project and the rest would need to come from grants and fundraising. Council felt strongly that this was an essential need in the community and should con-

tinue to move forward in the process. Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. Hiring a new Chief of Police is starting this week, childcare and entry level housing are all on Wieseler’s agenda. City Administrator’s Report. Full report available on the City website under the March 3, 2025 Council Packet. Nosbisch gave an update on the upcoming FY26 budget. As there was no further business to attend to, the meeting adjourned, the time being 7:49 p.m., March 3, 2025. Respectfully submitted, Marsha Dewell City Clerk Published in the Sun March13, 2025.

CLASSIFIEDS

Pets For Sale

Shih Tzu's & Chishi Puppies. Fluffy, healthy. Parents on site. Vet checked & vaccinated. $900 & up. 563210-5843

Wanted To Rent

Young, growing & hardworking family searching for acreage with home & building(s) for 4-H animals to rent, maybe buy. Fixer upper is fine. Prefer Mt Vernon/Lisbon area. References available. Thank you. 563-210-5843.

Wanted

WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-3318122

Class Action Lawsuit

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and suffered an infection between2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson1-800-535-5727

Miscellaneous

Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-554-1730

319.895.6216 Find yourplace in the

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CHURCHES

CALENDAR

PUZZLES

MOUNT VERNON

St Paul Lutheran Church L C M S

600 Fifth Avenue South

Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org

Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship

Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.

First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060

Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder

Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.

Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook

St John the Baptist Catholic Church

Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, parish priest

Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Justus Hallam, Bishop

Meeting at: 4300 Trailridge Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids Sun.: 11:30 a.m. in person services. Also an option for digital worship services.

United Methodist Church

Pastor Vicki Fisher www.umcmv.com

Sun.: 8:30 a.m. Praise Worship

11 a.m. Traditional worship

Both worships available online at UMCMV.com

An LGBTQ affirming congregation

Community Bible Church 940 W. Mount Vernon Rd. www.mvcbc.org, 895-6269

Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza

Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson

Youth Pastor Stephen Thomas

Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-Person Worship Service

Wed. - 6 p.m. Encounter and Youth Group

Linn Grove Presbyterian

2000 Linn Grove Rd., Mt. Vernon

Pastor Carla Burge

Sun: 9 a.m. in-person worship, masks requested Also, weekly readings, prayers and sermons are posted on the church’s Facebook page.

Baha’i Faith

Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230

CrossLife Community Church

Pastor Erik Bennett

Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.

LISBON

Living Hope Global Methodist Church

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thursday, March 13

Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.

Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.

Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult speaker series “Iowa Civil Rights” by Jacqueline Hunter, LBC, 1 p.m.

Mount Vernon Schools Impact Life Blood Drive, Mount Vernon High School, 2-6 p.m.

Mount Vernon Schools District roundtable meeting, Mount Vernon High School library, 6 p.m.

Friday, March 14

Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.

Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15

Brad Smith freestyle wrestling tournament, Lisbon Lion’s Den,

Monday, March 17

Spring break for Mount Vernon, Lisbon Schools Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 18

Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30 p.m.

200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org

Pastor Andrew Bee

Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.

Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA 798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599

(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/

Pastor Erika Uthe

9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.

BERTRAM

United Methodist Church

319-365-8077

Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service

MARTELLE

Christian Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.

United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.

SPRINGVILLE

United Methodist Church Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service

Faith Christian Fellowship

Pastor Joseph Bielema

Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room

(264 Broadway Street)

St Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass

MECHANICSVILLE

Living Hope Bible Church

Mechanicsville Memorial Building

First Presbyterian Church

408 E. First Street.

Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville

307 East First Street

563-432-7716

Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.

St Mary’s Catholic Church

Pastor: Father James Flattery

Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass

Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.

Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library Room 410, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19

Cole Library Spring Break movie “The Wild Robot,” Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 10 a.m. RSVP to Gchamberlain@cornellcollege.edu for a spot.

Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.

Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.

Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1 p.m.

Color it Purple Day of Giving Event at Cornell College, Cornell College Thomas Commons, 6 a.m. to midnight

Thursday, March 20

Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.

Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.

Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult speaker series “PFAS Exposures in Eastern Iowa and Health effects” by Dr Robert Blount and Dana Kolpin , LBC, 1 p.m.

Lisbon Public Library Family Bingo, Lisbon Public Library, 1 p.m.

Across

1 Damsel in distress in Donkey Kong

8 Preschool timeouts

12 Lawn covering

15 Sources of fine wool

16 Ijeoma ___, author of 2018’s “So You Want to Talk About Race”

17 Air quality org.

18 Identity?

20 Mingle

21 Strikes down

22 Catherine ___, surviving wife of King Henry VIII

23 Platform that might update while you sleep

24 Closure

25 Deport?

28 Eschew carbs, maybe

30 NASA probe named for a Roman goddess

31 “No problemo”

32 Balance

34 Drags (in)

35 Arrange?

37 Canine?

39 Diminish, as trust

40 Sense of foreboding

42 Self-obsession

44 Darth Sidious, e.g., in the “Star Wars” universe

45 Machine learning fodder

49 Hiking?

51 Abraham Van Helsing and John Seward in “Dracula”: Abbr

52 Zelda console, in brief

53 ___ Lum a.k.a. Awkwafina

54 Sources of soft wool

57 Purge

58 Fledge?

60 Tire inflation abbr.

61 Leave a review of, as an Airbnb

62 Banquet hiree

63 Fuji, e.g.: Abbr

64 “What ___?”

65 Most hip

Down

1 Deconstructed, in a way

2 Kamala Harris and Thurgood Marshall vis-à-vis Howard University

3 Benefit

4 Stick it out

5 Drink with a Frosted Lemonade variety

6 Capital ball club, familiarly

7 Medium strength?

8 “What’s cookin’?” response

9 Clock radio feature

10 Rotten-smelling

11 “Your point being …?”

12 Submission to a record executive

13 Parts of a season

14 Become fuller, in a way

19 Serve hot takes

23 Paid no heed to

25 Fail to do something out of fear, with “out”

26 Wonks ... or a candy once owned by the Willy Wonka Candy Company

27 “Street Dreams” rapper

29 Obsequious sorts

30 #35

33 Smart-alecky

35 Ballpark player not wearing a uniform

36 Got a closer look

37 Org. that sells “Go Vegan and Nobody Gets Hurt” T-shirts

38 “Ni-i-ice!”

39 “Mice!”

40 Cost of doing business, maybe

41 Chinese “hello”

43 Rare type of rental car

46 ___ from afar

47 Remnants

48 Classify

50 Comes out of one’s skin

54 “OMG, I’m dying over here”

55 Mother to Apollo and Artemis

56 One-footed jump

57 Record player speed, for short

58 Test for an M.B.A. seeker

59 Air quality org.?

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.

You shamROCK! Make your way through the maze.

LEPRE-CORNY JOKES. . .

What do you call an Irish Spider?

What kind of bow cannot be tied?

Why did the leprechaun go outside?

What do you call a leprechaun’s vacation home?

*Answers along bottom of page

PrismsScape will be taking over the retail space in front of the spa, o ering a wide selection of healing crystals, tumbled stones, jewelry, books, cards and gi s.

MYHIH continues to o er therapeutic massage, bodywork, couples experiences and spa packages

Connect the dots and color.

SOMETHING GREEN

Whitetails Unlimited donates to Kirkwood Community College

Whitetails Unlimited made a $1,000 donation to Kirkwood Community College to support students in the parks and natural resources department.

