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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 • $1.50
MV prepares for 20th annual chili cookoff competition
WE Rocked
Sun file photo
A cook from Iowa Big Pig Chili ladles chili into sample cups as teammates serve guests during the cookoff on Nov. 1.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Second graders play a game of heads and tails as part of the glow party at Washington Elementary Friday, Oct. 16.
The competition has grown immensely since its inception in 2005 Lance Peterson For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff is on the horizon as the 20th edition of the competition is set to kick off this Saturday, Oct. 24. The event began in 2005 after Mount Vernon resident Matt Margheim returned from a cookoff in Rockford, Ill. He thought it was time Mount Vernon had something similar, especially since the community was looking to add another October event to the calendar. “I think they were just looking for a fall festival, and I thought this would be a good idea,” Matt Margheim said. “I got on the committee and followed the rules and the setup we had done in Rockford, Illinois, and it started like that.” After getting approval, Matt Margheim approached one of his friends, Mount Vernon resident Lori Winder, and asked if she would be the chairperson for the event. Winder said she was originally skeptical of the event, believing there weren't too many variations for chili recipes. Over the years, that notion vanished. “I was pleasantly surprised by each and every year how many different chili teams we have and each and every one is different,” she said. Event participation has grown over the years, with the first event only having eight teams, most of which being CHILI COOK-OFF | 2
Glow party held for successful fundraiser
group said students raised more than $32,000 this year in the WE Rock fundraiser. “This is money that helps your Nathan Countryman teachers and school with other activMount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ities,” Eby said. nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com WE Rock used to be known as the WE Walk fundraiser and the events Washington Elementary students culminated with a walk around the had the opportunity to participate in elementary track throughout the day. glow parties Friday, Oct. 16, celebrat- This year, that energy moved indoors ing a successful WE Rock fundraiser. for a dance party and keeping balPaige Eby, treasurer of Washing- loons from touching the ground and ton Elementary Teachers and Parents other activities. The Glow party came
from glow sticks that were handed out, lights synced to music from Aaron Truitt’s playlists and black lights in the gymnasium. If students were too overstimulated in a loud gymnasium with lights and loud music, an arts activity was offered at the library instead for the portion of specials. When it came to the second grade, one of the top earning grades in the school, their glow party time began with a heads or tails guessing event for prizes.
Newly-formed MV FFA delivers update to MV school board The chapter gave a presentation at the school board’s Oct. 12 meeting Lance Peterson For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com
The new Future Farmers of America chapter at Mount Vernon High School delivered its first update to the Mount
Vernon School Board at the board’s Oct. 12 meeting. Mount Vernon FFA advisor and agriculture teacher Annabelle Newton said the students have already hit the ground running this school year. “When we started this program a few weeks ago, we started it quite literally from scratch,” she said. “Even though our program is only a few months old, our students are already taking advantage of opportunities and creating
new ones.” Newton said the chapter’s slogan, “from here on up,” is a reflection of the potential they see for themselves. According to the Iowa FFA Association, to start a chapter, the school must first offer an approved agricultural education program. Following that, the interested group must start gauging community interest and outlining philosophies and timelines.
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FFA | 2
NEWS
2 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
CHILI COOK-OFF from 1
local restaurants. “Thank goodness the different restaurants stepped up and provided a Crock-Pot of chili so we could have more chili to provide to the participants,” she said. Since the event’s early years, participation hasn’t been much of an issue. Winder said the committee's goal is to have about 25 teams in the competition every year and every year it either meets the goal or is close to it. The same is true for this year. A notable amount of those slots are filled by Mike Kragenbrink and his family, who are split into multiple teams. Current chairperson Sue Margheim, Matt Margheim’s wife, said Kragenbrink helps with the event by cooking grilled cheese and grilled peanut butter sandwiches for people to eat alongside their chili. Sue Margheim said the family is such a major part of the event they’ve adjusted the dates to ensure the family can participate. “Last year, one of their kids got married in October, and we always try to pick a date where Iowa Football is not at home, and so we also had to avoid the Kragenbrink wedding because we would have lost
FFA
from 1 Finally, the group must present its proposal to the school board for approval. So far this school year, FFA members have learned about agriculture processing and animal science through new courses offered at the school. Mount Vernon FFA president Andrew Dix said the chapter is grateful for the new educational program and he thanked the school board for its support. Dix said agriculture education is built around the three-circle model: classroom learning, FFA participation and supervised agriculture experiences. The chapter also hosted its first event, a Feed the Farmers pickup and delivery event, Saturday, Oct. 21. The chapter will also be involved at the national level. From Oct. 21-24, five members of the chapter will attend the National FFA Con-
food and like four teams,” she said. Sue Margheim has been involved in the cookoff with her husband since it began in 2005, and for the last five years she has served as the event’s chairperson. Before her, that role belonged to Winder, who had been doing it since the cookoff’s inception. “All I did was run around and put out little fires,” Winder said. Five years ago, Winder retired as chairperson around the same time she retired from the Mount Vernon Bank. “I’ve always been told, you volunteer because you have fun,” Winder said. “After 15 years, I knew I needed new blood.” She continues to be involved in the cookoff as one of its volunteers and she said the event always needs more volunteers. To take up the mantle, Winder approached Sue Margheim. Besides stepping into the role of chairperson, Sue Margheim said she’s seen two large changes that have positively impacted the event. The first is the expansion of teams as the first year the cookoff had eight teams and now has about 25 each year. The other change is moving the event from the Iowa Physical Therapy parking lot out to the streets of Uptown Mount Vernon’s historic vention in Indianapolis, Ind. At the end of the chapter’s presentation, the Iowa Farm Bureau awarded them $1,500 in startup funds. The check was delivered to the chapter by Iowa FFA State President Nora Pickhinke. Mount Vernon School Board president Rick Elliott said the addition of an FFA chapter in Mount Vernon makes for exciting times. “We've got the cream of Mount Vernon High in front of us here,” Elliott said. Newton said the chapter has great potential to impact not only the current generation of students, but also the future ones. “We have the opportunity to build traditions, create experiences, and shape what Mount Vernon FFA will look like for generations to come,” Newton said. “We may be new, but we have the drive, ambition, and foundation to become a very competitive program.” Members of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter include: president
First Street. Another change she noted is an increased emphasis on games and activities for teams and attendees to do while the chili cooks. “It gives the cook something to do while things are just kind of stewing and getting ready for all the people to show up,” Sue Margheim said. For activities, she said people have played bags since the second or third year of the cookoff, but in recent years they have introduced things like chili-related trivia to keep people entertained. This year’s cookoff itinerary includes the chili cookoff, the public tasting, the bags tournament, the beer stein-holding event and other classic activities. “We’re trying to up our game,” Sue Margheim said. With the 20-year milestone, she said the cookoff is having a quilt made using chili cookoff shirts from past years. She also mentioned the cookoff will have local celebrities in attendance to judge, something the cookoff has done for the last couple of years. She kept the local celebrities’ names hidden to keep it a surprise for attendees. Even with the addition of new games, local celebrity guest judges and a new location over the past few years, Sue Margheim said the heart
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
of the cookoff remains. “The core of it stayed the same. The core idea is to get people together, have some fun, make some chili, taste other people’s chili,” she said. “What’s changed is it has gotten a little bigger over the years.”
Event Details
The Mount Vernon Chili Cookoff will take place Oct. 24, in Uptown Mount Vernon from 3 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Individual tastings cost $1 and a Passport Card, good for 25 tastings, costs $20. Grilled cheese sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase. First Street East between the blocks of Hwy. 1 (Mount Vernon Pharmacy) and A Ave. (Iron Leaf Press) will be closed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the festival's duration. Cookoff Timeline: At 11 a.m. the chili cook time begins; however, teams can arrive at 10 a.m. and a mandatory chili cookoff team meeting will be held at 10:45 a.m. At 3 p.m. the public chili tasting will begin and will end at 5:30 p.m. The winners will be announced at 5:45 p.m. Event Activities: Bag tournament registration begins at 11:30 a.m. The tournament will start at 12:30 p.m.
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon and Lisbon will see events that host ghouls and goblins starting this weekend. Mount Vernon After Prom is hosting a Mount Vernon Middle School Halloween Dance today (Thursday, Oct. 22). The dance will go from 3:455:45 p.m. for fifth through sixth graders and 6 to 8 p.m. for seventh and eighth graders. Costumes are encouraged. Food, glitter tattoos and glow sticks will also be available for purchase, and a cake walk will be one of the events. Tickets are $5. Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County will be holding their annual Trunk or Treat event at the parking lot of Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine. Donations of canned goods for SELCC or feminine care products for Mount Vernon High School earn chances to win door prizes. Additional activities will be available inside the LBC during the event. New this year is the Lincoln Highway Chorale’s Halloween Concert, to be held Sunday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m. at Mount Vernon United Methodist
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
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com Editor Nathan Countryman nathan.countryman @mvlsun.com Sports Ryan Suchomel ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com Advertising Manager Paul Rowland paul.rowland@mvlsun.com Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com Advertising Director Juli Krause juli.krause@dailyiowan.com Reporting Interns Cadence Dighton Grace Escritt Digital/Social Media Interns Abigail Princehouse
Official Newspaper: Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Bertram, Linn County, Mount Vernon Community School District, Lisbon Community School District
Lance Petersen | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon FFA chapter members: (left to right) president Andrew Dix, vice president Myah Cooper and secretary Timber Scholl, watch as fellow chapter members present at the Mount Vernon School Board meeting on Oct. 12. Andrew Dix, vice president Myah Cooper, secretary Timber Scholl, treasurer Maci Stoner, reporter Ava Willems, sentinel Dottie Kone and officer at-large Briana Brandenburg.
Lance Petersen is a senior at the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He is enrolled in the Iowa Community News class.
Halloween events coming for Mount Vernon, Lisbon Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Volume 157 I Issue 43
Church, featuring choral music from Halloween movies and pop culture. Mount Vernon Community Preschool will trick-or-treat at area businesses Friday, Oct. 30. Preschoolers leave the preschool at the Methodist Church around 10:30 a.m. and walk along the south and north sides of First Street those days. The parade does not cross Highway 1. Lisbon Elementary School will have a costume parade Friday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m. Participants will walk around the district track, and parents are encouraged to come watch from the football bleachers. Principal Justin Brown said there are plans to host the event indoors in case of inclement weather. Washington Elementary will also have a costume parade this year Friday, Oct. 30, at 2:15 p.m., utilizing the elementary school track. Parents and adults should utilize the grass area of the track to watch the parade. Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon encourages trick-or-treaters to visit the care center from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, for trick-or-treat hours. Show off your costume to residents at the care center. Likewise, Hallmark Care Center in Mount Vernon will be hosting trick-or-treat hours Friday,
Oct. 30, from 5-6:30 p.m. The other huge event for Mount Vernon and Lisbon is Halloweentown, which will again return in person from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in downtown Lisbon. Lisbon parks and recreation director Drayton Kamberling is still looking for volunteers willing to assist with setting up during the day, running the games and tearing down afterward. If you can volunteer, let staff at city hall at 319-213-4991 know. Southeast Linn Community Center will also run their Halloweentown Soup Supper from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at SELCC. The menu will include soups, chili, bread, and desserts. The meal is available for dine in or carryout. SELCC will be accepting freewill donations to benefit the programs and services at SELCC. Trick or treating hours will run from 5-8 p.m. in Mount Vernon and Lisbon Saturday, Oct. 31. If you are handing out candy, leave a porch light on. Lisbon Public Library will host Dia de Muertos activities Monday, Nov. 2, at Lisbon Public Library at 5 p.m. Come enjoy pan de Muerto and hot chocolate, hear stories about the holiday and help build a community ofrenda in memory of lost loved ones.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun (USPS 367-520), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly on Thursdays 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 Paul Rowland at 319-895-6216 or paul.rowland@ mvlsun.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Linn and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere in Iowa – $75 annually; out of state – $85 annually. Copyright 2026 Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.
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NEWS
Hwy. 1 Marching Band classic held Area bands fare well at state, other contests
Anamosa’s theme for their show this year was “A Murder Mystery,” a story told in three acts including “A Killer Among Us” with music Nathan Countryman from the film “Psycho,” searching Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun for clues and the chase with music nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com Libertine Tango. Lisbon featured the music of The thing about the Hwy 1. Abba this year, including “Winner Marching Band classic is it’s not Takes it All,” “Mamma Mia” and a competition. It’s a night for “Dancing Queen.” four area schools to present their Lisbon band director Joseph Arch marching band presentations to an said the band was the only band of audience. their size to earn a Division 1 rating This year was Mount Vernon at the state marching band compeHigh School’s year to host, which tition they attended this year ahead they did Tuesday, Oct. 13. of the competition. Solon presented first, their The evening concluded with Gatsby Party with music remind- Mount Vernon Marching Mustangs ing of the 1920s including “A Little presenting “After Hours.” Party Never Killed Nobody,” “Who As director Scott Weber has Could Ask For anything More” and posted in the Mount Vernon, Bands “Putting on the Ritz.” facebook group, it has been another
phenomenal season for the Marching Mustangs. The band has earned its 12th consecutive Division 1 rating at state contest. As well, the Marching Mustangs placed first at Linn-Mar’s competition, first at Cedar Rapids Prairie Competition, second at Five Seasons and first at Muscatine in Class 3A, second place overall. At Waukee the band placed third. The band also earned best color guard. At Muscatine, the Marching Mustangs also earned best color guard, best percussion and best winds. At Prairie, the Marching Mustangs had best color guard and people’s choice awards. At Five Seasons they had best color guard and best drum majors. At Linn-Mar they had best drum majors, best color guard and best winds.
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Top: The combined bands of Solon, Anamosa, Lisbon and Mount Vernon play the national anthem at Hwy. 1 Marching Band Classic. Above left: Members of Lisbon Marching Band play their Abba show Tuesday, Oct. 13. Above right: The Mount Vernon Marching Mustangs perform "After Hours" Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Ciha Appreciation event held Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Howard and Phyllis Ciha’s philanthropy in life was well known, and even after their passing their donations to numerous local charities are having an impact locally. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Lisbon Library hosted an event to let the Ciha family know how those gifts have helped in the community. Lisbon Library director Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez explained shortly after she started her job, she found about the funds and used it to help start a dream program of hers – a food/cooking series for people to learn how to make different dishes. This past spring and fall, that class because of Alice Povey's (one of the Ciha's nieces) suggestion was paired with a kinesiology class at Cornell College to incorporate stretch and exercises as part of the offerings. “People would take small walking trips before coming together to cook new recipes in the spring class,” Hoover de Galvez said. “It’s been a really, really fun program we get to do because of Phyllis and Howard Ciha.” Maria Hagan, president of the
Friends of the Lisbon Public Library, said that one of the larger projects the Ciha donation to the library has made possible was the replacement of shelves on the exterior wall of the library. “Another portion of that project that seems fitting to the weather of tonight is the inclusion of a new fireplace and mural along that wall,” Hagan said. “It’s a perfect space to sit down with a good book and relax in the library.” Nikki Davis with the Lisbon School Foundation said that the contributions of the Ciha family to give to the general pool of scholarships has benefited multiple graduates of Lisbon Schools, with roughly 27 graduates receiving at least $725 from the Dollars for Scholars fund that donation helped provide. Brandon Siggins, city administrator and Lisbon Fire Chief, explained that the donation by the Cihas helped the department to purchase a dedicated truck to help fight grass fires. “The truck we were using was one that we bought in the 1980s,” Siggins said. The donation allowed the department to build a truck that best suits the needs of the department to replace that older truck with less than 10,000 miles on it.
“We designed a truck that it will be impossible to get stuck in a field,” Siggins said. “It has a 350 gallon tank on it as well.” Because they were able to retire the older truck from service for the fire department, the city was able to repurpose that vehicle for use by the water department in the city as well. Siggins said that helped the city add another vehicle to their fleet. Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance director Jacob Lindauer said that the Ciha donation has helped the service in two ways. The first was the help to purchase their newest ambulance, with the donation making a portion of those funds. The second way is a project that hasn’t been completed just yet, but is the seed money for a planned expansion to the ambulance shed to add more garage space and a more dedicated training room for all of the volunteers for the service. “We’re currently having to go to the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department for a lot of our training, and that isn’t ideal,” Lindauer said. “This is one of the projects we’re working on now that the election for the EMS district has completed.”
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COMMUNITY PROFILE
Contributed photo
Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez helps answer community members question. Name: Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez Job: Library Director of Lisbon Public Library since February 2024. Age: 42 years old Education: Earned a bachelor’s in Interdepartmental Health Studies from the University of Iowa, and an M.A. in Library and Information Studies also at Iowa. Family (including children’s ages): Elizabeth’s family, including her husband and seventeen-year-old son, resides in North Liberty. Childhood hometown: Elizabeth grew up in northern Des Moines and later lived in Clive. How long have you lived in Lisbon? Lives in North Liberty, but has worked in Lisbon since 2024. Favorite part of job: Creating programming series focused on topics such as cooking and health, getting to know the local community, and that every day is different. Most challenging part of job: Finding enough space for all the books the library orders. With limited space at the Lisbon Public Library, staff have to constantly find ways to fit old and new books on the shelves Hobbies/interests: Reading, hiking, crocheting and cooking. Church and/or other memberships: Communications Committee Chair of the Iowa Library Association, and president of the Linn County Directors Association. Favorite book(s): ”The Golden Compass” by Phillip Pullman Favorite TV show(s): “Anne with an E” Favorite movie(s): “Anne of Green Gables” Favorite music genre: Everything Favorite sports team(s): Indiana Fever, which sparked her interest in watching sports. Favorite food: Mexican Favorite vacation spot: Los Cabos, Baja, California. Greatest role model: Her mom, who raised four kids before returning to school to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, to become a nurse practitioner. Favorite quotation: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." —Martin Luther King Jr. What do you like best about Lisbon? “The community is hardworking and does a lot of community events. They keep the town nice!”
4 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
OPINIONS/NEWS
OPINIONS
When did Halloween decorations get to be so scary?
Living in Iowa Dan Brawner Remember when a Jack-o-lantern was the scariest Halloween decoration? Remember when the most elaborate decoration was one of those flying witches that looks like it ran into a utility pole? Remember when Halloween was a kid’s holiday? I was going for a walk in my neighborhood this week and I was amazed at the number of houses with large, high-tech and genuinely gruesome Halloween decorations. There were skeleton cats with glowing red eyes and zombies that look like they are clawing their way out the lawn. One place had a giant 12-foot skeleton from Home Depot. A house on the corner had the lawn completely covered with ghoulish creatures in threatening poses, circling around a cauldron of floating body parts. (I’m not squeamish, but if I had young children, I’m not sure I’d want them accepting candy from this place.) And there were demons creeping up the sides of the house, leering at pedestrians. Are they supposed to be zombies—or realtors? Somehow, Halloween has become an adult holiday. It’s no longer a day for the kids to dress up as pirates or princesses and get free candy from friends and neighbors. In 2019, Americans spent $1.6 billion (with a B) on Halloween. This year, they are projecting we’ll be spending $4.3 billion. Gone are the days of pillowcase ghosts whimsically dangling from trees. Now, it’s all-out competition to see who can display the goriest animatronic horrors and inflatable monsters from their roofs. Is this some kind of grisly, horrific Halloween arms race? I mean, whatever happened to “Yard of the Week”? What’s the point of displaying truly frightening Halloween decorations? Who are we trying to scare—children or the mailman? Some of the depictions of corpses are so realistic, you have to look closely to make sure it isn’t a crime scene. How many kids would want to collect miniature Snickers bars and Kandy Korn from a bowl on that porch? And how many pedestrians would think the decorations are real and call 911? It’s not as if there aren’t enough real things to be scared about. Experts are telling us Artificial Intelligence might kill everyone on the planet within five years. Democracy could become a thing of the past. Then there’s climate change and healthcare costs and traffic circles and those self-checkout machines. What’s a stupid scary clown compared to the horror of forgetting your password? Skeleton decorations keep getting bigger every year. Could that be a creepy metaphor for inflation? Halloween candy is getting smaller and more expensive. Is the market telling us we are running out of affordable food? Some fun-loving Halloween decorators scoff at those sensitive folks who cringe at depictions of dismemberment and satanic possession. Come on, they say, it’s all make-believe. Kids have seen so much fake bloodshed in computer games and TV, a goofy animatronic zombie isn’t going to scare them. Have we all become so desensitized to horrors in the news that now we just don’t care anymore?
