MVL Sun — 04.03.25

Healthy Kids in the Kitchen returns

Program at Bon Appétit hosts Solon students this year

Nathan Countryman

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

Bon Appétit’s Healthy Kids in the Kitchen program returned again this year, hosting students from Solon to learn about healthy foods and choices.

“This program brings energy to our team, engaging the community and we always find it a fun way to share our Bon Appétit philosophies and joy of food, allowing for some culinary exploration with such open and eager minds,” said David Smigo, Bon Appétit executive chef.

Nutrition specialist Kendalyn McConnell said Solon students and staff were thrilled to be experiencing hands-on learning about the food they eat for the first time this year.

“This classroom experience will be

New no parking zones for Lisbon Sports Complex

Ella McEntaffer

For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

Lisbon will be establishing a few new no parking zones on the streets near the Lisbon Sports Complex ahead of the beginning of the use of the center this spring.

The proposed plan decrees the north side of West Third Avenue to be entirely a no parking zone, as well as the west side of North Jefferson Street. The goal is to create easy access for pedestrians and limit any safety hazards for residents trying to get into the new Lisbon Sports Com-

plex and out of nearby driveways.

The area between the two drives on the south side of West Third Avenue will also become a no parking zone, in an effort to create a crosswalk to the complex.

City administrator Brandon Siggins said the feedback from the community has been positive so far, with all but one West Third Avenue resident yet to call back with approval of the plan.

“People tend to park everywhere when these kinds of events go on,” said council member Nathan Smith.

The council and residents alike

are hoping that the new parking situation will flow smoother than the current arrangement, as well as that of the city park, which is known to fill up quickly and disrupt traffic flow. The parking lot at the Lisbon Sports Complex is expected to have an estimated 110 parking stalls, with possible overflow parking on the east side of the property, weather permitting.

Peggy Donohoe, a West Third Avenue resident, said her main concern is not the location of the no parking

MV School district levy rate decreasing

Comments from community note increases to

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon School district levy rate is $17.24 per $1,000, a reduction of roughly $0.17 per $1,000 from the current final tax rate.

Business manager Michael Marshall said that is the maximum proposed levy the district can impose, and if the school were to receive the proposed funding of 2.5 or higher State Supplemental Aid that is being advocated at the state house but not been passed, that levy rate could be lower.

For many tax payers, however, the increase in valuation from 2024 means their tax bills are not showing lower.

During the public hearing, Curt Hancock and Nelson Baethke both spoke about the impact of valuations in past years.

Baethke said his valuation went up 51 percent in the past two years, increasing his property taxes significantly for his property.

“According to the summary from Linn County, 60 percent of my tax dollars are going to the school district, and I’m worried if you’re spending my money wisely,” Baethke said. “How much can we afford to pay in this district?”

Hancock said the letter he received from Linn County reflected a higher tax bill, even though the millage rate had gone down.

Marshall said that if the Linn County publication had shown levy rates compared year to year, that most would have seen a roughly 1.3 percent increase in the taxes for residential or -0.2 percent increase for business rates.

Marshall explained that the district’s levy is dropping due to a decrease in certified enrollment for next school year. Instructional support levy rate, management levy and physical plant and equipment levy rates are all increasing revenues next year. Debt service levies will be decreasing as bond payments have reduced some of the bonded projects for the district.

Marshall also said the only funds the district has some control over include instructional support levy, management fund and the debt service.

The increase to the management fund this year is due to the increasing property insurance rates for the district, building for early retirement offerings and the district’s natural gas bills.

“That natural gas bill came in lower than I budgeted for this year, which is good,” Marshall said.

The district’s property insurance rate is slated to increase between 12 to 15 percent this year.

The district also had good news on health insurance offerings – the increased number of enrollees for the school’s insurance plans last school year pushed the district into a large market for health insurance, which will give the district more flexibility for plans offered. Marshall said that communication will be happening with employees in the coming weeks.

zones, but the street’s speed limit and whether the road will be established as one-way in or one-way out.

“It’s a racetrack,” Donohoe said of the speed of cars on the street. Mayor O’Connor said he agrees “there should be some signage and speed limits,” and also asked about increasing the number of speed bumps in the area around the

sports complex to “try and slow it down.”

As far as fire hydrants are concerned, they would primarily be in the no parking areas of the street, with the exception of those down by Meyers Meadow. The council is also looking to create city ordinances to maintain smooth traffic flow and emergency response.

The Lisbon Sports Complex was an especially critical topic of discussion Monday night, as spring soccer for grades second through sixth starts March 25, with younger groups begin-

ning the following Tuesday. The spring soccer program will have around 120 to 140 kids enrolled.

Lisbon Parks and Recreation director Drayton Kamberling noted that spring cleanup will take place April 12. Local softball and baseball teams will come together to clean and prep the fields for the upcoming season.

“It’s a good event for us, and we usually have a really good turnout,” Kamberling said. “We give them donuts and milk when they are done.”

Mount Vernon, Lisbon have busy weeks dealing with fires

Nathan Countryman

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

March has been roaring like a lion and keeping Mount Vernon and Lisbon fire crews busy.

The community has been under red flag warnings and burn bans several days in the past month, but the departments have responded to a number of grass fires. The dry conditions and high winds allow favorable conditions for these fires to start and quickly spread.

Fire chief Brandon Siggins reminded the community of the dangers fire can present during the windy spring season. There were at least four grass fires over the weekend, which Siggins said can easily burn out of control.

Mount Vernon and Lisbon crews responded to a field fire in rural Mount

Vernon Thursday, March 27. Tanker trucks and the department’s grass fire vehicles were at the fire getting water on hot spots to contain the field fire from spreading. No one was injured in the incident.

--Additional reporting provided by intern Ella McEntaffer.

Mount Vernon and Lisbon Fire Departments hit some hot spots in a field fire in rural Mount Vernon Thursday, March 27. Crews from Lisbon Fire Department pour water on a hot spot in a field fire in rural Mount Vernon Thursday, March 27.

Dangers of PFAs discussed at LBC

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

Dr. Robert Blount and Dana Kolpin of the University of Iowa presented on PPer and Polyflouroalkyline Substance (PFAS) Exposures in Eastern Iowa and health effects at the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Thursday, March 27.

Kolpin has done surveys for more than 40 years, looking at the levels of PFAs in wadable streams, sediment and even fish in those waterways.

“It’s one of those chemicals that the more you are exposed, the more it builds up in your tissues passively,” Kolpin said.

Other sources Kolpin has looked at for PFAS exposures include milkweeds and white tailed deer.

Blount is a physician, working in the intensive care unit. His health focus is looking at chronic disease in children and adults.

Blount and Kolpin first got together in the past three years to start looking at the impact of PFAs.

“At that time, the National Institute of Health was getting more concerned about PFAs,” Blount said.

PFAS are a compound of flourines that bind with carbon molecules that have been in production for more than 100 years. One of the first compounds widely known to be in production was Teflon pans, noted for

their non-stick surfaces from the procedure of binding flourines and carbon. Over the decades, there have been more than 5,000 compounds produced. The substances are in items like wrinkle resistant shirts, moisture wicking shirts, stain resistant shirts or carpets.

“They’re really unique properties that make them marketable to consumers,” Kolpin said. “But it’s a double-edged sword.”

In Eastern Iowa one of the areas we have heard about PFAS recently has been at the airport in Cedar Rapids. Some of the chemicals used in fighting fires on airplanes or in practice scenarios had levels of PFAS that have contaminated local water supplies.

“It’s really everywhere in our culture now,” Kolpin said.

One of the areas these chemicals were also developed was in pesticides and herbicides, reducing their susceptibility to wash off of plants. They are so prevalent that they penetrate the plants and insects, which then makes it into food sources and water supplies.

“These chemicals making it into water and drinking supplies is a worrying point,” Blount said. “Mainly, because we all need to drink so much water every day, and if the source we’re drinking from is contaminated, that increases our exposures.”

Testing for PFAS exposure is also costly, with

some being $750 for a single test. It’s one of those tests that counties may be more selective in testing if there is a known PFAS exposure to a water source.

Attendees asked if bottled water is safer than tap water to avoid PFAS. Blount said there isn’t as much testing on PFAS in bottled water.

PFAS can be cleaned out of water, like other toxic metals. The way to do that is utilizing a reverse osmosis filter.

“It’s important if you use one of those filters that you replace those filters when they need to be replaced,” Blount said. “If you don’t, you get yourself exposed to all heavy metals it filters out as they can break through those filters enough over time.”

Kolpin said that because PFAS are being used in some pesticides, they can be found in surface waters. Aside from ag use, pesticides are also used in lawns.

As to why they’re worried most about these substances – it’s that these bonds between carbon and fluorine substances do not break down the way other bonds break down.

“They break down and deposit in our bodies organs,” Blount said. “It stays in places like our lung and hearts and it accumulates.”

The more it accumulates, the more possibilities of health problems that go along with it.

Blount said while it is impossible to prove causation for an illness like cancer, tests when human cells have been exposed to PFAS show that cells impacted with PFAS tend to proliferate madly like cancer.

When it comes to what to

Volume 156 I Issue 14

108 1st St SW, 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

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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.

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do to start limiting exposure – Blount and Kolpin both said the important things are to filter your water from that chemical. Limit your purchase of clothing that has stain resistant, wrinkle resis -

tant properties that could increase your exposure as well. If you have a Teflon pan or something similar that is non-stick and it is cracking, get rid of that pan, as it can be leaking into your food.

Community Leader’s breakfast coming up, new volunteer interest form available

Community Leaders Breakfast

The CDG will host the final Community Leaders Breakfasts of the school year on Thursday, April 10 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.. The meeting is hosted by Bon Appétit at Cornell College, located in the Smith Dining Room.

Attendees are encouraged to enjoy the buffet breakfast ($8.82 + tax), followed by hearing community updates from Lisbon and Mount Vernon City Halls, Lisbon and Mount Vernon schools, Cornell College, local service groups, and various businesses.

If you have updates to share with our community,

please consider attending. If you want to stay engaged with your community, attend as a guest to learn what’s going on in our towns. All are welcome.

CDG Volunteer Interest Form

To streamline communication from the CDG to our Volunteers moving forward, the CDG has created an updated form that indicates specific areas of interest with a goal of us reaching out to you for opportunities that align with the interests you selected. By completing this form, you will receive communications for future opportunities, but you are NOT committing to those future events/activities. The CDG will continue to use Signup Genius for our larger events and may reach out separately regarding smaller projects/areas of interest.

Scan the QR code to update your volunteer information with your CDG.

Washington Elementary, Mount Vernon Middle School to upgrade to LED lights

Nathan Countryman

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

Washington Elementary and Mount Vernon Middle School will upgrade their lights and ballasts to LED this summer.

Sitler Electric was the low bidder for the project, with an $84,057 bid for the entire project. The project had been budgeted for roughly $90,000 this year and paid for by SAVE monies.

Work will begin on the lighting upgrades this summer after students are out of school, and need to be completed by August when students return.

Washington Elementary’s cost for the project was $27,255.

Chris Noll, building and grounds director, said with being LED lights, there are controls that would allow lights to be brighter or not as bright for sensory friendly spaces for students.

Mount Vernon Middle School’s bid was for $56,802. Noll said some of the larger areas of the building were completed in the upgrades to the middle school, this was updating the lighting in the rest of the district.

Mount Vernon Schools conducting traffic study this spring

Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon Schools will be conducting a traffic study this spring to look at ways to improve queueing issues in and around the schools during certain times of the day.