Eric Weiler and Alison Robinson (scholarship officers at Kirkwood Community College). Tim Powers of Whitetails Unlimited is in the center.

Property owners to receive budget statement mailing for fiscal year 2026

Property owners in Linn County and across Iowa will soon receive a mailing from their county Auditor containing information about the proposed property taxation for the next budget year that starts July 1, 2025. State law (Iowa Code 24.2A) requires county Auditors to mail a budget statement to property owners by March 15. This is the second year this budget statement has been required by the State of Iowa.

As required by Iowa Code 24.2A, the budget statement will include the following information for taxes payable in September 2025 and March 2026 for a property owner’s school district, county, and city:

• Date, time, and location of the first public hearing to consider proposed property taxation

• Phone number and website for each taxing district (school district, county, and city)

• Current, effective, and proposed taxation (effective taxation is the tax rate needed to keep the tax revenue the same as the current fiscal year but with next fiscal year valuations)

• Current distribution of property taxes

• Comparison of current and proposed taxation for residential property and commercial property

The budget statement is not a property tax bill. The budget statement is for informational purposes only and notifies property owners about upcoming public hearings for their school district, city, and county Board of Supervisors. These hearings provide an opportunity for the public to give input to their elected officials. Attendance at the public hearings is optional.

The budget statement does not include proposed property taxation for smaller taxing authorities, such as community colleges, assessor’s offices, townships, or agricultural extension. Property owners with more than one property may receive multiple letters if those properties are taxed by different school districts,

counties, or cities.

This mailing from the Linn County Auditor to Linn County property owners is in addition to assessment notices being mailed to property owners by the City of Cedar Rapids Assessor and the Linn County Assessor.

Additional information regarding the budget statement will be made available on the Iowa Department of Management’s website at https://dom. iowa.gov/local-government/citizen-property-taxguide on or after March 15.

Questions about the public hearings or the proposed property taxation should be directed to the school district, county, or city contact information included on the budget statement.

For information on Linn County’s property tax rates and budget, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Linn County’s budget process, which runs annually from November through April.

108 First Street S.W, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Phone: 319-895-6216 news@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun 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@mvlsun.com

STAFF

Publisher Jason Brummond | jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com

Editor Nathan Countryman | nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Sports

Ryan Suchomel | ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Advertising Sales Paul Rowland | paul.rowland@mvlsun.com

Office/Sales Assistant Rochelle Ferguson | rochelle.ferguson@mvlsun.com

Production Manager

Heidi Owen | heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com

Business Manager Debbie Plath | debra.plath@dailyiowan.com

Ace Hardware

For 39 years Mount Vernon Ace Hardware has been a staple in our ever-growing communities. We continuously expand our product lines to support our customers. We carry a large line of Stihl, Ego, Dewalt, and Milwaukee battery tools and equipment.

Our experienced Ace staff offer many services including

the repair of small engines and lamps. We also sharpen knives, chainsaw chains, and mower blades. We are no longer repairing screens and windows, but we will still have all the supplies to help you get the job done. Screen, spline, glass, and mirror will still be available. We will have an expert on hand to answer any repair questions.

Let us be your one stop shop for all home care needs. You can get everything you need for cleaning, repairs, landscaping, and grilling activities. Additionally, we can ship packages for you via UPS and are a UPS drop-off location.

Projects big or small, you can count on your local Ace!

White Tree Bakery

Wed & Fri - 9am-4pm Thurs - 9am-3pm Sat - 9am-1pm Sun thru Tues - closed

White Tree Bakery just opened doors at their new location in uptown Mount Vernon, 117 N. First Street West, the former Palisades Café location.

Owner Jen Juhl will continue to provide the sweets and treats you know and love, but also has some seating options in the new restaurant. She’s been rolling out new savory scone ideas this spring. Other new options include having full or slices of pies available.

Some of the future plans for the bakery include rolling out more deli options and take and go options for lunches in the uptown.

“We want to make sure we’re serving the people who live and work here every day with more options,” Juhl said.

Juhl also commended the support of so many people as to why her business is a success today.

Wren and Purl

Wren & Purl is excited to announce our move to 100 First Street SW in March (the former White Tree Bakery location on First Street).

We are expanding our selection of yarn, crafting kits and books, and will begin serving tea this spring. Stop in, start a new project, find a good book, or just spend some time in our gathering space.

Spot-On Nutrition

Spot-On Nutrition in Mount Vernon has a new owner, Ali Worrell.

Worrell took over the business in October 2024. Worrell has a similar shop in North Liberty.

drinks at home. On Wednesdays, the store even will make deliveries of orders to people within the area.

“The community support we have had since the day we opened, and all of our returning customers made this move worth it,” Juhl said. “We can’t appreciate enough the support we continue to have in this community.”

You can still make orders for cakes and other baked goods as well by emailing the bakery or check their Facebook page for more information.

Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center

The LBC just celebrated its five-year anniversary on January 31, 2025.

“We’ve seen tremendous growth in membership and overall usage of the entire building over the past five years,” said director Matt Siders.

The center has also just updated cardio equipment last year and will continue to do that every three years on rotation.

The Thursday Speaker Series is extremely popular with a wide range of topics.

Siders said that Group Fitness classes have been well received and continue to grow.

“Many of our Afterschool Clubs receive maximum attendance and are in high

demand every season,” Siders said. “Tot Time on Thursday mornings remains popular during the winter months.”

Facility rentals are also in high demand as the center can accommodate small and large events and needs.

“We also have a wide range of new programs for all ages and continue to create more,” Siders said. “This is truly a multi-generational facility.”

The LBC is located at 855 Palisades Road and is open seven days a week.

One of the only changes that has been made thus far has been changing store hours on Mondays, a day that is slower in Mount Vernon.

Customers can still purchase their drinks at the store or the products to make the

For more information on the business, check out the Facebook page for Spot On Nutrition Mount Vernon.

Spot On Nutrition is open 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Orders can be called in at 319-895-8045 or sent via Facebook Messenger.

Members have access to the center 24/7 for workouts unless it is rented for an event, and the center offers daily rates for people just wanting to check out the space.

Silver Spider

117 1/2 1st St NW

Mount Vernon 319-895-9977

silverspideria.com

unique gifts and toys, one of a kind jewelry, books, novelty socks, sunglasses, stickers, journals, and much more y

Wed thru Sat: noon-5pm Sun: noon-3pm Mon & Tues: by appt. only

Silver Spider in uptown Mount Vernon is full of unique treasures. New merchandise arrives daily, so regular visits to the store are a must.

The shop, owned by Anne Silva and located at 117-1/2 First St. N.W., is known for its eclectic variety of gifts, greeting cards, toys, jewelry, purses, frames, books, home décor, magnets and more. The merchandise appeals to a wide variety of tastes, but Silva identified a few areas that sum up Silver Spider and are very popular right now. That includes Pokemon cards, squishy toys, sunglasses and hats. They also carry items like socks, oven mitts and kitchen towels with funny sayings.

Silver Spider will also be celebrating 25 years in business this November.

Another feature of Silver Spider is its large inventory of unique toys, housed in the back area of the shop. Stop by today to check out the great finds at this popular shop.

Lincolnway Custom Golf Cars

Welcome to Lincolnway Golf Cars!

Celebrating 18 Years in Business & Growing!

Thanks to the unwavering support of our incredible communities, Lincolnway Golf Cars is proud to mark 18 years in business—and we’re just getting started! As we step into another exciting year, our commitment remains the same: to provide top-quality products and exceptional services that add value to our customers’ lives.