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POLITICAL VOICES: PERSPECTIVES FROM PARTY LEADERSHIP
Secure elections depend on informed, engaged voters Jeff Kaufmann Republican Party of Iowa Chairman As Iowa heads toward the November 3 general election, our priorities are clear: protect the integrity of our elections and ensure every eligible Iowan has the opportunity to vote. Voters deserve confidence that election laws are being followed, ballots are counted accurately, and the process is fair and transparent. They also deserve clear information about when, where, and how they can cast their ballots. Kaufmann Thanks to the work of election officials across the state, including Secretary of State Paul Pate, Iowa has established secure election procedures designed to produce accurate and timely results. We should continue strengthening that system through preparation, accountability, transparency, and public participation. That includes recruiting and training precinct election officials, poll watchers, and special monitors. The Republican Party of Iowa is working to ensure Republicans are represented throughout the process and that observers understand how to identify, document, and report potential irregularities through the proper channels. We have also established an election hotline and partnered with the Republican National Lawyers Association to provide legal support and respond to legitimate concerns. Election safeguards work best when trained people are watching the process, understand the law, and know what to do when questions arise. Election integrity must go hand in hand with informed voter participation. Iowans work hard, raise families, and balance countless responsibilities. They should know the options available to them and the deadlines they need to meet.
In Iowa, voters can cast an absentee ballot by mail, vote early in person at their county auditor’s office, or vote at their polling place on Election Day. To make a plan to vote, visit vote.iowagop.org. Absentee ballot request forms must be received by your county auditor by 5 p.m. on Monday, October 19. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county auditor’s office by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Voters returning ballots by mail should do so as early as possible. Those concerned that their ballots may not arrive in time can deliver them to their county auditor’s office. A completed absentee ballot cannot be turned in at an Election Day polling place. However, voters may surrender their absentee ballot at their polling place and receive a new ballot to vote. Early in-person voting begins Wednesday, October 14, at county auditors’ offices. The final day to vote early in person is Monday, November 2, although hours may vary by county. Contact information for every county auditor is available at sos.iowa.gov/auditors. On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone who suspects election fraud or other irregularities can submit a report at protectthevote.com/report-fraud/ iowa. Strong elections require both public confidence and public participation. Iowa must continue enforcing its election laws, training election workers and observers, providing legal resources to address concerns, and giving voters accurate information. The right to vote in a free and secure election is one of our most important rights as Americans. Protecting that right requires all of us to participate. My message to Iowa Republicans is simple: Make a plan and make your voice heard. Whether you vote absentee, early in person, or at the polls on November 3, vote Republican up and down the ballot.
Make your vote count by making a plan to vote today Rita Hart Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party The State of Iowa and our county auditors have a reputation for always holding a professionally conducted election process and I have every confidence that this year’s midterm election will be conducted as honestly, fairly, and efficiently as it has in the past. Iowans have an impressive tradition of high voter participation, with 74 percent of eligible voters casting their Hart ballots in 2024. Iowans understand that the best way we can maintain and preserve our right to vote is to actually cast a ballot. Iowans should have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Iowa system as they exercise their constitutional right to vote. Thankfully, iwillvote.com makes it easy for anyone to make a plan to vote and find individual polling places. Iowans have choices in their preferred way to vote as they can vote early in-person, on Election Day, or by mail. Auditor's offices are open for in-person absentee voting during regular business hours between October 14 and November 2, and on Saturday, October 31. Voting early only takes a few minutes, and for urban and suburban voters, it’s easy to get done between running errands and picking up groceries. It’s smart to vote early because one never knows what weather Election Day may bring our way. I know that it’s nice to see your friends and neighbors on Election Day, but a vote in your hand is worth going to the polling place on a nice day instead of taking the chance that we could get a
blizzard the first week of November! Go to iwillvote.com/IA to find your nearest early voting location and hours. You can also vote at your precinct polling location on Election Day – Tuesday November 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find your polling location at iwillvote.com/IA If you’ve requested an absentee ballot, you can either return it in person at your county auditor’s office or put it in the mail. If you mail in your absentee ballot, please make sure it is in the mail by no later than October 24. To make sure your absentee ballot is returned in time to be counted, you can also return your completed ballot to the county auditor’s office in person before Election Day. Anyone who has questions about voting can call the Iowa Democratic Party’s voter protection hotline at (515) 207-9455. Voting is easy and is the only way to make your voice heard, which is why we at the Iowa Democratic Party are happy to help ensure you have what you’ll need at your polling place. If you are tired of the direction Iowa has been headed under Republican leadership for the last decade – with high prices, rising cancer rates and our public schools falling in national rankings – make sure you cast your ballot and vote for the change we all need. The ballot is filled with Democratic candidates who are running for office because they are ready to show up, listen to the voters, and turn our state around to lower costs, restore educational excellence, provide access to better health care, and improve opportunities for all Iowans — urban, suburban, and rural. Please exercise your right to vote for better representation and better results for Iowa’s future.
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OPINIONS/NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 5
What’s with the slower speeds on Hwy. 1? BUSINESS SERVICES C. Sherene Hansen Player
How often do you drive on Hwy. 1 between Mount Vernon and Iowa City? Perhaps you work in Iowa City and make this drive everyday. If this is the case, I'm sure you have frustration regularly with being stuck behind someone who is going too slowly on this road. Admittedly, this is a beautiful drive, winding through the woods and farmland and going across the Cedar River. No matter the season, it is an amazing spectacle to behold as the highway weaves through the hills. I especially love when I'm heading back to Mount Vernon and I can first spot Kings Chapel poking out through the trees. But this winding, weaving road provides few places to pass a slow driver that might be in front of you. I'm surprised that the DOT has not created any places for extra lanes for passing where there are hills that cause slower speeds for trucks. Some stretches that are marked for passing are laughable; they are so short that it would be impossible to pass a car during the length that has been designated to do so. I'm always amazed that the driver
in a car in the front of a caravan of three or sometimes up to seven or more cars neglects to look in their rearview mirror to see just how many cars have lined up behind them. With these short passages allotted for safe passing, it is nearly impossible to get around the cars in front of you and to get on your way. Inevitably, that car in the lead is driving well below the speed limit. At these times, I yearn for a law that we had when we lived in Alaska. It read that if more than three cars were lined up behind a driver on a highway, the driver had to pull over to allow the cars behind them to pass. This helped with people getting distracted with all the beautiful scenery along the highways and forgetting to keep up with the posted speed for the highway. A new layer of frustration with slow drivers on highways in Iowa comes with a new law. SF 378A went into effect on July 1. It states that two-lane state highways will have a speed limit of 60 miles per hour — higher than the 55 miles per hour limit previously in place. I have noticed that when I'm using Google Maps on my phone, the speed limit icon on the map has not been updated for this new law, so per-
haps many people are paying attention to this instead of the signs that clearly state that the speed limit is 60 mph. If you are not aware of this new law, hopefully you have been seeing many of the 55 mph signs being changed around the state. The 60 mph default applies to unposted paved rural roads and two-lane state highways. It does not apply to gravel/dirt roads or multilane highways/interstates (which remain at their current limits, such as 70 mph on interstates). Local jurisdictions and the DOT can still keep or set roads at 55 mph (or lower) based on engineering evaluations, traffic volume, curves, hills, or safety concerns. While some may feel like they can drive at any speed below the posted speed limit that they would like, it is unsafe to drive at a slower speed on a highway. Drivers assume that if you are driving on a highway, you are driving the speed limit. Similarly, it is wise to drive at a consistent speed and not vary your speed back and forth. I love taking a scenic drive, especially right now with the Fall colors. But for the safety of all, let's keep the slow driving off of the highways. If you're going to meander, find a road with a slower speed.
Hinson, Turek debate farms, Iowa data centers in last debate Iowa’s U.S. Senate candidates differed on tariffs and development oversight, while agreeing taxpayers need protections if major industrial projects fall through Anna Olson
The Daily Iowan
From pressures facing Iowa farmers to the costs of major industrial projects, Iowa’s U.S. Senate candidates outlined their priorities and challenged each other’s records in their second and last debate Tuesday night. Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, faced off in their second debate for U.S. Senate hosted by WHO-13 in Des Moines. The candidates continued to highlight hot button issues, discussing the importance of agriculture and economic developments throughout the state. The debate also covered immigration enforcement, rural healthcare, and Social Security with the candidates offering differing approaches to border security, access to care, and retirement benefits. Questions about transgender athletes in women’s sports and congressional stock ownership prompted further exchanges, alongside criticism of each other’s voting records and personal finances. On agriculture and economic development, the candidates debated how to expand markets for Iowa farmers and attract investment while protecting taxpayers from the costs and risks of major projects.
Agriculture continues to be a top priority The candidates offered differing
views on tariffs and farmland ownership, with both emphasizing the need to support Iowa farmers. Turek criticized the administration’s tariffs and said they have hurt farmers by limiting markets and increasing costs. He supports targeted tariffs to protect American manufacturing but opposed those he said burden agriculture and small businesses. “Our farmers rely on open markets and free trade more than any other group,” he said. He also called for year-round E-15 sales, mandatory out-of-origin labeling, and a federal right-to-repair law allowing farmers to repair their equipment. He urged Congress to pass a farm bill before adjourning. Hinson defended tariffs as a tool to counter unfair trade practices while acknowledging farmers’ uncertainty. She said she has raised their concerns directly with President Donald Trump and pointed to agricultural exports and trade negotiations as signs of progress. “Nobody loves tariffs, but what I like even less is an unlevel playing field for Americans and for our farmers,” she said. Hinson emphasized preventing foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land, particularly near sensitive military sites. Turek agreed restrictions on foreign ownership were important but said large corporations posed the greater concern, pointing to pressures facing small family farms.
water circuits that reuse water to reduce data centers’ consumption of local water supplies. “We should be doing what we can to protect Iowa and to protect the tax rates here,” he said. He opposed using taxpayer funds for the reopening of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant — a facility near Palo, northwest of Cedar Rapids, that shut down in 2020 — if most energy is diverted to Google. Hinson, on the other hand, maintained that data center regulation should occur at the local level rather than through a federal moratorium and supports reopening Duane Arnold to help meet rising electricity demand. “It is really critical that we have enough energy production in this country to handle the necessary needs of whether it’s a data center or another big energy consumer,” she said. “We want to reinvigorate American manufacturing in this country.” Questions about taxpayer protections extended to the proposed steel plant in southeast Iowa, with both candidates saying Iowans should not bear infrastructure costs if the project falls through. Turek said he supported the $15 billion Masabi Metallics steel plant’s job potential but questions the risks associated with a $770 million federal loan given the company’s history of bankruptcy. He argued companies should cover their own infrastructure. “There’s no upfront state money,” he said. “The incentives are only there if they provide the actual jobs and metrics achieved.” Data centers, industrial Hinson said she views the plant as projects raise economic critical for national security and the questions domestic steel supply chain, though she agrees taxpayers should not be Both candidates opposed a federal held liable if the project fails or is scaled moratorium on new data centers but back. differed on how to oversee the projects “We need definite accountability and who should pay for the infrastruc- measures built in,” Hinson said. “And ture needed to support them. I think what’s important about the poliTurek demanded no further tax cies we’ve put into place is that they are breaks for multinational tech firms going to supercharge potential future and suggested requiring closed-loop investments just like this one.”
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6 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
Artist explores implicit bias, Black joy in exhibit The Cornell College Peter Paul Luce Gallery will present “Tales of Mundane Black Joy: Who Gets to Rest?” by artist and Kent State University Professor Dadisi Curtis Jr. from Oct. 23 to Dec. 6. In this multidisciplinary exhibition, Curtis uses sculpture, printmaking, and digital media to explore implicit bias and the promotion of Black joy. In his prints, Curtis depicts moments of play and delight experienced by Black men navigating familiar but hostile environments. The figures are visually loud; they wear playful masks and are rendered with fluorescent ink. In framing the scenes in this way, Curtis plays on the audience’s implicit bias,
challenging them to recognize their own negative interpretations of these individuals despite their mundane actions. As he explains, “every artistic decision is meant to guide the viewer toward an incorrect cursory assumption that ultimately unfolds into an homage of Black joy.” In the show, Curtis uses black light or ultraviolet light to illuminate his prints and sculptures. By using black light instead of the more common white light, the artist emphasizes the perspective shift he asks his viewers to make: seeing something outside the dominant visual spectrum. Curtis was born and raised in Canton,
Ohio. He received his B.F.A. from Kent State University and his M.A. and M.F.A. in Printmaking from the University of Iowa in 2022. Curtis has been awarded residencies at The Wassaic Project (2026), Arrowmont Pentaculum (2024), and Curated Storefront (2025, 2026). Curtis has shown his work at the Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair (2026) and the Screen Print Biennial (2018, 2019, 2024). He has received best in show at Goggle Works 18th Annual Juried Exhibition (2026), 1st place (2025), and 3rd place at DayGlo Exhibit at Waterloo Arts Gallery. He is currently an assistant professor of print media and photography at Kent
State University. Curtis will discuss his work at an artist lecture on Friday, Oct. 23, at 3:30 p.m. in McWethy Hall’s Lecture Hall, Room 222. Following the lecture, a reception for “Tales of Mundane Black Joy: Who Gets to Rest?” will take place in the Luce Gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. Both the lecture and reception are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 2–4 p.m. Luce Gallery is located in McWethy Hall on the Cornell College campus. For additional information, contact Luce Gallery Coordinator Brooks Cashbaugh (bcashbaugh@ cornellcollege.edu).
MVLCT presents
Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now at mvlct.booktix.com. At least, that’s how director Carrie Ferguson-Pozdol described the piece. “This was one of those scripts I read in 2020 when everyone was doing a lot of play readings over Zoom and fell in love with,” Ferguson-Pozdol said. “It was such a great opportunity for women to play with some very rich characters and such unique interactions.” After the Elliott Studio Series was announced a few years ago, Ferguson-Pozdol approached with this pitch. “One of the things I love about the Elliott Studio Series is it gives directors and audiences the opportunities to see some of these play that might not have had the opportunity to be staged elsewhere,” Ferguson-Pozdol said.
Joining Ferguson-Pozdol for this production is her husband, Aaron Pozdol, playing Renny Desoto the III. Pozdol said he has wanted to be in a show at MVLCT for a long time, having enjoyed many of the shows the company has put on over the years. “This is just a wonderful space to explore a play like this,” Pozdol said. “Every one has been so welcoming.” Pozdol said one of the challenges is finding a way to fill out his character, as he plays the fourth of four on stage a number of times. He’s excited to be bringing a show that fits the season to the stage right now. “This is a show that also has a lot to say about traditions and the ways we hold on to traditions, that can hurts and helps us in different ways,” Pozdol said.
Another new face for MVLCT in this production is Reese Hill, playing Emma. Hill said she is excited because she gets to use the most interesting prop at the very end of the show, something the whole show builds up to. Hill said this is her first time traveling to work for a show, but it’s been such a low pressure experience working with a wonderful cast like this, and she’s excited to be bringing a play that’s in line with Halloween season to the community. “It’s different, it’s not something audiences have seen before,” Hill said. “It’s also a really tight 90 minute show.” “The cast is incredible, it’s very funny and slightly spooky,” said Ferguson-Pozdol. “You’re going to have a good time with this show.”
‘Skin and Bone’ opening Oct. 23 Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Get ready for an “Arsenic and Old Lace” for a new generation when Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Skin and Bone” at First Street Community Center Theatre Oct. 23, Oct. 24, Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and
A Crunch for a Cause: Supporting Iowa apple farmers Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department, the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun, and Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service all came together to celebrate the Great American Apple Crunch. This fun initiative encourages healthy eating while celebrating and supporting
local apple farmers and Iowa agriculture. With one big CRUNCH, our local organizations showed that supporting Iowa farmers, promoting healthy choices, and building community connections can be as simple as taking a bite out of a delicious apple. One apple. One crunch. A whole lot of community spirit!
Iron Leaf Press hosts Small Business Networking event
Contributed photo
Iron Leaf Press was the host of the next small business networking event for the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group. Chargo gave a history of her business and how it came to be at its current location in uptown Mount Vernon. She said for the past two years she has had wedding stationery that has shipped to 49 of the 50 states (different states were the hold out in the subsequent years). The next small business networking event is scheduled for January 2027, but a number of events are coming up for CDG between now and then including Chili Cook-Off, shop small events in November and Magical Mount Vernon in December. Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Small businesses including Chameleon's, White Tree Bakery, Bijou Movie Theater, Wren and Purl, Bauman's, Crispy Tattoo and Found and Forged network at the Small Business networking event.
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
OBITUARIES
RECORDS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 7
CLUB NOTES DONNA GEINZER
Donna Mae Geinzer, 89, of Lisbon, passed away Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at the Hiawatha Care Center. A Celebration of Life Gathering was held Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Avacentre at Brosh Chapel located at, 2121 Bowling St. SW Cedar Rapids. Inurnment will take place at Sutliff Cemetery at a later date. Donna was born June 28, 1937, in Decorah, the daughter of Harry W. and Norma B. (Borseth) Brandt. She attended Decorah Highschool. Donna married Francis “Frank” Geinzer on June 23, 1956, in Caledonia, Minn. Donna is survived by her children Connie Wright, Cindy Groff, Christy (Dennis) Fagle, Guy (Barb) Geinzer, and Carrie (Rob) Kolosik; twin brother Donald Brandt; special nephew Robert (Chris) Geinzer and special niece Rita Mulford; grandchildren Jennifer, Nathan, Nicole, Carl, Melissa, Jason, Stacey, Tony, Jessica, and Marshall; several other nieces and nephews, and a number of great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Frank Geinzer; her parents Harry and Norma; sister Betty Tatro; brother Willard Brandt; sons-in-law Steve Wright, and Ron Groff; and niece Terry Woodell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. broshchapel.com
Cole Corner
Be Original 4-H Club The Be Original 4-H Club met for their monthly meeting at the Pleasant Grove Heritage Park on Saturday, Oct. 10. Before the meeting, approximately 20 members, four leaders and many other family members and volunteers planted 14 trees to be enjoyed at the park. They planted a variety of trees for this Community Service project. Funding for the project came from the 4-H Club via a Pioneer Seed Grant, in addition to donations from Big Grove Brewery and several local private donors. The 14 trees planted were in addition to the 10 trees planted last year, totaling 24 trees in all. At the meeting, new members were welcomed and a ceremony was done to induct the 2026-27 Club Officers. This year's officers are: Club President: Emma Dietsch, Vice President: Payton Curtis, Secretary: Natalie Von Behren, Treasurer: Gavin Lord, Historian: Hayden Davis, Reporter: Brant Von Behren. There was discussion on activities members might like to participate in at the County Level. The responses were submitted to the County Council and are awaiting review. Members also discussed how National 4-H Week (October 4-10th) went with various activities and posters on display at Lisbon School to promote 4-H. The Farmer Appreciation Treat Bags that were delivered to both Martelle and Olin Co-ops was much appreciated and we received many thanks from several farmers for the gesture. The next meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 15, with a field trip to White Tree Bakery in Mount Vernon. Brant Von Behren Be Original 4-H Club Reporter
Fall community book talk held
Cathy Boggs Cole Library
New fall fiction titles at Cole Library Many new book titles are released in the fall. Have you been waiting for a favorite authors latest title? At Cole Public Library I have ordered many new fiction titles for our collection- some authors will be familiar and some will become new favorites. You will find these titles in the Browsing Room. They are, in no particular order: The Witch – Freda McFadden Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel – Lucy Foley The French Illusion – John Grisham The Hollow Bones – Jodi Piccoult The Witches of Cambridge – Alice Hoffman The Disappearers – Marlon James Meet Me in the Garden – Nina LaCour Etna — Paul Yoon The Birthing Tree – Amanda Peters Partita – Barbara Kingsolver Threshing Day – Rebecca Yarros Dead Beat – Leigh Bardugo Switzy – Emma Cline Don’t forget if a title is checked out you can ask the circulation assistants to put it on hold for you.
Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
The Fall Community Book Talk was held at Cole Library Thursday, Oct. 15. Brenda Langnberg with Hills Community Bank and Trust said this is the 39th year for community book talk events the bank ahs sponsored. This year’s speakers included Chris Bostwick with Crispy Tattoo, Grace Chamberlain-Rowray with Cole Community Library, Meredith Nehring with Cole Community Library and Lisbon Public Library and Hunter White with Cornell College. Bostwick spoke about “Buddy’s Tattoo Shop: Keeping America Beautiful.” “It’s a book I read early in my apprenticeship,” BostNathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun wick said. “It had great visuals and history on tattoos.” Chris Bostwick, Grace Chamberlain-Rowray, Meredith Amy Haney was out sick with COVID-19, but her book choice was “Ike’s Road Tribp by Brian C. Black. Nehring and Hunter White present on books at the fall Chamberlain-Rowray picked “Everything is Tuber- community book talk Thursday, Oct. 15. culosis” by John Green. She said the book fit the description of one that made her cry, but it was also very optimistic sharing stories of hope, fear, death, life and everything people encounter wth illnesses. Nehring read “Bambi” by Felix Salten. She explained the book was a connection with her dad, who used that book and hikes in nature to make a connection and memorable experience that Nehring shared with her own son. White was promoting “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, a science fiction dystopian novel. “If it’s a book you don’t like, it’s probably one as Marty McFly would say “that your kids are going to love,” White said.
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Thursday, October 22: 8am-10pm Friday, October 23: 8am- 5pm Saturday, October 24: 10am-4pm Sunday, October 25: 12pm-10pm Monday, October 26: 8am-10pm Tuesday, October 27: 8am-10pm Wednesday, October 28: 8am-10pm Thursday, October 29: 8am-10pm
Monday: 9:00 - 5:00 (Lunch: noon - 1:00) Tuesday: 1:00 - 5:00 Wednesday: 9:00 - 5:00 (lunch noon-1) Thursday: 1:00 - 7:00, Friday: 1:00 - 5:00 Saturday: 10:00 - 1:00, Sunday: Closed
POLICE CALLS Oct. 12 – Theft, 380 Old Lincoln Hwy, Mount Vernon Oct. 13 – Found property, 400 blk W. Main St, Lisbon Oct. 13 – Juvenile issue, 200 blk School St, Lisbon Oct. 13 – Juvenile issue, S. Jackson St, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Disturbance, 500 blk business 30, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Medical, 900 blk W. Main St, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Medical, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Accident, business 30, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Illegal dumping, 1500 blk Bryant Rd, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Car unlock, 300 blk business 30, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Medical, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Juvenile issue, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Medical, 400 blk B Ave, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Alarm, 200 blk Glenn St, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Medical, 1225 blk First Ave, Mount Vernon Oct. 14 – Welfare check, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon Oct. 14 – Welfare check, 600 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon Oct. 15 – Welfare check, Hwy 30, Lisbon Oct. 15 – Suspicious person, Grant Ave Circle, Lisbon Oct. 15 – Car unlock, 100 blk Virgil Ave, Mount Vernon Oct. 16 – Alarm, 100 blk First St NW, Mount Vernon Oct. 16 – Trespassing, 300 blk business 30, Lisbon Oct. 16 – Fraud, 200 blk Sumter Ave, Lisbon Oct. 16 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co Oct. 16 – Agency assist – motorist assist, Linn Co Oct. 17 – Medical, Willow Lane, Lisbon Oct. 17 – Medical, E First Ave Lisbon Oct. 17 – Medical, 200 blk business 30, Lisbon Oct. 17 – Medical, 1400 blk 10th St SW, Mount Vernon Oct. 17 – Accident, 600 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon Oct. 18 – Animal control, 900 blk Walter St, Lisbon Oct. 18 – Welfare check, 200 blk First Ave, Lisbon Oct. 18 – Citizen assist, 1225 First Ave NW, Mount Vernon Oct. 18 – Car unlock, 700 blk First Ave SW, Mount Vernon Oct. 18 – Medical, 500 blk First St SE, Mount Vernon
SPORTS
8 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
MVLSUNCOM
MV FOOTBALL
Mustangs flapped by Golden Eagles Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
DUBUQUE -- Mount Vernon did not enjoy its trip to the Rock Bowl in Dubuque. Dubuque Wahlert proved to be a rock wall, beating the Mustangs 34-20 on Friday, Oct. 16. "We weren't very sharp today," Mount Vernon coach Brad Meester said. "I always think everything is won and lost up front. We were phenomenal last week, but fell a little short today." Mount Vernon likes to establish the run. But those were tough yards to get. The Mustangs finished with just 35 yards on 32 rush attempts. Senior Jakob Yock had 46 yards on 15 carries. "We've got to establish the run, and we weren't able to do that like we wanted to," Meester said. "We've got to be better." Early on, it looked like it might be Mount Vernon's night. They forced the Golden Eagles into a 3-and-out, and took their first drive 49 yards to paydirt. QB Noah Olsen scored on a 1-yard sneak. But that good feeling was very, very short-lived. Wahlert junior Henry Thier took the ensuing kickoff and raced 97 yards the other way. With the point-after, Wahlert led 7-6. The Golden Eagles, who badly needed this win for their own playoff hopes, led 13-6 at half. "They were ready to go, and we knew they would be," Meester said. But Mount Vernon had won its last two games with second-half comebacks. And when they tied it at 13-13 on a 5-yard pass from Olsen to
Team stats MV DW First downs 13 19 Rush-yds. 32-35 32-230 Cmp.-Att.-Int. 13-17-0 7-11-0 Pass yds. 198 94 Total yds. 233 324 Fum.-lost 1-1 1-0 Punts-ave. 5-36.0 2-33.5 Pen.-yds. 7-52 1-5 Mount Vernon 6 0 7 7 -- 20 Dubuque Wahlert 7 6 14 7 -- 34 MV - Noah Olsen 1-yard run (kick failed). DW - Henry Thier 97-yard kickoff return (Landen Williams kick). DW - Lucas Murray 4-yard pass from JP Elbert (kick failed). MV - Graham Yanda 5-yard pass from Olsen (Jack Carnes kick). DW - William Freund 13-yard run (Williams kick). DW - Elbert 5-yard run (Williams kick). DW - Thier 27-yard pass from Elbert (Williams kick). MV - Olsen 1-yard run (Carnes kick). INDIVIDUAL STATS Rushing - Mount Vernon: Jakob Yock 15-46, Gabe Grafft 5-12, Luke Robinson 3-(-2), team 1-(-2), Noah Olsen 8-(-19). Dubuque Wahlert: JP Elbert 20-128, William Freund 9-71, Ben Klauitter 4-14, Henry Thier 6-13, Lucas Murray 1-8, team 2-(-4). Passing - Mount Vernon: Noah Olsen 13-17-198-0. Dubuque Wahlert: JP Elbert 7-11-94-0. Receiving - Mount Vernon: Maddox Curran 3-92, Holden Hlavacek 3-52, Jakob Yock 3-9, Graham Yanda 2-27, Easton Reasland 2-18. Dubuque Wahlert: Nathan Smith 3-24, Henry Thier 2-49, Ben Klauitter 1-17, Lucas Murray 1-4.
Graham Yanda, it felt like the Mustangs might do it again. But Wahlert again buried those hopes, quickly. The Golden Eagles went on a fourplay, 70-yard drive. Wahlert QB JP Elbert ran it in from the 5 with 3:55 left in the third quarter, just one minute, 39 seconds
Emma Reiter | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Mount Vernon defensive back Teddy Bonewald makes a tackle during a football game against Central Dewitt at Mount Vernon High School Friday, Oct. 9. of gametime after Yanda's score. Then the very next offensive play by Mount Vernon resulted in a lost fumble. Wahlert started the drive at the Mustangs 26, and three plays later, made it a two-score game with another Elbert TD run. It was 27-13 with 2:55 left in the third quarter. "It didn't go how we wanted it to go," senior Maddox Curran said. "Wahlert seemed like they had heart, and I feel we could've matched that a little bit better, you know?" A fourth-quarter touchdown on an Olsen sneak made it 34-20 with 5:16 to play, but Wahlert recovered the onside kick, and got three first downs on the
ground to run out the clock. "They were physical up front, and got after us," Meester said. "We've just got to find a way to move forward." Now it all comes down to Week 9. Mount Vernon (6-2, 3-1) hosts Davenport Assumption (6-2, 4-0) on Friday, Oct. 23. The winner is the district champion. "All our goals are still in front of us," Curran said. "All we have to do is battle back. We can still do this. This was not the end-all, be-all." In 3A, the district champion and runner-up make the playoffs. Then four additional teams across the state earn at-large
bids to fill out the 16-team field. Lose to the Knights, and the Mustangs would most likely find themselves in a tie for second place in District 3. They have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Central DeWitt (who plays Center Point-Urbana in Week 9), but not Dubuque Wahlert (who has winless Maquoketa in Week 9). If it is a 3-way tie for second, it would go to the 17-point tie breaker. Or, the Mustangs can just keep it simple to earn a fifthstraight playoff spot. "We can still win the district," Meester said. "Just get the 'W' next week."
MVL CROSS COUNTRY
MVL boys’ first, girls’ third at WaMaC Championships Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
CEDAR RAPIDS -- Every member of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon boys cross country varsity team had to find another gear in the final mile during the WaMaC Championships on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Seminole Valley Park. And they did. Winning a second-straight WaMaC title, beating Clear Creek Amana 44 points to 47. "That was our main goal coming in," senior Kyler Happel said. "I went with 800 meters to go. I trusted my training and wanted to finish it out strong." Happel finished third in 15:55.3, behind only Carson Meskimen of CCA and Collin Cook of Marion. With a three-point margin, every late pass was critical. "That was a heavyweight fight, honestly," MVL coach Kory Swart said. "CCA had the upper hand at two miles. I just told the guys to trust their fitness.
"Some huge things happened in that last mile." Not only did Happel pass a Clipper, Anthony Armstrong (who finished sixth), freshmen twins Casey Swart (8) and Adam Swart (18), plus sophomore Connor Teague (9) all made a big push. "It was a total team effort," Coach Swart said. The MVL girls used a total team effort to finish third with 81 points, behind Williamsburg (42) and Solon (74), but it was Evelyn Moeller who again was the star. The senior won the girls race in 16 minutes, 38.2 seconds, over a minute ahead of second-place Harper Winegarden of Williamsburg (17:46.3). "I'm running out of superlatives," Swart said. "Every week she does something special. Today, we kind of let her loose to see what she can do on a great day, with great conditions. It was a pleasure to watch." Her time set a course record and WaMaC record and it also was her season best. There have only been two runners to go under 17 minutes at the state meet. Marissa Ferebee of Pella in 2024 (16:30.9) and Paityn Noe of Ballard in 2022 (16:48.6).
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
SPORTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 9 WaMaC Championships Boys team scores - 1. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 44; 2. Clear Creek Amana 47; 3. Benton Community 63; 4. Marion 111; 5. Grinnell 148; 6. Williamsburg 158; 7. Solon 185; 8. Center Point-Urbana 198; 9. South Tama County 240; 10. West Delaware 284; 11. Vinton-Shellsburg 316; 12. Independence 361. Top 5 - 1. Carson Meskimen (CCA) 15:33.4; 2. Collin Cook (M) 15:52.8; 3. Kyler Happel (MVL) 15:55.3; 3. Jack Lange (BC) 15:59.8; 5. Mason Miller (CCA) 16:00.3. MVL - 3. Happel; 6. Anthony Armstrong 16:01.3; 8. Casey Swart 16:19.7; 9. Connor Teague 16:21.0; 18. Adam Swart 16:58.0; 25. Chasen Caskey 17:14.4; 29. Dashtyn Caskey 17:18.3. Girls team scores - 1. Williamsburg 42; 2. Solon 74; 3. Mount Vernon-Lisbon 81; 4. Clear Creek Amana 97; 5. Center Point-Urbana 121; 6. Marion 156; 7. Benton Community; 8. West Delaware 186; 9. Vinton-Shellsburg 292; 10. South Tama County 312. Top 5 - 1. Evelyn Moeller (MVL) 16:38.2; 2. Harper Winegarden (W) 17:46.3; 3. Aaliyah Causey (CPU) 18:05.9; 4. Ali Seidl (CCA) 18:31.7; 5. Keira Cooney (CCA) 18:42.2. MVL - 1. Moeller; 13. Rose Pisarik 19:57.8; 16. Miranda Sellner 20:01.6; 17. Sorell Telecky 20:02.0; 34. Caroline Rupe 20:48.5; 39. Charlie Stewart 21:22.8; 41. Torie Johnson 21:30.6.
"It is not her No. 1 objective," Swart said of breaking the state record. "Her No. 1 thing is to win a state title and help her team." The Mustang girls looked more capable of qualifying for state as a team. Rose Pisarik (13th), Miranda Sellener (16th), Sorell Telecky (17th) and Caroline Rupe (34th) have cut a lot of seconds off their times the past few weeks. "We are always sticking close together and doing the best we can to close that gap," Pisarik said. "It has really been such a journey." Coach Swart had warned them a few weeks prior if they didn't pick it up, they may not be good enough to qualify for state. The SQM is Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Independence. Photos by Katie Blodig | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Opposite page: Mount Vernon-Lisbon's Kyler Happel (left) and Anthony Armstrong (right) compete at the WaMaC Conference cross country meet Wednesday, Oct. 14. Happel finished third with a time of 15:55.3, and Armstrong finished sixth with a time of 16:01.3. Right: Mount Vernon-Lisbon's Evelyn Moeller competes at the WaMaC Conference cross country meet Wednesday, Oct. 14. Moeller finished first in a time of 16:38.2.
MV VOLLEYBALL
MV wins against VS, defeated by Grinnell Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The WaMaC is loaded in volleyball. And No. 8 (3A) Mount Vernon didn't have its top stuff on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the conference tournament in Solon. After beating Vinton-Shellsburg in the opening round, 25-17, 25-6, the Mustangs were eliminated by No. 12 (4A) Grinnell, 25-22, 18-25, 15-12. "We massively underperformed," Mount Vernon coach Maggie Willems said. "The way we lost has to do with mindset and response to stress. We did not do that well." No. 4 (4A) Clear Creek Amana ended up beating No. 5 (3A) Solon in the championship. The tournament also featured No. 6 (3A) Center Point-Urbana, No. 8 (4A) Marion, and No. 13 (3A) West Delaware. "The west side is much improved," Willems said. "And add Waverly-Shell Rock next year. "Our conference prepares you for big matches in October."
Senor Sophia Meester led the attack with 14 kills in the two matches. Brynlee Bettcher added nine kills and Stella Merino had six kills. Madison Hoffert had 39 assists and Mavrik Schweer had 18 digs. "There was no consistency, continuity to our play," Willems said. "Grinnell is good. It is not that we lost, but how we lost that bothered me." Mount Vernon (25-11) won't have much time to right the ship. They opened Class 3A Region 8 play against Maquoketa (3-19) on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and then host either Anamosa (19-17) or Monticello (2013) on Thursday, Oct. 22. The regional final would be Tuesday, Oct. 27, at a site to be determined. The Mustangs are hoping for an eighthstraight trip to the state tournament, and 18th time in the last 20 seasons. "Now is the time to have honest conversations and accountability," Willems said. "About how to improve. We're not done yet. "There are doing to be several teams that didn't win a WaMaC title that are going to the state tournament."
Photos by Emma Reiter | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: Mount Vernon setter Madison Hoffert and middle hitter Brynlee Bettcher attempt a block during a volleyball match in the WaMaC conference tournament at Solon High School on Thursday, Oct. 15. Left: Mount Vernon libero Mavrik Schweer celebrates with her team during a volleyball match in the WaMaC conference tournament at Solon High School on Thursday, Oct. 15.
LISBON FOOTBALL
Lions stomped by Trailblazers 49-14 Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Lisbon football closed the 2026 season with a 49-14 loss Friday, Oct. 16, at Dyersville Beckman. The Lions took the opening drive from their own 21 to the Blazers 21, before fumbling. "We gave it away there," Lisbon coach Alex Dean said. "It is hard to come back from shooting yourself in the foot. Good teams make you pay for that stuff." Beckman ended up scoring touchdowns on its first seven possessions, going up 42-0 at half and 49-0 early in the third quarter. Lisbon (3-5, 1-4) got two late scores. Ryder Meeks had a 48-yard touchdown run, and a 4-yard TD run.
Dean said the Lions kept fighting. "You just try to make plays that aren't your plays to make," Dean said. "They were trying their hardest to get momentum back." Meeks finished with 105 rushing yards on 13 carries. QB Tyler Kubovec had 90 rushing yards on 12 carries. Beckman (7-1, 4-1) rolled up 428 yards and into the 1A playoffs. The Lions went from zero wins in 2025, to three this fall. "I'm really proud of this groups' growth," Dean said. "These seniors brought something unique. They've shown the ability to handle adversity. "I'm grateful for the seniors who stuck it out, through the 0-8 season. And we started with East Buchanan, and they put it to us (48-7 in Week 1). It would've been easy to hang
their heads and think 'here we go again' but they didn't allow that to happen." The IHSAA will reclassify teams before the 2027 season. Dean wasn't sure if the Lions would remain one of the smallest 1A schools, or revert back to Class A. "Ultimately, you don't know until you know," Dean said. "You control what you can control. Get these guys in the weight room."
Emma Reiter | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Lisbon wide receiver Ethan Stone runs with the football during a football game against Camanche at Lisbon High School on Friday, Oct. 9.
SPORTS/NEWS
10 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
SPORTS BRIEF
Kernoustie Hole–in-one Matt Plotz of Ely hit a hole-in-one Oct. 12 at Kernoustie Golf Course. He aced hole No. 8 while golfing with friends.
LISBON VOLLEYBALL
Lisbon 0-3 at River Valley tournament Post-season play starts for Lions Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The bad news, Lisbon volleyball went 0-3 at the River Valley Tournament Monday, Oct. 12, in Cascade. The good news, despite losing their final match against West Liberty, the Lions played as well as they had all year. "They did a nice job, even in the third set," Lisbon coach Lance Kamaus said. "We got down 8-3 and came all the way back, and were right there at the end." Ultimately, it was a 21-17, 18-21, 15-13 loss to West Liberty. Also in pool play, Lisbon lost to No. 3 (2A) Dyersville Beckman 21-6, 21-11, and to Camanche 21-12, 21-14. "Beckman is the real deal," Kamaus said. "They are one of the favorites to win 2A, and nothing we saw changes the view of that." Shea Benhart led the Lions in kills over the three matches, with 14. Ella Czarnecki had 12 kills, Kayla Bergman nine, and Quinn Roos eight. KJ Kamaus had 37 assists and Kyla Kahl had 40 digs. "We played a strong match against a really good 3A team to end the night," Kamaus said. "Hopefully that'll bode well for Wednesday." Lisbon (22-16) opened Class 2A regional play with a home match against South Hardin (10-21) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Lions Den. It is the 10th straight year the Lions opened regional play at home. "That means you had a successful regular season," Kamaus said. "And the state trusts you to put on a quality event. We don't take that lightly." Win and Lisbon advances to play at No. 10 Hudson (33-8) on Monday, Oct. 26.