The traffic study will cost roughly $10,000 with Hall and Hall engineering and include a traffic count of cars coming in and out of the district.

Superintendent Matt Leeman said they will also make

sure the counts happen during what happens at events in Mount Vernon, with the school hosting a home and substate track meet this year during that time frame.

“We realize that our traffic into the district is not working at the moment,” Leeman said. That was drawn into an issue when there was a medical incident at the high school before spring break. First responders were having a hard time making it to the school because of congestion into the district.

One of the possibilities that might be explored is not allowing parking along Palisades Road near the school during the time before and after school.

MV and Lisbon Schools partnering with Champions for child care

Nathan Countryman

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

Mount Vernon and Lisbon Schools have both signed agreements with Champions to help provide child care.

Lisbon approved that change at a school board meeting in early March, while Mount Vernon approved the change at March 24’s school board meeting.

Mount Vernon superintendent Matt Leeman said the district will still have before and after childcare with the arrangement, this just takes Mount Vernon out of being the sole provider for staffing for the childcare.

Mount Vernon Schools will have this childcare agreement in place by June 2, as long as Champions has their proper licensing from the Department of Human Services for the Mount Vernon School district.

Leeman said that when it comes to the agreement the school has for things like students being able to complete swim lessons at the Mount Vernon pool, that will be covered by the school district’s insurance.

The agreement for Mount Vernon will help the district provide better salaries for childcare workers.

“We were already struggling with maintaining staffing for childcare for our program because of Lisbon’s better pay rates for employees,” Lee -

man said. “The current staff can roll on and continue with Champions, and they will be responsible for making sure they have the staffing ratios for the students each day.”

Leeman said there will be a slight increase in rates for childcare at Mount Vernon to bring closer to the market rate in Linn County.

At March’s school board meeting, superintendent Autumn Pino explained the district was looking to create meaningful opportunities to educate students early on from six weeks old to graduation day.

One question the district has been wrestling with has been how they can sustain a quality childcare program that honors the needs of Lisbon’s families, demonstrates value for employees and remains solvent and sustainable long-term for the Lisbon community.

Pino explained that some of the challenges for LECC continue to be how to meet the growing needs of the Lisbon community. As well, scaling up the small scale operation of the daycare at Lisbon to be more robust and adapting to the needs of the changing employment landscape of Lisbon community.

Pino said the district interviewed child care centers in the area to learn more about care, policies, business models for long term viability.

“Upon further review, we learned that there was a way to honor the

rich history of LECC, its families, and our employees by partnering with Champions to create a bright future,” Pino said. “In engaging in conversations, we were able to find a solution that provides all three answers to the question outlined above, and allows us to have the appropriate ownership and influence to make LECC successful and sustainable for a long duration of time.”

Bre Ties and Pino said the district chose to partner with Champions to provide the same affordable care with more family scheduling flexibility, and many of the staff families know and love.

“Champions partners with local directors, principals, teachers, and parents to create more than 1000 before-and after-school, full day, and year-round learning environments that spark wonder in children,” Pino said.

The partnership makes Lisbon Early Child Care Center stronger moving forward.

“Even with our awesome expansion work over the last two years, our waiting list continues to grow. We are passionate about meeting the many needs in our community,” Pino said.

This partnership amplifies our quality of care and gives us greater access to expansive resources focused solely on best practices in child care. This provides LECC the unique opportunity to scale up our business model and set the bar higher related to cutting edge care over the next several years.”

Families on the waiting list do not have a change of time for their availability for child care.

Both districts can eliminate the contracts with 90 days notice, and the contracts are for three years.

There has also been look into a second outlet of traffic for the district.

“We know we don’t have a lot of options that don’t impact Cornell or Mount Vernon,” Leeman said.

OPINIONS

Earth Day: is it still okay to be kind?

Living in Iowa

When “The Blue Marble” photo of Earth was taken by the crew of Apollo 17 from the surface of the moon on December 7, 1972, it showed us just how vulnerable and precious our planet, that little droplet of life, is within the hostile vastness of space.

Even before that, the world was beginning to recognize that nurturing the Earth was not only the job of scientists but is the responsibility of all of us. When the first Earth Day was observed on April 22, 1970, it was not just about statistics and predictions of rising sea levels and global temperatures. It was about being kind to our little blue marble. To commemorate the event, President Richard Nixon (not generally known for his compassion or environmental policies) along with the First Lady, Pat Nixon planted a special Earth Day tree on the White House South Lawn. It was the 70’s and the hippie revolution was in full swing. There were protest against the war in Viet Nam, the Beatles and rock and roll gave the world a new soundtrack. Peace and love were in the air. Looking back on that time, I have to cringe at the long hair, tie-died shirts, peace signs and words like “groovy” and “far out” that we would repeat with such solemnity. And yet “Flower Power” was not just a fashion accessory, it was a means of remaking the world into a kinder, more inclusive, equitable place. I figured if Nixon could be an environmentalist, so could I.

Back then, on that very first Earth Day (and I am a little embarrassed), I took it upon myself to save the life of an overgrown pine tree that was spreading over half the front lawn of our high school in Mount Vernon. The tree was probably as old as the school itself and had become an obstruction for lawnmowers, dropping pine needles and threatening the safety of the building and its occupants in the event of a storm.

Undeterred by the administration’s reasonable arguments, I staged an all-night vigil supported by a number of well-meaning classmates to protect the rickety old tree from the chainsaws with our very bodies. (We were literally tree huggers.) Our protest was a success in that the tree was spared and lived on to be a hazard and an obstruction for years to come. When I think about it now, our protest was not so much about our environmental courage as it was about the kindness and wisdom of our school administrators. They allowed us to perpetuate an inconvenience to give us the experience of making a positive difference in the real world.

Things are different today. Now, instead of planting trees on the South Lawn, it’s “Drill Baby, Drill!” in our national parks. The government is banning words like “gay” “advocacy” “environment crisis” and “affirming care”. (Also gone are some silly terms like “pregnant person”.) Elon Musk now feels free to call people “retarded”. Better to be rude than woke.

On the other hand, the first Earth Day was celebrated by 20 million Americans while now, according to the original national coordinator, Denis Hayes, Earth Day has become “the largest secular day of protest in the world” with more than a billion participants. It proves we still love our little blue marble even out here in the vastness of space.

SUN EDITORIAL

Lisbon City Council is taking the lessons learned in the past to help the new Lisbon Sporting Complex get off on the right feet by setting up no parking zones along Jefferson Street and Third Avenue.

With 110 parking stalls currently at the complex, chances are it will get busy very fast.

As a local homeowner Peggy Donohoe brought up another concern that the council will also likely address – the speed limit along those current streets. After all, adding this new sporting complex is going to change usage of these Lisbon roads leading to the park and it’s best to establish more public safety elements now.

The speed limit on Jackson Street right along Lisbon City

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No parking zones along new entrances to sport complex a smart idea Iowa House passes bills restricting SNAP food eligibility, Medicaid work requirements

Opponents say the bills would make it harder for low-income Iowans to use and obtain public assistance.

Roxy Ekberg The Daily Iowan

Iowa House lawmakers passed bills restricting SNAP food eligibility and enforcing Medicaid work requirements Wednesday, March 26.

Senate File 615, which the Senate passed on Tuesday, would require Medicaid recipients to work at least 20 hours a week to maintain eligibility.

In a 61-35 vote in favor of the bill, the House passed and amended the bill Wednesday, sending it back to the Senate for consideration. The bill faced bipartisan opposition with all Democrats and three Republicans voting in opposition.

The bill would make exceptions for children, adults 65 or older, and others who are not reasonably able to work.

It would also direct the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish work requirements for other public assistance programs similar to the ones under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Iowa Rep. Carter Nordman, R-Panora, said Medicaid provides a critical safety net to ensure vulnerable populations have access to essential health care. However, Nordman said more able-bodied individuals are accessing Medicaid benefits without the requirement of work.

“While we should always be compassionate and supporting those in need, it is important to refocus Medicaid on its core mission so that we can ensure it remains a sustainable program for those who truly depend on it,” Norman said. “In Iowa, it is estimated that more than 100,000 able-bodied people on Medicaid expansion are not working to their capacity or what they should be.”

The bill would also require Iowa HHS to discontinue its Medicaid expansion program if work requirements are prohibited as an eligibility requirement under federal law.

The Iowa Medicaid expansion program is known as the Iowa Health and Wellness plan, which opened up Medicaid to recipients who make too much for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance.

More than 180,000 Iowans receive health insurance from the program.

Nordman said the legislation will help individuals transition off reliance on the government into a position where they can thrive independently.

“While Medicaid expansion has been a vital safety net, it is not meant to be a permanent solution,” he said.

Iowa Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, D-Hiawatha, said this restriction is a “Trojan horse” requiring the federal government to either accept the waiver or the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan will be terminated, meaning over 180,000 Iowans will lose health insurance.

“The greed of the oligarchy is insatiable, and I know of no reason why this government should deprive 182,000 Iowans

Park and the Lisbon Splash Pad is always something that comes up each spring and summer as more people come to that park for different events.

The city has done what they can to make motorists mindful of the coming park, that a high number of youth and parents are present nearby and more caution is needed while driving along the street. Yet it is always a concern when baseball, softball and the splash pad are all open.

As Lisbon is starting to utilize the new sporting complex for the first soccer games this spring, it’s a great time to establish the traffic rules along the streets leading to the sports complex for everyone’s safety. It’s going to be a new bustling park in the community of Lisbon, after all.

of their health care,” she said.

According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, the bill would result in roughly 12.5 percent of Iowans — or 32,000 people — on the program losing coverage due to work requirements.

Iowa Rep. Ken Croken, R-Davenport, said the legislation will ruin much of the hospital infrastructure in rural Iowa and burden Iowa’s urban hospital infrastructure.

Croken said the legislation will drive even more physicians out of the state and pointed to a statistic showing Iowa is ranked last in the nation for per capita physicians.

Croken warned this may cause people to delay seeking health care and to show up at an emergency room instead of a primary care physician’s office, which will have financial implications across Iowa.

“[It] goes right on the list,” Croken said, referring to the bill. “After all the other action we’ve taken to discourage people from coming to Iowa, goes on as yet, another good reason why families will not come to Iowa.”

Iowa House passed bill to limit SNAP food eligibility

Iowa House Republicans passed a bill that would provide $1 million in funds to the Double Up Food Bucks Program and alter which foods are eligible for food stamps Wednesday, March 26.

In a 56-40 vote in favor of the bill, the bill faced bipartisan opposition with all Democrats and eight Republicans voting against the legislation.

Under House File 970, the Iowa HHS’s general fund would be used to provide $1 million in supplemental funds for the program in fiscal 2026, but only if the HHS is granted a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to limit eligible foods.

The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, which currently runs the Double Up Food Bucks Program — a health incentive program that allows supplemental nutrition assistance programs, or SNAP, users to double their dollars — would match the $1 million from the state HHS to fund the program. However, the bill would also restrict which foods could be purchased with SNAP.

Under the bill, food items eligible for SNAP would only include foods based on necessary nutrition for good health, including, but not limited to grains, dairy, meat, eggs, peanut butter and nuts, pasta, rice, legumes, and fruits and vegetables.

The previous version of the bill was more restrictive, only allowing food from those categories.

Iowa Senate lawmakers advanced a similar bill, but it did not include the restrictions on SNAP.

Iowa Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, said the policy is reckless, and “unelected bureaucrats” from the state HHS should not be allowed to decide what Iowans can eat.

