Breakfast is an annual fundraiser with all proceeds going to support the work of the MVVFFA. All other events that day are free to all attendees.
Mount Vernon’s Easter Egg hunt will feature more than 3,000 individual plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes.
“This event is a collaboration between several great community organizations,” said Matt Siders, chair of the Easter Egg Dash Committee. “We are once again partnering with the Mount Vernon Community School District to use the track, and with Hallmark Care Center and the Lisbon Rehabilitation Center, whose residents will stuff hundreds of eggs for the Annual Easter Egg Dash. And now, with our partnership with the Mount Vernon Fireman’s Breakfast and the
Lisbon Fire Department, we are able to accommodate even more children and families in both communities.”
“We are thrilled to be working with our colleagues in Mount Vernon to offer an even bigger event for area families and children,” said Drayton Kamberling, Lisbon Parks and Recreation director.
At Mount Vernon’s Easter Egg Dash, children will be divided into three age groups: Ages 4 and under, Ages 5-8, Ages 9 and up.
The Mount Vernon Easter Egg Dash event is expected to take place outside on the Mount Vernon Elementary School Track. In case of rain, that event will take place inside the Mount Vernon Middle School gymnasium.
Lisbon organizers are asking participants to bring three, hard boiled, Grade A Large Eggs, decorated and marked with their name and age,
Advice for dealing with scams, financial exploitation
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Slow down. Breathe. Think before you give out any of your personal or financial information to anyone you don’t know.
Those were the key pieces of advice Laura Kriegermeyer, elder rights coordinator from Heritage Agency on Aging, presented at the adult speaker series at Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Thursday, April 3.
“The key to so many of the scams that take in the elderly is the need to do something immediately,” Kriegermeyer said.
And Kriegermeyer freely admitted she was one of those who fell for a scam herself, even as she teaches others about the practice herself.
“It was a scam pertaining to applying for student loan relief,” Kriegermeyer said. “The person claimed to be with an agency that was representing the consolidation of loans, and as I went through the process it wasn’t until they got to a step where they were asking for a payment upfront that I realized I’d been scammed.”
While Kriegermeyer hadn’t paid them, she had provided information to them.
“It is very easy to get sucked into a scam,” Kriegermeyer said. “It hits all sorts of socioeconomic statuses, it hits all levels of education.”
One in five people fall to a scam that compromises their financial information.
Heritage Agency on Aging investigates all sorts of financial exploitation of seniors, including scams, but also unauthorized use of an elder’s funds to benefit someone else. That can include land or documents.
Another key point of advice she had – never
sign something on the spot if you don’t know what it is or how it will impact you.
Even when it comes to having a power of attorney, elderly people can revoke that right at any time if they feel they have been taken advantage of.
“A medical or financial power of attorney should be used for those moments when you can no longer make decisions for yourself,” Kriegermeyer said.
Financial abuse is the most reported type of abuse elder abuse, impacting billions of individuals per year. Last year alone, the reported amounts were $3.4 billion.
“A lot of those abuses are not reported,” Kriegermeyer said.
Being a victim of a scam can be detrimental to the health and wellness of the elderly, with victims three times more likely to face mortality than non-victims, according to the Journal of Medical Associations.
When it comes to exploitation of the elderly, 90 percent of the cases involve family members, loved ones or caregivers than it is people they do not know.
“Those numbers may be ticking upwards from unknown people due to the number of scams that happen,” Kriegermeyer said.
In Iowa, elder abuse was not criminalized until 2022, one of the last states in the nation to pass laws to do so.
Kriegermeyer said that the number of scams that are happening are always changing.
“One of the things I said before the program is that I almost need to update this slide, as there will be a new one happening at that point,” Kriegermeyer said.
One of the recent ones that many in attendance had heard or experienced was the toll road scam, where a message is sent out you are being investigated for not paying a toll or
to Lisbon City Hall between 9 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19. In case of rain, a secondary spot will be determined for Lisbon’s hunt. Check out the Lisbon Parks & Recreation Facebook page for updated information. Hunt attendees will be seeking their own decorated eggs, which will be hidden throughout the park, with different regions of the park designated for different age groups.
Patrons of both Easter egg events are encouraged to visit the Mount Vernon Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast at the Mount Vernon Fire Station before or after the Easter Egg events. Questions can be directed to event Mount Vernon event chair Matt Siders at msiders@ cityofmtvernon-ia. gov; Lisbon event Chair Drayton Kamberling at lisbon parkandrecdir@ gmail.com; or to MVVFFA organizer Mehrdad Zarifkar at mehrdad.zarifkar@gmail.com
fee in a larger city.
Others included the UPS notification for a package you never ordered.
One attendee gave advice on circumventing the grandparent scam (where someone posing as a grandchild contacts their grandparent for money) – make sure you have a code word between you and your family to know if something is legitimate.
“AI has gotten especially out of control that they can make mimics of someone’s voice and social media presence,” Kriegermeyer said.
Another common one is people mimicking companies like Alliant Energy or Mid-American Energy and demanding payment of energy bills.
“Mid-American is not going to cajole you for payment immediately,” Kriegermeyer said.
“They’re more likely to shut your power off for non-payment than continually harass you by phone. They’ll reach out numerous other ways as well. Anytime some one is trying to rush you to do something while you’re on the phone with them, that’s most likely a scam.”
If there is a doubt if a representative is calling from where they say they are calling from Kriegermeyer said hang up and call that agency yourself on numbers you know to be accurate.
If someone does get involved in a financial scam, make a report to law enforcement agencies as soon as possible about the scam. Use non-emergency numbers to report the scam to those agencies.
How can elderly protect themselves?
Assign a power of attorney, guardian, conservator or financial advisor for when you can’t make decisions on your own
Know your rights when signing documents
Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Think before giving out card information or personal information
Freeze your credit if not applying for loans or lines of credit
Consult with Heritage Agency of Aging, local ombudsman, attorneys or doctors about any concerns
Committee of County Officers appoints Sami Scheetz as District 2 Linn County Supervisor
Scheetz
The Linn County Committee of County Officers appointed Sami Scheetz to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The vacancy is due to the resignation of Linn County Supervisor Ben Rogers who stepped down from his seat for a position with UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation, effective April 1, 2025. The unexpired District 2 term runs through December 2026.
Scheetz was one of 17 applicants who applied for the appointment. The Committee of County Officers – comprised of Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor, Recorder Carolyn Siebrecht, and Treasurer Brent Oleson – interviewed four of the 17 applicants on March 31. All meetings of the Committee of County Officers, including
the applicant interviews, were public meetings. Scheetz will be sworn in to office at 3:30 p.m. today, April 1, 2025, in the formal boardroom of the Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Scheetz served as a state legislator in the Iowa House of Representatives. He will begin his role as Linn County Supervisor immediately upon swearing in.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Cedar Rapids and Linn County in the Iowa House,” said Scheetz. “Over the past three years, I’ve worked hard to address food insecurity, advocate for workers’ rights, and improve the lives of working and middle-class Iowans. As a Supervisor, I’ll continue to fight for working people, invest in our community’s future, and make sure Linn County remains a place where families can thrive.”