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM
Linn County Board of Supervisors approves host community agreement with Interstate Power and Light (IPL) Approval of the host community agreement is not an approval of the Morgan Valley Energy Center project The Linn County Board of Supervisors today approved a host community agreement with Interstate Power and Light (IPL) for the Morgan Valley Energy Center, a natural gas electric generating facility that Alliant Energy is proposing to build on the west side of Linn County. The agreement passed in a 2-1 vote. Approval of the host community agreement is not an approval of the project or the rezoning application. Linn County’s ordinance requires a host community agreement as part of rezoning applications in the Exclusive Use Two (EU-2) zoning districts. The Linn County Planning & Zoning Commission and the Linn County Board of Supervisors must still evaluate and vote on the rezoning application for the Morgan Valley Energy Center based on the standards for approval and compliance with Linn County’s Comprehensive Plan. The Planning & Zoning Commission will meet to review the rezoning application for a second time Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Kirkwood Hotel and the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and first consideration Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. also at the Kirkwood Hotel. The purpose of a host community agreement
is to cover government costs and functions associated with hosting a power generation facility like the Morgan Valley Energy Center. “There is no language in the host community agreement linking it to a vote on the rezoning application. This agreement stands on its own,” Linn County Director of Planning & Development Charlie Nicholos said. “The reason the Board of Supervisors is voting on the host community agreement before they vote on the rezoning application is because Linn County requires a host community agreement as part of any rezoning application in the Exclusive Use Two (EU-2) zoning districts.” The approved agreement states IPL will pay Linn County $5.3 million during construction in four $1.325 million annual installments. Once commercial operation begins, IPL will pay $50,000 to Linn County each year with a 2% annual escalator. Total payments over a 30-year operating period, including construction payments, equals approximately $7.33 million. The funding would cover County expenses in the following categories: • Emergency preparedness and response • Public safety • Infrastructure maintenance • Environmental monitoring and oversight • Intergovernmental coordination
• Community outreach • Economic development • Long-range planning
Key Points of the Host Community Agreement • The agreement is valid from the date it is signed by both parties independent of any vote on the rezoning case. • The agreement may be terminated by IPL if IPL decides not to proceed with the project and notifies Linn County in writing. • The agreement applies to any future owners/ operators of the Morgan Valley Energy Center (MVEC). • A material expansion of the MVEC will require a new or amended host community agreement. • Material expansion is defined as a 10% or greater increase in nameplate generating capacity, addition of a generating unit, combined-cycle conversion, or another change that materially increases or extends facility operations. Linn County Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt voted against the host community agreement. The full host community agreement is available on the Linn County website.
Lisbon City Council department heads share plans as winter approaches Cadence Dighton Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com
berling, shared during the meeting that flag football and soccer have officially wrapped up as of this week, and girls’ basketball will begin the week of Halloween.
After approving various projects around town, the Lisbon City Council heard reports from department heads at the Monday, Oct. 12 Library director absent, meeting. councilmember shares report Before jumping into reports, however, Dave Schechinger, Lisbon’s city engineer, answered instead a question asked by Lisbon’s mayor, Doug O’Connor, about the status of the well-capping With the Lisbon Public Library’s director at Pleasant Grove Heritage Park. absent from the Oct. 12 Lisbon City Council “We’re going to try to get that lined up to get meeting, councilmember John Bardsley shared the service put in so we can plug the well, but we the report. need to get water there first,” Schechinger said. According to Bardsley, the library hosted a dedication ceremony for the new shelving and Public works director report fireplace on the west wall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15 (see page ( )). The ceremony was held During the Monday, Oct. 12 Lisbon City Coun- “to express their thanks to the Cihas for the generous donation from that estate,” according to cil meeting, Lisbon’s public works director, Bardsley. Travis Bagby, explained that the department had been working on winterize the pool in the splash Fire chief report pad at Lisbon City Park. As part of that process, a contractor had to Brandon Siggins, Lisbon’s fire chief, shared come in to redo some of the caulking in the pool, that he, too, attended the library’s event Oct. a task that must be completed every five or six 15, as there was a donation by the Cihas to the years, depending on the amount of wear and fire department as well. tear, according to Bagby. Siggins took the grass truck to the ceremony Additionally, Bagby explained the reason that for the Ciha family to see, because the money leaf pickup had been delayed leading up to the from the donation was used to purchase the Oct. 12 meeting: the impeller for the leaf bag had truck, as well as cover the retrofitting, the tank gone bad, and when the new one—which was and the building of the truck. ordered this spring—arrived, it was the wrong At the station, Dale Happel, a member of the one. fire department, hosted 120 elementary students The correct one was ordered as soon as the to learn about fire prevention during national mistake was noticed. This is the first time that fire prevention week. the impeller has gone out, so it should not be a Each year during fire prevention week, the reoccurring cost for the city. elementary students visit the station and particAlongside the projects that the council ipate in a poster contest in which they can win approved, Bagby shared projects within his trophies, Dairy Queen gift cards and a ride home department, including the street and curbs in in a fire truck. Grant Ave Circle and on Sumter Ave. Going forward, the department will be sending “We’ve been watching it. The only way to fix it some firefighters to complete some live training is to tear it out, so we’ve been waiting. The prob- at the new Mount Vernon Training Center Nov. lem is there was no real sub-base put in for that 7 and 8. development. [...] So, this is the cause of that,” “They’re hoping to fill this class up, and with Bagby said. He hopes to have those repairs com- that then, the fees that they’ll collect with that, plete before winter. they’re going to open the training center up Bagby also worked with the DNR to get a for neighboring departments to use,” Siggins water inspection complete, which he will have explained. “So, we're going to make sure to send the details for at the next Lisbon City Council a few guys over there.” meeting Oct. 26.
Parks and rec director report Lisbon’s parks and rec director, Drayton Kam-
City administrator report
Speaking as Lisbon’s city administrator, Brandon Siggins shared an update on the sports complex project.
According to Siggins, Alliant Energy has bored in the power, and power is now available up to the middle of the facility. Going forward, the goal is to have holes drilled for the bases of the lights, and for the electrician to get power out to each of those locations before winter arrives. Lisbon has seen many empty businesses recently, and a couple of them are going to have new life soon: the U.S. Cellular location next to Rickard Sign and Design on Highway 30, the old Elite Stone property on Myers Drive and the Elite Stone building next to Nolz Chiropractic on Highway 30. Replacing what used to be U.S. Cellular, Ability Physical Therapy has taken over that space will be opening another location there. As for the Elite Stone locations, the one along Highway 30 will hold Mechanicsville Phone Company. Siggins did not share what will be moving into the Myers Drive location. There are other businesses that remain empty, however. Currently, Gwen’s is vacant, and according to Siggins, they might be turning to a realtor. Additionally, Siggins said Duane’s Service along Highway 30 is currently vacant, with the owner seeking either a buyer or renter. Siggins clarified that Family Dollar will not be going out of business, which was a concern for Lisbon residents with their recent extended closure. “They had to chip away the concrete because it heaved; there were no footings there. So, that’s all been repaired and that’s why they were closed, just because it was right in front of the doors and they didn’t have any choice but to close,” Siggins explained. “They’re back operational now.” Coming in spring 2027, there will be a fullscale reconstruction of part of Highway 1, so Lisbon and Mount Vernon residents should be on the lookout for detours as that work begins.
Councilmember report Councilmember John Bardsley shared information for citizens during his report at the Monday, Oct. 12 Lisbon City Council meeting. According to Bardsley, there are openings on the Historic Preservation Committee. “Good opportunity to volunteer for your city; just let City Hall know,” Bardsley said. Additionally, Bardsley encouraged Lisbon residents to sign up for the alerts program, especially as the winter months approach. “They need your phone number, your email address or your Facebook; however you want to be notified. We’re paying for it,” Bardsley said. Cadence Dighton is a junior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 11
CHURCHES MOUNT VERNON St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S. 600 Fifth Avenue South Pastor: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Vacancy Pastor www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org Sun.: 11 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. Ken Glaser, Pastor Sun.: 8:30 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.umcnv.com An LGBTQ affirming congregation Sundays: In-person and live stream at 8:30 a.m. (Praise Service) and 11 a.m. (traditional service); Sunday School (pre-k through eighth grade; Adult classes) at 9:45 a.m. Livestream link for both services can be found on the church website. Wed.: Rooted Youth Group at 6:30 p.m. (Sixth through eighth grade, multi-church youth group with First Presbyterian and Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church. Follow our Facebook page. Community Bible Church 940 W Mt. Vernon Rd. mvcbc.org, 895-6269 Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson Family, Youth, Children Pastor Lonnie Speidel Sun.- 9:30 Worship Service, 11 AM School, 6 PM Sr. High Youth Group Wed.- 6 PM Encounter and Jr. High Youth Group
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. Jay Admundson, Pastor Sun.: 10:30 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
Linn Grove Presbyterian 2000 Linn Grove Rd., Mt. Vernon Sun: 9 a.m. in-person worship, also, weekly readings, prayers and sermons are posted on the church’s Facebook page.
MECHANICSVILLE
Baha’i Faith Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230
First Presbyterian Church 408 E. First Street.
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 200 E. Market St., 455-2000
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, Oct. 22
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m. Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m. Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult Speaker series “Iowa’s Trumpeter Swans: A Conservation Success Story” by Anna Buckardt Thomas, LBC, 1 p.m. Candidate forum with Cindy Golding, Mount Vernon City Hall, 5 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23
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. MVLCT presents “Skin and Bone,” First Street Community Center Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24
Rhubarb Botanicals farm store, Rhubarb Botanicals farm, 9 a.m. to noon Mount Vernon Chili Cook-Off, uptown Mount Vernon, 3-5:30 p.m. tasting hours MVLCT presents “Skin and Bone,” First Street Community Center Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25
MVLCT presents “Skin and Bone,” First Street Community Center Theatre, 2 p.m. Wellness Coalition of Rural Linn County Trunk or Treat and prescription drug takeback, Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center, 2-4 p.m. Lincoln Highway Chorale Halloween Concert, Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, 4 p.m. Rocktoberfest 3: Cornell College Pop/Contemporary Ensemble concert, Cornell College Thomas Commons Smith Dining Room, 8-9:30 p.m.
Edited by Will Shortz No. 0917
Living Hope Bible Church Mechanicsville Memorial Building
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville 307 East First Street 563-432-7716 Sun: Sunday School 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Worship service 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pastor: Father James Flattery Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Monday, Oct. 26
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. Poet Laureate of South Africa Wally Mongane Serote, Cornell College Thomas Commons Hall-Perinne Room, 4-5:30 p.m. Mount Vernon History Night, Mount Vernon High School Commons, 5-6 p.m. Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Across
1 Buds 5 Concealer for the face 9 Pre-K building blocks 13 Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot 14 Stick it to your rival! 15 Bring in 16 Twill-woven worsted wool garment 17 Fix, in a way 18 Purple bubble tea flavor 19 Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief 20 Short sidekick? 21 Chocolatier with the tagline “Life is a ball” 22 Dub over? 24 Cuatro y dos 26 Business magnate Condé 28 Promising places? 32 Ferry or wherry 35 Start of an incantation 37 Pastoral sound 38 Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle’s theme 42 Inspired stuff 43 Pro device 44 ___ out a win 45 Bond alternatives 47 “... ___ no one ever” 50 Edge jump in figure skating 52 Scenes on Black Friday 56 Kaitlin of “Hacks” 59 Pawn 61 Addendum to the five W’s 62 Female antelopes 63 “’___’ is the thing with feathers” (Emily Dickinson poem) 64 Woodsy scent 65 Top of a mosque, often 66 Column in decimal notation 67 Central Plains people 68 Losing streak 69 Column in decimal notation 70 Cheeky
Down
1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 — 9 — 10 — 11 — 12 — 20 Reddit Q&A sesh 21 Purple shade 23 Prefix with body or bacterial 25 Side mirrors on a car, anthropo-morphically 27 “Toodle-oo!” 29 One way to run 30 Actors like biting into a juicy one 31 On board, say 32 Pollster’s concern 33 “Handling this as we speak” 34 Hairstyle that you’ve picked out? 36 Kings and queens, e.g. 39 Canon competitor 40 ___ facto 41 Makeover 46 Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps 48 Digital security credential 49 Get to 51 Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two 53 Cannellini, e.g. 54 Organ-related item in a wallet 55 Perfect place 56 Expert employed by a sportsbook 57 “Show me some real effort!” 58 It’s not a full stop 60 Room in the audience up for grabs 63 Absolute train wrecks 64 Andy Warhol, e.g.
Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Helen Rubenstein talk and writing activity, Cornell College Van Etten Lacey House, 4-5 p.m. Yarn Squad, Cornell College Cole Library, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Early out Mount Vernon Schools Washington Elementary Parent-teacher conferences, 1:45-5:45 p.m. Mount Vernon Middle School parent teacher conferences 2-6 p.m. Mount Vernon High School parent teacher conferences, 2-6 p.m. FAFSA Night, Mount Vernon High School, 3-7 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 29
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 “Etched in Stone: Mount Vernon Cemetery 1851 to present" by Mary Evans, Teresa Cox, Ruth Horton, Mike Woods and Tim Legore, LBC, 1 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICES
12 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 IowaPublicNotices.com LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order. Public Comment: Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, is asking again that each of them takes the decision seriously as the decisions affects homeowners and families. He again emphasized regarding the Data Center Advisory Committee that people who live next to the data centers should be most of the people on the committee. Lee asked last week that no more than 1/3 of the people be those who would profit from the data centers. He also feels that people should not have to come at the beginning and stay until the end to hear what happens. Lee also gave an example of how he thinks the meetings should be run. The comprehensive plan has goals so will economic development be a goal or how many data centers they do and don’t want? He hopes that the health and well-being of the people who live there carries the most weight in their decisions. Jo Ann Beer, Fairfax Mayor, stated that the Fairfax City Council will be discussing joining the same fringe agreement with Walford at their October meeting. In regard to the Boland Farm property split Fairfax is the closest city with territorial review authority, but that is not the consensus of the Boland representatives. Fairfax chose not to go the legal route and deferred. Fairfax is concerned with the impact of their rural neighbors and future growth opportunity. Fairfax is also interested in being a part of the Data Center Advisory Committee. Cindy Anderson, Fairfax resident, stated that she strongly opposes the Boland Farms split as it will impact growth significantly among other things. The rezoning application by IPL (Alliant) does not meet the comprehensive plan standing on its own. She appreciates that a Data Center Committee will potentially be created and it should not just consist of developers, construction people and heads of government. It needs to consist of the people living around the place. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve minutes of September 28, 2026 as printed. Garett Reddish, Asst. County Engineer, spoke about the public hearing to determine whether Linn County will vacate excess right-of-way and convey to Mark A. Stastny whatever interest Linn County may have in vacated right-of-way along a portion of West Mount Vernon Road, lot 2 of Bragg First Addition, Bloomington Road right-of-way (the public hearing has been canceled by request of the property owners) and public hearing to vacate excess right-of-way all of Bloomington Road right-of-way located SE of the previously vacated Bloomington Road right-of-way as recorded in Resolution #1987-2-34, and all the West Mount Vernon Road right-of-way (the public hearing has been canceled by request of the property owners). He explained that the county has standard excess unused right of way that was requested by a property owner to be vacated. All property owners seemed to be on board during the process and 1 property owner realized that they have a fence and driveway that will eventually be on their neighbor’s property. All property owners are still on board with the exception of one property owner that requested more time. They need an agreement with their neighbor or an easement or something to allow the driveway to be on their neighbor’s property. It was a last-minute request from the property owner to cancel the public hearing. Secondary Roads didn’t want to bring a public hearing forward knowing that some have opposition. Reddish expects this to be on a future agenda once things are squared away with the property owners. Supervisor Meisheid added that she is fully aware of this situation since it is in her district. Carolyn Siebrecht, Recorder, discussed a Vacancy Form request for a full-time Recording Specialist for the Recorder's Office. This allows her to hire and begin the process of bringing another staff member on board prior to the retirement of another staff member. She has 2 staff members retiring and 2 will be out on leave. This poses a staffing challenge and there are upcoming holidays as well. Board members shared that they spoke with Siebrecht about this and the extenuating circumstances. This is a 1-time exception and not a new way of doing things. The Board will approve Wednesday. Charlie Nichols, Planning & Development Dir., discussed a proposed 28E agreement between Linn County and the City of Hiawatha to provide field inspection services and plan review services as needed. This is for Hiawatha to assist Linn County as a backup option. Linn County has this same agreement already in place with Hiawatha. In the past they have had information agreements, this would include hourly costs that would be reimbursed. Supervisor Meisheid questioned why Hiawatha and not another entity. Nichols responded that Hiawatha has worked with Luke Maloney for a number of years, so they are familiar with Hiawatha’s inspectors and processes which are similar to Linn County’s. Supervisor Scheetz asked if legal counsel has reviewed this agreement. Nichols responded that he would double check. The Board will approve Wednesday. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to amend the agenda item from approximately 600 acres to approximately 160 acres. Nichols presented a Resolution Setting a Public Hearing on a Proposal to Rezone an Approximately 160 acres Acre Parcel from Agricultural (AG) to Exclusive Use2 (EU-2) district on a property located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
PR26-0006. This is for Morgan Valley, and the 2nd and 3rd readings will follow the public hearing. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to adopt Resolution 2026-10-129 A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSAL TO REZONE AN APPROXIMATELY 160 ACRE PARCEL FROM AGRICULTURAL (AG) TO EXCLUSIVE USE-2 (EU-2) DISTRICT ON A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 12201 16TH AVENUE, CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA WHEREAS, the Linn County Planning and Development Department presented the Linn County Board of Supervisors with a proposal to rezone an approximately 160 acre parcel from Agricultural (AG) to Exclusive Use-2 (EU-2) district on a property located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and, WHEREAS, the Linn County Board of Supervisors hereby finds that it is desirable to hold a public hearing to consider the proposal to rezone an approximately 160 acre parcel from Agricultural (AG) to Exclusive Use-2 (EU-2) district on a property located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and that Linn County should publish a notice thereof as required by law. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Linn County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposal to rezone an approximately 160 acre parcel from Agricultural (AG) to Exclusive Use2 (EU-2) district on a property located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa on October 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at which time any interested person may provide public comment on the proposed ordinance, and after hearing any and all public comments, the Board may proceed with the approval of the proposed ordinance. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Supervisors directs the publication of a notice of public hearing in accordance with Iowa Code Section 331.305. Nichols then discussed an agreement with East Central Iowa Council of Governments for the creation of a Fringe Area Plan for Linn County and the City of Walford. Walford approached Planning & Development a number of months ago on this. It will follow their standard format for fringe area agreements for development within the 2-mile area of cities and unincorporated areas with a twist. They will be looking at more specifically large utility users in that area and how to handle applications for those. A development that would use a lot of water or a lot of power. Data centers are a hot topic, and this would cover those. Fairfax is also looking at participating in this agreement. The cost is $12,500, which would be split 50/50 so the county would cover $6,250. Legal will be amending some of the language. Supervisor Scheetz asked if the county has ever done a fringe agreement with 2 cities and Nichols responded this would be a first. There is a small section where Walford and Fairfax land sections overlap and future discussions would have to take place to determine how to handle that. Supervisor Running-Marquardt asked Nichols why Walford wanted this agreement and Nichols responded that Walford had been approached by a potential developer about a data center in the unincorporated area. Running-Marquardt added that the Walford Mayor put out a statement that they were not moving forward with data centers. She also mentioned a high voltage transmission line between Walford and Fairfax and wanting to avoid mistakes other communities have made with massive cooling towers by the airport. It was the consensus of the Board to wait to approve this agreement until Fairfax has the opportunity to join. Stephanie Lientz, Planning & Development, presented a Resolution Approving a Residential Parcel Split for Boland Farm located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is a continuation of their conversation from last Wednesday. She sent the Board several documents to review. There has been no additional public comment since the last meeting. Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that she is sensitive to what could or couldn’t be developed here and she lives close to the parcel. She listened to her neighbors and received lots of comments. Supervisor Meisheid added that generally speaking they have seen farm splits like this before. It is a way to pass the farm to another generation with hopes of reattaching later on. She is supportive of this split even though it is a different circumstance but would like to hear from the owner that he wants this split even if the plant doesn’t happen. Lientz stated that they meet all the standards for approval but didn’t give their reason for doing the split to her office. It was the consensus of the Board to move this item to Wednesday’s agenda for a decision. Nichols then discussed the creation of a Data Center Advisory Committee, including the application process, committee structure, and proposed work plan for the data center moratorium work. They are looking to balance people who are pro and against development. Supervisor Running-Marquardt appreciates the public feedback they have received as they are trying to make this as fair as possible. She is proud of the work that has been done. Discussion continued regarding the process and link to sign up to join the committee. There will be a separate link for cities and residents. Supervisor Meisheid explained that this will be to provide recommendations to the Board to make considerations in the future. With the rate of growth, constituent driven growth is really important, and the best way is to be transparent. Decisions will reflect their constituents but ultimately the Board will make the decision. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve the creation of a Data Center Advisory Committee, including the application process, committee structure, and proposed work plan for the data center moratorium work. Public Comment: Jo Ann Beer, Fairfax Mayor, thanked the Supervisors for their careful consideration of the Boland Farms property split and postponing the decision until Wednesday. Fringe area agreements was a new term for her, however if they had one with the city of Atkins, things would be