“It is ridiculous to micromanage people’s diets,” she said. “People do best when they have the freedom to make their own food decisions. Kids who are already living in poverty and without access to the basics are being harmed by these reckless policy changes.”

Iowa Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, voted in opposition to the bill and questioned how it will impact other food programs such as Meals on Wheels, soup kitchens, and congregate meal sites.

Matson said the bill is mean-spirited and will do nothing to make people healthier.

“It will just make it harder for folks who are already struggling to get by to live their lives and make the best decisions for themselves and their families,” Matson said.

Nordman pointed to a 2016 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which showed roughly 20 cents of

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every food stamp dollar were spent on sweetened drinks, desserts, or salty snacks.

He also pointed to the statistic that Iowa is ranked 11th in the nation for adult obesity rates with over 36 percent of adults considered obese, according to the Iowa HHS. One in six children in Iowa are considered obese, according to the 2022-23 State of Childhood Obesity report.

He said Iowans’ tax dollars should not be used to purchase unhealthy drinks and foods.

“Iowans are generous people who are willing to extend a helping hand to those in our communities that are in

need, whether it be charitable giving or with the taxes taken out of their hard-earned paychecks,” Nordmand said. “But when it comes to their tax dollars, they expect there be reasonable guardrails on where their money is being spent. House Republicans do not believe tax dollars should be purchasing things like Skittles and Monster Energy Drinks within a program that is supposed to help alleviate hunger.”

Nordman connected both bills passed by the House Wednesday — Senate File 615 and House File 970 — as requirements “needed to ensure we are helping Iowans

Iowa House, Senate lawmakers advance property tax relief bill

The bill advanced with bipartisan support and will now move to the whole House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration.

Liam Halawith

The Daily Iowan

Iowa House and Senate lawmakers advanced two identical bills levying the state’s most comprehensive property tax reform since the 1970s. The bill aims to provide property tax relief to Iowans, a top priority for Iowa Republicans this session.

The bills, House Study Bill 313 and Senate Study Bill 1208, would limit tax levy increases, expand property tax credits, and eliminate the antiquated “rollback” system limiting property value assessment growth.

The bills advanced with bipartisan support on Wednesday, March 26. The bill will now move to the whole House Committee on Ways and Means for consideration, but is not on the agenda for consideration at the committee’s next meeting.

Iowa Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, said the bill looks to shake up the state’s current property tax system with the bill, but the legislation is still a work in progress.

“We could continue to tickle the system and just play around the edges, or we could be responsive and do something bold,” Kaufmann said. “Which is why I am doing what we’re doing, and that is a complete overhaul of the system.”

Among the biggest changes under the bills 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 limiting the amount of taxable property valuation.

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.

Kaufmann said the elimination of rollback simplifies property tax code and provides predictability for local governments.

“Right now, you cannot budget out more than one year intelligently, or even if you want to be intelligent, you can’t budget out a year consistently,” Kaufmann said.

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.

The changes would be phased in over the next five years.

Advocates expressed concerns over a variety of the proposals within the bill, and most lobbyists who have registered where they stand on the bill are undecided.

Scott Sanders, the Des Moines city manager, said the 2 percent cap on budget growth is not workable for cities.

“Obviously, that will not keep up with the rate of inflation for the cost that city governments need to provide services to their residents,” Sanders said.

Education lobbyists said they worry about paying a large chunk of school funding previously provided by

property taxes with general fund dollars, as the state’s revenues are expected to dip due to income tax cuts.

Republican lawmakers committed to continuing conversations on the bill and assured the bill is not a finished product.

“I have committed to moving slowly on this,” Kaufmann said Wednesday. “We will then continue to solicit feedback and hopefully put forth an amendment that most of us can agree on.”

Kaufmann said he plans to bring the bill to a subcommittee in two weeks and take a floor vote a few weeks after that to garner more feedback for crafting an amendment to the bill.

Iowa Rep. Larry McBurney, D-Urbandale, said he is glad to see bold reform, though he wants to see some changes before fully committing support to the bill.

“This is a very bold change to our property tax code,” McBurney said. “I think that there are a lot of things in here that are workable. There are concerns that I have in speaking with my city leaders and speaking with my school districts that I would like to see addressed … But I do think that this is a good start, and I’m glad that we are taking it a little bit slower than what we’ve seen in the past.”

Lawmakers’ last reforms to the property tax system were in 2023, when 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.

Help available for Alliant Energy customers to pay winter heating bills

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

If you are behind on your electrical bills, Alliant Energy is urging customers to reach out for help.

Tuesday, April 1, started the possibility that customers can have electricity turned off for non-payment of delinquent bills.

“The first thing we recommend is you please reach out to us at Alliant Energy to start discussing options,” said Veronica Stober, manager of credit and collections at Alliant Energy. “We can discuss setting up something like a payment plan to get caught up on the bill.”

For people who are below the federal poverty levels, there is also an ability to sign up for Low Income

Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) for residents of Linn, Johnson or Jones County or Community Action of Eastern Iowa for residents of Cedar County.

Federal poverty guidelines (those making below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines) from 2023 are for households of one making less than $30,120, households of two making less than $40,880, households of three making less than $51,640, families of four making less than $62,400, families of five making less than $73,160 and families of six making less than $83,920. For each additional member of a family, add $10,760. Applications for LIHEAP assistance are available from now to April 30. For additional information, customers should visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/

programs-and-services/liheap.

“If people applied and are accepted, they can still also be approved for crisis funding through Hawkeye Area Community Action Program,” Stober said.

Stober said last year 22,000 Alliant Energy households participated in programs that assisted with winter heating bills, receiving an average of $432 in assistance.

“We know every one can fall behind sometimes in their lives, and we want you to know we’re here to help customers through this,” Stober said.

If customers want to apply for assistance, they can either call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) or they can also visit AlliantEnergy.com where they can make payment assistance applications confidentially.

“It’s important that you stay in communication, no matter which options you choose,” Stober said.

of County Officers to interview four applicants for Board of Supervisor vacancy

The Linn County Committee of County Officers voted to interview four of the 17 applicants who applied for the upcoming vacancy for the District 2 Board of Supervisors seat. The interviews will be open to the public.

The committee voted to interview the following four applicants (in alphabetical order):

• Anne Harris Carter

• Margaret Jessen

• Joan McCalmant

• Sami Scheetz

The interviews between the applicants and the Committee of County Officers –comprised of Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor, Recorder Carolyn Siebrecht, and Treasurer Brent Oleson – is tentatively set, based on candidate availability, for 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 31 at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 Second St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

Requested address change approved in Lisbon Committee

Ella McEntaffer For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon

Sun

An address change is in the works for one Lisbon property.

address change, saying it would better align with other neighborhood addresses.

Water billing rates:

The committee met again on Tuesday, April 1 at 1:30 p.m., also at the Public Service Center, to continue interviews.

The committee also planned to appoint the candidate during its April 1 meeting. This meeting will also be open to the public.

Agendas for the March 31 and April 1 meetings will be posted on Linn County’s website 24 hours in advance at LinnCountyIowa.gov/Agendas-Minutes.

The vacancy on the Board of Supervisors will occur due to the resignation of Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers who announced on February 17 he is leaving the Board of Supervisors for a position with UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation, effective April 1, 2025.

Marc Mohn has requested an address change for his property. Formerly the Sutliff Generator Shop, the location was given the address of 112 S. Penn St. Mohn would like the address changed to 502 W. South St. Siggins said that when the building was initially built, the door was placed on the longer width of the building, which was considered the front, so Mohn has limited backyard space for the solar array he wants to install.

City council members raised questions about how the change would align with other nearby properties, and Siggins said there is only one other address on South Penn Street, with all others considered West South Street properties.

The council unanimously approved the

Another item of note is the changing water and sewage billing rates coming this summer. The city of Lisbon will repeal the 2003 Code of Ordinances in favor of adopting the new billing policies of Ordinance No. 01-2025. Effective July 1, 2025, the first 1,000 gallons of use will be billed at $14.09, with each additional 1,000 gallons billed at $7.27.

Beginning July 1, 2026, and continuing until June 30, 2030, water service charges will increase by 3% annually. If, in any given year, the estimated fiscal rate increase exceeds 25%, the rate increase will be suspended.

The new billing rates for water and sewage were confirmed by all members of the council.

Lisbon students gearing up for National BPAs in May

Lisbon had 16 students participate in the Business Professionals of America State Competition in February and six are advancing to nationals in Orlando, Fla., this May.

Those students included Peyton Appel, placing fifth in Fundamental Desktop Publishing, Payton Curtis placing fifth in Digital Communications and Design Concepts, Sarah Dietsch, Chris Ricke and Riley Stone placing first in Computer Animation, and Hayden Jackson placing fifth in Advanced Accounting. Students in the program are currently

collecting donations to help offset the cost of nationals, via the SchoolPay website. A link can be found on the group’s Facebook page or you can contact business teacher Amanda Zenisek on how to make donations to the cause by emailing azenisek@lisbon.k12.ia.us.

Zenisek said the visual design team from Lisbon placed fourth, which was not enough for them to qualify for nationals, but was a great showing in the 25 teams that competed in the event. Members of that team include Adalyn Ricke, Gracie Cummings, Ava Mollenhauer and Natalie Pumphrey.

Contributed photos

Top: The team of Lisbon’s Business and Professionals of America attending the state contest in February.

Left: Sarah Dietsch, Chris Ricke and Riley Stone bite those first place medals for computer animation.

Wren

and Purl open in new location

in the area at this point as well,” Lindenboldt said.

Wren and Purl held a ribbon cutting for their new location in uptown Mount Vernon at 100 First Street South West.

Owners Gretchen Lindenboldt and Wendy Dorn-Recalde both noted that while the location is new to their business, they have worked in the space for other businesses in the past.

“I worked for Big Creek Emporium for a number of years,” Dorn-Recalde said. “I always loved that business.”

Both have noted that the move has already stepped up the number of people who stop in the shop.

Lindenboldt said that much like her daughter’s own experience with White Tree Bakery in the location, being on First Street has definitely increased foot traffic of the shop, just by being more visible in the community.

“We’re one of the only local yarn shops

The shop has also increased their hours with the new space, open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., matching more of the hours of uptown Mount Vernon.

Lindenboldt said they are looking to increase their book footprint in the shop. The more open space allows more of the products of the shop to be in one location and not scattered over multiple different rooms of First Brick.

One of the things the shop is weathering at the moment – many of their yarn providers are not made in the United States, and are subject to tariffs.

“We’ve been looking to invest in some yarn companies a little more locally as we can,” Dorn-Recalde said.

The shop is continuing their crafting happy hours on Fridays from 4-6 p.m., where crafters of all types can bring their crafts to work on and socialize in the shop with the owners.

Wartburg, MV choirs perform at MV PAC

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Wartburg Choir held an abbreviated version of their choir tour in Mount Vernon Friday, March 28, in a joint choir concert with Mount Vernon Choir. This was also the first stop on the Wartburg Choir’s tour schedule this year. Their final home concert is April 13 at Wartburg Chapel before they do a tour of the west coast that kicks off during Easter weekend. Wartburg choir director Dr. Lee Nelson said his contin-

ued connection with alum Thad Wilkins sparked the idea for a concert in the Performing Arts Center space, and that coming to the space was like coming home with the many connections the choir has to the area. Four Mount Vernon alum are members of the choir – Milo Olinger, Ty Panos, Ben Nydegger and Trystin Lashley.

Among the pieces performed were “Gloria” by Ily Matthew Maniano, “Der Geist hilft unser schwachheit auf” by Johann Sebastian Bach, and “His Eye is on the Sparrow” by Zanaida Stewart Robles.