To uphold this promise, we’ve expanded in several key areas, including adding skilled personnel, increasing our inventory, and enhancing our rental and lease offerings. Plus, we now provide a wider range of accessories and much, much more!

A Growing Team to Serve You Better

With a dedicated team of eight full- and part-time employees, we ensure fast, reliable service and offer affordable golf cars and high-performance trailers. Our experienced staff is led by General Manager Marshall Kray, who has been with Lincolnway Golf Cars for nine years. Wearing many hats, Marshall is your go-to expert for sales, service, and rentals. As a second-generation leader in the business, he is also the proud father of the third generation, Callaway Kray.

Our Service Manager, Todd Beaumont, has been an integral part of our team for five years. He leads our service department and specializes in servicing and repairing golf cars, UTVs, and ATVs. The newest addition to our service team is

Wes Amthauer, who has already proven to be a dedicated and hardworking asset. Our factory-certified technicians are here to handle all your service and repair needs. Schedule an appointment today, and for your convenience, our pickup and delivery specialist, Ben Walker, is always ready to assist!

Introducing Timpte High-Performance Trailers

Our very own Randy Kray continues to be actively involved in day-to-day operations, focusing on marketing and spearheading our latest product offering: Timpte High-Performance Trailers. These game-changing trailers are designed for superior performance and convenience:

• The Motorsports Line features a hydraulic drop deck, creating an ultralow 4-degree load angle—ideal for loading low-threshold equipment and cars.

• The Powersports Line offers traditional deck and ramped versions, beavertail designs, and deck-over models for larger, heavier cargo.

For more details, visit our newly updated website: www.lincolnwaygolfcars.com.

Stay Connected & Visit Us!

Stay updated on our latest inventory, promotions, and special events by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Better yet, stop by and see us in person at our showroom at 943 W. Business 30, Lisbon, Iowa 52253 or call (319) 455-3257 www.lincolnwaygolfcars.com

Thank you for your business!

Hands in Harmony and PrismsScape

Hands in Harmony welcomes PrismsScape

One of the changes for Hands in Harmony this year is welcoming a new vendor to their storefront, PrismsScape. PrismsScape offers one of the widest selections of healing crystals, tumbled stones, jewelry, books, cards and gifts in the area.

avenues for our customers and clients to achieve a more beautiful and healthy life. We will be bringing the Love, Beauty and Spirit of Divine Service with us. PrismsScape embraces human rights for all and appreciates the consciousness of all beings.”

Wahneta Dimmer, owner of Mount Vernon Hands in Harmony, also wants people to know that the business will also continue to offer therapeutic massage, body work, couples experiences and spa packages that people know and love. PrismsScape will be taking over the retail space in front of the spa portion of the business.

Hands in Harmony and PrismScape are located at 104 First Street S.W. in downtown Mount Vernon.

PrismsScape has been operating within PrismsScape Gems & Healing Center in Iowa City since 2015. Having begun business in 2004 as the private practice of Gina Crosheck of Solon, PrismsScape changed in 2015 when Gina and her husband, George, expanded and opened PrismsScape Gems & Healing Center with the goal of bringing some of the most powerful and beautiful crystals to the region as well as some of the finest holistic health providers. Now, it’s time to downsize and leave Iowa City for Mount Vernon’s vibrant downtown.

“We’re thrilled to bring a much smaller version of our business as PrismsScape with us,” Gina said. “Our longtime mission has been to provide different

Lisbon Insurance Agency

Lisbon Insurance Agency’s focus is to help its customers protect what they have worked for their whole lives. Scott Morningstar, owner of Lisbon Insurance, and his staff, Jennifer Caspers and Ashley Siggins, have more than 55 years of combined experience helping customers find the insurance products that are right for them. Scott also owns Stewart Insurance in Anamosa, open by appointment. Both offices are “Trusted Choice” agencies that offer several well-known companies, assuring that you are getting the most coverage for the best price. Scott has earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) professional designation. The CPCU designation is widely recognized as the premier designation in the insurance industry, and is held by just 1 percent of all those employed in the insurance industry in the United States. Stop by the Lisbon office, make an appointment in Anamosa, or give them a call at 319-455-2271 (Lisbon) or 319-462-3591 (Anamosa).

heal your soul

Ability Physical Therapy & Elite Fitness Committed to Community Wellness

Wellness remains a top priority for Ability Physical Therapy and its companion business, Elite Fitness. This year, Ability Physical Therapy proudly celebrates its 17th anniversary of serving the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community. Founded by Michael Reiling, PT, MS, ATC, CSCS, who continues to work full-time in the clinic, Ability has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional outpatient rehabilitation services and community outreach.

The highly skilled therapy team at Ability includes physical therapists Michael Reiling, PT, MS, ATC, CSCS, Jessica Lippens, PT, DPT, ATC, and Adam Clendenen, PT, DPT, Will Norman, PT, DPT, COMT along with physical therapist assistants Taylor Connor, B.A., PTA, Traci Smith, B.A., CPT, PTA, and Dan Everts, B.A., PTA. To ensure accessibility, Ability offers same-day appointments from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with Saturday appointments available by request.

Ability Physical Therapy specializes in individualized rehabilitation plans for a wide range of conditions, including vertigo and dizziness, post-surgical recovery, imbalance, general weakness, neurological disorders, chronic pain, and athletic injuries. Among its specialty services is Functional Dry Needling, performed by physical therapist, Will Norman. Additionally, Ability provides athletic training services to local schools, further demonstrating its commitment to the health and well-being of the community.

Just off Business 30 in Lisbon, Elite

Fitness serves as a vital extension of Ability’s mission. Managed by Karin Thomas, with personal trainers Joe Klein and Traci Smith, Elite Fitness offers strength and conditioning programs for student-athletes and community members alike. Joe Klein, a certified exercise physiologist, personal trainer, and nutrition coach, leads a variety of fitness classes, including the well-regarded Bone Builders program, designed to combat osteoporosis and osteopenia through targeted exercise. He also conducts both beginner and intermediate senior exercise classes.

Elite Fitness is open 24/7, providing members with round-the-clock access to a well-equipped facility that supports their health and fitness goals. The close connection between Ability Physical Therapy and Elite Fitness ensures a seamless transition for patients moving from rehabilitation to independent exercise, as well as convenient access to therapy services if injuries arise.

As Ability Physical Therapy and Elite Fitness continue to grow, they remain dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community—one patient, one athlete, and one member at a time.

For more information on Ability Physical Therapy or to request an appointment, visit www.ChooseAbilityPT.com. For more information on Elite Fitness, to purchase a membership or personal training, or to schedule personal training, visit www. EliteFitnessIowa.com.

Bauman’s

124 1st Street SW

Mount Vernon 319-895-8692

baumansofmtvernon.com

men’s clothing, women’s clothing and accessories y

Mon thru Wed: 10am–5pm

Thurs: 10am–7pm Fri: 10am–5pm

Sat: 9am-4pm Sun: closed

What makes a great small-town shop? Is it the quality clothing, the unique finds, or the kind of service that makes you feel right at home? At Bauman’s, it’s all of the above. For over a hundred years, Bauman’s of Mount Vernon has been a place where style meets service. Whether you’re searching for a sharp suit, a cozy sweater, or the perfect gift, every visit feels like catching up with an old friend. With a carefully chosen selection of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories—including customer favorites like Johnston & Murphy, Tommy Bahama, and Joseph Ribkoff—there’s always something new to discover.

Stop in and see for yourself. At Bauman’s, great style is just the beginning.