a lot different now with the 2-mile jurisdiction. She added that Swisher, Cedar Rapids and Johnson County have a fringe area agreement. Beer also added that the qualifications for the advisory committee sounds like jury selection but she looks forward to participating if possible. Abe Kellison, Fairfax resident, thanked the Board for the committee as it is an important and correct step to get the community involved in the decision-making process. As he has done research about energy centers, data centers, and AI, it is constantly evolving. They are living in unprecedented times and that calls for unprecedented actions and this calls for that. He looks forward to hopefully participating in this committee going forward. Jon Lee, 2510 Sisley Grove Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, thanked the Board for holding the Morgan Valley Energy Center meeting October 20th in the evening. Planning & Zoning asked Alliant for more information in relation to the comprehensive plan. He is asking for Alliant’s answers to be posted ASAP so people have time to read them before the 19th. Wednesday this week he is required to file his direct testimony with the Iowa Utilities Commission. His testimony is on behalf of himself and his family and not Save Morgan Valley as they have their own attorney. There are a lot of families in both counties that don’t have time to do this. When this comes before the Board, he is asking that each one of them give the people of this county the same care that he has given his family and his home which is to read everything they can and ask the hard questions. The construction will last a few years but the families out there and anyone down wind will live with the consequences of this for decades. His question for each of them is this: when they vote, who will they be deciding for? The negative impacts far outweigh the benefits. Decide for the health and wellbeing of the people who live here and vote no. He was told to engage with the process, but the public process does not protect his children, their future, and the community that lives close to this. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve payroll authorizations (detail is available upon request). Adjournment at 10:53 a.m. Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 9:00 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 Running-Marquardt (at 9:01), Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Vice Chairperson Scheetz called the meeting to order. The Board heard updates from the following Elected Officials: Brian Gardner, Sheriff – Jail body scanner update; resuming charging Jail room and board to those that are able to pay based upon their court orders; working on becoming an accredited law enforcement agency in the State of Iowa; recent Deputy Sheriff physical testing produced enough eligible candidates that Civil Service interviews will commence. Supervisor Scheetz inquired about the Jail capacity concern from Gardner’s last update. Gardner advised it has stayed steady either at or near capacity. A conversation needs to occur between the Sheriff’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, and Chief Judge to see if there is any wiggle room with the legislation. Supervisor Running-Marquardt shared that other counties have recently stated that their Jails are at capacity due to legislation as well. She also noted her appreciation for Gardner and his deputies working overtime during the recent series of meetings along with the upcoming meetings. While the Board is trying to be as open and transparent as possible and have meetings where more can attend, she realizes that has a tough impact on the Sheriff’s budget and personnel. Carolyn Siebrecht, Recorder – recently passed annual passport inspection; shared statistics on passport applications; discussed cross-training among her department; off-road renewal period has begun; new clerical staff begins on Monday; will begin hiring process for next Recording Specialist position; finished end of month balancing and discussed upcoming training; Siebrecht thanked Deputy Recorder Teresa Sackett for her 40+ years of service to the County noting this will be the last update that she is here for. Todd Taylor, Auditor – discussed recent EMS district election and potential changes to the Iowa Code surrounding those elections; elections are starting to heat up with Early Voting starting next Wednesday, October 14; sample ballots available in the office; Public Test occurring today; received a quote for tempered glass to be installed at both Accounts Payable and Real Estate windows; recent retirement of Payroll/Payables Specialist Karen Nesheim after 38 years with the County, Taylor wished her the very best in her retirement that she has certainly earned. Supervisor Running-Marquardt shared that the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot is Monday, October 19th at 5 p.m. – she then thanked Taylor for all of his work promoting early voting and people’s right to exercise their right to vote. Adjournment at 9:31 a.m. Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Ana Brunscheen, Executive Assistant Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026 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 Running-Marquardt, Vice Chairperson Scheetz and Supervisor Meisheid. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve minutes of September 30, 2026 as printed. Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to approve accounts payable checks dated 10/7/26 #71022437 to #71022503 in the amount of $495,301.42; and ACH in the amount of $1,683,932.64; for a total of $2,179,234.06 and voids totaling $105.00. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve Consent Agenda as follows: Resolution 2026-10-130 RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Basic fund to the Capital Projects fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows: The sum of $1,350,000 is ordered to be transferred from the General Basic fund to the Capital Projects fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits. Resolution 2026-10-131 RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Basic fund to the Conservation Reserve fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows: Section 1. The sum of $650,000 is ordered to be transferred from the General Basic fund to the Conservation Reserve fund in accordance with the strategic plan adopted by the Conservation Board and funded at $250,000 annually, in addition to the $500,000 fiscal year 2013 approved offer for ongoing funding to the Conservation Reserve fund, less $100,000 reduced in FY25. Section 2. The Auditor has been directed to correct his books accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of this operating transfer, accompanying the notification with a copy of this resolution and the record of its adoption. Resolution 2026-10-132 RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Basic fund to the Secondary Roads fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows: The sum of $1,083,574 is ordered to be transferred from the General Basic fund to the Secondary Roads fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits. Resolution 2026-10-133 RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Supplemental fund to the General Basic fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows: Section 1. The sum of $11,040,997 is ordered to be transferred from the General Supplemental fund to the General Basic fund, to replace FICA, IPERS and insurance costs paid from the General Basic fund. Section 2. The Auditor has been directed to correct his books accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of this operating transfer, accompanying the notification with a copy of this resolution and the record of its adoption. Resolution 2026-10-134 RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the Rural Services fund to the Secondary Roads fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows: The sum of $2,847,635 is ordered to be transferred from the Rural Services fund to the Secondary Roads fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits. Resolution 2026-10-135 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 28E AGREEMENT BETWEEN LINN COUNTY AND CITY OF HIAWATHA FOR INSPECTIONS AND PLAN REVIEW SERVICES WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E, proposes that Linn County enter into an agreement with the City of Hiawatha, Iowa under the title Linn County and City of Hiawatha Agreement for Construction Code Administration, and; WHEREAS, the purpose for such agreement is to complement each jurisdiction’s building inspection capacity by mutually agreeing to provide field inspection services as needed by the other jurisdiction in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and; WHEREAS, such agreement is in the best interests of Linn County and the City of Hiawatha; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors, Linn County, Iowa, that Linn County, Iowa will join pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 28E, with the City of Hiawatha , Iowa into an agreement entitled Linn County and City of Hiawatha Agreement for Inspection and Plan Review Services. Resolution 2026-10-136 A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH SPEED
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM LIMIT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN LINN COUNTY WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors is empowered under authority of the Iowa Code Sections 321.255 and 321.285 of the Code of Iowa, to determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, that the speed limit of any secondary road is greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions existing, and may determine and declare a reasonable and proper speed limit, and WHEREAS, such an investigation has been requested and has been completed by Linn County Engineer. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the speed limit be established, and appropriate signs be erected at the locations described as follows: Road Name, From, To........... Speed (mph) Country Club Dr, Bud Rd, City of Lisbon (city limits).............................................30 County Home Rd, N Center Point Rd, To a point approx. 1,000' to the east.............45 County Home Rd, From a point approx. 1,000' east of N Center Point Rd, Highway 13..........................................................55 N Center Point Rd, From a point approx. 1,850' north of W Main St, County Home Rd..........................................................45 N Troy Rd, From a point approx. 4,400 north of W Main St, County Home Rd....55 Quass Rd, From a point approx. 2,800' north of W Main St, County Home Rd....45 Resolution 2026-10-137 A Resolution approving a Residential Parcel Split for MOYER FARMS FIRST ADDITION. The following description is a summary of Resolution No. 2026-10-137 as passed and approved by Linn County Board of Supervisors, effective October 7, 2026. MOYER FARMS FIRST ADDITION (Case # PPS26-0003) to Linn County, Iowa, containing two (2) lots, numbered lot 1 and lettered lot A has been filed for approval, a subdivision of real estate located in the SWSE 34-85-05 of Section 34, Township 85 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: Commencing as a point of reference at the S ¼ Corner of said Section 34; thence N88°18'34"E along the south line of said SW¼ SE ¼, 936.77 feet to the Point of Beginning; thence N19°38'59"W, 357.98 feet; thence N88°18'34"E, 299.98 feet; thence S19°38'59"E, 290.34 feet to the north right of way line of Merritt Road; thence S04°52'25"E, 64.44 feet to the south line of said SW¼ SE¼; thence S88°18'34"W along said south line, 282.71 feet to the Point of Beginning containing 2.33 acres which includes 0.33 acres of road right of way. The full text of the Resolution may be inspected in the Linn County Auditor's Office located at 935 Second Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or on the Linn County website at www.linncountyiowa.gov. Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a 28E Agreement with the City of Cedar Rapids to overlay with Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to the existing seal coat surface on Bertram Road SE south to the Otis Road intersection. No. LOST-BERTRAM RD(27). Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a contract between Linn County Juvenile Detention Center and SWANK Motion Pictures, Inc. for copyright privileges to view DVD, digital, and streaming services, in the amount of $556 per year, for a total of $1,668.00, effective September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. Approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Vacancy Form request for a fulltime Recording Specialist for the Recorder's Office. Stephanie Lientz, Planning & Development, discussed a Resolution Approving a Residential Parcel Split for Boland Farm located at 12201 16th Avenue, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. No additional comments have been received on this case. Supervisor Meisheid stated that she talked about her position on this at Monday’s meeting. This is a mechanism to split a farmstead so the next generation can buy it with hopes of reattaching later on. She is supportive of their farm and their future. Meisheid confirmed with the owner, Mr. Boland, that this is the future he wanted regardless of any future projects and plans. She is supportive of this request. Supervisor Scheetz added that he is supportive as well. Supervisor Running-Marquardt added that this leads to the Morgan Valley Power Plant and there are ways to listen to the people who are neighbors to this area. Fairfax shared that this is something they didn’t want to do. She wants to consider the gentleman that owns this property but at the same time consider the neighbors in the area. The ramifications of this, including pollution and others, are too profound for her to be supportive. Motion by Scheetz, seconded by Meisheid to adopt Resolution 2026-10-138 VOTE:........... Scheetz & Meisheid – Aye. Running-Marquardt - Nay A Resolution approving a Residential Parcel Split for BOLAND FARM. The following description is a summary of Resolution No. 2026-10-138 as passed and approved by Linn County Board of Supervisors, effective October 7, 2026. BOLAND FARM (Case # PPS26-0009) to Linn County, Iowa, containing one (1) lots, numbered lot 1 has been filed for approval, a subdivision of real estate located in the NE NW of Section 31, Township 83 North, Range 08 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: Boland Farm, an addition to Linn County, Iowa, being a part of the Northwest Fractional Quarter of Section 31, Township 83 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, more particularly described as; Commencing at a Mag-nail marking the Northeast comer of the Northwest Fractional Quarter of said Section 31; thence along the East line of said Northwest Fractional Quarter, S0° 55' 26"E, 60.51 feet to a #5 Rebar with an IDOT aluminum cap on the South Right-of-Way of 16th Ave SW; thence along said Rightof-Way, S88° 29' 05"W, 402.87 feet to the TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; thence S0° 55' 26"E, 810.04 feet; Thence S89° 04' 34"W, 566.05 feet; thence N0° 55' 26"W, 804.20 feet to a point on said South Rightof-Way; thence along said Right-of-Way N88° 29' 05"E, 566.08 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING, containing 456,865.74 sq
ft (10.49 acres), more or less. The full text of the Resolution may be inspected in the Linn County Auditor's Office located at 935 Second Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or on the Linn County website at www.linncountyiowa.gov. Public Comment: Tracy Meza, 7801 Wieneke Cir., Cedar Rapids, stated that she has been visiting family all over the country and they drove over 6,000 miles. Every state is fighting the same fight. She didn’t encounter anyone who is in favor of data centers, natural gas power plants or the infrastructure that goes with them. They are trying to stop this before Pandora’s box is open as this will completely change the face of the United States. This is more important than a few thousand temporary jobs and economic growth. It doesn’t make sense to her, and it isn’t their comprehensive plan. Just because 90% of people don’t show up doesn’t mean they want this. They don’t. The next comprehensive plan will be how to fix it. Cindy Anderson, Fairfax resident, stated that she has spent over a year working on this and has personally talked to hundreds of people. Only 2 people are in favor of this. A power plant is not right for this area or the data centers. More than 3,000 people were willing to put their name on a document to say no. She spent the majority of the day yesterday working on her testimony for the IUC. She has watched massive power poles go up straight to the Boland Farm. There is a Planning & Zoning meeting on the 19th to discuss Alliant’s application for rezoning of the 160 acres. Their application doesn’t meet the comprehensive plan. How do they safely protect the people they are sworn to protect? This affects her family, friends and community. She urged the Board with the upcoming votes to take into serious consideration the conditions that won’t be met. There are too many questions that they don’t have the answers to. Why are they willing to say yes without the answers to those questions? The decisions have to be made whether they matter or the supposed dollars dangling in front of everyone matter more. Anderson encourages the Board to vote no to the rezoning. The IUC hearing is on December 7th and the IUC will likely grant IPL’s application because they want it and are in the industry. The people have to matter. Adjournment at 10:13 a.m. Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Amanda Brown, Deputy Auditor Approved by: KIRSTEN RUNNING-MARQUARDT, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
LINN COUNTY LIST OF BILLS PAID
FOR 10-1-2026 THROUGH 10-7-2026 https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/413/ Accounting-Services VENDOR DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 3E ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & EQUIP CO CIRCUIT BREAKERS...............$282.76 ABBE CTR FOR CMH MHAC SUD SERVICES ......................................$21,690.50 ADCRAFT PRINTING CO INC FORMS/ GENERAL OFFICE..........................$558.00 AHLERS & COONEY PC LEGAL & COURT RELATED SERVICES..................$2,225.00 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES.................. ................................................$97,184.11 ALLIANT UTILITIES - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE....................$4,546.10 ALLSOP FAMILY HUMANE SOCIETY BOS CVHS CALL OUT AND SHELTER................ ..................................................$6,550.00 ANAHEIM CORPORATION CONTRACT LABOR.......................................$4,807.38 ANDERSON ERICKSON DAIRY CO FOOD & PROVISIONS.............................$131.12 ANTON SALES HARDWARE.......$1,315.25 AREA AMBULANCE CONTRACT LABOR.... ................................................$90,219.13 AT&T MOBILITY 911 ACCT.............$98.07 AZURE APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE...........................................$400.00 B&R ENTERPRISES LLC SIREN MAINTENANCE CONTRACT..................$44,100.00 BACKYARD TRAILS LLC CONTRACT LABOR.....................................$26,897.50 BAKER GROUP CONTRACT LABOR........... ................................................$13,848.58 BALANCED FITNESS & HEALTH LLC WORK COMP INVOICE.................$195.00 BALDRIDGE, JOSEPH K MILEAGE REIMB .....................................................$465.12 BAUER BUILT INC TIRES...........$3,090.00 BENICH, RON P MILEAGE REIMB.............. .....................................................$366.64 BISIG, SCOTT MILEAGE REIMB......$68.40 BITUMINOUS MATERIAL & SUPPLY DUST CONTROL MATERIAL....$11,625.15 BLACK HAWK COUNTY SHERIFF SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS.............................$78.25 BLAIRS FERRY LP OPERATING GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................................$735.00 BRAKSIEK ROBERT MD PC CONTRACT LABOR.......................................$2,816.67 BRINK, BENJAMIN MED EXAM FEES......... ..................................................$1,345.16 CALDWELL, WILLIE GENERAL ASSISTANCE...........................................$900.00 CAMPBELL PATTERSON CONSULTING LLP CONSULTING SERVICES ................... ................................................$10,000.00 CAPITAL SANITARY SUPPLY - CEDAR RAPIDS CLEANING SUPPLIES..$3,607.11 CARR, KAY C APPEAL TRANSCRIPT......... .........................................................$6.00 CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DUBUQUE HEALTH ASSISTANCE...................$430.00 CDW GOVT WALL MOUNTING KIT............ .....................................................$109.48 CEDAR MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME COMPANY GENERAL ASSISTANCE............ ..................................................$2,000.00 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY OF FUEL.......$92.49 CEDAR RAPIDS MUNICIPAL UTILITIES ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE........ ..................................................$1,097.45 CENTER POINT CITY OF CENTER POINT FY27 QTR 1 UTILITY REIMBURSEMENTS ..................................................$4,500.00 CENTRAL CITY CITY OF SENIOR DINING PROGRAM SUPPORT SEPTEMBER 2026.. ..................................................$2,083.33 CENTRAL IOWA JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER DIRECT ADMIN - SALARY REGULAR EMPLOYEES................$172,809.17 TRANSPORTATION FEES..............$877.20 CHILDREN OF PROMISE MENTORING PROGRAM BOYS AND GIRLS MENTORING PROGRAM..........................$6,521.50 COLORADO HUNTSMAN TRANSPORT LLC INMATE TRANSPORT.........$2,450.00
PUBLIC NOTICES