The choir also performed “Love Is…” a piece written by Wartburg alum Connor Koppin (class of 2013) in honor of a former student of Wilkins’ and Wartburg alum the late

Austin “A.J.” Zaruba (class of 2009). The choir finished the set of that piece with “I Will Rise” arranged by Craig Courtney and Lynda Hassler.

Mount Vernon’s choirs performed “Water Night” by Eric Whitacre, “Domine ad adjuvandum me festiva” by II Padre G.B. Martin, “Nda Wana” arranged by Michael Barrett and “Witness” arranged by Jack Halloran. Wartburg returned to conclude with a few more songs from the “Hallelujah” portion of their concert, including arrangements by Marques L.A. Garrett of “Hold On!” and “Soon I Will Be Done” and then concluded with “Hark I Hear the Harps Eternal” and “Give Me Jesus,” which they invited choir alum to come and join them in singing.

On March 18, 2025, Raymond (Casey) Rickels of Mount Vernon, the loving father, husband and grandfather passed away at age 90. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (Sue) Rickels. Funeral services will be held at Mount Vernon Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with visitation at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2025. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Brighton, Iowa. Goettsch Funeral Home of Monticello has taken Ray and his family into their care.

Raymond D. Rickels, born May 12, 1934, in Castle Grove Township Jones County was the son of Sena Siebels-Rickels & William M. Rickels. He attended school in Monticello. He was married to Margaret (Sue) Rickels and they were married Jan. 12, 1955 while attending the University of Iowa.

He worked at Wilson’s for over 30 years. Ray had a passion for the environment. He also was a business owner and landscaper with a tree and nursery garden along with his wife that began in 1963 thru 1973. He planted 700 trees in Mount Vernon through a city program over seven years through his business career. Among other businesses were their antiques shop, Red Shed Antiques and B & B, “Inn Among the Trees” as well as being a bus driver for 14 years.

Ray was active in the Mount Vernon Methodist Church, the Masons, and enjoyed many bridge card games among his many friends. Ray also participated in international hosting programs for visitor/family exchange developing life-long relationships.

He was known for his wit and infectious smile along with his kind and compassionate spirit. His appreciation & love for life & laughter fostered a beloved & revered family life and friendships. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and loved nothing more than spending time with them. He delighted in practicing organic country farming, playing cards and traveling. He will be loved by & missed by daughters Dawn Thimm and Debra Rickels-Sabin and son-in-law Joe Thimm as well as Ray’s four grandchildren, Treva Thimm, Sean Sabin, Ashley Thimm & Cole Sabin.

CLUB NOTES

Mount Vernon Lions Club

The Mount Vernon Lions Club met on Wednesday, March 26, at City Hall in Mount Vernon. Guy Booth introduced Jessie Thurn who was the speaker for the night. Jessie has been the director of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG) since last July. She talked about the various volunteer opportunities available in the communities and how Lions and other non-profit groups can work together with the CDG.

The next Lions Club meeting will be on Monday, April 28, when Kevin Driscoll will have the program.

‘Hands

Off’ walk will occur noon Saturday

Opportunity to take action on issues critical to you and your family

In conjunction with a nationwide, non-partisan organization Indivisible, a group of Mount Vernon and Lisbon citizens are holding a rally beginning at noon on Saturday, April 5.

Indivisible has declared April 5 as a National Day of Action with the theme “Hands Off!” The local group will focus on “Hands Off Our Social Security!” “Hands Off Our Medicare and Medicaid!” “Hands Off Our Public Schools!” “Hands Off Our Colleges!” “Hands Off Our Veterans!” “Hands Off Our Farms!” and “Hands Off Our Rights!”

Walkers are welcome to bring signs designating their biggest concern/s for “Hands Off!” Join this nationwide rally. Plan to gather at the First Street Building in Mount Vernon or the Lincoln Square Park gazebo on Main Street, Lisbon.

Each group will walk Lisbon Road for .7 miles and merge near Gillette Lane where everyone will be given the opportunity to voice their concerns/ideas.

Bonnie McVay, 86, of Mount Vernon passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, following a stroke.

Bonita Jeanne Lindquist was born Jan. 10, 1939, in Albert Lea, Minn., daughter of Ernest and Edna Lindquist. She was raised in Fairbault, Minn., and after graduating high school in 1957, she briefly attended the University of Minnesota. In 1966, she earned a degree in elementary education from Mankato State College and taught for one year in the Minneapolis school system.

On December 17, 1966, she was united in marriage to Jon McVay in Fairbault. They moved to Iowa in 1967 and eventually to Mount Vernon in 1977 where they raised their family.

Bonnie was a homemaker and the quintessential stay at home mom for which her children are eternally grateful. She was an avid gardener who also enjoyed reading mysteries, crossword puzzles, crocheting, and playing golf.

Surviving are Bonnie’s children, Dana and Chris (Jennifer); grandchildren, Caitlin (David), Sydney, Jacob, and Madison; great-granddaughter, Aurora; and brother, John Lindquist.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Palliative Care Team at the University of Iowa Hospital for their support and compassion during this difficult time.

There will be a private family Memorial Service. The family requests no flowers or memorials.

Please share your support and memories with Bon nie’s family on her Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter. com under Obituaries.

Blame Not the Bard

Cole Corner

Cathy Boggs Cole Library

Iowa Children’s Choice Award books arriving at Cole

The Iowa Children’s Choice Award books for 2025 - 2026 have started arriving at Cole Library. This award is sponsored by the Iowa Association of School Librarians. The award is unique in that it gives children an opportunity to choose the book to receive the award and to suggest books for the yearly reading list.

The purpose of the award is to encourage children to read more and better books, to encourage children to discriminate in choosing worthwhile books, to provide an avenue for positive dialogue between teacher, parent, and children about books and authors, and to recognize those who write quality books for children.

Books chosen for the master list are those written by

There is a list of titles since some may be checked out. You can also take a list of titles to help you keep track as you read them. Cole Library is located on the south side of Cornell campus up Library Lane. So, get

Thursday, April 3: 8am-10pm Friday, April 4: 8am-5pm Saturday, April 5: 10am-4pm

Sunday, April 6: 12pm-10pm

Monday, April 7: 8am-10pm

Tuesday, April 8: 8am-10pm

Wednesday, April 9: 8am-4:30pm

Thursday, April 10: 8am-4:30pm

March 28 – Disturbance, 300 blk Seventh St NE, Mount Vernon

March 28 – Alarm, 400 blk W. South St, Lisbon

March 28 – Juvenile issue, 300 blk Third Ave SW, Mount Vernon

March 28 – Accident, 100 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon

March 29 – Agency assist-alarm, Linn Co

March 29 – Car unlock, 200 blk Fifth St NW, Mount Vernon

March 29 – Agency assist- medical, Cedar Co

March 29 – Alarm, 100 blk W. Main St, Lisbon

March 29 – Suspicious person, Mt. Vernon Rd, Mount Vernon

March 29 – Disturbance, 300 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon

March 29 – Suspicious vehicle, 200 blk Alexander Ave, Lisbon

March 29 – Car unlock, 200 blk Fifth St NW, Mount Vernon

March 30 – Warrant, 100 blk W. First St, Mount Vernon

March 30 – Disturbance, 1200 blk Summit Ave SW, Mount Vernon

March 30 – Alarm, 700 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon

March 30 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co

March 31 – Agency assist- alarm, Linn Co

March 31 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon

Rod Davies,

formerly of Mt. Vernon, is celebrating his birthday on April 17th!

Please help make his day special by sending a card to him at 3011 F Drive Amana, IA 52203

SPORTS

TRACK

Lisbon track teams compete at University of Dubuque

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

The Lisbon boys’ track team kicked off its 1A title defense at the Tri-Rivers Indoor Meet on Friday, March 28, at the University of Dubuque.

No team scores were kept, but the Lions were well represented among the tape breakers.

Gold winners included: Tiernan Boots (55), Dakota Clark (200), Gage Holub (55 hurdles) and the 4x400 team of Caleb Ross, Jackson Powers, Brody Speidel and Anthony Armstrong.

Leading the way for the Lisbon girls’ were event winners Brynn Epperly (55 hurdles) and Emersyn Reiter (high jump).

The Lions also placed second in the 4x200 and third in the 4x800.

Tri-Rivers Indoor

Shot put – 1. Anthony Harrington (M) 48-1; 3. Henry Reiling

4.

BOYS

Winner, Lisbon placewinners

55 – 1. Tiernan Boots (L) 6.66; 2. Quinn Coleman (L) 6.75.

200 – 1. Dakota Clark (L) 23.25; 2. Tiernan Boots (L) 23.28; 5. Quinn Coleman (L) 24.06.

400 – 1. Mason Hoy (Sp)53.21; 4. Jackson Powers (L) 54.25; 5. Caleb Ross (L) 57.71.

800 – 1. Matthew Schaul (MV) 2:06.63; 6. Aiden Morrill (L) 2:21.23.

1,600 – 1. Matthew Schaul (MV) 4:35.46; 5. Anthony Armstrong (L) 4:50.58.

55 hurdles – 1. Gage Holub (L) 8.10; 6. Riley Stone (L) 8.85.

4x200 – 1. Maquoketa Valley 1:36.16; 2. Lisbon (Chase McFarlane, Ethan Stone, Luke Robinson, Dakota Clark) 1:38.18.

4x400 – 1. Lisbon (Caleb Ross, Jackson Powers, Brody Speidel, Anthony Armstrong) 3:39.64. 4x800 – 1. Alburnett 8:32.70; 4. Lisbon (Drayden Nunemaker, Cade Happel, Gavin Hove, Aiden Morrill) 9:12.11. Sprint medley – 1. Springville 3:53.68; 3. Lisbon (Chase McFarlane, Ethan Stone, Gage Holub, Drayden Nunemaker) 4:02.84.

High jump – 1. Chase Klatt (CW) 6-0; 3. Justin Snyder (L) 6-0; 4. (tie) Leon Rogers (L) 5-8. Long jump – 1. Anthony Harrington (M) 20-8; 2. Gage Holub (L) 20-3; 5. (tie) Grayson Wollum (L) 19-0.

Chappell (L) 42-6.5; 6. Ethan Hoekstra (L) 41-3.5. GIRLS Winner, Lisbon placewinners

55 – 1. Rylee Atkinson (EC) 7.36; 4. Brynnley Patterson (L) 7.85.

200 – 1. Rylee Atkinson (EC) 26.57; 6. Brynnley Patterson (L) 29.10.

400 – 1. Lanni Beaman (MV) 1:00.36.

800 – 1. Josi Munger (St) 2:34.83.

1,500 – 1. Lauren Krogmann (St) 5:14.76; 7. Hallie Ries (L) 6:51.18.

55 hurdles – 1. Brynn Epperly (L) 9.11; 6. Mykala Luzum-Selmon (L) 9.95. 4x200 – 1. Edgewood-Colesburg 1:49.13; 2. Lisbon (Brynn Epperly, Jordyn Jarchow, Brynnley Patterson, Addie Clark) 1:53.84. 4x400 – 1. Maquoketa Valley 4:16.52; 5. Lisbon (Addie Clark, Emma Pleasant, Ava Ahrendsen, Jordyn Jarchow) 4:38.84. 4x800 – 1. North Linn 10:43.20; 3. Lisbon (Ava Ahrendsen, Emma Pleasant, Maleeah Adams, Holly Dighton) 11:38.98. Sprint medley – 1. Maquoketa Valley 4:43.34; 6. Lisbon (Paige Epperly, Leila Mayhew, Ava Mollenhauer, Gretchen Moehlman) 5:24.29. High jump – 1. Emersyn Reiter (L) 5-1; 2. (tie) Mykala Luzum-Selmon (L) 4-10. Long jump – 1. Lilee Boriskey (EC) 16-4; 4. Brynn Epperly (L) 15-9. Shot put – 1. Gracie Tompkins (M) 36-4.5.