Mount Vernon Family Medicine

Mount Vernon Family Medicine, PC opened in October 2024 as an independent family medicine clinic serving Mount Vernon, Lisbon and surrounding communities. Led by Dr. Jamie (Wallace) Smith, the staff is experienced and dedicated to providing quality, personal care for you and your family.

Board-certified in Family Medicine, Dr. Smith has over 12 years of experience and is happy to be back taking care of her hometown community. Dr. Smith enjoys the full spectrum that Family Medicine offers and has special interest in pediatrics, women’s health, and sports medicine. She also provides maternity care through 32 weeks of pregnancy, then helps transition her patients to the obstetrical provider of their choice for the remainder of the pregnancy.

Mount Vernon Family Medicine, PC offers a full range of services including preventative care, routine and sick visits, laceration repair, skin biopsy, IUD and Nexplanon insertion/ removal, and other minor procedures. They perform a number of basic diagnostic tests in-office and have other lab services available. Located at 107 1st St NE, Dr. Smith is welcoming new patients and has same-day appointment availability. For more information, visit www.mountvernonfamilymedicine.com, call the clinic at 319-895-1620, or stop in and say hello! Dr. Smith and her staff look forward to welcoming both former and new patients to the clinic and providing quality medical care for the community for years to come.

Mount Vernon Investment Center

Mount Vernon Investment Center has grown and currently are in our third year of working with Apex Financial out of Cedar Rapids. We have been working together over the past two years, combining roles and services to enhance what we can offer in our two Mount Vernon offices. Mount Vernon Investment Center will remain MVIC but will have the added benefits of combing years of experience and expertise with a well-respected Cedar Rapids firm.

Alex Hansen will be completing her studies and will join the ranks of financial adviser this year. Mount Vernon Investment Center currently has three advisors to serve you. Shelly Woodley, Kent Hennings and Ray Boyum.

“We look forward to having Alex join this role and her experience working with our clients over the past seven years will be a valuable asset to her future role,” Shelley Woodley said.

Dr. Jamie Smith

Iron Leaf Press

113 1st St E

Mt Vernon

319-455-6113 ironleafpress.com

Wed & Thurs: 10am-5pm Fri: 10am-3pm Sat: 11am-3pm Sun, Mon & Tues: closed

Iron Leaf Press will celebrate ten years in Uptown Mount Vernon and 13 years in business in 2025. They continue printing their own line of greeting cards and stationery on antique printing presses, while also carrying pens, pencils, journals, notebooks, and other stationery and gift items in their shop at 113 First St. NE, Suite A. From their shop in Mount Vernon, they also ship worldwide. Last year Iron Leaf Press shipped stationery to 49 of the 50 states and 13 countries outside of the US. Their greeting cards and stationery are also carried by more than 25 stores around the country.

Iron Leaf Press was also a part of many weddings last year, doing wedding invitations and stationery for couples both local and across the country, even invitations for a Hollywood celebrity.

Plaza Auto Auction

Plaza, established in Mount Vernon, is one of the last evening dealer-only sales in the Midwest, offering over 200 cars every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. Plaza’s 3 – action packed lanes are filled with dealers from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Indiana and across the nation via online.

Plaza was founded in 1963 by Bob & Norma Edleman and is one of the longest operating auctions in the country. Plaza has been a member of the National Auto Auction Association for over 50 years. Long time Mount Vernon resident Sean McNeal, the current owner, is proud to carry on the 62-year tradition as an independent auto auction.

Plaza Auto Auction is known throughout the Midwest for its great selection of cars and its award-winning service. We start the sale in Mount Vernon every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. with our two consignment feature lanes and start the Late Model/Fleet lanes shortly after.

Plaza invests in the latest technology and conveniences to make the buying and selling process as easy as possible for our dealers. We are excited for the new decade ahead and look forward to serving your auction needs!

The Shops at First Brick

Wilkie Liquors

If you stop in, you may see owner, Danielle Chargo, or part-timers, Machele Pelkey, Michelle Mouton, or Riley Brannaman working in the storefront.

Wilkie Liquors is your local party headquarters. The business, located at 724 1st St. E in Mount Vernon, distributes to bars throughout Eastern Iowa – from the big cities to the small towns.

It is also a retail store that has hundreds of products in stock. The team at Wilkie’s is regularly stocking new products. And if they don’t have something, you can make a request.

Wilkie’s has weekly specials. Also, like them on Facebook to learn about specials and new items.

Wilkie’s is open Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

In Mount Vernon’s first brick home, built before the Civil War, you’ll find a wonderful combination of interesting shops. Eastern Iowa’s famous Scottish Shortbread is a highlight at The Perfect Blend Gift Shop, where owner Ann Booth usually has 10 to 11 flavors, such as cranberry orange, lavender and chocolate chip. Samples are always available and special orders are welcome.

The Perfect Blend Gift Shop offers gifts, cards, journals, books from local authors (including Jackie Martin and Mary Campbell), chimes, jewelry, homemade soaps, chocolates, tea and tea items.

First Brick Art Gallery on the first floor is proud to welcome many of the Mount Vernon area’s finest artists exhibiting their photography, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, etc. Owner Sarah Fried also sells original antique hand-colored botanical prints from the late-1700s to mid-1800s, and offers affordable framing. Throughout the art gallery you’ll also find wonderful antiques for sale.

Stewart Baxter

Funeral & Memorial Services

This month marks a decade since Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services purchased the funeral home from the Morgan family. Much has changed in those 10 years and we look forward to continuing our care for families. Receiving a call for the death of a loved one is truly an honor and not something we take for granted. Being our best on your worst days is what we do.

We are always looking for services and products to help families have a better, more meaningful goodbye, as well as address the many details that come in the days and weeks after a death. We have recently added these service enhancements:

- Technology Upgrades – for the second time since 2015, the audio and visual systems have been upgraded in the funeral home. These upgrades added more screens for viewing video tributes, better speakers, and more options for custom playlists during events.

- New Website and Brand Refresh – a new funeral home website will be launched soon offering more resources and access to information. We are also taking the opportunity to update the brand with a fresh look.

- Aftercare – we offer unmatched services in the weeks and months after a death. We stay in contact via text with links to grief resources and an easy way to reach us with the ease of a text message. Additionally, every family receives the services of an estate specialist to navigate final affairs, notifications, and evermore important fraud protection of a loved one’s sensitive information.

- Graphic Design – a fulltime graphic designer creates amazing memorial tributes and items customized with family input. All of these special keepsakes are

produced and printed in-house allowing quick turnaround on short timelines.

Of course, providing high quality services isn’t possible without the best people to make it happen. This year several of our funeral directors are stepping up to broaden their knowledge and expand their professional networks.

Nick Todd – through an application process, Nick was selected to attend the national Meet the Mentors program in Washington, DC. This event will connect him with funeral directors from around the country. He is also attending a three-day embalming and restorative art seminar in Pittsburgh in May.

Mason Wheeler – Mason has been admitted to the Selected Leadership Academy. This two-year program is offered by Selected Independent Funeral Homes. Stewart Baxter was invited to join the organization in 2023. He will gather in Colorado this spring to begin this professional journey.

Jacob Wittrock – nearly a decade of service as a district governor and officer with the Iowa Funeral Directors Association culminates with Jacob being installed as President of the association at the IFDA annual convention in April. As part of his duties, he will make a trip to Washington DC, for an advocacy day to advance legislation related to funeral service and sharing stories from the families in the community.