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COOK, SETH C TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB .......................................................$21.58 CORE-MARK MIDCONTINENT INC COMMISSARY ITEMS........................$2,420.36 CRAWFORD SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS...........................$683.28 CRUSH OF IOWA LORE PROJECT HOURS AND ADMIN COST.....................$4,456.12 CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING WATER BOTTLES ..............................$347.80 CUSTOM HOSE & SUPPLIES INC HOSE.... .......................................................$60.43 DAN'S OVERHEAD DOORS & MORE GARAGE DOOR REPAIRS..................$400.00 DAVIS, VICKI TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB... .......................................................$57.08 DAVISON, ROBERT W ATTORNEY FEES.... ..................................................$2,244.00 DAY, KENNETH B MILEAGE REIMB............ .......................................................$24.32 DEER RIDGE WATER ASSOCIATION REFUND ...............................................$5.00 DEJONG, TRACY R MILEAGE REIMB......... .......................................................$34.20 DELTA DENTAL LC DELTA DENTAL PREPAY OCTOBER 2026................$61,000.00 DYERSVILLE COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING/SPONSORSHIP......................$800.00 EASTERN IOWA TIRE INC TIRES..$720.00 EASTERN RESEARCH GROUP INC VOC ANALYSIS .................................$4,599.00 EHLER, ALVIN G MILEAGE REIMB............. .....................................................$155.04 ELY CITY OF ELY FY27 QTR 1 UTILITY REIMBURSEMENTS.......................$4,375.00 EMERGENT ARCHITECTURE PLLC CONTRACT LABOR...........................$1,061.71 EMS DETERGENT SERVICES PARTS & LABOR..........................................$596.75 EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS CONTRACT EMPLOYEES.................... ................................................$20,115.37 FIDLAR TECHNOLOGIES INC LICENSE FEE................................................$206.45 FRESH START MINISTRIES RISE REINTEGRATION PROGRAM SUPPORT OCTOBER 2026..........................................$2,500.00 GALLAGHER, JON TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB...........................................$556.08 GALLS LLC UNIFORMS................$142.96 GAZETTE COMMUNICATIONS PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES.........$7,072.26 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY INC COPIER LEASE & FEES...........................$4,758.37 GRAINGER W W INC MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES.....................................$451.66 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO PAPERTOWELS........................................$153.95 GREATAMERICA FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP PLOTTER LEASE SEPT 2026........... .....................................................$242.50 HALVORSON, STEPHANIE HEALTH ASSISTANCE.......................................$50.00 HAMPTON, ABIGAIL REFUND ......$100.00 HAWKEYE FIRE & SAFETY FIRE EXTINGUISHER SERVICE.......................$353.50 HAWTHORNE APARTMENTS 22 LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE.......................$900.00 HAYES, DARRIN PALS RESCUE TRAINING .....................................................$500.00 HEALTHEQUITY INC FLEX ADMINISTRATION SERVICES.........................$1,057.50 HEALY, DANIEL G MILEAGE REIMB........... .....................................................$116.28 HORIZONS A FAMILY SERVICE ALLIANCE MOBILE MEALS SUPPORT OCTOBER 2026..........................................$9,162.75 HOTSY CLEANING SYSTEMS INC PUMP MAINTENANCE.............................$193.41 HOWARD, CALEB MILEAGE REIMB........... .......................................................$53.96 HP INC DESKTOP COMPUTERS & EQUIPMENT.........................................$3,755.30 HY VEE FOOD & PROVISIONS...$6,100.56 ILMIR INC CONTRACT LABOR......$300.00 INGALLS, TRACY TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB.............................................$75.09 INNOVATIVE DIRT SOLUTIONS LLC WORK COMPLETED THRU 9/29 - WP MTB TRAIL.......................................$40,700.00 INSIGHT PUBLIC SECTOR SOFTWARE LICENSE.............................................$26.67 INTOXIMETERS INC SUPPLIES....$140.00 IOWA EYE CENTER MEDICAL SERVICES... .....................................................$109.35 IOWA FIRE PROTECTION ANNUAL SPRINKLER INSPECTION ............$330.00 IOWA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY TRAINING EXPENSE..................$1,080.00 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SUPPLIES & UNIFORM ITEMS.......................$9,747.75 JOHN DEERE AG & TURF CORP BUSINESS DIVISION NEW JOHN DEE OUT FRONT MOWER.......................$30,839.67 JOHNSON COUNTY - IOWA SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS................................$118.38 JONES CO / IOWA AUDITOR INSPECTION .....................................................$340.00 JORDAN, PATRICIA A ABANDONED WATER WELL PLUGGING..................$700.00 KAFKA GRANITE LLC ROCK.....$10,455.50 KARL CHEVROLET PARTS & LABOR......... ..................................................$1,702.00 KEEFE SUPPLY COMPANY COMMISSARY ITEMS........................................$3,981.96 KEVINS WELDING LLC PARTS & LABOR.. ..................................................$1,545.00 KIECKS UNIFORMS......................$783.60 KIESEY, MICHELLE M MED EXAM FEES.... ..................................................$6,389.51 KINDL, VICTORIA A TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB.............................................$31.77 L & L MURPHY ASSOCIATES CONSULTING SERVICES...........................$1,458.33 LANE'S HOUSING AND REPAIRS LLC GENERAL ASSISTANCE................$900.00 LAW OFFICES OF JEFFREY L CLARK LLC ATTORNEY FEES...........................$170.00 LESTER, JORDAN ABANDONED WATER WELL PLUGGING..........................$700.00 LEXIPOL LLC EMS LEARNING PLATFORM ANNUAL CONTRACT.....................$396.41 LINDER DONALD J DO PC MED EXAM FEES...........................................$8,586.64 LINDER TIRE SERVICE INC TIRE DISPOSAL...................................................$94.00 LINN COOP OIL INC #395050 (ROADS MISC) PARTS & LABOR / FUEL................. ................................................$12,622.71 LINN NEWS LLC PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES....................................$5,701.27 LOVING, DREW N MILEAGE REIMB.......... .....................................................$341.24 MARION IRON COMPANY I-BEAM ............ .....................................................$126.00 MARION MUNICIPAL WATER DEPARTMENT UTILITIES.............................$72.24 MARTIN GARDNER ARCHITECTURE LINN COUNTY DERECHO ASSESSMENT............ .....................................................$101.50 MARX, BECKY FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT............................................$270.00 QTR1 CELL PHONE REIMB...........$105.00 MATTHEW 25 GENERAL ASSISTANCE...... .....................................................$900.00 MCCARTHY, ROWAN J TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB....................................$140.00 MCGRATH FORD HYUNDAI PARTS & LABOR.......................................$1,512.31 MCKESSON MEDICAL-SURGICAL GOV
WENDLING QUARRIES INC ROCK............. ................................................$16,884.09 WHKS & CO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES .. ................................................$14,175.00 WILLIAMS, SARAH FITNESS REIMBURSEMENT...................................$90.00 WINDERS, MICHAEL G MILEAGE REIMB.. .....................................................$271.32 WITT, JERRY W MILEAGE REIMB............. .....................................................$215.84 WONG, ARK GENERAL ASSISTANCE......... .....................................................$900.00 YTT DESIGN SOLUTIONS LLC DESIGN SERVICES .................................$2,087.50 TOTAL.................................$2,179,234.06 Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
SOLUTIONS MEDICAL SUPPLIES.............. ..................................................$1,326.54 MEDIACOM E911- DEDICATED INTERNET .....................................................$400.00 MEHMEN, NICKOLAS MILEAGE REIMB..... .......................................................$57.76 MENARD INC PARTS.................$1,241.13 MERCY FAMILY COUNSELING TREATMENT FEES................................$2,044.06 METAL CULVERTS INC CROSSROAD CULVERTS......................................$17,268.18 MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL INC SEVERE STORMS-PROF CONSULTING..... ..................................................$6,581.25 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES.......... .......................................................$52.91 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY - ASSISTANCE GENERAL ASSISTANCE................$344.77 MOUNT VERNON CITY OF MT VERNON FY27 QTR 1 UTILITY REIMBURSEMENTS ..................................................$9,000.00 MOUNT VERNON FAMILY COUNSELING HEALTH ASSISTANCE................$3,691.26 MOYNA MATERIALS LLC ROCK................ ..................................................$1,053.82 MUNGAI, FRANCIS GENERAL ASSISTANCE...........................................$470.00 NAEGELI DEPOSITION AND TRIAL TRANSCRIPTS....................................$1,800.40 NCIC CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDIGENT INMATE EARBUDS...........$1,294.29 NIELSEN PARKER, BRITT M TRAVEL/ TRAINING REIMB.........................$842.32 ONNEN, MICHAEL D MILEAGE REIMB...... .....................................................$385.32 ORKIN LLC PEST CONTROL.........$194.62 OTTSEN OIL CO INC DEF..............$493.00 PALAS CUSTOM FENCING & SUPPLIES LLC BOUNDARY FENCE INSTALLATION HWY 100 TRAIL PHASE 1..........$4,612.77 PARTS AUTHORITY LLC PARTS...$465.05 PAUSTIAN, DREW HAY BALES ......$90.00 PAYNE, COLLIN REFUND .............$550.00 PERFORMANCE FOODSERVICE LLC FOOD & PROVISIONS................$3,652.66 PHYSICIANS CLINIC OF IOWA PC HEALTH ASSISTANCE.................................$159.01 PINCAY, JOSE D TRAINING EXPENSE....... .....................................................$440.00 PIPE PRO INC PARTS & MAINTENANCE... ..................................................$2,442.75 POINTCORE INC OFFICE SUPPLIES........... .......................................................$55.95 POINTE AT CEDAR RAPIDS THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE.................................$900.00 POPE, RICHARD T CONTRACT LABOR...... ..................................................$4,220.25 POWELL, LISA QTR1 CELL PHONE REIMB .....................................................$150.00 TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB............$273.52 PREMIER CASE MANAGEMENT WORK COMP EXPENSE...........................$571.80 PRUITT.MD, JOSHUA MED EXAM FEES.... ..................................................$1,480.00 PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATES PLLC MMPI REVIEW ....................................$1,200.00 RADIOLOGY CONSULTANTS OF IOWA, PLC MEDICAL SERVICES.............$937.60 RAPIDS REPRODUCTIONS OFFICE SUPPLIES .............................................$60.00 RICE, DAVID MILEAGE REIMB......$186.81 ROTHMEYER, AARON C MILEAGE REIMB. .....................................................$142.88 ROTO-ROOTER BUILDINGS & GROUND REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE..........$250.00 RSTOM, JONATHAN A REIMBURSEMENT. .......................................................$42.76 SAFE PLACE FOUNDATION, THE GENERAL ASSISTANCE.........................$1,800.00 SAM'S CLUB OFFICE & MED SUPPLIES.... .....................................................$388.73 SCHAUF, ANDREW A MILEAGE REIMB...... .....................................................$120.08 SECRETARY OF STATE ANNUAL I-VOTER MAINTENANCE & ACCOUNT FEES............. ................................................$29,149.56 SELF-FUNDING ACTUARIAL SERVICES INC 509-A STATE CERT INSURANCE......... .....................................................$400.00 SETPOINT MECHANICAL SERVICES LLC REPAIR & LABOR......................$1,575.00 SIEBRECHT, CAROLYN TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB....................................$161.12 SILVER, MATHEW R CAN BOXES.............. .....................................................$600.00 SLIGHT, LEVI T MILEAGE REIMB.. $122.36 SMITH, VALERIE TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB...........................................$490.25 SNYDER & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES THRU 8/31 - DOWS MANITI TRAIL.......................................$15,396.00 SOUNDOFF SIGNAL GSA PARTS..$239.95 SPAHN AND ROSE LUMBER SIDING MEADOWLARK SHELTER REPAIRS........... ..................................................$3,841.66 SPETH, ERIC TRAINING EXPENSE............ .....................................................$166.00 SPRINGVILLE COOP TELE ASSN E911 CIRCUIT SERVICE...........................$81.24 STIVERS FORD LINCOLN FORD INTERCEPTOR SUV...........................$48,504.00 STOP STICK LTD SUPPLIES.........$151.00 T MOBILE USA INC E911 CELL SERVICE.. .....................................................$813.95 TAYLOR, TODD MILEAGE REIMB...$54.41 TEAH, MERCY Y TRAVEL/TRAINING REIMB...........................................$154.43 TFD SUPPLIES COMMISSARY ITEMS....... .....................................................$410.00 THE DAILY IOWAN - THE SUN PUBLICATIONS & LEGAL NOTICES.........$5,701.27 THE RESPITE CONNECTION INC CMHA REC.................................................$32.23 TRINITY SERVICES GROUP INC WEEKLY INMATE MEALS ......................$15,342.50 TRUCK COUNTRY GAS CYCLINDER.......... .....................................................$106.12 TUNNING, MADISON TRANSCRIPT........... .....................................................$252.00 TW TRAINING LEARNING INSTITUTES & COACHING....................................$800.00 ULINE DEHUMIDIFIER AND SHEETING..... ..................................................$1,403.90 UMBDENSTOCK, GAVIN D MILEAGE REIMB...........................................$243.20 US ARCHIVES INC MICROFILM STORAGE ................................................$11,942.13 USA COMMUNICATIONS INTERNET.......... .......................................................$61.75 VERIZON WIRELESS E911 CELL SERVICE .....................................................$851.27 VERMIE, AMY MILEAGE REIMB...$322.24 WASHMOHR KIRKWOOD LLC CAR WASH .....................................................$246.60 WATERHOUSE'S WATER COND SERV DRINKING WATER..........................$30.00 WATKINS, AMRA MILEAGE REIMB........... .....................................................$282.72 WAY HOME APARTMENTS GENERAL ASSISTANCE.....................................$900.00 WEBER STONE CO INC ROCK....$9,069.06 WEBER, ALISHA MED EXAM FEES............ ..................................................$2,354.03 WEBER, KEVIN J MED EXAM FEES............ ..................................................$4,708.06 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD LC WELLMARK PREPAY OCTOBER 2026............................$1,084,000.00 WELTER STORAGE EQUIPMENT CO INC FURNITURE..................................$595.00
MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 5, 2026 The Mount Vernon City Council met October 5, 2026, at City Hall, 213 1st Street NW, Mount Vernon, IA. A Zoom option was available. The following Council members were present: Engel, Rose, Andresen, Tuerler and Hansen-Player. Call to Order. At 6:30 p.m. Mayor Thomas M. Wieseler called the meeting to order. Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval. Motion made by Engel, seconded by Tuerler to approve the Agenda. Motion carries. Consent Agenda. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Rose to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carries. Approval of City Council Minutes – September 21, 2026 Approval of Liquor License - MVL CCDG Appoint Nathan Wolter – Zoning Board of Adjustment Motions for Approval Consideration of Claims List – Motion to Approve. Motion made by Andresen, seconded by Hansen-Player to approve the Claims List. Motion carries. PAYROLL CLAIMS...................117,044.16 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP HOTEL/MOTEL TAX-ECON DEV.................. ..................................................22,963.70 IWORQ SYSTEMS INC ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION-ALL DEPTS.............15,000.00 US BANK CREDIT CARD PURCHASES-ALL DEPTS...........................12,433.81 LINN CO-OP OIL CO FUEL-ALL DEPTS...... ..................................................12,090.06 LYNCH COLLISION CENTER EQUINOX REPAIRS-ALL DEPTS.......................6,166.65 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS INSURANCE CLAIMS-ALL DEPTS..........5,150.29 IMWCA WORK COMP INSURANCE-ALL DEPTS..........................................4,353.00 MRK INVESTIGATIONS LLC INVESTIGATION SERVICES-PD.....................2,906.25 AB BODYART INC VIDEO ARCADES-LBC... ....................................................2,889.04 TYLER TECHNOLOGIES NEW SOFTWARE UPGRADE-ALL DEPTS.................2,606.00 P&K MIDWEST INC EQUIP REPAIR-P&REC................................2,377.30 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WATER MISC ENGINEERING..............................2,310.00 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTALL DEPTS..................................2,179.60 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER.......................2,107.50 LISBON, CITY OF AMB DIRECTOR SALARY................................................1,879.66 MARTIN GARDNER ARCHITECTURE CDBG DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION....... ....................................................1,700.00 LINDER TIRE SERVICE VEHICLE MAINTPW...............................................1,546.67 IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES SAFETY SUPPLIES-PW....................................1,450.00 MOUNT VERNON ACE HARDWARE SUPPLIES-ALL DEPTS.......................1,301.22 MECHANICSVILLE FIBER PHONE/INTERNET-ALL DEPTS...........................1,150.92 CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICE EQUIP MAINT-WAT.................................1,111.69 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER.......................1,012.50 NIGHT SHIFT LLC CLEANING SERVICES-CITY HALL...........................959.21 CARQUEST OF LISBON EQUIP MAINT-ALL DEPTS.............................................811.69 POSTMASTER UTIL BILL POSTAGE-WAT,SEW,SW..........................745.14 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINTLBC.................................................730.00 MEDIACOM PHONE/INTERNET-SEW......... .......................................................714.24 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC COMPUTER MAINT-ALL DEPTS.........................675.00 BRADLEY HAUGE CPA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES-ALL DEPTS....................640.00 SUSAN SEE WATER AEROBICS-POOL....... .......................................................567.00 CAMPBELL SUPPLY EQUIPMENT-FD........ .......................................................531.02 WORLD INSURANCE ASSOCIATES LLC 509A FILING-ALL DEPTS................504.13 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC CITY ENGINEERING GENERAL.................................439.92 KONICA MINOLTA PREMIER FINANCE COPIER LEASE-P&A.......................409.04 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS INC ADS/PUBLICATIONS-ALL DEPTS..................360.47 JACOB HUFF CELL PHONE STIPEND......... .......................................................360.00 T-MOBILE VEHICLE SOFTWARE-PW......... .......................................................319.20 MEDIACOM PHONE/INTERNET-PW........... .......................................................316.77 P&K MIDWEST INC EQUIP MAINT-WAT.... .......................................................310.72 TASC FSA ADJUSTMENT-PD..........261.52 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC LBC GENERATOR.................................................249.00 T-MOBILE PHONE/INTERNET-ALL DEPTS. .......................................................228.36 ALLIANT ENERGY ENERGY USAGE-ST LIGHTS...........................................223.93 JACQUELINE ENGELBRECHT WATER AEROBICS-POOL............................216.00 THOMAS M WIESELER MILEAGE-P&A..... .......................................................212.80 CITY LAUNDERING CO SERVICES-CITY HALL...............................................197.86 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-LBC......................................176.55 BANKCARD 8076 ACH DEBIT REFUND-LBC.......................................163.71 KONICA MINOLTA PREMIER FINANCE COPIER LEASE-PD..........................159.76 HAWKEYE COMMUNICATION INC FIRE SYSTEM MONITORING-PD.............147.00 MERCY PHYSICIAN SERVICES INC WELLNESS PLATFORM-ALL DEPTS........135.50 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC RACHEL STREET IMPROVEMENTS............................132.50 TYLER TECHNOLOGIES NEW SOFTWARE UPGRADE-ALL DEPTS....................130.00 GREAT WESTERN SUPPLY CO SUPPLIES-CITY HALL...........................120.92 IOWA DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
ANNUAL WATER USE FEE-WAT......120.00 TERMINIX PRESTO-X PEST CONTROL-FD .......................................................100.14 LANDON JOHANNINGMEIER REFEREE-P&REC.......................................100.00 VESTIS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES-FD..99.01 MATT SIDERS MILEAGE-P&REC,LBC........ .........................................................91.20 VEENSTRA & KIMM INC WASTEWATER MISC ENGINEERING.........................67.50 IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES-WAT,SEW....... .........................................................64.80 VESTIS JANITORIAL SUPPLIES-LBC......... .........................................................64.16 MENARDS TRAINING CENTER SUPPLIES-FD..........................................60.58 BENNETT R GRAFFT REFEREE-P&REC...... .........................................................45.00 GABRIEL GRAFFT REFEREE-P&REC.......... .........................................................45.00 JAMISON W BILLINGSLEY REFE EEP&REC..............................................45.00 JAXSON J BILLINGSLEY REFEREE-P&REC.........................................45.00 LUKE RUSHFORD REFEREE-P&REC.......... .........................................................45.00 TEWODROS J BONEWALD REFEREE-P&REC.........................................45.00 TRAE D BIELEFELD REFEREE-P&REC....... .........................................................45.00 MONET ROELLE FUEL-PD................41.13 IOWA SOLUTIONS INC MONTHLY MAINT. SEW..................................................40.00 AMAZON CAPITAL SERVICES SUPPLIES-P&A.......................................38.63 MOUNT VERNON ACE HARDWARE SUPPLIES-FD..........................................29.98 CARTER GADBERRY REFEREE-P&REC..... .........................................................20.00 AUTHNET GATEWAY BILLING CREDIT CARD SERVICES-LBC.........................5.00 TOTAL......................................237,136.11 FUND EXPENSE TOTALS PAYROLL.................................117,044.16 GENERAL FUND.........................60,495.83 WATER FUND.............................14,427.73 SEWER FUND............................10,367.53 LBC............................................10,268.95 SOLID WASTE..............................9,737.31 ROAD USE TAX FUND..................9,677.03 BRYANT ROAD SANITARY SEWER............ ....................................................3,120.00 LOST III UR & STREETSCAPE.....1,700.00 STORM WATER FUND....................165.07 RACHEL STREET............................132.50 TOTAL......................................237,136.11 Discussion and Consideration of EMS Board of Director Appointments – Council Action as Needed. The council engaged in an extensive discussion regarding how to appoint three trustees from five qualified candidates following the creation of the new EMS district. Tuerler started the discussion by stating he believes it is in the best interest of the City to go with the will of the voters of the community and appoint the top three vote recipients, which were Dick George with 179 votes, Michelle Zaruba with 104 votes and Rose Hedges with 103 votes. Tuerler then made a motion to appoint Dick George to a three-year term, Michelle Zaruba to a two-year term and Rose Hedges to a one-year term. Engel seconded Tuerler’s motion but asked for discussion on the terms. Hansen-Player argued that because it was a write-in election without traditional campaigning, the Council should instead evaluate individual qualifications and how the group will work together. Andresen agreed with Hansen-Player and said it deserves more consideration other than the top votes. Engel agreed with Tuerler’s motion to go with the will of the voters but felt the terms should be adjusted based on the applicant’s preference on their applications and asked that Tuerler’s motion be amended to appoint Zaruba to a one-year term, George to a two-year term and Hedges to a three-year term. Tuerler rejected this amendment to his initial motion. Engel’s second to the motion remains. Rose said that given the nature of this vote and the fact that it was strictly write-in, he did have trouble appointing purely on the election results and felt additional consideration was warranted. Wieseler then asked for a vote on Tuerler’s motion. Voting yes: Tuerler and Engel. Voting no: Rose, Andresen and Hansen-Player. Motion failed. Each Council member then discussed their top three choices for appointment based on professional backgrounds such as medical expertise, fiduciary skills and how they would work with other members of the board. After this discussion and based on the top three choices of Council as a whole, Andresen made a motion to appoint Dick George to a three year term, Rose Hedges to a two year term and Alexander Kurjatko to a one year term. This motion seconded by Rose. Voting yes: Engel, Rose, Andresen and Hansen-Player. Voting no: none. Abstain: Tuerler. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice #51361-26 – Hwy 1 Reconstruction Project - Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Engel, seconded by Tuerler to approve V&K Invoice #51361-26 in the amount of $37,568.34. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice #51388-5 – WWTP Phase 2 - Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Tuerler, seconded by Andresen to approve V&K Invoice #51388-5 in the amount of $7,710.19. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of V&K Invoice #51394-2 – Bryant Road Sanitary Sewer - Council Action as Needed. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve V&K Invoice #51394-2 in the amount of $13,584.84. Motion carries. Discussion and Consideration of Rec Desk Service Agreement – Council Action as Needed. Rec Desk is the operating program for the LBC. Motion made by Rose, seconded by Andresen to approve the annual subscription in the amount of $8,510.78. Motion carries. Reports of Mayor/Council/Administrator Mayor’s Report. Wieseler discussed speaking with high school students on producing a video highlighting the school district that could be attached to the CDG presence. Goal setting responses from staff and Council are due by October 12th. Contact will be made with the new casino foundation as a community outside of Cedar Rapids. City Administrator’s Report. Report is available in the October 5, 2026 on the City website. As there was no further business to attend to, the meeting adjourned, the time being 7:28 p.m., October 5, 2026. Respectfully submitted,