Mount Vernon track races at Grinnell

Ryan Suchomel

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

Mount Vernon track competed at the WaMaC Indoor Meet on Tuesday, March 25, at Grinnell College.

No team scores were kept. The Mustangs didn’t win any events.

“There is definitely strong, competitive balance among the girls’ teams in the WaMaC,” Mount Vernon girls coach Kory Swart said. “It was highly competitive, and a lot of teams caught my eye.”

Swart expects a much more wideopen race for the WaMaC outdoor title this year, after it was basically Solon and Mount Vernon battling it out last spring.

While the Mustangs didn’t get any

gold, there were some medals. Libby Dix was second in the shot put and Lucy Wischmeyer was third in the long jump.

Mount Vernon showed its depth in the distance race by placing second (Evelyn Moeller), third (Kiersten Swart) and sixth (Edith Dawson) in the 1,500 meters.

On the boys’ side, the Mustangs were second in the distance medley with Logan Stanerson, Gabriel Mahoney, Holden Hlavacek and Dawson Scheil. They also had three placewinners in the 1,600 – Scheil was third, followed by Graham Vavricek (sixth) and Chasen Caskey (seventh).

But boys coach Ryan Whitman was more concerned with the shorter distances.

“I was intrigued with what I saw,” Whitman said. “I’m excited to see what they do on an outdoor track.”

GIRLS Winner, MV placewinners

High jump – 1. Lauren Leclere (WD) 5-2; 4. Eastin Whisner (MV) 4-8; 7. Adrienne Ruhland (MV) 4-6. Long jump – 1. Aiden Gosselink (G) 17-11.25; 3. Lucy Wischmeyer (MV) 16-7. Shot put – 1. Ana Glawe (BC) 38-0; 2. Libby Dix (MV) 37-8.

60 hurdles – 1. Avery Schmitz (WD) 9.53.

60 – 1. Aiden Gosselink (G) 7.94. 1,500 – 1. Kyra Cordes (M) 4:50.09; 2. Evelyn Moeller (MV) 4:53.48; 3. Kiersten Swart (MV) 4:57.33; 6. Edith Dawson (MV) 5:25.66. 4x200 – 1. Marion 1:47.86; 6. Mount Vernon (Swantz, Wischmeyer, Hale, Whitaker) 1:51.62. 4x800 – 1. West Delaware 10:11.45; 3. Mount Vernon (Telecky, Hoffert, Moss, Schoff) 10:32.55; 6. Mount Vernon (Rupe, Bothell, Kinion, Brase) 11:18.54. 200 – 1. Aiden Gosselink (G) 26.54. Distance medley – 1. West Delaware 4:35.90; 8. Mount Vernon (Jaspers, Glaza, Kinion, Dawson) 5:05.72.

400 – 1. Ava Hocker (W) 1:00.35.

800 – 1. Brynn Kartman (WD) 2:29.30. 4x400 – 1. Marion 4:09.55; 8. Mount Vernon (Rupe, Hoffert, Moss, Brase) 4:37.84.

BOYS Winner, MV placewinners

High jump – 1. Eli Patterson (BC) 6-5.

hurdles – 1. Tay Seals (CCA) 8.13; 5. Maddox Thede (MV) 9.17.

– 1. Kellan Harter (G) 7.02. 1,600 – 1. Alex Torres (VS) 4:29.58; 3. Dawson Scheil (MV) 4:34.75; 6. Graham Vavricek (MV) 4:53.65;

MOUNT VERNON BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW

Coach: Nate Grosse

2024 finish: 7-9, 4-5 WaMaC East

Returning letterwinners (13): Cash Luneckas, jr.; Caleb Bartelt, so.; Gavin Plathe, jr.; Carter Gadberry, so.; Landon Grosse, jr.; Jaxon Anderson, jr.; Andrew Barns, sr.; Jakob Yock, so.; Mason Chizek, sr.; Isaac Dausener, jr.; Jonathan Winkler, so.; Jayden Pyatt, so.; Cole McDermott, so.

Outlook: The 2025 Mount Vernon boys’ soccer team has the unique mix of being young, but experienced.

There are only three seniors on the roster, and Coach Nate Grosse expects sophomores and freshmen to play.

“We’ve got a lot of talent coming back, guys that played a lot of minutes,” Grosse said. “We feel optimistic about where things are heading.”

The program got a big boost recently when boys’ soccer became an officially sanctioned middle school sport at Mount Vernon, instead of just a club sport.

Grosse said that will help bridge the gap from youth soccer to high school soccer in Mount Vernon.

The Mustangs return their top four players in shots on goal from last season – junior Jaxon Anderson (15), junior Gavin Plathe (12), sophomore Carter Gadberry (11) and sophomore Caleb Bartelt (10).

Grosse feels the Mustangs can play the “beautiful game” type of soccer, but worries about going up against older, more physical teams.

“The type of soccer we’re playing looks really good,” Grosse said. “We’ll see how that correlates.”

The defense is anchored by juniors Landon Grosse, Cash Luneckas and Gavin Platte. Senior Andrew Barns returns in goal after limited minutes a year ago. He’ll be pushed by freshman Zion Soffo.

“He has experience in club ball and knows the game at a high level,” Grosse said.

MOUNT VERNON BOYS TRACK PREVIEW

Coach: Ryan Whitman

2024 finish: Tied for 41st in 3A Returning letter-winners (18): Colin Bentley, sr.; Kaleb Coon, sr.; Jaks Lee, sr.; Gabriel Mahoney, sr.; Seamus O’Connor, sr.; Grady Olberding, sr.; Luke Paulus, sr.; Cayden Scheil, sr; Cole Thurn, sr.; Graham Vavricek, sr.; Stanley Krob, jr.; Brogan Meyer, jr.; Dawson Scheil, jr.; Logan Stanerson, jr.; Brady Weaver, jr.; Alex Briesemeister, so.; Chasen Caskey, so.; Maddox Thede, so.

Outlook: It is an uphill run for the Mustangs, who scored just one point at the 3A state meet last spring.

The Mustangs do return a couple of exciting distance runners in senior Grady Olberding and junior Dawson Scheil. They both competed at state in the spring, with Olberding claiming that lone team point by placing eighth in the 1,600 meters.

“We have a lot of guys with experience in the distance and middle distance,” Mount Vernon coach Ryan Whitman said. “That’ll be something we really lean on.”

Overall, the numbers are down a little bit for the Mustangs. A few athletes decided not to go out and use the spring to recover. That hurts the depth.

The early part of the season will be spent trying to find sprinters, jumpers and throwers. Some of the younger athletes will be tested early and often.

“I’m excited to see them come into their own,” Whitman said. “It is a development year, but I have high expectations, and have challenged a few guys.”

LISBON BOYS TRACK PREVIEW

Coach: Lonnie Speidel

2024 finish: First in Class 1A

Upperclassment: Anthony Armstrong, so.; Asa Bee, so.; Tiernan Boots, sr.; Kael Chappell, sr.; Dakota Clark, sr.; Quinn Coleman, sr.; Sawyer Feldman, jr.; Kage Fox, so.; Cade Happel, jr.; Kyler Happel, so.; Ethan Hoekstra, sr.; Gage Holub, sr.; Gavin Hove, so.; Hayden Jackson, sr.; Carew Kamaus, jr.; Chase McFarlane, jr.; Ryder Meeks, so.; Logan Mitchell, so.; Elliott Moehlman, jr.; Tristan Morgan, so.; Aiden Morrill, sr.; Drayden Nunemaker, so.; Tate Petersen, so.; Jackson Powers, sr.; Henry Reiling, so.; Leon Rogers, so.; Caleb Ross, jr.; Wesley Sadler, sr.; Daylin Schaefer, sr.; Caleb Snyder, sr.; Justin Snyder, so.; Brody Speidel, jr.; Riley Stone, sr.; Ethan Stone, so.; Jacob Walerius, sr.; Grayson Wollum, sr.

Outlook: The two-time Class 1A champions are looking for a three-peat. It is going to be harder without a few top sprinters who graduated last spring. But there is still plenty of talent, and speed, for the Lions to contend again. Leading the way will be Tiernan Boots, who was second in the 100-meter dash to teammate Baylor Speidel in 2024. He also ran legs on the winning 4x100 and 4x200 relays.

Also returning from those winning relays are senior Quinn Coleman and senior Dakota Clark.

Daylin Schaefer returns after placing second at state in the long jump. Gage Holub was fourth in the 110 hurdles. Junior Chase McFarlane, junior Brody Speidel and sophomore Anthony Armstrong also ran on state-placing relays. After the Tri-Rivers Indoor, it looks like the Lions may have a stronger middledistance core, too.

MOUNT VERNON GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW

Coach: Angie Knies (first season)

2024 finish: 10-8, 6-3 Wamac East

Returning letterwinners (16): Timber Scholl, so.; Isabelle Logue, jr.; Emara Perreault, jr.; Miranda Sellner, so.; Lillian Gaiser, jr.; Keira Bergmann, sr.; Cana Safo, sr.; Aubrey Ford, jr.; Rose Pisarik, so.; Kaia Swaim, so.; Clare Nydegger, sr.; Addison Mullis, sr.; Courtney Franck, jr.; Lilly Cook, jr.; Aly Lashley, jr.; Aubrey Ford, jr.

Outlook: Mount Vernon hired Angie Knies to take over the girls’ soccer program. She is a former Cedar Rapids Prairie prep with a fresh outlook and lots of energy.

Last fall she was playing for Southern Utah. The transition from player to coach has been quick.

“I’ve played soccer since as far back as I can remember,” Knies said. “I was ready to switch to the coaching side. So far, it’s the best job I’ve taken.”

Knies said all of the players have been great to work with.

“They come to practice ready to go,” Knies said. “They’ve made the transition a little easier. They know how the high school season works.”

Mount Vernon recently has been pretty good at girls’ soccer (33-5 in 2021 and 2022) and then pretty average (19-17 in 2023 and 2024).

“I feel great,” Knies said. “I haven’t seen any other teams, but our girls are working their butts off. I’m excited to see how we can improve from last year.”

Knies was a defensive player, but likes the Mustangs’ front line and thinks this team should be an offensive power. Six of the top seven goal scorers from last year return, including sophomore Timber Scholl, who had nine goals and 23 points.

Senior Clare Nydegger (8 goals, 21 points), junior Lillian Gaiser (8 and 19) and junior Isabelle Logue (7 and 23) also return, as does junior Courtney Franck (6 and 14).

Senior Cana Safo returns after logging 1,055 minutes in goal last season.

“The girls are really great,” Knies said. “It helps having so many returners.”

MOUNT VERNON GIRLS TRACK PREVIEW

Coach: Kory Swart

2024 finish: Fourth in Class 3A

Returning letter-winners (12): Edith Dawson, jr.; Libby Dix, sr.; Olivia Haverback, sr.; Madison Hoffert, so,; Evelyn Moeller, so.; Abbie Moss, sr.; Samantha Schoff, sr.; Kara Swantz, sr.; Kiersten Swart, jr.; Eastin Whisner, so.; CaliAna Whitaker, jr.; Lucy Wischmeyer, so.