The Stewart Baxter team of funeral directors, administrative assistants, graphic designers, family service associates, and facility crew are honored to serve families. Our “More Personal, Less Stressful” motto is more than just a tagline. It’s in everything we do every day for you.

Hertz Farm Management

Hertz Farm Management, founded by Carl Hertz in 1946, is driven by our core values of providing the highest level of service, advice, communication and commitment with integrity and care. The Hertz Mount Vernon team continues to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including farmland management, appraisal, sale, auction, acquisition, and exchange services.

Over the past year, we have welcomed two new professionals to the Mount Vernon office: Megan Funke as a farm manager and Maddie Orewiler as an appraisal trainee.

Megan grew up on her family farm in Dyersville, where she helped raise corn, soybeans, and beef cattle. During the summer of 2023, she completed a Farm

Management Internship with the Hertz office in Cedar Falls, making weekly trips to the Mount Vernon office. After graduating in May 2024 from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, with an emphasis in finance, she was happy to step into a professional farm management role here.

Maddie earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business with a minor in animal science in December 2024 and joined us in January as an appraisal trainee. During her time at Iowa State, she held various leadership roles and internships, including a summer 2024 internship with the Hertz office in Nevada.

Both Megan and Maddie are excited to continue building their professional skills while engaging with the local community.

Scarlett Boutique & Revived Home Goods

The Scarlett Boutique in uptown Mount Vernon is a boutique with one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else.

Owner Tasha Erickson is an exclusive seller of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. She carries all colors, waxes, brushes and other fun products. The versatile paint works beautifully on furniture without priming or sanding. It is easy to use and quick to dry.

Iowa Physical Therapy

Iowa Physical Therapy has had another successful year of serving clients and contributing to the community. Located at 108 First St. S.E. in Mount Vernon, Iowa Physical Therapy is an outpatient physical therapy facility offering a wide range of services – orthopedics, sports injury treatment and prevention, custom orthotics, dry needling, vertigo, worker’s compensation, motor vehicle accidents and geriatrics and falls risk assessment with balance training. For patients’ convenience, Iowa Physical Therapy has invested in its website (www.iowapt. net), which now offers registration forms, insurance information and staff members’ photos and backgrounds. There is also an

It fits right in with Scarlett’s addition of finding quality furniture and other home accessories – from chairs to dressers to tables – and “up-cycling” them to give them a new look.

Those new items complement what Scarlett Boutique has offered for years – women’s clothing and accessories that come from independent companies that don’t sell to just anybody.

Tasha reminds people to stop by often –the store is constantly changing!

The business is open from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Check out The Scarlett Boutique on Facebook for pictures of new items that arrive!

Iowa Physical Therapy clinic in Monticello. The goal of Iowa Physical Therapy is to use physical therapy to improve a patient’s quality of life, return them to their prior level of function they had prior to injury or surgery, and promote improved health and performance in sports, recreational activities, as well as activities of daily living.

The staff consists of Matt Margheim, PT; Ann Brase, PT; Stephanie Meier, PT; Dana Weber, PTA; Jeremy Elliott, PTA/ ATC; and Katie Glenn, office manager. The clinic’s website is www.iowapt.net. You can reach Iowa Physical Therapy by calling 319-895-4085.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sparrow Massage

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support Sparrow Massage Therapy has received since opening in First Street Community Center last year,” said Stephanie Turner, owner of Sparrow Massage Therapy. “Thanks to this amazing community, I’m excited to expand in 2025 with new services and a wellness retail section.”

Coming soon, I’ll be offering hot stone massage and cupping therapy for deeper relaxation and pain relief. I’m also launching Sober Sparrow, a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, along with other self-care essentials to support well-being.

Thank you for being part of this journey—I can’t wait to continue growing and serving Mount Vernon. Stay connected by following Sparrow Massage Therapy on social media!

Southeast Linn Community Center

Thanks to a capacity-building grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation our team at Southeast Linn Community Center spent 2024 engaged in a visioning and strategic planning process. We worked with wonderful consultants and an incredible group of volunteers to update our vision, values and mission and develop a strategic plan.

‘We aspire to be a connected community where every person thrives.’ This new vision statement captures the intention of all of our programs and services. We are dedicated to building a place of support and connection for every individual in our community.

How do we do this? ‘Together we share.’ This simplified new mission statement encompasses so much. Each day we bring people together. And what are we sharing? Food, friendship, resources, clothing, connection, meals, compassion, support, stories, rides, laughter and more.

While the words may be new, our purpose remains the same as it has since 1986. We are the place where neighbors connect and meet each other’s needs. We have a spot for you. We look forward to connecting with you this year.

Together We Share

We aspire to be a connected community where every person thrives.

Visit our website, www.selinn.org, to find volunteer opportunities or set up a recurring donation

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Located in Mount Vernon adjacent to Washington Elementary School, St. Paul Lutheran Church is a supportive family of believers living in communion with Christ Jesus and in loving service to others. The focus of the congregation is expressed well in their mission statement:

“We are… Christ’s Love in Action!” In an ever-changing and often unstable world, St. Paul Lutheran Church is committed to the traditional worship, faith, and practice of the Church.

Our congregation is served by Rev. Sean Hansen as Pastor, Tara Darling, DCE as Christian Life Director, Tracy Schmidt as Office Secretary, Jeff Adrian as Facilities

Coordinator, and Susan Adrian as Custodian.

You are always welcome and encouraged to attend congregational activities and experience the joy of life in Christ. For more information, please visit the congregation’s website at splcmv.org, check out the congregation’s Facebook page (St. Paul Lutheran Church – Mt. Vernon, IA), or call the church office at 319-895-8772.

Did you know?

St. Paul Lutheran Church has been presenting a Living Nativity at Christmas time for 30 years.

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre

2024 was a busy year for MVLCT!

Our summer production of Perfect Arrangement was nominated for seven awards at the Iowa Community Theatre Association (ICTA) festival that was held at the beginning of March 2025. (Results were not available at time of printing.) This recognition is a huge achievement and speaks to the quality of the production and the talent involved. The Iowa Community Theatre Association is known for celebrating excellence in community theater, so receiving multiple nominations is a great honor.

We are so proud of all of our productions from last year including our other two mainstage shows, Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B and Rumors as well as our first year of our new Elliott Studio Series productions of The Revolutionists and No Exit/The Criminals.

MVLCT received a grant, along with additional donations, which enabled us to acquire new curtains for the Uptown Theatre, enhancing the overall experience for both performers and audiences. We also received a grant to continue our Elliott Studio Series for the 2025-2027 seasons. MVLCT is so appreciative of the financial support and of the community coming together to keep the arts thriving

in the area!

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre is celebrating its 45th season with an exciting lineup of productions at the Uptown Theatre in the FSCC. The season started off with the classic, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? that went up in February. April will blossom with the next mainstage production of Calendar Girls, the summer will be rockin’ with Jesus Christ Superstar and we will wrap up our mainstage season with Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins to kick off the holidays in November.

MVLCT is also continuing the Elliott Studio Series with two productions, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (August) and 33 Variations (September) as well as a 24 Play Festival wrapping up the year in December.

You can visit our website at MVLCT.com or our Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre Facebook Page for updated information including show information, Throwback Thursday posts celebrating our 45th season and much more.

MVLCT is so grateful for all of the support we get from the Mount Vernon-Lisbon communities. We are thrilled to be celebrating 45 years with you! Here’s to 45 more!