“I’d like to congratulate Sami on his appointment to the Linn County Board of Supervisors,” said Linn County Board of Supervisor chair Brandy Z. Meisheid. “I look forward to our future collaboration to best serve the residents of Linn County and to continue to make Linn County a place where people want to live, work, and raise a family.”
“I’m excited to welcome Sami Scheetz to the Board of Supervisors and to work together on the key issues that matter to Linn County and our residents,” said Linn County Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt.
Electors in Linn County District 2 have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by special election. A petition must be filed within 14 days after an appointment is made and must meet the requirements as stated in Iowa Code section 331.306.
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CDG Retail Events Committee announces two summer events
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group (CDG), a Main Street Iowa organization, is excited to announce two summer events organized by the CDG Retail Events Committee.
Hello Summer Shopping Kickoff on June 21
On Saturday, June 21, participating businesses will celebrate the start of summer by offering special promotions, treats, or unique reasons for shoppers to visit. Additionally, businesses will distribute punch cards to customers.
For every $10 spent, customers will earn a punch on their card. Once the card is completely punched (10 punches), it can be exchanged at any participating business for a new card. All completed cards will be collected through the August event and entered into a drawing to win local gift certificates!
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sidewalk Sales on August 9
On Saturday, August 9, participating businesses will
be open from 9 a.mm. to 4 p.m., offering special product discounts. This event will take place rain or shine, with pleasant weather allowing the sidewalks to be filled with shopping specials! This will also be the final day to submit punch cards for a chance to win local gift certificates.
Questions may be directed to any committee member:
Jessie Thurn, CDG Director: director@visitmvl.com Olivia Randall, Bauman & Company: baumanandco@gmail.com Anna Wilson, The Local: glynmawr@gmail.com
New repair shop opens in Mount Vernon
Roundabout Repair Shop, located just off the roundabout on Business 30 Southwest, is bringing a fresh look and valuable services to the Mount Vernon community.
Offering diagnostics, tune-ups, brakes, tires and suspension repairs, owner Kraig Hunter is ready to meet the needs of local residents.
Growing up on a small farm, Hunter said that he has always been interested in fixing things.
“My dad and grandpa were into tractors and that kind of stuff,” Hunter said. “I took to the love of mechanical stuff, but got the bug of cars.”
He started out working on BMX bikes, but Hunter said when he “got old enough to drive, it kind of morphed into automobiles.”
Hunter’s passion for cars is matched by his knowledge and experience. Raised in the small southern Minnesota town of Wilder, he studied automotive engineering at the University of Minnesota Mankato.
After graduation, he worked for Chevrolet in Detroit for two years before transitioning into support engineering and product management in precision agriculture, in which he spent the last 27 years. Now, Hunter is ready for another change.
“I had a vision to do handyman work or become a car-
Social media tips shared at CDG event
penter or something,” Hunter said. “But I knew that I wanted to get out of the corporate world and be my own boss for a while.”
Hunter said that he wasn’t necessarily expecting to open a repair shop, but that he learned about the property from a conversation out of the blue.
“The stars kind of just aligned with this whole thing,” Hunter said.
A Minnesota native, Hunter and his family moved to Iowa in the summer of 2006 as a result of a career change, and the family has been in Mount Vernon ever since.
Today, Roundabout Repair is a family-run operation, with Hunter handling repairs and his wife Pam helping with office management.
The shop name is also a unique aspect of the repair shop, with Hunter saying he has received lots of compliments on it. The name of the shop wasn’t initially based on the location, but came to be from the family bantering back and forth on the name one day.
Roundabout Repair is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Wednesdays, when it opens at 9 a.m. When he is not working, Hunter enjoys barbequing, smoking meat, and working on his own project cars. Hunter is currently in the process of restoring an old pickup.
As for the future, Hunter said he plans to grow steadily. “I want to walk before I run in regards to what things look
it a less ideal time to get started on the platform. Linked In is great for businesses and professionals. Google Business platform is one Millikan says people should be making sure is up to date, including any hours of operation changes.
When it comes to making posts, Millikan said that quality is more important than quantity of posts.
Meta Business Suite (which manages both Instagram and Facebook posts), allows posts to be scheduled.
Her key piece of advice to businesses – do not spread yourself too thin by stretching to too many social media platforms.
“You can repurpose content on each social media site,” Millikan said.
Millikan also described the importance of the brand people are trying to convey – including the voice in which they post updates, the colors, fonts and even logos they utilize.
“The important thing is any profile you establish for your business has the essential business information in your communication – your office location and hours especially,” Millikan said. “Contact details as well are important.”
Whenever you post it’s recommended to establish who your business is, what they are doing and a call to action with the posts.
Millikan said when it comes to the algorithm for Facebook and Instagram, that’s driven by the number of likes and comments you get on a post. Those people you interact with the most are the ones that are highest in your feeds in Facebook and Instagram.
like,” he said. “I was really busy for the first three weeks before I officially opened for business, and it has been steady ever since.”
If residents are looking to connect with Hunter for repairs or vehicle issues, they can call the shop at 319895-8119, or use the contact dropbox on the website, roundaboutrepairshop.com
posts is a great way to grow engagements as well.
Millikan said she would shy away from having AI write captions or posts for a brand.
“People online can tell when a caption is written,” Millikan said.
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group continued sharing tips for social media in an event at Tin Roof Hideaway and Events Center Tuesday, April 1.
Christina Millikan, social media manager for Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group, shared a little about what she knows on social media.
Millikan’s first advice to businesses looking to step into social media for the first time – choose the right platform for the audience you are seeking.
“Instagram is better for people who utilize visual items, like photos or crafts,” Millikan said. “Facebook is great at community building, and really reaches older demographics.”
TikTok was one that Millikan said skews younger, but the requirement that it has to have new owners by April 5 makes
Millikan said that while videos usually get more engagement in today’s social media, she has found that posts with photos about area businesses get a lot more interaction for Visit MVL’s Facebook pages.
She recommended making sure that you are tagging businesses.
“If someone shares a post about your business, share or comment back,” Millikan said.
Finding the sweet spot to post is an issue.
“If a post isn’t doing well at 6 a.m., there’s a chance that same post will not do well at 6 p.m., either,” Millikan said.
The important point is to make sure that the posts you share have a way for customers to connect with you as people.
“People want the personal touch, to feel like they know more about the person who runs a small business,” Millikan said.
When it comes to growing an audience, questions and answers or engagement when people comment on your
Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Christina Millikan presents some tips at the CDG event Tuesday, April 1, at Tin Roof Hideaway and Events Center.
Ella McEntaffer | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Kraig Hunter works
Roundabout Repair Shop in Mount Vernon. Hunter opened the shop in March.
Ella McEntaffer
For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
The new repair shop will join other local businesses in the Mount Vernon community of 4500
Mount Vernon, Lisbon communities host Hands Off March
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com
More than 320 people from surrounding communities took part in the Hands Off protest march in Mount Vernon and Lisbon Saturday, April 5.
Walkers took off from Lincoln Square Park in Lisbon and from the First Street Community Center in Mount Vernon and met at a spot towards the middle of both communities to voice frustration with decisions made by the Trump organization. Roughly 60 attended the march in Lisbon, while more than 260 people walked from the First Street Community Center to the gazebo in rural Lisbon, utilizing the sidewalks and walking paths for pedestrians.