Outlook: Another title for the Mustang girls to go with volleyball and basketball? It could be within reach. Mount Vernon finished fourth in 3A last season, seven points back of the 3A champion, ADM.

A number of athletes return after a big season in 2024 where Mount Vernon won the WaMaC and the State Qualifier.

But a few key athletes graduated, and a few more didn’t go out for track this spring.

“That won’t help our team score,” Mount Vernon coach Kory Swart said. “On the flip side, we’ve got quite a set of athletes, a nice nucleus that will be ready to go and build on what we had happen last year.”

The Mustangs sprint medley relay finished third and the 4x800 was fourth at state. The distance medley was seventh and two other relays (shuttle hurdle and 4x400) qualified for state.

Individually, senior Libby Dix finished third in both the discus and shot put, sophomore Eastin Whisner was third in the 400 hurdles, and junior CaliAna Whitaker was seventh in the 400.

“We have a lot to build on,” Swart said. “But we’re still working through a couple injuries.”

Swart is hoping it all comes together.

“Stay tuned,” he said. “We’ll give it our best shot, and maybe grab a trophy.”

LISBON GIRLS TRACK PREVIEW

Coach: Brett Epperly

2024 finish: Sixth in Class 1A

Returning letter-winners (14): Ava Ahrendsen, so.; Lohgan Anderson, jr.; Addie Clark, sr.; Holley Dighton, so.; Brynn Epperly, sr.; Mykala Luzum-Selmon, jr.; Leila Mayhew, so.; Gretchen Moehlman, sr.; Janissa Morillo, so.; Emma Pleasant, so.; Emersyn Reiter, jr.; Hallie Ries, so.; Alexa Roos, jr.; Savannah Valdez, sr.

Outlook: The Lions made a run at a 1A title last spring, eventually finishing sixth. If they make another run, it’ll look a lot different.

“We have kind of a really unique mix of kids,” Lisbon coach Brett Epperly said.

“We have some experience, but we are also very young.”

Three all-state athletes return – senior Brynn Epperly, senior Addie Clark, and junior Mykala Luzum-Selmon.

“We lost a lot to graduation, but we have a couple pieces back,” Epperly said.

“We’re working to fill those spots and build our team.”

Epperly has seen growth in the Lions’ distance group, an area they didn’t amass many points a year ago.

“They’ve really put in the work,” Epperly said. “We’re going to be really competitive.”

WaMaC Senior Shootout played

Team Wapsi, made up of players from Mount Vernon and Center Point-Urbana girls’ basketball teams, beat Team Cedar, 70-40, on Monday, March 24, as part of the WaMaC Senior Shootout at Benton Community High School.

Mount Vernon seniors Sydney Huber, Eryn Jackson and Chloe Meester participated and Team Wapsi was coached by the Mount Vernon staff.

Huber won the girls’ 3-point contest.

No Mustang boys participated in the boys’ game.

3 Lions honored on Tri-Rivers team

Lisbon girls’ basketball had three players earn TriRivers recognition, led by junior Kamryn Kahl, who was a unanimous first-team pick in the Tri-Rivers East.

Kahl averaged 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Lions, who finished 9-14.

Sophomore Morgan Sauser was a second team pick, and freshman Kyla Kahl was honorable mention.

Wollum, Schaefer make first team

Seniors Grayson Wollum and Daylin Schaefer were both first team picks in the Tri-Rivers East All-Conference team.

Wollum averaged 22 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, and Schaefer had 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game for Lisbon (16-7).

Annual Spring arts and Crafts show Saturday in Coralville

Make plans now to attend the Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show on Saturday, April 5 at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Coralville.

This is the area's largest show, with over 100 talented exhibitors presenting and selling the Midwest's finest handcrafts. The show is a production of Callahan Promotions, Inc. and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy original affordable arts and crafts.

Among the various products presented at the show are paintings and prints, gourd art, bird houses, bird feeders, ceramics, jewelry, metal art sculptures, pet products, yard and garden art, etched, and fused glass, quilts, photography, pottery, candles, clothing, floral wreaths, dolls & doll clothes, rugs, baskets, aprons, placemats, table runners, purses, wood and metal signs, wall hangings and many more original products.

Exhibitors will also be selling homemade salsa, wines, breads, fudge, barbeque sauce, jams, dried soup and food mixes.

The Hyatt Regency Conference Center is connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and is located at 300 East 9th Street in Coralville, just off of I-80 at Exit 242.

Admission to the show is $6, with anyone 10 and under free. Parking is always free. Show hours are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Senior Jackson Powers was a second-team pick, and senior Tyler Sauser was honorable mention.

Huber wins 3-point contest

Mount Vernon senior Sydney Huber won the 3-point contest Saturday, March 29, at the Pizza Ranch AllStar Games (sponsored by the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association) at Dallas Center-Grimes High School.

Huber made 30 3-pointers in 60 seconds, setting a new IBCA record.

Huber’s team also won the tournament. Mount Vernon Coach Nate Sanderson coached the Northeast team with Darcy Fair of Riceville.

Northeast beat Southwest 86-83, then topped Northwest in the title game, 97-60. Huber had 10 points, three assists and two steals in the championship.

Mustangs soccer has scrimmage

Mount Vernon boys’ soccer traveled to Tipton on Friday, March 28, for a scrimmage that included both varsity and junior varsity. The teams played

to a 3-3 draw.

“All in all a good opportunity to get out and compete against another side,” Mount Vernon coach Nate Grosse said. “Tipton went to the substate final last year, and they have 11-12 seniors, so it was a good challenge for our program.”

Carter Gadberry had two goals in the varsity portion, and Ciaden Boesenberg scored during the JV portion for Mount Vernon.

The Mustangs were scheduled to open the season Tuesday, April 1, against Bellevue Marquette.

CHURCHES

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, April 3

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 “Financial Exploitation: Crime of the 21st Century” by Laura Kriegermeier, LBC, 1 p.m. Friday, April 4

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.

Cornell College Department of Music presents “Opera Scenes,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer recital Studio, 7 p.m.

Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls,” First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5

Day of Action “Hands Off Walk,” First Street Building

Mount Vernon or Lincoln Square Park Lisbon (walk will meet up on Gillette Lane), noon.

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar, First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 2 p.m.

Cornell College Department of Music presents “Opera Scenes,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer recital Studio, 7 p.m.

Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls,” First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 6

Cornell College Department of Music presents “Opera Scenes,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer recital Studio, 2 p.m.

Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls,” First Street Community Center

Uptown Theater, 2 p.m.

Creatives Connect, Cole Library, 2 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

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar, First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 7

Mount Vernon City Council, Mount Vernon City Hall, 6:30 p.m.

Washington Elementary Teachers and Parents meeting, Washington Elementary Room Number 201, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8

Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30 p.m. 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, April 9

Early out Mount Vernon Schools 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.

Mount Vernon High School parent/teacher conferences, Mount Vernon High School, 2-6 p.m.

Lisbon Spring Gardening Talk “Cottage Gardening in Iowa,” Lisbon Public Library, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 10

Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development Group community leader’s breakfast, Cornell College Thomas Commons Smith Dining Room, 7:30 a.m.

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 “Music and Fresh Impressionism” by Jessica Wiskus LBC, 1 p.m. Lisbon Library Teen Art class: Window painting with Chalk Markers, Lisbon Public Library, 5 p.m. Lisbon Library board meeting, Lisbon Library, 7 p.m.

Across

1 Leftover bits

6 They might be kept on someone suspicious

10 Pupil : aperture :: ___ : diaphragm

14 Jason who plays Aquaman

15 On task

16 Pro wrestler John

17 Like a filthy flue

18 Pants in which you may carry a glove

20 Actor ___ Jackson Jr.

22 Meals at boot camps

23 Pants in which you may carry a pen

26 Husband of Sif, in Norse myth

27 Try to win over

28 Absolutely dominate

29 Pass it on!

31 Small handful

32 Didn’t cook one’s food

34 Oven option

35 What the U’s in this puzzle’s solution represent

37 Stick in a bucket?

40 Describe in a story

41 “Me!”

42 Salsa ___

43 Pest that can be a pet

46 Fish whose most plentiful species are the “Atlantic” and “Pacific”

47 Matches or watches

48 Pants in which you may carry a key

50 Script divisions

52 Mirage image

53 Pants in which you may carry a phone

55 Big name in commercial trucks

59 Juneau’s is roughly nine times New York City’s

60 Delicacy

61 Snakelike, in a way

62 Apt surname for Scarlett?

63 Mars, by another name

64 Herb with a silent H

Down

1 X- communicates?

2 Kid-lit character whose name rhymes with his book’s title character

3 Brooding genre

4 Shook one’s defender, in sports lingo

5 States something with authority

6 Salt Lake ___, broadcasting home for radio’s “Music & the Spoken Word” since 1929

7 Book you won’t get lost in?

8 2000s HBO series about a polygamous family

9 Broccoli feature 10 Skating performance 11 Grounds

12 Word before peace or planet 13 Back talk

19 Compact Volkswagens 21 Chop

23 Nest piece

24 Tomato type

25 Bad comment to hear from your surgeon

29 Hearty slow-cooker meals

30 Creative class

33 Ring call, for short 35 Greek goddess of spring 36 Previous 37 ___ Mouse

38 Sulfur property

39 Vanilla holders

40 Certain young parent

42 Made a sudden turn

44 Some of these include coupons

45 Strong desire

47 Make a basket, maybe

48 “Dubliners” author

49 ___ out (intimidate, as by appearing very confident)

50 Mark for life

51 Spanish title: Abbr.

54 Crew item

56 Word with May or D

57 Bark beetle’s target

58 Manhattan component

SUDOKU

To play: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025

10:00 A.M.

(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www. linncountyiowa.gov).

The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Meisheid and Vice Chairperson Running-Marquardt. Absent: Supervisor Rogers (personal business). Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.

Chairperson Meisheid called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve minutes of March 17, 2025, as presented.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Meisheid to approve accounts payable checks dated 3/19/25 #71017267 to 71017328 in the amount of $99,624.62; and ACH in the amount of $1,481,459.84; for a total of $1,581,084.46.

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Consent Agenda as follows:

Approve Class C Retail Alcohol License for Stiles of Celebration, 5977 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE, noting all conditions have been met.

Approve and authorize the chairperson to sign a letter of support for the City of Ely’s Community Project Funding Request for a new fire engine, retroactive to March 12, 2025.

Approve and authorize the chairperson to sign a letter of support for the City of Walker’s Community Project Funding Request for the downtown revitalization project, retroactive to March 6, 2025.

Set a public hearing for Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. to name a private lane, Waubeek Bluffs Road.