Lynch Ford

Remote Mobile Service at Lynch Ford Chevrolet

Let Lynch Mobile Service come to you and our Factory Certified Technicians can perform these services and more at your home or office at a time that works for you. Our Mobile Service offerings include:

• Accessories

• L amps & Bulbs

• W iper Replacement

• Software Updates

• Ford Recalls

• And more….

Best of all, we service all makes & models!

Have you ever thought, “I need to replace that headlight, get new wipers, or have Lynch check the recall, but when will I find the time?”. Do not let these minor inconveniences interrupt your day, let

Dance Arts Iowa Salon 30

Dance Arts Iowa will hold its spring dance recital in Mount Vernon School District’s Performing Arts Center Saturday, May 10. Beginning dancers will perform at 5 p.m. and all other dancers will start at 7 p.m.

Information on summer camps for dance will be published soon.

Dance classes for next season begin in September, with registration information available the first week in August.

Next year will include technique classes and Dance Arts Iowa will be preparing and performing the Nutcracker in December plus the spring dance recital in 2025.

Dance Arts Iowa continues to offer

a variety of dance instruction in the studio, located in the First Street Community Center at 221 First Street N.E. in uptown Mount Vernon.

The studio has Creative Movement for 3- and 4-year-olds, Ballet for all ages, plus Contemporary Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Dance Teams, Musical Theater, Irish Step and Hip Hop. Dance Arts Iowa also offers Tumbling beginning at age 3 and intermediate tumbling.

Watch for information on upcoming summer camps. For more information, check out their website at www. danceartsiowa.com or contact at danceartsiowa@gmail.com or 319-5589202.

Abbe Creek Gallery & Right Frame of Mind

Abbe Creek Gallery first opened doors as Mount Vernon’s uptown art gallery September 2024. The gallery has exhibits that rotate on a monthly basis. More than 30 local, regional and national artists are represented with inventory constantly rotating to provide new offerings.

Abbe Creek Gallery is co-owned and operated by three accomplished artists: Painters Kimberly Machovec-Smith and Chris Childers, and photographer Bob Campagna. Each continues to exhibit in galleries and museums nationally plus publishing cards and books of their works.

New faces at Salon 30 include Lily Rechkemmer (nail technician) and Grace Carpenter (licensed massage therapist).

“Hello! My name is Lily Rechkemmer (Painted by Lil) and I am a nail technician who specializes in gel products including builder gel, gel-x extensions and regular gel manicures. I offer regular and gel manicures as well. My main focus as a nail tech is to prioritize the health of my clients natural nails. I love to experiment with nail art and to be creative. Receive 15 percent off your first service with me. To schedule, call 319-229-6976.”

color/highlighting, wedding and special event styling. You can book with Lauren at LaurenHoffmanHair.com or call 319540-0107.

In the immediate future, Abbe Creek Gallery will host the Inspired By exhibit in March-April, the Mount Vernon High School senior art exhibit in May, and exhibits by Bill Stamats (July) and Michael Ryan (August), plus an evening of music by former Black Sheep members Mike Maas and Carlis Faurot. An assortment of pop-up painting classes are offered by Kimberly.

Sherry Brayton with Right Frame of Mind is continuing her framing business in the store as well. She continues to do custom framing at her shop. She can prepare almost any kind of family keepsake for display – prints, posters, photos, diplomas, quilts. Brayton does have limited hours at the shop, so she encourages those who need framing to check in to see if she’s available.

“Hello! My name is Grace Carpenter. I am a licensed massage therapist located at Salon 30,” Carpenter said. “As a proud graduate of Carlson College of Massage Therapy, class of August 2024, I am devoted to helping you reach your wellness goals through expertly applied massage techniques, including deep tissue, prenatal massage and overall relaxation massage. First time clients receive 15 minutes free when booking 60 minute massages. Please call or text to schedule your massage today at 319-929-6211.”

Michelle Bakke has been with Salon 30 since it opened 18 years ago. With 25 years of experience, she specializes in all things color and total transformations. Michelle is also National Master Colorist for Alfaparf Milano Professional and educates all over North America. To schedule with Michelle, call 319-455-2889.

Lauren Hoffman Poeltler has been at Salon 30 for 10 years. She specializes in

Lisa Lewis, licensed massage therapist, is also at Salon 30. She offers Swedish based massage and is trained in a number of modalities, to include: aromatherapy, neuromuscular, scar release, TMJ disorder and trigger point. Each session is customized to support you, mind, body and soul. Contact Lisa at 319-481-7101.

“My name is Elizabeth Niehaus and I am the esthetician at Salon 30!” Niehaus said. “I specialize in facial services, but also offer lash and brow services! If your goal is to focus on a skin concern like acne or anti-aging, or you just want to relax, I have services for everyone! My goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident with their skin and while in the treatment room. You can reach me through my personal phone number 319-213-1720. Salon 30 is the only full service salon and spa in this area. In addition to the specialties listed, we also have two tanning beds and spray tanning. To schedule tanning or reach the salon, call 319-455-3253.

Nolz Chiropractic

Dr. Jared C. Nolz, of Nolz Chiropractic Clinic, PC, has served the Lisbon-Mount Vernon and surrounding communities since 1995

(this year marks his 30th anniversary in business). His clinic is located at 309 W. Business 30 in Lisbon. Dr. Nolz and his wife,

Downtown Dental

“Come as patients, leave as family.”

Shelly Nolz, are the sole employees at the clinic.

A 1994 Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, Dr. Nolz specializes in the

Gonstead Technique and advocates both preventative and restorative spinal care for the whole family, including newborns and children. He also offers a complete line of nutrition. Every year Dr. Nolz works to find ways to improve the experience for patients. The clinic can be reached at 319-455-2910.

Downtown Dental continues to provide excellent dental care in the Mount Vernon and surrounding communities. Those services include teeth whitening, pediatric dentistry, dentures, dental implants, fillings, root canal treatments and crown and bridges, among other work.

The office continues to offer the latest tools dentistry offers, and the office continues to innovate with new dental technology. The office also maintains great relationships with some of the area’s best specialists to give clients the best care they can offer. The clinic continues to offer orthodontics care and treatment.

“This is such a great community to work in,” Gaffney wrote. Downtown Dental is located at 801 Business 30 SW. Their phone number is 319-895-8322 and their website is downtowndentalinc.com

Koppenhaver and Associates

In our increasingly busy society, we are flooded with the promise of better, faster, and cheaper ways to get things done. A true shortcut, however, takes time and expertise to develop. Consider the modern microwave:

In 1947, American electrical engineer Percy Spencer developed and patented the RadaRange: a precursor to the modern microwave. As the average consumer was not interested in spending $5,000 on a behemoth for their kitchen that stood at an impressive six feet tall and weighed over 750 pounds, these early microwaves were only available commercially.

Innovation is a marvelous thing and by 1967, only 20 years after the release of the RadaRange, technology had progressed so much that the first countertop microwave intended for home use was sold by Amana for less than $500. That’s remarkable progress in the grand scheme of history, but it certainly didn’t happen overnight.

At Koppenhaver & Associates, PC, we find that in-depth tax knowledge also does not come overnight and we are proud to share our expertise gained from over 45+ years of experience. You can count on us to provide the best, most efficient way to get your taxes done.

Dr. Jared Nolz and wife Shelly Nolz

Cornell College

Cornell College offers numerous amenities to the local public. Founded in 1853, it is Mount Vernon’s largest and oldest business, and its 129-acre campus is one of the town’s three historic districts.

Cole Library houses Mount Vernon’s public library (colelibrary.org), a partnership offering extensive resources and extended hours unusual for a small-town public library.