Arlie Willems, with Voices United of Rural Linn County, helped to organize the event, and was extremely happy with the turnout for the event. Voices United of rural Linn County will have their next meeting at Whitey’s on Monday, April 28. More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page.
Communities represented in the walk included Anamosa, Mount Vernon, Lisbon, Martelle, Bertram, Ely, Mechanicsville, West Branch, Monticello, Cascade, Morley, Cedar Rapids, Solon and Cedar Bluff. Organizers as well thanked the Cornell College students who showed up for the event. All ages of people participated in the event, holding signs for areas of cuts that they are not happy with.
Mount Vernon mayor Tom Wieseler commended the turnout for this event.
“This is what Democracy looks like in action,” Wieseler said.
Wieseler said one of the areas he was frustrated with himself were tariffs, which were already impacting his retirement earnings with the stock market dip.
Another speaker reminded citizens this wasn’t a liberal or conservative issue, that many of the decisions made in Washington impact all citizens in the communities. While many motorists did honk horns in favor of those walking in protest along the route, there were a few other voices who disagreed with the protest march that voiced opinions as they drove by.
Dust control sign-up now open
Dust control sign-up is now open for residents in unincorporated Linn County. The only dust control option available through Linn County is seal coat (chip seal). All other forms of dust control are applied by private contractors.
Property owners wanting dust control, regardless of type, must complete the applicable dust control permit form. Forms for self-application, application by private contractor, and application by Linn County are available on the Linn County website.
Property owners wanting a dust control option other than seal coat applied by Linn County should contact a local contractor and choose their dust control of
choice instead of coming to or contacting the Engineer’s Office for dust control. A list of local contractors is available on the Secondary Road Department’s website.
The property owner or applicant must submit their completed dust control form with the $50 permit fee to their contractor. The contractor will collect the permits and fees and provide them to the County at the end of the sign-up period. Application deadlines may vary with private contractors.
Property owners self-applying dust control materials and property owners wanting Linn County to apply seal coat to their road must return their completed
dust control form and permit fee to the Engineer’s Office.
Completed forms for seal coat may be returned in one of the following ways:
• Scan and email the completed form to Engineer-Permits@LinnCountyIowa.gov. Call the office to pay with credit card, or drop off a check at the Engineer’s Office, or mail a check for payment.
• Drop off the completed form with a check for payment in the locked drop box outside the employee entrance door at the Engineer’s office.
• Mail the completed form to the office with a check for payment.
The deadline for County-applied seal coat is May 10. Please contact the Engineer’s Office at 319-8926400 with questions or for assistance. Additional information about Linn County’s dust control program can be found on the Linn County website.
Photos by Nathan Countryman | Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above: The combined 320 participants at the gazebo in rural Lisbon along the walking trail between the communities.
Left: Crowds of participants march down Lisbon Road towards the gazebo, the destination that could accommodate more than 300 people at once in the communities.
Left: Marchers pass down First Street towards Lisbon Road Saturday, April 5.
Below (left): Some of the signs from the 320 participants displayed towards the road Saturday, April 5.
Below (right): Participants get instructions of how the walk was going to proceed down sidewalks in Mount Vernon to the final destination in Lisbon Saturday, April 5
Cornell choirs perform with Fisk Jubilee Singers April 19
The preeminent performers of African American spirituals, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, will be on the Cornell College campus to workshop spirituals with
the combined Cornell choirs, resulting in a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
The concert is open to the public and free general admission tickets can be reserved online at crnl.co/fisk to ensure seating. The church is located two blocks from campus at 304 First Street SW in Mount Vernon. Cornell has been affiliated with the Methodist church since its founding in 1853.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers will perform a program of African American spirituals, such as “Wade In the Water,” “Every Time I Feel the Spirit,” and “Steal Away.”
The concert will close with Rollo Dilworth’s “I Sing Because I’m Happy” with the Cornell choirs.
Fisk Jubilee Singers Director G. Preston Wilson Jr. said this is a rare Iowa appearance by the ensemble from Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville, Tennessee. The ensemble received a Grammy Award in 2021 for Best Roots Gospel Album and was honored with the National Medal of
the Arts, the highest artistic accolade in the nation. The Jubilee Singers are responsible for popularizing the African American spiritual through their tours of the U.S. starting in 1871, and Europe beginning in 1873.
The ensemble will be on campus April 17–19. At noon on Friday, April 18, Wilson and the singers will present “Fisk Jubilee Singers: The Seed of American Music” on campus in Hedges Conference Room, Thomas Commons. The presentation is on performance practices of spirituals and Fisk’s involvement in the development and dissemination of the African American spiritual.
The seed of American music
“The Jubilee Singers did not create the Negro spiritual but they are responsible for pioneering its prominence as they went across the sea to sing this unique American art form. Because of what they did, they are the seed of American music. R&B, rock ’n’ roll, and country exist because of the Jubilee Singers,” Wilson said in an interview.
They began in 1871 performing classical and pop music of the time. Later that year they went on tour and programmed spirituals.
“Only when they started singing spirituals did audiences become enthused,” said Wilson, a 2010 Fisk graduate and former member of the Jubilee Singers who holds a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Missouri in Columbia.
The ensemble introduced the African American spiritual to Europe on an international tour in 1873. In England they performed for Queen Victoria, who was so pleased she commissioned a portrait of the singers.
“The Jubilee Singers went on tour to raise money for the school, which was under dire straits. The 11 singers raised $150,000—worth $3.2M now— which settled the debts of the university and built Jubilee Hall,” said Wilson. “Because of what they did we enjoy not
Holocaust survivor to speak in Cedar Rapids in April 2025
The Thaler Holocaust Education Trust will welcome to Eastern Iowa via video link Yom HaShoah guest speaker Rodi Glass. Rodi will be sharing her story of narrow escapes at 7 p.m. April 22 at Mt. Mercy University in the Chapel of Mercy and at 6:30 p.m. April 23 at Cornell College in Thomas Commons.
Rodi Waterman Glass was born into a large family in Amsterdam in 1936. When she was just 4-years-old, Germany invaded the Netherlands, including Amsterdam.
“I still remember them marching in. We weren’t allowed to go out or stand out. We had to put shades down, but we peeked out and I can still, in my mind, hear the marching of the boots goose-stepping down the street.”
Life changed after that. All Jews in the Netherlands had to register their names and addresses. Germans then started issuing a series of rules and laws including curfews and restricting Jews’ ability to have money or other valuables, attend school, or be in public spaces.
In September 1942, the Dutch police came to Rodi’s home late at night and told her family they needed to leave. They were sent to Westerbork transit camp. Through familial connections, Rodi’s family was able to escape deportation twice.
Rodi and her family realized that most of her father’s family had been taken away and killed. From May to September 1943, the Nazis sealed the Jewish quarter of Amsterdam and rounded up Jews for deportation. Rodi’s
family was sent to Westerbork again. A familial connection once again helped the family to be sent to a detention center in Vittel, France, instead of Bergen-Belsen, a concentration camp in Germany. They remained in Vittel until it was liberated in September 1944.