Pramod Dwivedi, Public Health Dir. and Wanda Reiter Kintz, Air & Water Quality, presented a Vacancy Form requesting a Sr. Environmental Chemist for the Public Health Department. The HR Dir. and Finance Dir. have signed off. The Chemist position will not be backfilled, and the budget impact is $1,800 which is within the Health Dept. budget. An explanation was given regarding the duties of the Sr. Environmental Chemist (quality assurance and quality control).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Vacancy Form requesting a Sr. Environmental Chemist for the Public Health Department. Adjournment at 10:06 a.m. Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor APPROVED BY:

Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors

CERIDIAN ER FUNDS TRUST - TAXES PAYROLL DEDUCTION $605,624.01

CHARM-TEX INC INMATE SUPPLIES $410.70

CHC: CREATING HEALTHIER COMMUNITIES PAYROLL DEDUCTION $28.33

CHOCOLATES DE CHAVELITA REFUND FOOD LICENSE FEES $200.00 CHOU, MARCI L PEO WAGES/MILEAGE $521.30 CITY LAUNDERING CO LAUNDERING

$373.04

SERVICES

CLARK, MAURISA S FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT $90.00

CLEMENSON CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH ASSISTANCE $112.00

COGGON MUNICIPAL LIGHT PLANT UTILITIES $134.62

COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEERING COMPANY CORRECTIONAL-UPGRADE CAMERAS $7,373.68

COMMUNITY HEALTH FREE CLINIC FY25 WITWER TRUST FUND GRANT AWARD

$1,667.00

CONES SOLUTIONS INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - REPAIRS $1,665.45

CONTINUANT INC PHONE WORK TIME AND MATERIALS $351.00

COOK APPRAISAL LLC APPRAISAL SERVICES $9,800.00

CORNERSTONE PLACE LC GENERAL ASSISTANCE $900.00 COVENANT FAMILY SOLUTIONS PLC HEALTH ASSISTANCE $922.46 CR MEATS LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS $2,666.21

CRAWFORD SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY

CUREMD.COM INC PROVIDER LICENSE CHARGES $844.00 DAN’S OVERHEAD DOORS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - REPAIRS $325.42

MARILYN J PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE $73.46

VICKI MILEAGE REIMB $45.50 DAVISON, ROBERT W ATTORNEY FEES $1,019.80

US INC MONTHLY SOFTWARE/SERVICES $19,533.13 DESIGN DYNAMICS INC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $18,819.72

DETWEILER, KRISTIN L TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB $154.21

DOYLE MASONRY AND RESTORATION

CONTRACT LABOR/PRIVACY WALL

$2,957.75

EAST CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS CONSULTING FEES $2,475.00

EASTERN IOWA HEALTH CENTER

ARPA2022-016 - INCREASING ACCESS

$12,750.00

OP2024-202 - MAT/MOUD SERVICES $8,172.00

EASTERN IOWA ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY HEALTH ASSISTANCE

$487.36

ECHOVISION INC ACCESSORIES FOR IPHONE $101.97

EGLI, TODD TRAINING EXPENSE $280.00

ELY CITY OF FY25 WITWER TRUST FUND GRANT AWARD $555.00 EQUIFAX INFORMATION SERVICES LLC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $60.00

EQUITABLE THE (CR CITY ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION $25.00

EQUITABLE THE (LINN CO ASSR) PAYROLL DEDUCTION $325.00

ESCO ELECTRIC CO HVAC VFD LABOR $133.98

FEDERAL SUPPLY USA JAIL KITCHEN SUPPLIES $3,320.00

FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC LAREDO LICENSE FEES $200.00 FOUNDATION 2 INC CAB MHAC SUD

OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S

HEALTH ASSISTANCE $272.47

COONROD EMBROIDERY TAILOR SERVICES $637.90 FUSIONSITE SERVICES LLC PORTA POTTY $132.00

ASSISTANCE $262.60

IOWA FIRE PROTECTION ANNUAL

SPRINKLER INSPECTION $657.00

IOWA SHARES PAYROLL DEDUCTION $158.34

JAYTECH INC WATER TREATMENT $2,009.10

JOHNSTONE SUPPLY POWER PELLET

REFILLS $149.47

JOINT PROPERTY GROUP GENERAL ASSISTANCE $550.00

JONES CO / IOWA AUDITOR SERVICE OF SUBPOENA $40.00

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK NA PCARD STATEMENT** $262,203.47

JUNGE LINCOLN MERCURY PARTS & SUPPLIES $2,761.80

KARL CHEVROLET PARTS & SUPPLIES $2,742.47

KEEFE SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS $3,616.32

KELLEY, CAROLYN A MILEAGE REIMB $586.32

KELLEY’S AUTO BODY LLC AUTO LIABILTY INSURANCE $4,398.35

KEMP, LINDA PEO WAGES/MILEAGE $322.30

KIECKS ALTERATIONS $60.00

KIRKWOOD COMM COLLEGE ABAN-

DONED WATER WELL PLUGGING $700.00

KROB, NOAH REGISITRATION REIMB $15.00

KROUL FARMS LLC FIREWOOD BUNDLES $1,680.00

L & L MURPHY ASSOCIATES LEGISLATIVE CONSULTING SERVICES $13,333.32

LAFOLLETTE, JEFFREY R PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE $131.16

LAMERE, JOSEPH FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT $360.00

LARKSPUR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION LLC INVASIVE REMOVAL WP $4,592.00

LINCOLN NATL LIFE INSURANCE PAYROLL DEDUCTION $100.00

LINN COOP OIL INC #395050 (ROADS MISC) DIESEL $5,478.85

GASOLINE - DIESEL $12,865.46

VEHICLE ALIGNMENT $319.90

LINN COUNTY 3RD FIRE DISTRICT FY25

WITWER TRUST FUND GRANT AWARD $10,000.00

LINN COUNTY REC INC UTILITIES $10,925.43

LOGIC COMPENSATION GROUP LLC JOB

LYNCH DALLAS PC TORT LIABILITY $3,574.00

LYNNWOOD ESTATES LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE $900.00

MAIL SERVICES LLC MONTHLY MV RE-

MARTIN BROS. DISTRIBUTION CO INC FOOD & PROVISIONS $1,405.60

MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL GOV SOLUTIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES

$124.18

MEDEA INC NALOXONE FOR VENDING

MACHINE $3,240.00

MENARD INC PARTS & SUPPLIES $125.02

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH SERVICES

$2,730.81

PRE EMPLOYMENT PHYSICALS

$1,696.00

MOLO COMPANIES CAR WASH EXP $12.00

MORTON SALT INC SALT $37,015.98

MOSS, JACOB J REGISTRATION REIMB $15.00

MUNIER, ADAM SAFETY BOOT REIMB $145.00

MURDOCH FUNERAL HOMES GENERAL ASSISTANCE $436.58

MWR COUNSELING HEALTH ASSISTANCE $165.00

NEAL’S WATER CONDITIONING BOTTLED

WATER $292.50

NYEMASTER GOODE PC TORT LIABILITY

$40,849.11

OAKLEY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC

RENT ASSISTANCE $750.00

OBRIEN, KATHERINE A PEO WAGES/ MILEAGE $347.40

OCONNELLS TRANSPORT LLC WORK COMP INVOICE $600.00

OMNIHEALING PSYCHOTHERAPY WORK

COMP INVOICE $180.00

ORKIN LLC PEST CONTROL $349.11

OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF CR & IA CITY BUILDING MAINTENANCE $179.50 PALO COOPERATIVE TELEPHONE ASSOC E911 PHONE SERVICE $36.00

PARKSIDE LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE $900.00

PARSON, SUELLYN OUTREACH MILEAGE $26.60

PEARSON, KATHY PEO WAGES/MILEAGE $59.04 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS $13,988.45

PHYSICIANS CLINIC OF IOWA PC HEALTH ASSISTANCE $287.45

PIPE

LINN COUNTY RECORDER REGISTRATION

SERVICES $431.17

SPAHN AND ROSE LUMBER CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR SUPPLIES $2,099.12

LUKES HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION CONTRACT LABOR $10,800.73

LUKES

STRAND, JEANNE A TRANSCRIPTION FEES $229.40

STUELAND, KAREN A TRANSCRIPTION FEES $338.00

TANAGER PLACE CONTRACT LABOR $11,551.82 FY25 WITWER TRUST FUND

POLLUTION INSTRUMENTS $60,067.00

THIELEN, DAVID MILEAGE REIMB $40.60

TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB $1,109.04

U

TW TRAINING LEADERSHIP TRAINING $4,000.00

OF

BATE NO. ESPR047684 OF NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTOR EILEEN A. DIGHTON, DECEASED AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To all persons interested in the estate of EILEEN A. DIGHTON, Deceased, who died on or about December 8, 2024. You are hereby notified that on March 22, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of EILEEN A. DIGHTON, deceased, bearing the date of October 15, 1994 was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Marey Stone was appointed Executor of the estate of EILEEN A. DIGHTON. Any

action to set aside the will must be brought in the District Court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the Decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable or thereafter be forever barred.

Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above named District Court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred.

Dated March 22, 2025

Executor of Estate: Marey Stone 1147 5th Street Imperial Beach, CA 91932

Attorney for Estate: Douglas D. Wolfe, AT0008572 Wolfe Law Office 202 First Street SW, PO Box 174 Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314

Date of second publication: April 10, 2025

Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

CITY OF LISBON

SPECIAL COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 24TH, 2025

CALL TO ORDER: The City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, met in special session on March 24th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. with Mayor Doug O’Connor presiding. The following City Council members were present: John Bardsley, Mike Williams, Kevin Steele, Rick Scott and Nathan Smith.

OTHERS PRESENT: Brandon Siggins.

Motion by Scott, seconded by Smith to open the public hearing for Budget Statement FY26 at 6:30pm. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Steele to close the public hearing for Budget Statement FY26 at 6:45pm. All Ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Doug O’Connor adjourned the meeting at 6:45pm. Christina Eicher, City Clerk Doug O’Connor, Mayor Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

CITY OF LISBON REGULAR COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES

MARCH 24TH, 2025

CALL TO ORDER: The City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, met in regular session on March 24th, 2025, at 7:00p.m. with Mayor Doug O’Connor presiding. The following City Council members were present: John Bardsley, Nathan Smith, Kevin Steele, Mike Williams and Rick Scott.

OTHERS PRESENT: Brandon Siggins, Drayton Kamberling, Travis Bagby, Doug Shannon, Peg Donohoe, Chris Martin, Nathan and Wyatt Ross.

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Williams seconded by Smith to approve the consent agenda consisting of minutes for March 10th, 2025, list of bills and liquor license for Addy’s Public House Inc. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Williams, seconded by Scott to approve Fire Mutual Aid Agreement with Johnson County. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Smith, seconded by Scott to approve address change at 112 S Penn St. to 502 W South St. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Scott, seconded by Steele to approve Final Plat of Martin Meadows First Addition. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Steele, seconded by Bardsley to approve No Parking areas on W 3rd Avenue and N Jefferson Street around the Sports Complex. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Smith, seconded by Bardsley to approve Downtown Reinvestment Grant reimbursement to Nina Scott in the amount of $1,224.00. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Williams, seconded by Smith to approve Resolution 11-2025 Approving Budget Statement FY26. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Smith, Williams, Scott. Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Williams to set a public hearing for FY26 Budget for April 14th, 2025. All Ayes. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Smith, seconded by Williams to approve Resolution 12-2025 Approving Deposit of City Funds into CDs and Money Market Accounts. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Smith, Williams, Scott. Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Smith, seconded by Bardsley to approve the third and final reading for Ordinance 01-2025 Update to Chapter 92 Water Rates. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Smith, Williams, Scott. Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. Motion by Smith, seconded by Williams to approve the third and final reading for Ordinance 02-2025 Update to Chapter 99 Sewer Rates. Roll call vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Smith, Williams, Scott. Absent: None. Nays: None. Motion carried 5-0. The council received the following reports from city departments: Public Works Director Travis Bagby – public works will be shutting down an intersection to pour concrete after repairs from a water main break, working on flagpole rope repairs, and installing new radio readers. Parks & Recreation Director Drayton Kamberling – spring soccer starts this week at the sports complex, spring cleanup will be April 12th, and April 19th is the Easter event. Police Chief Doug Shannon – report submitted. City Administrator/Fire Chief Brandon Siggins – new mule ordered, 409 is a month behind, thank you everyone that came out and/or donated to the fireman’s St. Patty’s Day fundraiser. Residents need to be more cautious as the department had four field fires over the weekend. Busy with meetings, sponsors, planning and zoning, engineering, nuisances, budget and upcoming employment conference.