Bon Appétit, Cornell’s dining and catering service (crnl.co/dining), is open to the public during the academic year. The Hilltop Café in the Thomas Commons serves local, sustainably produced food with numerous options including vegan, global, and house-made pizza.

There are numerous fine arts offerings. Art exhibits are held in McWethy Hall’s Peter Paul Luce Gallery, Cole Library, and the Thomas Commons. Cornell’s theatre and dance department produces a mainstage series and student productions. The

pop/contemporary, jazz, orchestra, wind ensemble, choir and steel drum band ensembles perform regularly. Concerts and exhibits are free, while theatre productions require tickets (crnl.co/theatre).

Watch NCAA Division III competition in 21 intercollegiate sports including the newest: women’s wrestling (cornellrams.com).

Brackett House Bed and Breakfast (bracketthousebnb.com) is a historic inn with modern amenities. There are also several common areas available to rent.

The One Course Summer Institute for high school students, offering 2.5-week courses worth three college credit hours, is the perfect way for college-bound students to experience Cornell’s One Course At A Time calendar (crnl.co/summer-programs).

Use our online calendar (crnl.co/calendar) to add events to your personal calendar, subscribe to calendars by topic, and sign up for text reminders.

Mount Vernon Insurance

Mount Vernon Insurance has been your hometown insurance agency serving the Mount Vernon and Lisbon area for more than 30 years. Mount Vernon Insurance is an Independent Trusted Choice Agency that has many different companies to work with. This gives agents several options to meet their customers’ insurance needs, whether it be personal, commercial, farm or health. They work for you, not an insurance company. Pictured are agents Melissa Wood and Andrea Withers with owner Tom “Boomer” Kortemeyer.

Pet Nanny is in her final months of pet sitting.

A job that began with one or two pet family clients in 2014, gained speed each year until 2020 and the COVID shutdown. Once Pet Nanny got vaccinated and we all learned more about what the virus was doing to change our world, Pet Nanny resumed pet sitting as pet families returned to work too.

“I got older, pets I cared for got older, and many beloved pets I cared

for crossed the rainbow bridge.” Siad Gretchen Reeh-Robinson. “I feel so grateful to have been a part of each pet’s life as I truly believe we can learn something every day from domestic and wild animals! I’m someone who trusts animals to share their wisdom, as long as we respect their boundaries.”

Pet Nanny could not have imagined all the happiness and love that comes with this occupation. We may have lost touch, but you and your pet families will always be a part of who I am now.

Budget Blinds

Budget Blinds is North America’s largest custom window-coverings company, providing innovative design solutions for homes and businesses. Known for its high-quality products, industry-leading warranties, competitive pricing, and expert professional services, Budget Blinds ensures a seamless and stress-free experience from consultation to installation and ongoing support.

Budget Blinds of Eastern Iowa is a family-owned and operated business led by Terry and Sandy Sill, John and Cassidy Reinken, and Kevin and Jenna Sill.

The Sill family purchased their first Budget Blinds franchise 18 years ago and has continued to expand ever since.

Based in Lisbon, Budget Blinds of Eastern Iowa proudly serves Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, the Quad

Cities, and surrounding areas. Beyond Eastern Iowa, the Sill Team owns and operates Budget Blinds franchises in Wisconsin, serving western Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, Waukesha, Brookfield, La Crosse, and surrounding communities. In Minnesota, they provide services in the Southern Twin Cities and Rochester.

Budget Blinds offers an extensive range of products, including shades, shutters, blinds, high-quality draperies, exterior shades, and advanced motorized solutions with home automation. Their goal is to create a high-quality experience where customers feel supported, confident, and valued, knowing they receive the best products, services, design expertise, and pricing. Budget Blinds has a solution for every style and budget.

Budget Blinds of Eastern Iowa continues to thrive thanks to a growing team dedicated to exceptional customer service. Their commitment to excellence has been recognized nationally, earning the prestigious ‘Top Sales of the Year’ award for the

Living Hope Global Methodist Church & Uncommon Church

On Feb. 1, Uncommon Church and Living Hope Global Methodist Church became ONE CHURCH.

“This came from a growing partnership to bless our community and a desire to bring greater unity among God’s people as we experience and spread the uncommon love and living hope of Jesus Christ together,” said pastor Andrew Bee.

For several months, leaders of both churches prayed and talked together to explore the possibility. Living Hope was without a pastor, and Uncommon Church is a small congregation with limited abilities to make the impact it desires to have. Over the last three years, Uncommon Church and Living Hope have partnered

Anbriette’s Pet Salon

in worship services (especially Good Friday and Easter services), Sauerkraut Days, and youth ministry in Lisbon. These partnerships planted the idea of merging, and it made sense, given the needs of each church.

Beyond that, Jesus Christ calls his people to live in unity. That is not always the case.

“There is so much division in the world, our communities, and even our churches,” Bee said. “This merger was an intentional act to see two groups of Jesus’ followers in churches two blocks away to live into Jesus’ desire for unity. We believe God will bless this step toward unity and invite all who don’t have a church home to check out our newly combined church.”

The church is worshiping at the Living

Anbriette’s Pet Salon is celebrating 36 years in business this year. The Pet Salon first opened March 1989.

“We love our little and big clients,” Brigitte Anderson said. “We get very attached to our regulars, and have lived through many heartbreaks with their humans when we lose them.”

Anbriette’s tries to keep up with new things offered by other groomers, via magazines and conventions, though Anderson noted they have not been to a convention since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When grooming, we always have the animals in mind of what is best for them. We try to educate their owners as well,” Anderson said.

Anbriette’s motto for their business is “Grooming with TLC and the least stress possible.

Anbriette’s has expanded their hours to take on more clientele.

Anderson is a certified dog groomer. She graduated from Small Animal services from Kirkwood Communiy College and the New York School of Grooming. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Kirkwood Community College for 15 years and worked at All Pets Veterinary in Cedar Rapids for the 34 years.

Other staff at Anbriette’s include Kim Paris (groomer), Tammy Davis (groomer) and Melanne Paris (trainee).

Anbriette’s Per Salon is located at 108 First Avenue North, just north of Mount Vernon Pharmacy in uptown Mount Vernon.

Hope building on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. A youth group for sixth through 12th graders meets in the Living Hope building on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.

“We also have several other activities throughout the week that people of all ages and stages can plug into and find a place to belong at Living Hope Global Methodist Church,” Bee said. “We have many hopes and dreams for our newly combined church. We hope our merger will stir curiosity in the community. We also know it sparks questions. Do I have to be a methodist to attend? No. We invite you to join us wherever you are on your spiritual journey. All are welcome!”

The joint churches also have great hopes

Hahn-Howard Post 480

Hahn Howard Post 480 was started in the 1920s, and at one time had more than 200 members. The Post is named after two local soldiers – Ralph Hahn and C. Roe Howard, both World War I veterans.

The mission of the post is several fold – ensure veterans are buried with military honors, ensure Memorial Day and Veterans Day are observed in the community; grant a scholarship to at least one civic minded high school senior each year; maintain the Veterans Memorial at the Mount Vernon Cemetery with time and money and provide a dignified disposal of American flags.

Since 2018, any dishonorably discharged veteran is eligible for membership.

“Even if you are busy raising a family, early in your career, just too busy or whatever, we get it,” said Kevin Woods. “Not every veteran can devote a ton of time. But,

and dreams for the Uncommon Church (formerly First Federated Church) building, a historic building in the Lisbon community that still has a lot of life and possibilities.