When the Netherlands was liberated in May 1945, Rodi’s mother got approval for the family to return to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, they were given some money and placed in former orphanages. In Amsterdam, the family business was still operating under a Dutch Nazi sympathizer. Rodi’s father threw him out and they took back control of the business. While the family rebuilt the store and life returned to normal, her mother’s sisters moved to Chicago. In 1950, her aunts wrote a letter telling the family to come to the US, and in April 1951, Rodi, her parents, and grandparents arrived in New York, and then headed for Chicago.
Rodi went to Hyde Park High School and in 1955 married her husband, Marvin. The two were married for 62 years and have three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. In 2022, Rodi returned to Amsterdam to record her story through a program at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. Her VR film, Walk to Westerbork, will be viewed by the high school students that Rodi will be visiting while she is in Cedar Rapids.
“Life turned out beautiful for me. Luck played a big part in my life. I’ve been a very lucky person. Luck for surviving. Luck meeting the right people. Luck for having a beautiful family and wonderful friends.”
Join us on April 22 or April 23 to learn from Rodi’s experiences in The Netherlands as a child witness to the Holocaust.
only the Negro spiritual and other types of American musical expression but Fisk University. They opened up the channel for the world to hear this American art form and made way for other genres to be birthed.”
Jubilee Singers is fifth recent artists-in-residence
For the past three years Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Music Christopher Nakielski has invited prominent music directors and composers to work with the Cornell choirs before a special performance.
“We’re bringing in artists and ensembles that we can perform with. For this generation, walking in and hearing a concert is not good enough,” he said. “They want an all-inclusive, integrative experience.”
There is an educational component as well.
“The Fisk Jubilee Singers are a direct lineage of the music formed in the slave fields and plantations to the music we know today. They’re the authority on traditional Black music, spirituals. Naturally it’s intriguing to us to bring in an ensemble and director that will help us in Iowa more accurately learn the proper performance practices behind America’s indigenous music,” Nakielski said.
In 2023-24 Nakielski and his choirs hosted and performed with The Ambassadors of Harmony, a five-time international champion men’s barbershop chorus; performed works by American composer and conductor Z. Randall Stroope under his direction; and performed Elaine Hagenberg’s masterwork “Illuminare” under her direction. In 2022 Charles Thomas Hayes ’77 came for a residency culminating in a gospel and spirituals concert.
Saturday, April 19 - 7pm Mount Vernon United Methodist Church
Contributed photos
Top: Preston Wilson Jr. is the director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Bottom: The Fisk Jubilee Singers will be the fifth artist in residence concert for Cornell College.
Glass
SPORTS
MOUNT VERNON TRACK
Mustang girls win home meet
Boys place fifth at track meet
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Sports reporter’s note: My audio files from after the track meet were eaten by my iPhone. I apologize to Dawson Scheil, Dakota Clark, and coach Ryan Whitman, who took the time to talk to me.
Every week is a test, and the Mount Vernon girls’ track team passed this one. The Mustangs won the team title going away at their home meet Thursday, April 3.
Mount Vernon scored 145 points at the Mount Vernon Relays. Marion was second (101), Solon was third (94.5) and Clear Creek Amana (71.5) was third at the eight-team event.
“It was an outstanding night for us,” Mount Vernon girls’ track coach Kory Swart said. “The girls showed up and really performed really well for us.”
The Mustangs won six events across a broad range of disciplines, and used their depth to pile up team points.
“We certainly have kids in different areas that can contribute,” Swart said. “We have a nice complimentary team.”
Gold medals were won by Lucy Wischmeyer (long jump), Libby Dix (discus), Edith Dawson (3,000), and Evelyn Moeller (800). The Mustangs also won the sprint medley (Kara Swantz, Lucy Wischmeyer, Eastin Whisner, Cali Whitaker) and distance medley (Jaylee Jaspers, Grace Hale, Quinn Pershing, Caroline Rupe).
Swart said Moeller had a big night, winning the open 800 and running the anchor leg on the second-place 4x800 relays. “She stood out,” Swart said.
Eastin Whisner, who is always willing to try new events,
place third in the high jump.
“She loves the sport and has a lot to offer,” Swart said. “We’re trying to keep her healthy. She’s feeling better, which is awesome.”
The Lisbon girls’ team finished seventh, battling against a lot of bigger schools.
Brynn Epperly won the 100 hurdles and Emersyn Reiter won the high jump.
Boys
Mount Vernon boys’ track placed fifth at their own Relays. Clear Creek Amana won the team title with 131 points, followed by Lisbon with 96.
The Mustangs got an incredible gold medal performance from Dawson Scheil in the mile. He raced out to a big lead and kept his distance to win the 1,600 in 4 minutes, 45.80 seconds.
Grady Olberding won the 3,200 meters in 10:01.02 and Scheil also anchored the winning 4x800 relay in 8:24.65 (with Seamus O’Connor, Chasen Caskey and Graham Vavricek).
Distance events are going to be the big point-winners this spring, but Coach Ryan Whitman also saw some encouraging performances across the board Thursday.
The Lisbon boys, two-time defending state champs in Class 1A, had to really battle against Clear Creek Amana, a possible state-title contender in 3A. The Clippers edged the Lions by 2.53 seconds in the sprint medley.
Tiernan Boots and Quinn Coleman finished first and third in the open 100 (in 11.10 seconds and 11.31 seconds). Anthony Armstrong won the 800 in 2:03.26, but those were the only gold medals the Lions brought home.
The normally powerful Lion 4x100 relay was disqualified.
Lisbon did score in all four field events, led by Justin Snyder (high jump), Daylin Schaefer (long jump) and Henry Reiling (shot put and discus).
Girls team scores — 1. Mount Vernon 145; 2. Marion 101; 3. Solon 94.5; 4. Clear Creek Amana 71; 5. Benton Community 68; 6. West Branch 42.5; 7. Lisbon 39; 8. Center Point-Urbana 20. Winner, Mount Vernon and Lisbon placewinners
Top: Mount Vernon’s Stanley Krob leaps in the long jump at Mount Vernon Thursday, April 3.
Above: Lisbon’s Brynn Epperly leaps in the long jump Thursday, April 3.
Lisbon’s Sawyer Feldman participates in the 3,200 at Mount Vernon Thursday, April 3.
Photos by Jami Martin-Trainor | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
Above top: Lisbon’s Jackson Powers (left) receives the baton from Tiernan Boots in a relay race.
Above bottom: Mount Vernon’s Cali Whitaker crosses the finish line at Mount Vernon’s home meet Thursday, April 3.
Mount Vernon Relays
Mount Vernon girls compete at Benton
MV boys rained out at Tipton
Ryan Suchomel Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls’ track opened the outdoor season Monday, March 31, at the Benton Community Early Bird. The Mustangs won the meet with 148 points. Union Community was second with 103.
“We were experimenting with different events and we learned a lot,” Mount Vernon Coach Kory Swart said. Gold was won by Cali Whitaker (200), Evelyn Moeller (800), Sorell Telecky (400 hurdles) and Libby Dix (disucs).
“Sorell did a wonderful job,” Swart said. “She’s another one that really opens some doors for us, and allows us to be more flexible.”
Mount Vernon girls’ were also scheduled to run Saturday, April 5, at the Cedar Rapids Invitational, but it was cancelled due to poor weather.