Council congratulated state wrestlers and recognized a young boy scout in attendance working on a merit badge. Scott thanked Chris Martin for his work on cleaning

Chapter 92, Section 2, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lisbon, Iowa, 2003, is hereby repealed and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:

92.01 SERVICE CHARGES. Each customer shall pay for water service provided by the City. A customer’s water service charges will be based upon use of water as determined by meters provided for in Chapter 91 and any fees imposed as determined by the City Water Department. Each location, building, unit in a multi-unit building, premises or connection shall be

considered a separate and distinct cus-

tomer whether owned or controlled by the same person or not.

92.02 RATES AND SERVICE. Water service shall be furnished at the following monthly rates within the City.

Effective with the July 1, 2025 billing, the rates shall be billed as follows:

1.First 1,000 gallons used per month will be billed at $14.09. (Minimum Bill)

2. Each additional 1,000 gallons used shall be billed at $7.27 per 1,000 Gallons billable in increments of 100

gallons. Beginning on July 1, 2026, and on July 1st of each year succeeding year until June 30, 2030, the water service charges shall increase 3%. In any fiscal year in which revenues are expected to exceed expenditures by 25%, the Council, by resolution, shall suspend the rate increase, in whole or in part, so long as revenues exceed operations and maintenance expenditures by 25%.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LISBON, IOWA, 2003, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO SEWER SERVICE CHARGES BE IT ENACTED by the Council of the City of Lisbon, Iowa: SECTION 1. SECTION MODIFIED. Chapter 99, Section 2, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Lisbon, Iowa, 2003, is hereby repealed and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:

99.01 SEWER SERVICES CHARGES REQUIRED. Every customer shall pay to the City sewer service fees as hereinafter provided. A customer’s sewer service charges will be based upon use of water as determined by meters provided for in Chapter 91 and any fees imposed as determined by the City Water Department. Each location, building, unit in a multi-unit building, premises or connection shall be considered a separate and distinct customer whether owned or controlled by the same person or not.

99.02 RATES AND SERVICE. Sewer service shall be furnished at the following monthly rates within the City. Effective with the July 1st, 2025 billing, the rates shall be as follows:

1. First 1,000 gallons or lesser amount per month @ $15.78 per 1,000 gallons (minimum bill).

2. Each additional 1,000 gallons or lesser amount per month @ $6.63 per 1,000 gallons billable in increments of 100 gallons.

99.03 SEWER DEBT RATE.

1. First 1,000 gallons used per month will be billed at $11.19 (minimum bill).

2. After the first 1,000 gallons, the customer shall pay for the actual gallons used at a rate of $2.03 per 1,000 gallons billable in increments of 100 gallons. Beginning on July 1, 2026, and on July 1st of each year succeeding year until June 30, 2030, the sewer and sewer debt service charges shall increase 3%. In any fiscal year in which revenues are expected to exceed expenditures by 25%, the Council, by resolution, shall suspend the rate increase, in whole or in part, so long as revenues exceed operations and maintenance expenditures by 25%.

SECTION 2. REPEALER. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any section, provision, or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision, or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. PASSED and APPROVED this 24th day of March 2025

Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

ORDINANCE NO. 01-2025 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LISBON, IOWA, 2003, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO WATER

RATES BE IT ENACTED by the Council of the City of Lisbon, Iowa: SECTION 1. SECTION MODIFIED.

SECTION 2. REPEALER. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. If any section, provision, or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision, or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconstitutional. PASSED and APPROVED this 24th day of March 2025 Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

3, 2025. Published in the Sun April 3, 2025.

Sun

All-State Speakers

Sunday, March 30, gave the six performers from Mount Vernon a final dress rehearsal, as well as provided the other non-performing All-State nominations a chance to perform.

Michael Covington was unable to attend the showcase, as he had a work shift, but was able to record a performance to be presented for his storytelling “Muncha, Muncha, Muncha.”

Summer Bowie-Smith, the senior from Solon, was nominated for All-State in two categories this year, one of them performing. Her review of “Seedship” was non-performing, while prose “Unpopular Gals” was a performing piece. Edith Dawson was nominated as non-performing for her spontaneous speaking gig.

Norah Weber performed her piece “A Dreamer is What She Was” and Claire Thuerauf performed “Who She Was” for the poetry entries.

Skye Rodman performed her solo musical theater piece “Suppertime” and Penelope Vig her after-dinner speaking piece “One Direction’s Sixth Member.”

House For Rent

Mt. Vernon House for Rent. 411 2nd Ave. NW. 1-bedroom, 1-bath, detached garage. No smoking/pets. Lease & deposit. Available May 15th. Ph: 319-310-1929

4-bedroom, 2-bath house.

1-stall garage storage. Available June 1st. $1500/month + deposit. 417 2nd Ave NW, Mount Vernon. 319-440-8754

5-bedroom, 2-bath house. 2-stall heated & insulated garage. Available June 1st. 202 1st Ave SE, Mount Vernon. 319-440-8754

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. 319-331-8122

Miscellaneous

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Cornell College senior art shows open April 6

Seven Cornell College graduating studio art majors will display their senior thesis shows on April 6 through April 15, exhibiting a variety of art forms including painting, ceramics, mixed media, multimedia art, and much more.

An opening reception will be held from 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, in McWethy Hall’s Peter Paul Luce Gallery, Cole Library Gallery, and Hall-Perrine in Thomas Commons where the exhibitions will be featured. The shows are free and open to the public. A second round of senior art shows will open later in April.

Each artist’s show presents a culmination of the year’s work, with a variety of media and subjects displayed throughout the pieces. All Cornell senior studio art majors receive their own studio spaces and prepare exhibitions of entirely fresh bodies of work in the mediums of their choice. They propose their exhibitions before the department faculty, mount the exhibitions, and advertise and defend their shows in front of the art and art history professors.

Here is how the artists describe their exhibitions:

Anderson

Anderson uses her work as a commentary on the feminine experience by using a combination of her own characters and birds. She creates narrative paintings to express a connection with the figures and the birds as well as herself and a broader sense of womanhood. Anderson’s goal to cover a variety of topics relating to a feminine experience in order to not reduce these figures down to just their identity as a woman. Anderson uses both acrylic and oil paints as well as paint markers and oil pastels to create textured art pieces that emphasize feelings over realism.

Alyson Brennan

“Reflections of Tranquility” explores the artist’s identity by using fabric from family and capturing the places she calls home. She uses a combination of mark making

and interaction of colors through watercolor. She incorporates paint and textiles to portray the memory of the artist’s home and the beauty hidden within.

Harrison Early

In his new show “Emergent Forms,” Early celebrates the concepts of exploration, curiosity, and the joy of trying new things. Featuring a diverse collection of ceramic works, the exhibition showcases pieces that reflect Early’s experimentation with clay, advancing his skill in new ways. These pieces tell a story of Early’s advancement in art, whether through unconventional glazing methods, unexpected color combinations, or new forms. The show invites viewers to embrace the spirit of discovery, much like Early does in the studio, where every piece is an opportunity to learn, evolve, and grow with clay.

Shaniyah Freeman

This artist’s collection explores the use of mixed media and acrylic paint through traditional techniques with experimental approaches. Ideas of creative ingenuity with personal connection, landscape environments, and overall exploration reflect a deep fascination for the inner workings of 2D art. It allows the artist to encourage rethinking how art can be experienced through diverse media coverage to evoke emotion and thought from the viewers.

Meg Lewis

How did I lose myself? When did I let go of the little girl I once was? Meg had once felt comfortable, covered by the veil of childhood, but now it seemed like a blindfold. She couldn’t connect with who she had been, yet she still clung to the idea of knowing that person in any way possible. Nostalgia, nostalgia—what is it that makes her want to glue this feeling to the inside of her chest, chasing the feeling, swimming in it? By exploring a surrealistic world with her younger self, she attempts to regrow the bond between who she used to be and who she has become. Getting to know this stranger by asking questions and analyzing—What are the things they both like? What are the things that still scare them? What did that little girl believe, and how has that belief manifested in who she is today? How and when did she leave that girl behind? Through this, others might understand and perhaps even question their own knowledge of themselves and this inner connection. How much do we really associate with our younger selves? Through this process, she uses watercolor and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and recovery to create “The Girl I Once Was.”

Lillian Leon

“Fragments From My Frayed Wings” is a multimedia art exhibition exploring the relationships between religion, culture, colonization, loss, and connection. Displayed like a traditional ofrenda (offering), this exhibit aims to discuss the influence that religion has on relationships, how people change when they are exposed to the world at large, and our connection to the natural elements. Leon hopes to communicate with people of all backgrounds the importance of holding on to memories and how art can create connections throughout generations.

Aina Phelps

“Records En Color” is an exhibition that celebrates the love and memories Phelps experienced with her grandmother, Iaia, before she passed three years ago. Their bond was more than just close—it was a soul connection. This exhibition serves as both a celebration and an act of remembrance that transforms feelings of grief into bright works. Using bold color palettes and form, Phelps channels emotions of love, loss, and even nostalgia into these vibrant works. Each piece references a specific memory that the two experienced together, from playing board games to eating lollipops. Other pieces reference specific objects that also serve as links to their time together. The use of color and the abstract style represent how memories shift over time even if they sometimes fade into different forms. Through this exhibition, Phelps honors Iaia’s lasting presence and serves as a reminder of how love and memory can live on in color, objects, and the moments of loved ones we carry with us.

Visiting Hours

Luce Gallery is open Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 4 pm, and Sunday 2–4 p.m. Cole Library is open various hours throughout the week as posted on its website, and Hall-Perrine in the Thomas Commons is open to the public from 8:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. unless a prior event is scheduled in the space.

a chance for our students to show some independence in the kitchen and learn how they might be able to help make healthy choices around their house and in the lunch line,” McConnell said.

Leading up to the hands-on experience, McConnell said staff has been talking with Smigo and his team about what the opportunity would look like.

“We have been doing monthly taste testing in the classrooms to showcase local fruits and vegetables that we offer here at school and also items we would like to add to our menu,” McConnell said. “This gives students the chance to learn more about what they are eating and gives them the confidence to try new things in the lunch line.”

“We hope this program offers the opportunity for young students to develop an open mind and exploratory nature in foods,” Smigo said. “It allows an opportunity for hands on engagement.”

Students were able to make fresh fruit kabobs and hummus cups with fresh vegetables this year. Part of the program was youth getting an opportunity to cut their own vegetables and fruit at the event. Students also had an opportunity to try dragon fruit at the event.

“I am hopeful students will have some more confidence to try new things,” McConnell said. “At the end of the day, we want students to know why it’s important to have full and healthy meals. Creating good eating habits at a young age can have so many benefits later in life and encouraging students to see food as fun and exciting is the best way to encourage them to be brave with their food items.”

Smigo concurred with that.

“This program is beneficial because it gives young children exposure to new ingredients and ideas, allows them to learn to take hands on approach and develop confidence,” Smigo said.

Below left: David Smigo, executive chef at Appétit, lets students see the chickpeas that will comprise the hummus they are making for their vegetable cups.

Below right: Chris Gapinski, executive chef at Bon Appétit, helps run a food processor for preparing hummus at the Kids in the Kitchen event Wednesday, March 26.

Bottom: Regina Finn, catering captain at Bon Appétit passes out sliced dragon fruit.