“We are in the initial dream stage of planning,” Bee said. “We are excited about various activities for 2025, starting with our Good Friday and Easter services.”

For more details about the joint venture of the church, check out their website, social media pages, and in person. Visit us at www.livinghopegmc.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. You are welcome in our faith family as we Belong, Believe, Become, and Boldly share the good news of Jesus.

simply by your annual membership, you are doing something for veterans. Your membership adds another voice in Washington lobbying for veterans issues and benefits.”

Pearson & Virlee

Certified Public Accountants

“Community is so much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” – Brian Solis

“I grew up in this community. After spending my undergraduate years at Penn State, I returned here to follow my dream of owning a local business which would contribute to the professional community, who, like me, are making a commitment to this area. It is my life dream to help establish new businesses and support the agricultural and existing businesses here.”

– Renee Virlee, CPA & Owner of Pearson & Virlee, PC

Pearson & Virlee continues a legacy of client service and community involvement. Small businesses like ours know their clients so we can provide them with personalized strategies. A favorite part of our business is translating complicated

Mount Vernon Eye Clinic

tax requirements so that our clients can understand and strategize how to use this information to their financial advantage. We help clients become self-reliant and smart users of the information to guide their decisions. Their success is our success.

Pearson & Virlee continues to evolve by staying up to date on the ever-changing financial world. Our accountants are involved in research and training so that our clients can take advantage of the latest tax changes. We have increased our expertise with the addition of accountant Megan Shook to our experienced team of Jon, Amy, Lynn, Kim, and Renee. We welcome Megan and look forward to you getting to know her. Thank you for trusting us to be your community tax preparer and advisor. We value our relationship and are honored to serve you.

The eye clinic is located at 202 Glenn Street in Mount Vernon. Dr. Steven Sindt and Dr. Julia Hibbing’s expert eye care includes comprehensive eye care, treatment of glaucoma, eye infections, injuries, foreign body removal and all types of contact lens fittings. Their team includes Tammy Dunston, Sheryl Dohmen, Lisa Yakish, Erica McConaughy and Shannon Studt.

Mount Vernon Eye Clinic doctors are proud members of Vision Source, a network of independent optometrists located throughout the United States. Together their members are dedicated to providing advanced eyecare and unmatched personal care. Stop by and view their large selection of frames and sunglasses. Visit their website at mveyeclinic.com and like them on Facebook.

START

StART has a grand opening in late March of this year, and special founders memberships will be available for two days only.

Watch the Sun.

The business is taking the space of the former The Fantastic Escape in Lisbon. Fantastic Escape is still open in Cedar Rapids, but the location in Lisbon is now a crafting thrift store that as owner Nina Scott says provides a low risk opportunity for all ages to do arts and crafts.

“Bring in all your crafting clutter and items with creative potential for store credit toward other supplies,” Nina said.

Other offerings include, craft and art classes, a library, gallery, crafting space, bins to store your projects and a fix-it café.

“We have a variety of snacks and drinks and the coffee is always free,” Nina said. “Please stop in to chat, read, or work on a puzzle. Take a minute to look over our selection of quality games and join us for

Game Night to give them a try.”

StART plans to launch a website that will provide information about upcoming events and allow people to sign up for classes. You can purchase everything ala carte, or through membership packages. Nina was also selected from 50,000 applicants to appear on the reality show The Blox.

The Blox, which is owned and presented by reality TV personality Wes Bergmann, uses a game format to provide information about running a successful business. Filming took place in February and it is set to air later this year on Prime. Nina had a fantastic time, and learned many things which she hopes to share with the MVL business community.

“It was well worth the investment,” Nina said.

The website is StartYourCreativity.com (pre launch), for more information email: Starttoexplorecreativity@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page StART Creating or Instagram startcreating_mvl.

Gary’s Foods

Here at Gary’s Foods, we’ve been the grocery store that’s right on your way home for nearly 55 years! In 1971, Gary Dietrich and Dave Rank purchased the existing Super Valu store. Dennis took over the business in 1987 and was joined by his son, Peter, in 2010. The fourth generation of the Dietrich grocers, Amos and Edith, can be found “working” in the back room or directing customers to the ice cream cones or jars of honey after school.

We are excited and proud to be nominated for Employer of the Year by Goodwill of the Heartland at the Edgars Achievement Awards celebration this March. For the past several years, we have collaborated with Goodwill to offer career exploration and job shadowing in a way that is beneficial not only to business, but customers and employees as well. An open line of communication has made the partnership very successful.

Several changes happened in 2024, the biggest one being the installation of electronic shelf tags. The electronic tags help us save time on menial tasks such as

Mount Vernon Bank & Trust

Mount Vernon Bank & Trust Company had lots to celebrate in 2024.

The year ended with the retirement of CFO Craig Smith, who concluded 38 years of local banking service.

CEO David M. Ryan praised Smith’s career, noting he “led a solid fundamental community banking model that ultimately has been a significant benefit to the Mount Vernon-Lisbon community.”

The past year also included the completion of a complete reconstruction of the bank’s upper parking lot in the heart of uptown Mount Vernon.

Local bankers look forward to more celebrating in 2025.

They are working to unveil new

printing, sorting and hanging signs. Our carbon footprint is improving as well! We no longer have to ship heavy boxes of vinyl tags or print thousands of sale tags every week. It has become a much more seamless process. We’ve also added a new hot case and a standalone cooler for all the best goods from Edgewood Locker. We strive to carry reliable favorites and new exciting options all in the same place.

In January of 2024, a check for $25,000 was written and given to the Washington Elementary Library project. Funds given paid for learning environment betterment, needed updates and new opportunities for students. It was a very fulfilling experience. We continue to “round-up” and donate to various programs and goals around Mount Vernon, Lisbon and the surrounding communities. Our generous customers round up purchases to the next whole dollar with a few pennies. Eventually, those pennies turn into dollars. Those dollars have turned into major donations to places like Southeast Linn Community Center, Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service and MDA.. When the fund-

business banking products to serve commercial customers even better.

“Our businesses contribute so much to our community and are key customers to the success of our bank,” Ryan said.

The bank is also planning the second construction phase: work on the lower parking lot.

Bankers will continue to celebrate with you in other ways, as they have for 141 years: helping with big community events, donating to local organizations and causes, and volunteering in many areas.

Ryan concluded: “We are grateful for our customers, and for being able to serve this great community.”

raising window is over, as a store, Gary’s “rounds-up” the customers donations to make an even bigger impact. We continue to hire individuals 14 years and up with the belief that a healthy work-life balance is possible and supported. Our staff is full of student athletes, Eagle Scouts, volunteers, coaches, artists, musicians and many more fascinating people. We’ve acquired a few new faces this past year while welcoming back a couple familiar ones. Welcome Valerie, Zay, Angel, Ben, Teagan, Cheryl, Parker, Christian, Aidan, Seth, Billy, Natasha, Joseph, Dakota, Grace, Saevill, Betty, Wayne and Emma to the Gary’s team.

It continues to be a breeze to shop small and shop local at our store. Look for the following business on our shelves! White Tree Bakery, Ebert Honey, Little Scratch Coffee, Dan and Debbie’s Creamery, Kathy’s Pies, Authentic French Pastry by Sandrine, Near Bayou Naturals, Farmers Hen House, Bluebird Farms, Buffalo Ridge Orchard, Amana Meat Shop, Edgewood Locker and many others. We want to thank all our customers and vendors for nearly 55 years of business.