Mount Vernon tennis opens season with win
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
Mount Vernon girls’ tennis opened the season on a cold afternoon Thursday, April 3, at the Mount Vernon tennis courts.
Three teams – Grinnell, Marion and Maquoketa –came to town for the unusually-formatted tournament. Each team had 10 players play five games against random opponents.
Team scores – 1. Mount Vernon 148; 2. Union Community 103; 3. Benton Community 98; 4. Center Point-Urbana 86; 5. Grinnell 72; 6. Denver 56; 7. Waterloo West 48; 8. South Tama 41; 9. Springville 34; 10. Cedar Rapids Xavier 30; 11. Alburnett 6; 12. North Linn 5; 13. Valley Lutheran 0. Mount Vernon placewinners 100 – 2. CaliAna Whitaker 12.82; 7. Olivia Haverback 14.20. 200 – 1. CaliAna Whitaker 26.52; 4. Kara Swantz 28.99; 5. Lucy Wischmeyer 29.40. 400 – 5. Annabelle Smith 1:09.53. 4x200 – 8. Mount Vernon 1:59.53. 800 – 1. Evelyn Moeller 2:19.86; 2. Kiersten Swart 2:24.92. 4x400 – 2. Mount Vernon 4:27.60. 1,500 – 5. Edith Dawson 5:26.63; 6. Josie Bothell 5:43.98. 4x800 –3. Mount Vernon 10:47.45. Sprint medley – 2. Mount Vernon 1:58.72. 100 hurdles – 4. Olivia Haverback 18.16; 8. Adrienne Ruhland 18.78. Distance medley – 2. Mount Vernon 4:35.17. Shuttle hurdle – 2. Mount Vernon 1:12.85. 400 hurdles – 1. Sorell Telecky 1:12.86. Long jump – 2. Lucy Wischmeyer 16-9. High jump – 3. Eastin Whisner 4-10; 7. Adrienne Ruhland 4-6. Shot put – 2. Libby Dix 34-8. Discus – 1. Libby Dix 123-0; 5. Maciann Stoner 87-6; 6. Adeline Whisner 84-2.
On Tuesday, April 1, the Mount Vernon boys’ track team got a half of a meet in at the Tipton Early Bird Relays. The event was called off halfway through due to poor weather. Graham Vavricek won the 3,200 and Andrew Dix was second in the discus
Hultquist earns academic honor
STORM LAKE – Mount Vernon grad Kambree Hultquist was named to the American Rivers
Team scores – 1. Mount Vernon 63; 2. Cascade 60; 3. Dyersville Beckman 54; 4. Tipton 44.5; 5. (tie) North Cedar 44 and Camanche 44; 7. Maquoketa 37; 8. Easton Valley 24.5; 9. Clear Creek Amana 10. Mount Vernon placewinners 100 – 3. Logan Stanerson 12.52; 6. Erik Lamb 12.61; 8. Stanley Krob 12.81. 400 – 7. Leo Thrap 58.32. 4x800 – 2. Mount Vernon 9:32.64. Sprint medley – 6. Mount Vernon 1:44.28. Distance medley – 2. Mount Vernon (Jayden Scieszinski, Luke Paulus, Maddox Thede, Danny Dye) 4:07.61. 3,200 – 1. Graham Vavricek 10:42.34; 5. Cayden Scheil 11:38.13. Long jump – 4. Xander Riniker 18-10.75. Shot put – 8. Andrew Dix 35-2. Discus – 2. Andrew Dix 122-3; 4. Alex Briesemeister 111-4.
MVL boys’ soccer
ties
Marquette, lose to Iowa City Regina
MV girls tie Marquette, lose to Iowa City Liberty
Ryan Suchomel
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com
The Mount Vernon boys’ soccer team opened the season with a tie and a loss last week.
On Tuesday, April 1, the Mustangs tied Bellevue Marquette, 1-1.
“Marquette is a basketball school, and won state, and we saw some basketball-sized players,” Mount Vernon Coach Nate Grosse said.
The Mustangs had a lot of chances, but only put one in the net thanks to Gavin Plathe on a set-piece in the second half.
“We created a lot of chances, and dominated possession,
but could not get the ball to go in,” Grosse said.
On Thursday, April 3, Mount Vernon lost at Iowa City Regina, 3-0.
The Mustangs were hurt by two penalty shots off odd plays – one on a 50/50 ball in the box, and the other on a handball. The final Regina goal came with the Mount Vernon offense pushing and the Regals taking a long bouncing shot late in the game.
“Not often do you lose 3-nil and leave feeling you had a chance to win it,” Grosse said. “The scoreline doesn’t look great, but the soccer we played was pretty decent.”
Mount Vernon had four shots on goal, two by Carter Gadberry.
Girls
Like the boys, the Mount Vernon girls started off 0-11, tying Bellevue Marquette, 0-0, on Tuesday, April 1, at Mount Vernon.
The game was called after halftime because of lightning.
“We had a good number of shots,” Mount Vernon coach Angie Knies said. “That propelled us into the next game.”
On Friday, April 4, No. 15 (2A) Mount Vernon lost to No. 10 (3A) Iowa City Liberty, 4-1.
Senior Clare Nydegger had the only goal for the Mustangs, tying the game 1-1 in the first half. But the Lightning had three second-half goals.
“I’m really proud of how we came back after not being able to play a full first game,” Knies said. “I heard that’s the best we’ve played against (Liberty).”
“It is just a chance for coaches to see their kids play a lot of tennis,” Mount Vernon coach Crystal Eskelsen said.
Each game is just 20 minutes, so scores can vary. But Mount Vernon won the team competition with 238 combined points, beating Grinnell (208), Marion (135) and Maquoketa (102).
“It absolutely feels good to win,” Eskelsen said. “Everyone is kind of rebuilding this year. We didn’t know what to expect going in, but our girls played really well.”
Ashyn Rollinger led the scoring for the Mustangs with 39 points, followed by Nora Dye and Tallulah Norton with 36 each.
scores – 1. Mount Vernon 238; 2.
208; 3.
135;
Conference 2024-25 Winter Sport All-Academic Team.
Hultquist, a junior at Buena Vista, is a member of the dance team.
To be eligible, a student-athlete must be at least a sophomore with a GPA of 3.5 or better.
Outlook: The Mustangs lost three matches last year, once to Marion and twice to Grinnell, including a Class 1A regional. On Thursday, Mount Vernon outplayed both of those teams, so there is reason for optimism for 2025. “Everybody is pretty excited,” coach Crystal Eskelsen said. “I think there’s always a question mark, but a lot of players improved in the offseason. I’m excited to see what the season holds.”
Looking for 1985 champs
Trying to track down members of the 1985 Mount Vernon state champion girls’ track team. If that is you, or you have their contact info, please email ryan.suchomel@ mvlsun.com
Team
Grinnell
Marion
4. Maquoketa 102. MOUNT VERNON – Nora Dye 36, Ashtyn Rollinger 39, Molly Bany 26, Alyssa Bohlken 24, Tallulah Norton 36, Mae Stoops 10, Anna Stephens 21, Polly Hinrichs 11, Emily Schnoor 24, Ayla Davis 11.