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 13 Marsha Dewell City Clerk Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
CITY OF LISBON REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 12TH, 2026 CALL TO ORDER: The City Council of Lisbon, Iowa, met in regular session on October 12th, 2026, at 7:00p.m. with Mayor Doug O’Connor presiding. The following City Council members were present: John Bardsley, Kevin Steele, Rick Scott and Rawley Alger. Nathan Smith was absent. OTHERS PRESENT: Brandon Siggins, Travis Bagby, Drayton Kamberling, Jason Blinks, and Dave Schechinger. Present via zoom was Tom Austin, Ann Opatz and Michael Miller. CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Scott, seconded by Steele to table item 5B until the next meeting and approve the consent agenda consisting of minutes of September 28th, 2026, list of bills, utility refunds and the September Treasurer’s Report. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Alger to approve trick or treating hours for 5-7pm on October 31st and downtown road closures for Halloweentown. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Main Street will be closed from 3-8pm Walnut to Jackson Street and Washington will be closed from 4-8pm Market to SE Linn. Motion by Alger, seconded by Scott, to approve payment to Wendler, Inc in the amount of $47,045.00 for Well 5 CFB Pay Estimate No. 8. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Motion by Alger, seconded by Bardsley, to approve payment to Wendler, Inc in the amount of $34,435.00 for Well 5 CFB Pay Estimate No. 9. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Steele to approve Final Plat FFS Properties 1st Addition. All Ayes. Motion carried 4-0. Motion by Bardsley, seconded by Scott to set a public hearing for Budget Amendment #1 for FY27 on November 23rd, 2026. Roll Call Vote. Ayes: Bardsley, Steele, Alger, Scott. Absent: Smith. Nays: None. Motion carried 4-0. The council received the following reports from city departments: Public Works Director Travis Bagby – winterizing the pool, leaf vac repairs, DNR water inspection, working on Grant and Sumter curbs as the weather allows. Parks & Recreation Director Drayon Kamberling – Halloweentown prep, wrapping up soccer and flag football and then focusing on girls basketball. Police Chief Jason Blinks – report submitted, one officer halfway through academy. City Administrator Brandon Siggins – fire truck will be going to donor event at library Thursday evening at 6pm for Ciha family recognition. Fire prevention week was successful, and on November 7-8 we will be sending members to Mount Vernon training center. Attended P&Z meeting, CDG meeting, complex grass is coming in great, Alliant lights work, nuisances, new businesses coming include Ability Physical Therapy, Mechanicsville Telephone is taking over Elite Stone office near Nolz. Vacant properties include Gwen’s and Duane’s. Family Dollar was closed for repairs, Alliant gas in town for repairs, ECICOG grant webinar, Highway 1 will be closed next year for full scale reconstruction making Washington busy and the city audit is complete with a report to come soon. Council Member Bardsley reminded citizens of the community meal on October 15, openings on Historic Preservation and Tree Board and encouraged citizens to sign up for Nixle. Mayor Doug O’Connor adjourned the meeting at 7:30pm. Christina Eicher, City Clerk Doug O’Connor, Mayor Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
CITY OF LISBON LIST OF CLAIMS
10-12-2026 VENDOR NAME DESCRIPTION AMOUNT ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING SERVER SUPPORT........................................525.44 AFLAC INSURANCE........................177.80 ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES....3,952.79 ARMSTRONG, ADRIAN FOOTBALL/SOCCER REF..........................................300.00 AUDITOR OF STATE-IOWA AUDIT FILING FEE..................................................425.00 BAGBY, TRAVIS CELL PHONE STIPEND.... .......................................................150.00 BALTES, TONY CELL PHONE STIPEND...... .........................................................75.00 BASS FARMS LLC HAY RIDE WAGON RENTAL...........................................500.00 CARQUEST OF LISBON OPERATING SUPPLIES..............................................336.30 CASEY'S BUSINESS MASTERCARD FUEL CHARGES....................................2,052.31 COLLECTION SERVICES PAYROLL DEDUCTION..........................................54.39 CORE & MAIN LP WATER MATERIALS...... .......................................................152.36 DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA VISION INSURANCE - EMPLOYEE.............................7.36 EICHER, CHRISTINA CELL PHONE STIPEND..............................................150.00 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.....................................85.00 ES PORTABLES PARK RESTROOMS......... .......................................................739.96 EVERBRIDGE, INC NIXLE SERVICES......... ....................................................2,926.32 GRONEWALD, BELL, KYHNN & CO. AUDIT SERVICES.............................5,000.00 HAWKINS INC OPEARTING SUPPLIES...... .......................................................376.91 HILLS BANK FEDERAL W/H.........7,273.14 HOVE, FLETCHER FOOTBALL/SOCCER REF.................................................540.00 IMWCA WORKERS COMP...........1,307.00 INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES LIBRARY MATERIALS.................................1,676.49 IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES.............155.80 IPERS IPERS-REG.....................12,694.71 JOHNSON COUNTY REFUSE INC SEPTEMBER REFUSE.......................14,355.50 JORDAN'S PROPERTY CARE INC LIFT STATION MOWING.......................6,455.00 KAHL, KLAYTON FOOTBALL REF....300.00 KAMBERLING, DRAYTON CELL PHONE STIPEND.........................................150.00 KANOPY, INC. LIBRARY MATERIALS......... .........................................................10.00 KUBOVEC, TYLER FOOTBALL REF.. 300.00 LINN COOP OIL CO. FUEL CHARGES.........
....................................................1,089.89 LINN COUNTY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT RENTAL INSPECTIONS.........445.00 MECHANICSVILLE TELEPHONE CO. PHONE SERVICES..........................638.54 MEEKS, RYDER FOOTBALL REF.....300.00 MIDWEST TAPE LLC LIRBRARY MATERIALS.................................................255.71 MISCELLANEOUS VENDOR UTILITY DEPOSIT REFUNDS.............................115.46 MT. VERNON ACE HARDWARE OPERATING SUPPLIES................................471.70 RED CEDAR CHAMBER MUSIC MUSIC PERFORMANCE..............................200.00 RED LION RENEWABLES SOLAR...725.27 RODMAN, CHRIS CELL PHONE STIPEND.. .........................................................75.00 SCHIMBERG CO. FD MAINTENANCE......... .......................................................496.97 SIGGINS, BRANDON CELL PHONE STIPEND/MILEAGE..............................566.15 SIGGINS, JACOB CELL PHONE STIPEND.. .........................................................75.00 SPRINGVILLE READY MIX, INC MARTIN CURB STREET MAINTENANCE.......538.50 STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY TESTING. ....................................................1,328.50 STUDENT PUBLICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATIONS.............................................871.14 SUN LIFE FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE EMPLOYEE.......................................29.34 T-MOBILE WIRELESS SERVICES......69.30 THE POWDER SHOP, INC. SPLASHPAD PAINTING........................................550.00 TREASURER STATE OF IOWA STATE W/H ....................................................2,343.31 TREASURER STATE OF IOWA UNCLAIMED PROPERTIES....................53.64 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS HEALTH INSURANCE - EMPLOYEE..................831.42 WENDLER, INC. WELL 5 PAY ESTIMATES ..................................................81,480.00 WOODS, KEITH CELL PHONE STIPEND..... .........................................................75.00 PAYROLL...................................25,505.41 GRAND TOTAL:......................$182,334.83 FUND TOTAL 001 GENERAL FUND................41,395.08 010 CABLE TV...............................150.00 110 ROAD USE TAX...................9,513.53 112 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT FUND............... ....................................................7,100.40 304 SPLASH PAD/POO.................550.00 339 NEW CITY WELL...............81,480.00 600 WATER FUND....................12,543.59 605 UTILITY DEPOSIT FUND........169.10 610 SEWER FUND...................12,644.64 670 SOLID WASTE FUND........16,788.49 GRAND TOTAL:......................$182,334.83 SEPTEMBER FUND REVENUES TOTALS 001 GENERAL FUND..................84,762.29 110 ROAD USE TAX...................26,176.96 112 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.........12,264.32 121 LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX................ ..................................................58,715.94 125 TIF FUND.............................14,419.01 133 BUDGET BLINDS REBATE...39,244.00 200 DEBT SERVICE FUND.........15,607.40 337 SPORTS COMPLEX..................802.39 600 WATER FUND......................39,921.53 605 UTILITY DEPOSIT FUND.......1,387.10 610 SEWER FUND.....................32,302.93 611 SEWER SINKING FUND......16,270.89 670 SOLID WASTE FUND..........20,235.36 GRAND TOTAL:......................$362,110.12 Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
LISBON COMMUNITY SCHOOL REGULAR BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. Vice President Prasil called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Members present: Bagby, Baker, Prasil, Caspers Members absent: Richey Motion by Prasil, second by Bagby to approve the Agenda. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Prasil, second by Baker to approve the First Reading of Policy Primers Vol 34, #2-6. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Baker, second by Bagby to approve Early Graduation Requests as presented. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Baker, second by Bagby to approve the Contractor’s Final Pay Application in the amount of $50,000 to Peak Construction in recognition of the completion of our Facilities Project. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Baker, second by Bagby to approve the AIA Agreement for Project Completion in recognition of the completion of our Facilities Project. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Prasil, second by Baker to approve the Modified Supplemental Amount Request to the SBRC for EL Excess Costs in the amount of $7,599.63. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Prasil, second by Baker to approve the FY26 Certified Annual Report(CAR). All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Baker, second by Bagby to approve the Modified Supplemental Aid Request to the SBRC for FY26 Special Ed Deficit in the amount of $16,249.86. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Prasil, second by Bagby to approve the Open Enrollment Requests as presented. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Board Member Baker gave a facility update progress on the courtyard waterproofing project, concession stand flooring, pressbox, and progress on the fire alarm control panel updates. Superintendent Pino also gave an update on the roof repairs over the elementary, the trailer purchase for the activities department, and the progress with the bus parking lot. Superintendent Pino spoke about the opportunity to attend IASB BoardCon November 18th - 20th. Secondary Principal Leighty gave a presentation about the work the team has been doing for DCAP & ICAP. Secondary Principal gave a report on Homecoming, Parent Teacher Conferences last week, priority standards work within PLCs, and the AI for Education training done on 9/28 for PD. Elementary Principal Brown gave a report on Parent Teacher conferences and the book fair, upcoming Halloween celebrations, upcoming bus evacuation drills on 10/22, and interventions. Assistant Principal Horman gave a report on the progress on the Legacy Hallway and certified enrollment. Superintendent Pino gave a report on the presentation from AI for Education for PD and thanked Cameron Eichhorn for the setup that allowed us to host Springville staff for the training. November 11, 2026 - 6:00 pm Regular School Board Meeting
PUBLIC NOTICES/NEWS
14 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 December 9, 2026 - 6:00 pm Regular School Board Meeting Motion by Bagby, second by Prasil to approve the Consent Agenda. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Motion by Prasil, second by Baker to adjourn at 6:55 pm. All ayes motion carried (4-0). Angie Santis, Board Secretary Jen Caspers Board President Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
LISBON SCHOOL DISTRICT LIST OF BILLS
SEPTEMBER, 2026 ABC Disposal Systems monthly se ........... ....................................................1,864.62 Ace Hardware paint 369.84 Alliant Energy Alliant AC...................................10,498.97 AMAZON Capital Services pk4 classr ........ ....................................................7,122.12 ASPI Solutions Inc. Bound spon................ ....................................................3,150.00 Coca-Cola concession .................1,848.49 Autumn Pino Sept phone................. 50.00 Auxiant Auxiant AC ......................7,732.51 Barnes & Noble, Inc classroom ......479.40 Blick Art Materials HS art sup ........967.17 Brandon C Horman Sept phone .......50.00 Brecke, Inc service wa ...................786.84 Cambium Assessment Inc ELPA21 - S ...... .........................................................69.00 Cameron Eichhorn Sept phone ........50.00 CareerSafe Indust Tec .................1,050.00 Chris Henze Ref JV V F ..................150.00 City Of Lisbon water/sewe ...........3,737.90 Clark Towing tow bus #1 ................950.00 Clearfly phone serv ........................429.45 Collection Svs Center, DHS Misc P/R D .... .........................................................30.00 Covenant Family Solutions counseling ...... ....................................................1,040.00 Covenant Workplace Solutions September . .......................................................296.80 Delta Dental Medical In ...............4,263.54 Department Of Administrative Svcs annual adm ................................................600.00 Morgan E Deutmeyer reimburse ....119.89 Discount School Supply sensory bi .......... .........................................................24.99 Eric Armin Inc secondary .................64.42 Ecolab Pest Elimination building a ............ .......................................................150.21 Electronic Clearing House, Inc. Monthly Fe ...................................................119.00 Elite Sports basketball ....................348.00 EO Johnson Business Technologies dis-
trict c ..............................................416.45 Equitable State Plan Tsa/Ira/An ...2,765.25 Eric Krob alt school .....................1,000.00 ES Portables porta pott ...............2,423.29 Everyday Speech LLC english/re ....599.99 Fareway concession .......................639.05 Gallagher Benefit Svcs GASB valua ........... ....................................................1,200.00 Goodwill Industries of the Heartland Aug career ..........................................3,004.00 Grant Wood AEA digital re ..........8,331.59 David V Gutierrez reimburse ..........110.00 Hills Bank and Trust Deposit Ti ......118.31 Internal Revenue Service Fica ................... ................................................103,563.40 Treasurer-State Of Iowa State Inco ............ ..................................................10,843.00 Iowa Girls High School Ath Union SB regiona ..............................................166.70 Iowa High School Music Assoc. Registrati . .......................................................205.00 Iowa High School Speech Assoc. Coaches co ...................................................250.00 IPERS IPERS ............................73,306.01 J.W. Pepper & Son, INC. music ..1,500.96 Jack Leighty Sept phone ..................50.00 Jostens, Inc. final paym ..............5,174.00 Julie Hendricks reimburse ...............29.64 Junction Auto Sales suburban h ............... ....................................................1,157.32 Justin Brown Sept phone .................50.00 Krafka Lawn & Landscape fertizlize ........... ....................................................3,064.00 Lakeshore Learning Materials sensory bi .. .......................................................218.47 Laprea Education Inc digital li 1........67.00 Leaf elem copie ...........................1,864.98 Lenoch & Cilek Ace Hardware custodial .... ....................................................1,760.33 Linn Co-Operative Oil Co tires - pa ............ .......................................................993.08 Lisbon CSD Flex Spending IRS 125 Pa ..... ....................................................2,083.82 Lynch transit se ................................93.99 Martin Bros. Distributing Co Inc. food suppl .................................................2,383.95 Mass Mutual Tsa/Ira/An .................200.00 McGraw Hill Companies 3-6th Wond ........ ....................................................7,806.02 Mechanicsville Fiber alt school ........64.94 MediaCom internet s ......................900.00 Menards cleaning s .....................1,020.36 Deb Menken Ref V Voll ..................156.18 MFL MarMac Community School District district p .........................................100.00 Michele McCoy Sept phone ..............50.00 Marcus Millard Ref JV V F ..............150.00 Matthew Miller Ref JV V F ..............150.00
Modern Piping Inc gym a/c un ....1,112.00 Mosyle Corporation additional ...........8.25 Mt Vernon Repair Shop student fl .. 395.00 MV Learning LLC training s ...........498.00 Nathan Robinson Ref JV V F ..........150.00 Newsela Inc 2026/27 su ..............2,474.91 Night Shift cleaning s ................18,487.92 Nippon Sanso Matheson Inc gas tank r .... .........................................................31.00 Anita Northup Ref V Voll ................157.12 Office Express bulk paper ...........2,802.22 James W Ott reimburse ...................41.94 Performance Foodservice food suppl ....... ..................................................15,831.34 Prairie Farms milk suppl .............1,847.34 Prairie Music Association Registrati ......... .......................................................175.00 Meteor Education LLC third grad .............. ....................................................4,798.90 Principal Life Insurance Disability ............. ....................................................2,333.50 Project Lead the Way, Inc. kdg refill .......... .......................................................103.00 Randy Krejci Ref V Voll ..................157.33 Dan Rhine Ref V Voll ......................155.71 River Valley Conference River Vall ............ .......................................................500.00 Rod Kelley Sept phone .....................50.00 Savvas Learning Company LLC JH science ............................................1,195.56 Schmidt Athletic Floors wax lecc a ............ ....................................................8,500.00 Scholastic INC. Scholastic .............117.62 School Bus Sales bus radio/ .......1,167.73 School Health Corporation nurse supp ..... .........................................................20.68 School Specialty, LLC sensory bi ...951.75 Scott Hansen Ref V Voll .................160.31 Scott Kremer Ref V Voll .................160.23 Solberg's cross coun .......................31.40 Star Food Service Equipment and Repairs service ov .......................................270.00 Steve Meyer Ref JV V F ..................159.81 Student Publications Inc legal/minu .......... .......................................................192.15 Summit Fire Protection fire alarm ............. .......................................................446.45 Telecom Services Of Iowa, Inc service pa . .......................................................240.00 The Baseball Home baseball c .....1,452.99 The DBQ Company online acc .....1,200.00 TnT Tuckpointing & Building Restoration LLC building m ..........................19,975.00 Town & Country Wholesale Co. concession .............................................3,220.07 Trane US Inc gym a/c un .............1,205.00 Turnitin annual sub .....................3,080.00 Uline standing d .............................306.85
Value Inspired Products elem desks ......... ....................................................8,150.00 Visa Zaner-Blos ...........................5,537.43 VOYA Tsa/Ira/An .............................886.67 VSP Vision Service Plan Medical In .......... ....................................................1,739.71 TreviPay-Walmart prize cart ........1,031.49 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical In ..............................................78,369.22 Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa Monthly Fl................................... 2,007.97 West Music Co. elem music ........2,063.30 Phil A Whitman reimburse .............110.00 XtraMath premium li ......................500.00 Zaner-Bloser Educational Publish elem super ............................................15,611.75 Jennie M. Zerbe mileage - ................53.04 Total ........................................500,768.90 Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
NOTICE OF PROBATE
THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR LINN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE A WHITLEY, Deceased CASE NO. ESPR049504 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTORS, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Marjorie A Whitley, Deceased, who died on or about October 2, 2026: You are hereby notified that on October 13, 2026, the Last Will and Testament of Marjorie A Whitley, deceased, bearing date of November 16, 1992, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Ann Wattleworth and Mark Whitley have been appointed Executors of the estate. 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
Mount Vernon School Board approves affiliate organization handbook The handbook will provide clarity on how district affiliate organizations can operate Lillie Hawker For the Mount VernonLisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon School Board voted 5-0 to approve the implementation of an affiliate organization handbook during its regular meeting on Oct. 12. The handbook will provide clarity on the policies and approval processes the district’s affiliate organizations must follow, including how they can fundraise, who to contact for requests and what actions require school board approval. The board discussed what groups are considered affiliate organizations, with Mount Vernon School Board member Maggie Hartzler asking how groups are classified.