Abby Princehouse | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Mount Vernon’s Josie Bothell (right) hands the baton off to Cora Smith at Benton.
Photos by Jonah Frey | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Top: Mount Vernon’s Cole McDermott sends the ball to a teammate from the sidelines. Bottom: Mount Vernon’s Clare Nydegger (No. 14) attempts a shot from long range.
Abby Ballauer | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun Mount Vernon’s Cayden Scheil and Graham Vavricek race around the track at Tipton, Tuesday, April 1.
Cornell College’s mock trial team continues its winning tradition
Strengthening a legacy established in 2006
By Natalia Scales
For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun
On any weekend during the school year, a courtroom somewhere in the Midwest transforms into a political battleground not with actual legal disputes, but with fierce intellectual competition. For Cornell College’s Mock Trial team, it becomes an opportunity to test their skills against some of the best collegiate teams in the country.
Mock trial is an academic competition where students simulate a trial. They take on roles as attorneys and witnesses. The team receives a fictional legal case at the beginning of the season and must prepare arguments as both the prosecution and defense side. Competitions require quick thinking and going against other schools to confidently deliver before a panel of judges. At the conclusion of the trial, the judge’s gavel strikes, signaling a winner.
Cornell College’s Mock Trial team, 1058, competed in the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) this season, where the finalists qualify for the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) National Championship Tournament. Over 700 teams compete this season, but only 192 teams make it to ORCS. Cornell has built a strong reputation in the mock trial community.
With their first team being founded in 2006, the program quickly continued to gain recognition under the guidance of the first coach, Jones County Attorney Kristofer Lyons. In
MVHPC to review demolition ordinance protected buildings
Nathan Countryman
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun nathan.countryman@mvlsun. com
Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission discussed if the demolition ordinance protected outbuildings.
The discussion was sparked by a request from Leigh Bradbury for the 213 First Avenue S.W. home. Commission president Sue Astley discovered the wrong address was listed for the property, and the commission will review the addresses.
Commission member Guy Booth, who helped write the ordinance, said that it was established for any structure that was historic.
The commission did an inventory for all buildings in the community in the 1980s, and Barbara Long took photos of all of the homes in the communities.
The issue for some commissioners is that there aren’t definitions from the secretary of the interior for items like barns, due to architecture varying across the country.
“We don’t have as much control over what people do with outbuildings on their properties,” Duane Eash said. “What if an outbuilding was modified and is no longer conforming to the historic property it sits next to? It’s easier to demolish something that is not conforming.”
Commission member
2009, Abbe Stensland took over as head coach. She led the team to multiple AMTA National Championship appearances, solidifying Cornell’s reputation. Over the years, the program has continued to grow, frequently qualifying for high-level tournaments.
During the 2022-2023 season, assistant coach and former competitor Mimi Vukelich maintained the team’s streak of advancing to ORCS every year since 2013. Now, with Max Handler as their coach, the program has reached a new milestone in gaining its first full-time head coach position. Handler, who previously coached at Washington University in St. Louis and Wellesley College, brings years of experience and a bright vision for the team’s future.
“It’s really unique how much Cornell has invested in the team and how it makes it a more rewarding experience for the students,” said Handler.
Cornell Mock Trial continues to thrive as one of the Midwest’s top collegiate programs. This season, Team 1058 has shown just how competitive they can be. At regionals, they faced tough opponents, including Indiana University, DePaul University, and Illinois State. Their record of 5-2-1 secured their place at ORCS. Along the way, individual members also earned special recognition: Rachel Ruish ’25 was named an All-Regional witness, while Kaden Legore ’27 and Celina Schertz ’27 were named all-regional attorneys.
“There is nothing better than competing at a high level with your friends, especially if you get to wear your Crocs,” said Ruisch.
Yes, the team has developed a unique tradition of wearing colorful Crocs to competitions to show off their unity and
continue to ask questions of the commission as to what we would like to see in the booklet.
meeting was if the commission wanted to have guidelines for art in his -
confidence. They have traveled extensively, competing in cities such as St. Louis, Des Moines, Madison, and even Nashville. Their journey began in September with tryouts, and since then, they have dedicated countless hours to refining their arguments, perfecting their delivery, and strengthening their presence in the courtroom to win.
Whether they’re in a courtroom or on the road, one thing is for sure, Team 1058 will bring their competitive spirit, legal expertise, and of course their Crocs.
“No matter what you end up doing mock trial is an incredible opportunity to build skills, beyond the public speaking, there is teamwork, confidence building, and leadership skills,” said Handler.
toric districts. Commission members said the guidance they would have was
on how items of
attached to buildings, not the artwork itself.
Wade Squiers said preserving historic outbuildings may impact very few properties in Mount Vernon.
When it came to historical significance, some of the buildings are historic because of who owned the property previously and their importance to Mount Vernon, not necessarily the structure itself architecturally.
Commission member Randy Brown is going to review the list of historic properties from the 1980s evaluation and a list the commission had previously finished to doublecheck that addresses are correct.
Another topic of discussion was possibly including one of the old brick homes from Mount Vernon’s history that was not on the demolition list. Commission member Mary Evans said the property should be included because of it’s historic nature. No action was taken.
Commission meets with JMT
MVHPC had their first meeting with JMT for design review guidelines March 26.
Design guidelines are to be finished between now and December. Samantha Smith and Angela Jimenez were representing JMT at the meeting.
Smith and Jimenez provided good insight as to what information they will have in the guideline booklet, but more importantly,
Smith and Jimenez spent March 26 in Mount Vernon touring the town, gathering information and taking pictures of structures in the historic districts.
They will use the current book that was prepared by Ed Sauter and Dick Thomas as a reference and can incorporate some of the original drawings prepared by Ed Sauter into the new guideline book.
Commission member Mary Evans made sure they have some of those drawings by Ed Sauter were preserved in future updates, sending them some of those original documents.
One of the discussions that had come up at the
art are
Contributed photo
Team 1058 (from left) Jack Gross (Class of 2025), Daniele Ebert (Class of 2027), Rachel Ruish (Class of 2025), Kaden Legore (Class of 2027), Levi Thompson (Class of 2027), Celina Schertz (Class of 2027), and Luis Andres Roman Bonilla (Class of 2027).
CALENDAR & PUZZLES
CHURCHES
MOUNT VERNON
St. Paul Lutheran Church L.C.M.S.
600 Fifth Avenue South
Pastor: Rev. Sean Hansen www.splcmv.org; send e-mail to info@splcmv.org
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-person worship
Please refer to our website or contact the church directly for additional worship information.
First Presbyterian Church 301 1st St. N.W. www.firstpresmv.com 319-895-6060
Pastor: Rev. Lori Wunder
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. in-person worship.
Online services stream beginning at 9:20 a.m. on Facebook
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Rev. Andrew Awotwe-Mensah, parish priest Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Justus Hallam, Bishop
Meeting at: 4300 Trailridge Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids
Sun.: 11:30 a.m. in person services. Also an option for digital worship services.
United Methodist Church
Pastor Vicki Fisher
www.umcmv.com
Sun.: 8:30 a.m. Praise Worship
11 a.m. Traditional worship
Both worships available online at UMCMV.com
An LGBTQ affirming congregation
Community Bible Church 940 W. Mount Vernon Rd. www.mvcbc.org, 895-6269
Teaching Pastor Brandon Glaza
Discipleship Pastor Dennis Fulkerson
Youth Pastor Stephen Thomas
Sun.: 9:30 a.m. In-Person Worship Service
Wed. - 6 p.m. Encounter and Youth Group
Linn Grove Presbyterian
2000 Linn Grove Rd., Mt. Vernon
Pastor Carla Burge
Sun: 9 a.m. in-person worship, masks requested Also, weekly readings, prayers and sermons are posted on the church’s Facebook page.
Baha’i Faith
Nina Scott, Group Secretary, 319-270-9230
CrossLife Community Church
Pastor Erik Bennett
Sun.: 10:30 a.m. – In-person worship service. Services also livestream on Facebook page.
LISBON
Living Hope Global Methodist Church
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, April 10
Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Development
Group community leader’s breakfast, Cornell College Thomas Commons Smith Dining Room, 7:30 a.m.
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m. Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center Adult speaker series “Music and Fresh Impressionism” by Jessica Wiskus, LBC, 1 p.m.
Lisbon Library Teen Art class: Window painting with Chalk Markers, Lisbon Public Library, 5 p.m. Lisbon Library board meeting, Lisbon Library, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 11
Bingo, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cornell College Department of Music presents “Opera Scenes,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer recital Studio, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls,” First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12
Concert and Conversation with Ed Fallon Lisbon Heritage Hall, 2 p.m.
Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre presents “Calendar Girls,” First Street Community Center Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon High School Prom, Mount Vernon High School, 9 p.m.
Monday, April 14
Lisbon Schools Blood Drive, Lisbon School Cafeteria, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
200 E. Market St., 455-2000 livinghopegmc.org
Pastor Andrew Bee
Services live streamed at Living Hope Global Methodist Church’s YouTube page
Sundays at 9:45 a.m. Sun.: 9:45 a.m. — In-person worship.
Seeds of Faith Lutheran Church, ELCA
798 Brenneman Lane, 455-2599
(Off Hwy. 30 on eastern edge of Lisbon) www.seedsoffaithlutheran.org/
Pastor Erika Uthe
9 a.m. — In-person worship. Services also livestream via Seeds’ Facebook Page.
BERTRAM
United Methodist Church
319-365-8077
Rev. Darwin Moore, Pastor Sun.: 10 a.m. — In-person worship service
MARTELLE
Christian Church
Sun.: 10:30 a.m. — in person worship service Services also stream online at Martelle Christian Church’s YouTube page.
United Methodist Church Sun.: 10:30 a.m. Worship service. No Sunday school.
SPRINGVILLE
United Methodist Church
Sun.: 9 a.m. Worship service. Wed.: 6:30 p.m. Praise service
Faith Christian Fellowship
Pastor Joseph Bielema Sun.: 9:30 a.m. worship at Springville Memorial Library, in the Buresh Room
(264 Broadway Street)
St. Isidore Catholic Church Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass
MECHANICSVILLE
Living Hope Bible Church
Mechanicsville Memorial Building
First Presbyterian Church
408 E. First Street.
Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville
307 East First Street
563-432-7716
Sun: Sunday School 10-11am and in-person Worship Services at 11:15am with Fellowship to follow.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Pastor: Father James Flattery
Wed.: 8:30 a.m. — mass Sun.: 8 a.m. Mass
Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon School Board meeting, Mount Vernon High School library, 6:30 p.m.
Mount Vernon Java Jazz, Mount Vernon High School gym, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15
Lego Club, Cornell College Cole Library Room 108, 3:30 p.m.
Yarn squad, Cornell College Cole Library Room 326, 6:30 p.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library Room 410, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon Middle School music solo festival, Mount Vernon Middle School, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16
Cards, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m.
Linn Lunch Bunch, Southeast Linn Community Center, 11:30 a.m.
Learn to play bridge, Cornell College Cole Library room 108, 1 p.m.
Lisbon Spring Gardening Talk “Gardening for Good Health,” Lisbon Public Library, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 17
Story Time, Cornell College Cole Library Browsing Room, 9:30 a.m.
Fiber Friends, Southeast Linn Community Center, 10:30 a.m.
Spring Book Talk, Cornell College Cole Library, noon Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center
Adult speaker series “Orchestra Iowa: Navigating Change” by Tim Hankewich, LBC, 1 p.m.
Jessica Monnier Piano Student Recital, Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Ringer Recital Studio, 7 p.m.
Across
1 That’s gotta hurt
5 Certain voice-overs
9 Neutrogena dandruff shampoo
13 Make less distinct
14 “A cunning hunter, a man of the field,” in Genesis
15 Find more value from
16 Brought into being
17 Like one with renewed beliefs
18 Word from on high
19 H.S. exam for which 5 is the highest score
21 Seller of Poäng and Ekenäset chairs
23 School play?
24 Look to pick things up
26 Onetime leader of the Sinaloa Cartel
28 The great outdoors
30 Tying one’s shoes, e.g., for most people
31 Tops at golf clubs
32 Absorbed
34 48 of them make a cup: Abbr.
36 Untidy room, metaphorically
37 Pains
40 Portuguese greeting
41 Reid of “Urban Legend”
43 Indian crepe served with chutney
44 Meat designation on a food cart
46 Graphite, essentially
48 Exact replica
50 Fire breather of myth
51 At all
52 Dorm enforcers, for short
53 Betray, with “out”
55 Discarded tech devices
59 Not satisfied
61 Swallow
63 Strengthen one’s commitment
64 Scrutinizes
65 Eager
66 Send out
67 Have an inclination
68 Hitch together
69 Digs for bears
Down
1 “Waterloo” band
2 Sound on a bridle path
3 Offended
4 Given name of Che Guevara
5 One with obligations
6 Troupe for troops, in brief
7 Adriatic port city
8 Dissociative void, as in the film “Get Out”
9 ___ Talks
10 Highlight of many a Jimi Hendrix concert
11 What might lead to a breakout success?
12 “Unhand me!”
15 Gape or gasp, say
20 [I’m trying to listen!]
22 Send
25 Little time off
27 QB’s call
28 “No way, nohow!”
29 Gymnastics star of the 2012 and 2016 Olympics
31 Winter hours in L.A.
33 Intensifying suffix, in modern slang
35 Comedian ___ Vulcano
38 Really dig
39 Mouselike mammal
42 One of eight on a cuttlefish
45 Worn away
47 Top scores, e.g.
49 Settle a score for
50 Part of a pizza
54 Snapchat’s ghost, e.g.
56 Indeterminate amount
57 Look-alike
58 Specialty M.D.s
60 Extremity
62 Vessel with a round bottom
SUDOKU
To play: Complete the grid so that every row, column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve.
Apartment for Rent
1-bedroom apartment for rent. 204 3rd Ave SW, Mount Vernon. $600/month + deposit. Call Shane at 319440-8754.
House For Rent
Mt. Vernon House for Rent. 411 2nd Ave. NW. 1-bedroom, 1-bath, detached garage. No smoking/pets. Lease & deposit. Available May 15th. Ph: 319-310-1929.