Superintendent Matthew Leeman clarified any group or organization classified as a 503(c)(3) nonprofit supported by and under the purview of the school district or district foundation is considered an affiliate organization. Leeman said the need for an official document outlining policies for affiliate organizations became clear during his first year as superintendent. By the end of his second school year, it became a priority for the school board after multiple instances of affiliate groups not knowing how to fundraise in accordance with district policies. “There was no tangible I go grab my handbook, and I go through and read, oh, this is how I fundraise. This is who I go to. This is who I ask,” Leeman said. “There have been requests to have something to refer to because it's hard to understand what to do if you have no idea to begin with. I would have loved this when I started.” Mount Vernon School Board member Kristi
MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN | MVLSUN.COM 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 (unless otherwise allowed or paid) a claim is thereafter forever barred. Dated October 13, 2026. Ann Wattleworth, Executor of Estate 319 3rd Ave. NW Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Mark Whitley, Executor of Estate 23958 30th St. Lisbon, IA 52253 Guy P Booth, ICIS#: AT0001014 Attorney for Executors Guy P. Booth Law Office 425 2nd St SE, Suite 1010 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Date of second publication October 29, 2026. Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF STORM WATER DISCHARGE
The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to be covered under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. 2 "Storm Water Discharge Associated with Industrial Activity for Construction Activities." The storm water discharge will be from construction activity located in Linn County on IA Highway 1. The project is grading, paving, and sidewalk replacement in Mount Vernon from NCL to US 30 Business. The Public Lands Survey location is Township 82N, Range 5W, Sections 3/10. Storm water will be discharged to the following receiving streams: storm sewer to unnamed tributary to Spring Creek and ditches to Abbe Creek. The public may obtain further information or request to review the NOI after it has been received by the DNR at https:// programs.iowadnr.gov/stormwater/, or by contacting the Iowa DNR at 6200 Park Ave Ste 220, Des Moines IA 50321, by phone at 515-725-8200, or by emailing stormwater@dnr.iowa.gov. Published in the Sun October 22, 2026.
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Miscellaneous Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 12/31/25.) Call 1-866-456-3917. No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855913-1560 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. Audien Hearing. The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855304-1545.
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited Lillie Hawker | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844Members of the Mount Vernon School Board discuss the affiliate organization handbook during the regular meeting on Oct. 12. School board member Tim Keegan joined the meeting 376-4154. over Zoom. School board member Jason Clark was absent. Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Meyers said the hand- club could have referred iate organizations will Foundation Repair! A book would have been a to during construction provide tangible guidance permanent solution for watergreat resource during the would have assured her the on district policy and best proofing, failing foundations, construction of the James booster club followed dis- practices. sinking concrete and nasty Bellamy Team Room by the trict policies and eased her The school board plans to crawl spaces. FREE Inspecdistrict’s booster club. worry over future liability. host annual affiliate meet- tion & Same Day Estimate. The booster club oversaw The affiliate organiza- ings each September to $250 off ANY project with the fundraising and con- tions gifting policy is also update, review policies and code GET250. Call 1-866-554struction of the team room outlined in the handbook. discuss the existing hand- 1730 and gifted the building to Leeman said creating book. the school. Meyers said hav- a document the school ing a resource the booster board could provide affil-
The Mount Vernon Community School District
MVLSUN.COM | MOUNT VERNON-LISBON SUN
NEWS
Lisbon approves payments for Well No. 5 work
According to Schechinger, the first payment of $47,045, which was supposed to be for work completed in August, had been submitted late, so it was being paid along with the September payment of $34,435. With the August and September payments made, Wendler, Inc. will continue to work on Well No. 5, which Schechinger explained is about 85% complete. “They’ve got some programming that they have to do once everything is online, there’s Cadence Dighton still lights that they have to put up, there’s Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun still chemical feed equipment that’s there news@mvlsun.com that just has to be installed,” Schechinger said. “That’s really about it.” The Lisbon City Council voted unaniThe goal is to get the project entirely commously on Monday to approve the transfer plete before the first snowfall of the year. of funds to Wendler, Inc. to make the pay- There were some delays due to mud caused ments for the Well No. 5 project current by the long periods of rain in recent weeks; before focusing on various other projects. however, the crew has been making progAs work on Well No. 5. continues in town, ress every time the rain breaks long enough the Lisbon City Council has made sure to for them to do so. periodically keep the payments to Wendler, Farm Financial Strategies lot to Inc. up to date for the work that they have split into two completed. Lisbon’s city engineer, Dave Schechinger, Alongside the Well No. 5 project in town, attended the Oct. 12 meeting to give an the Lisbon City Council discussed another update on the well and to discuss the two project: allowing the owner of Farm Finanpayments that would bring the project up cial Strategies (FFS) to split the lot the to date financially. business sits on into two lots.
According to Lisbon’s city administrator, Brandon Siggins, the business will not be leaving; instead, the building will remain on Lot 1, and a house will be built on Lot 2, the northern lot, for the owner of FFS to live in. “This would add more revenue to the city,” Siggins said. “It still keeps the business along Highway 30. [...] The only reasonable thing would be to add a house if you ever did something since it’s surrounded by residential.” Siggins met with Planning and Zoning prior, who recommended approval, and the Lisbon City Council voted unanimously to approve the project.
Halloweentown road closures to come
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 15
Fire trucks will be used to block off the streets, which, according to Lisbon’s parks and rec director, Drayton Kamberling, have worked better than barricades in past years. Additionally, detour signs will be posted by Highway 30 and Washington as well as by the railroad tracks. Washington Street will remain open until 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, but all other affected streets will close at 3 p.m. The roads will open back up between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Public hearing date for fiscal year 2027 budget amendment no. 1 is set
A public hearing date for the Nov. 23 Lisbon City Council meeting was set to address With Halloween coming up from 5 p.m. the first budget amendment for the fiscal to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31, downtown year 2027 budget. Lisbon’s city administraLisbon, the Lisbon City Council discussed tor, Brandon Siggins, will provide additional the road closures for the annual Hallow- details at future Lisbon City Council eentown event held by the Parks and Rec meetings. department. The closure will affect Washington Street Cadence Dighton is a junior in at the alley by Southeast Linn Community the University of Iowa’s School of Center to the Lisbon Fire Station, and the Journalism and Mass Communication. portion of Main Street that stretches from Cadence is an intern with the Mount Walnut Street to Jackson Street. Vernon-Lisbon Sun.
Lisbon discusses District Career Advancement Plan and facility updates Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon secondary principal Jack Leighty shared the district’s Career Advancement Plan for the coming school year. Leighty said that CAP plans now have opportunities stretching into fifth grade, with that opportunity being a career fair for students to explore career opportunities early. Leighty said the district hopes to improve their score on opportunities for students up from 19 out of 36 points to 25 out of 36 points this year. “We feel confident with some of the changes and listings we were able to update this year that our score will move to that 25 point threshold,” Leighty said. “They just
haven’t been reviewed at the moment.” One of those big changes was bringing teachers in to discuss how they address career opportunities in their classrooms that might meet some of those requirements for the CAP. Things like Lance Kamaus project that helps students understand the stock market would be one of those areas. As well, the additional opportunities now offered by Future Farmers of America and industrial technology classes at the campus and several adults brought in to volunteer for those classes also helps bolster the numbers. Leighty explained in October that students will look at things like job shadow opportunities that are available at Kirkwood as one area to get them more career ready. Superintendent Autumn Pino said with the opportunities in agriculture and indus-
Lisbon Schools releases final payment on construction projects Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Lisbon Schools has released the final payment on the career and technical education wing, weight room and lobby improvement projects made to the building. Superintendent Autumn Pino said the district is at the point where many of the improvements they are seeing are minor, many of the larger matters have been addressed. “We’ve established a final punch list with contractors last winter, and they worked through the majority of the fixes,” said John Baker, Lisbon school board and facilities subcommittee member. “The contractor and design team have addressed that all as well. They’ve completed all the items for the contract.”
was taken. The primers will be approved at November’s meeting. One of the primers that Pino spoke about was the threshold for superintendents to take action. The policy lifts that to $20,000. Pino said she was comfortable lifting that to $15,000 instead, noting price increases, but amounts over that would likely need board approval as they have additional considerations to be made before approving.
CAR report finalized for Lisbon
The district also approved a certified annual report for the district, as required by the state. The school is in the approved benchmarks for unspent budget authority and solvency ratio trends. Business manager Stacey Matus said that the trending for open enrollment Policy primers pass first has also been a positive for the district, reading compared to what it was more than a decade ago. Lisbon also approved a number of Superintendent Autumn Pino said that policy primers for first readings. Super- the open enrollment trend is good as intendent Autumn Pino explained that well for the district, it makes the district many of these were correcting language more financially sound and highlights required by the state of Iowa, and as they the district as a place people want to were first readings, no additional action come.
trial technology expanding, the district has seen better connections in the community about available options.
Lisbon discusses facility updates Even with construction completed on other projects, work continues on a few facility improvements at Lisbon Schools. One of those was the work ongoing in the courtyard of the Lisbon building. Lisbon school board member and facilities subcommittee member John Baker explained that the foundation wall has been excavated, and the contractor is ready to start cleaning the walls and addressing the leak they have been chasing. “There have been a number of unforeseen items we encountered in the project, but
we’re making progress and hope it will be completed soon,” Baker said. In the newly renovated lobby area, there’s been an issue with the flooring in the concessions area that the school is troubleshooting. The facilities team is also addressing some issues in the press box. Baker said that they discovered that water has infiltrated inside the press box, leading to wood rotting in some of the subfloor. That is being assessed and improved. Superintendent Autumn Pino thanked all for the flexibility and speed in which a roof leak was addressed in the Lisbon Elementary school area. “We checked for other concerns, like development of mold,” Pino said. “We know the roof leak was fixed, as we’ve had rain to check that progress.”
Lisbon School Board announces new fine arts trailer
astic about the purchase. Pino even joked about Arch’s excitement after he realized he could fully stand up in the trailer without hitting his head. “Mr. Arch is very grateful. He wanted me to stress that to you all,” she said, referring to the board members. “He tested it out, so he’s very happy.” Pino also noted there is enough space for all the students’ instruments. The trailer cost the district roughly $7,200, and it came in the Lisbon School District’s signature red color. Pino added that the trailer can be wrapped to showcase even more Lion pride. “They did a good job collaborating and to make sure we’re all going to treat it well and keep it nice,” she said. Pino also emphasized the practicality of the trailer as it’s big enough The $7,200 trailer will to accommodate the current student house the 7-12 fine arts population and future students if the district grows. and band programming According to the Iowa Department of as well as accommodate Education, the Lisbon School District other activities has maintained a consistent certified enrollment size over the last three school years, between 670 and 681 Grace Olson students. For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun “They did a good job of trying to make news@mvlsun.com sure it’s big enough to serve us now, To accommodate a growing district, and also if we do grow, so it’s a practical Lisbon superintendent Autumn Pino purchase,” she said. “They mapped it announced at the Oct. 14 Lisbon School out, and there’s room to spare.” Board meeting that a new trailer has Grace Olson is a senior been purchased to house fine arts proin the University of Iowa’s gramming and additional activities. School of Journalism and Mass She said the band will practice in the new trailer, and that Joseph Arch, the Communication. Grace is a student in the Iowa Community News class. grades 7-12 band teacher, is enthusi-
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16 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
Kirkwood Community College bond on ballot Nov. 3 Nathan Countryman Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
One of the items that voters in Linn and Johnson Counties, as well as many of the counties in Kirkwood Community College’s district will see on the Nov. 3 ballot is a resolution looking for the passage of an $88 million bond for the college. “We’re looking at renovations for our high use, high demand classroom spaces, which are sprinkled around all of our facilities on top of the other buildings,” said Troy McQuillen, vice president of facilities and public safety at Kirkwood Community College. “We’re looking to renovate or improve the buildings that house our highest demand career fields.” The $88 million will go to a number of improvements to buildings on the Kirkwood Community College campus. Projects included in the bond are: $46 million of that goes to the Jones Hall remodel, which will make improvements to manufacturing and trades programs by modernizing instructional spaces, updating technology and infrastructure and improving flexible learning environments for Advanced Manufacturing and trades programs; $12 million to the Linn Hall remodel, which will update instructional laboratories, expand simulation spaces, update classroom technology, improve student support areas, and learning environments designed to
reflect current healthcare practices and industry standards; $22 million to the Nielsen and Benton Hall remodel, which will make improvements to business and information technology classrooms, make more modern computer labs and more efficient learning environments; $4.5 million to flexible classroom spaces which will include modern furniture, updated lighting, new classroom technology, accessibility improvements and safety enhancements; $3.5 million for the ag operations machinery shop, roadway and swine parking, which will provide a new agricultural machinery shop and animal feed storage space, roadway and parking improvements and better access for students, visitors and industry partners. Secondary funding will also address a library remodel to a learning hub ($7 million), auto collision relocation ($3 million), Johnson Hall improvements ($3 million), baseball and softball field upgrades ($1.8 million), horticulture refresh ($2.7 million), central campus green space ($3.5 million), electrical distribution infrastructure ($5 million), Jones Regional geothermal conversion ($8 million). Other construction initiatives in the project include Hotel Kirkwood refresh ($6.5 million) and baseball and softball field fan and support areas improvements ($1.5 million). The cost for property
Mount Vernon Middle School renovation could affect class conditions The Mount Vernon School Board discussed the middle school's upcoming exterior renovations and the reconstruction process Chloe Oppelt For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun news@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon School Board members approved a motion to allocate over $17,000 to the upcoming middle school exterior renovation project during the Oct. 12 board meeting. The Iowa City-based architecture firm in charge of the renovation, Shive-Hattery, has begun the design development phase and warns that it could affect the classrooms in use at the middle school. Natalie Oppedal, an architect at Shive-Hattery, said that the renovation team had not anticipated the state of the existing plywood structure. To remove asbestos-infected tiles, the engineers will also have to remove parts of the structural integrity of the walls. Oppedal said the company engineer has concerns
owners in the multi-county region is roughly $9.35 per $100,000 of valuation. If the bond fails in the 2026 election, there will be plans to bring it back to the table in Nov. 2027. “We hear all the time how amazing our students and faculty are,” McQuillen said. “But we’re limited to bring new equipment to the table because of our existing infrastructure. This bond will help modernize buildings to allow us to bring in new equipment that aligns with these majors on campus.” McQuillen said the goal was also to have this equipment in labs be able to be accessed outside of the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. work day, but when students need access in the off-hours as well. These projects account for roughly six years of improvements to Kirkwood Community College’s space. “We’ve already began programming for some of the spaces that will be remodeled as soon as we hear a yes in the vote on Nov. 3,” McQuillen said. McQuillen said that as construction goes on in many of these spaces, temporary spaces will still be available for students to learn at as construction work continues. “Our goal is that students entering in for a program of study still have a great experience, meeting with faculty and engaging with cohorts,” McQuillen said. “It may look different as we’re making improvements that will benefit future students.” McQuillen said that the last bond that was passed for Kirkwood Community College accounted for $60 million and was passed in 2017, with improvements
about having to use structural steel to maintain the framework. “We do not want to go this direction,” she said. “It would also require getting into those classrooms and doing things from inside, which is atrocious.” The company is investigating whether this route needs to be taken, describing it as a worst-case scenario. An initial layer of steel was budgeted for, but the additional layer needed for structure would result in a higher overall cost. Oppedal said if the steel is needed, the reconstruction phase would ideally take place in the summer when school is not in session but may not be finished by the time classes begin in the fall, resulting in loud classroom conditions. “I'm not going to lie, it's going to be distracting,” she said. “We are currently having them [engineers] go in zones around the buildings so they're not interrupting all of the spaces at the same time.” Vice School Board President Jeremy Kunz raised concerns about how long the panels would hold up with no steel. “Is it overall going to be better to do this deal, even if it costs more?” he asked Oppedal. “Even if it costs us an extra $150,000, I'd rather do it right the first time, even if it takes us into the school year to get it finished.” Oppedal said plywood is probably the better option due to the way that the panels are designed and installed. Chloe Oppelt is a senior at the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Chloe is part of the Iowa Community News class at the university.
made at that time to the recreation center, student center and auto technology centers on campus. “We’re excited to be near the finish line with this project,” McQuillen said. “We know how much Kirkwood Community College means to folks and we’re excited for this next chapter. We owe it to our students to have the correct facilities for productive learning.”
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