4-bedroom, 2-bath house. 1-stall garage storage. Available June 1st. $1500/month + deposit. 417 2nd Ave NW, Mount Vernon. Call Shane at 319-440-8754.
5-bedroom, 2-bath house. 2-stall heated & insulated garage. Available June 1st. 202 1st Ave SE, Mount Vernon. Call Shane at 319440-8754.
Entertainment and Events
New and antique handquilted quilts for sale. Kalona Quilt Show at Kalona Community Center. April 24 5-8pm, April 25 9am-7pm, April 26 9am-3pm. 319-6562240 www.woodinwheel. com.
Wanted
WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-3318122.
Miscellaneous
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-9545087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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 time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154.
Does your basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations, sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces. FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate. $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-554-1730.
Local water quality project continues
Together with water quality professionals, the area chapter of Iowa Women for Water is again sponsoring a local water data collection program. As they did in 2023 & 2024, teams will collect water samples from local streams April-October 2025. “We’ve joined the Isaac Walton League and other environmental organizations concerned about water quality in Iowa,” says Laura Krause, local Iowa Women for Water chapter member and owner of Abbe Hills Farm. “Folks want to see for themselves what’s in our water. They’ve read or heard that Iowa’s streams and rivers are polluted and are sharing what they learn with elected officials.”
The teams are measuring nitrates and other pollutants in the water. The data is being consolidated and presented by project leader Dr. Marty St. Clair, former chemistry professor now working in research at the University of Iowa College
of Engineering.
“Anyone who wants to join a team is welcome,” says chapter member Marie DeVries. “We test the third Saturday of the month April through October. It takes less than an hour.” The first 2025 test date is Saturday, April 19.
For more information, email marie. devries@gmail.com.
Jackie Martin, Marsha Acord and Cindy Pospisil test Hahn Creek stream water. 2025 will be the third year teams have collected and tested water samples April – October.
Lisbon audit highlights
Kay L. Chapman, CPA PC of Muscatine released an audit report on the Lisbon Community School District in Lisbon. Financial Highlights:
The District’s revenues totaled $ 14,681,424 for the year ended June 30, 2024, a five percent increase from the prior year. Expenses for District operations for the year ended June 30, 2024 totaled $15,715,873, a 20 percent increase from the prior year. Charges for services, property tax revenues, and unrestricted state grants increased. Instruction, support services, non-instructional programs, and other program expenses also increased.
Audit Findings:
Chapman reported four findings related to the receipt and expenditure of taxpayer funds. They are found on pages 63-67 of this report. The findings address issues such as a lack of segregations of duties, misstatements not detected, exceeded certified budget, and deficit net position.
Board Responsibilities:
The District’s Board of Education has a fiduciary responsibility to provide guid-
ance over the District’s operations and stewardship over the District’s finances. The Board is responsible for the governance and leadership of the District.
Copy of Report:
A copy of the audit report is available for review in the District Secretary’s Office, in the Office of Auditor of State and on the Auditor of State’s web site at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.
DISTRICT OFFICE: Ph: (319) 455-2075, Fax: (319) 455-2733
HIGH SCHOOL OFFICE: Ph: (319) 455-2106, Fax: (319) 455-3208
Linn County Conservation campgrounds to open April 10
Modern campgrounds managed by the Linn County Conservation Board will open for the season on April 10 by 8 a.m. Camping continues to be one of the fastest growing outdoor recreational activities, inviting all ages to discover the simple magic of the outdoors, a timeless experience for all.
Campgrounds to open include those at Buffalo Creek, Morgan Creek, Pinicon Ridge, and Wanatee Parks. Campsites at these parks will have water and electric hook-ups, and a dump station for registered campers available (weather permitting). A firewood bundle is available for purchase at each modern campground. A majority of campground sites are first come-first served with self-registration (cash or check). Only the A-loops at Buffalo Creek Park and Wanatee Parks can be reserved online in advance. The new
Firefly Campground at Pinicon Ridge Park is currently under construction, with an opening to be determined later this summer.
Another campground opening for the season includes the primitive (no water or electricity) Matsell Bridge Equestrian Campground. The nearby Matsell Bridge Primitive Campground is open year-round, as is primitive camping at the Wakpicada Natural Area. Group camping opportunities
are available at Morgan Creek Park, Pinicon Ridge Park, and the Wickiup Hill Learning Center.
Before heading out, campers are encouraged to check out the rules and regulations, as well as other available amenities. To learn more, visit the camping page at LinnCountyIowa.gov/ Conservation. The modern campgrounds typically close for the season October 15.
Linn
County
Conservation camping areas:
• Buffalo Creek Park, 1825 Coggon Road, Coggon Modern camping, including limited reservable sites
• Morgan Creek Park, 7287 Worcester Road, Palo Modern and group camping
• Pinicon Ridge
Wed., April 16th at 7:00 PM
Park, 4900 block of Valley Farm Road, Central City
Modern, primitive, and group camping
• Wanatee Park, 1700 Bald Drive, Marion Modern camping, including limited reservable sites
• Matsell Bridge Natural Area, 3734 Matsell Park Road, Central City. Equestrian Campground 3699 Matsell Park Road,
Central City. Primitive campground
• Wakpicada Natural Area, 300 block of Central City Road, behind the Linn County Fairgrounds Primitive and equestrian camping
• Wickiup Hill Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville Primitive pack-in campsite
Holy Thursday: April 17, 6:30pm
Holy Friday: April 18, 6:30pm Easter Vigil: April 19, 7:30pm — Easter Sunday: April 20
Contributed photo
Local water quality team (L-R)
Iowa Donor Network commemorates National Donate Life Month, encourages Iowans to save lives through organ and tissue donation
Each April, Iowa Donor Network (IDN) joins our colleagues across the nation in observing National Donate Life Month (NDLM), a nationwide initiative highlighting the critical need for organ, and tissue donation. NDLM serves as a platform to honor the generous donors and their families who have transformed lives through the gift of donation, while also raising awareness about the importance of registering as a donor.
This year’s National Donate Life Month emphasizes the profound impact of donation, showcasing the stories of over 100,000 patients awaiting transplants across the nation, and the remarkable legacies of more than 1 million recipients and their families. It also acknowledges the selfless act of donor families, who, in moments of grief, choose to give the gift of life to others. Furthermore, NDLM recognizes the over 170 million individuals who have registered their decision to be donors, extending hope and healing to those in need.
As the designated organ procurement agency for the state of Iowa, Iowa Donor Network remains committed to its mission of transforming lives through the gift of organ and tissue donation. Throughout National Donate Life Month, IDN aims to inspire Iowans to register as donors, educate healthcare professionals on the donation process, coordinate recovery efforts, and provide ongoing support to donor families.
Join Iowa Donor Network and Donate Life America in commemorating National Donate Life Month by participating in the following ways:
Register as a Donor: Individuals can register as organ and tissue donors at IowaDonorNetwork.org
Share the Message: Help spread awareness about the importance of donation by educating others on how their generosity can save and heal lives. Follow Iowa Donor Network on all social media platforms and share our messages of hope during NDLM.
Join Celebrations: Engage in key celebrations throughout April to support the Donate Life cause both online and in your community. Visit IowaDonorNetwork.org/events to find events in your area.
