MVL Sun — 4.24.25

Mount Vernon-Lisbon

King Chapel work starting this spring

First phase will encapsulate building and address truss issues

Nathan Countryman

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

The work on King Chapel is moving forward, with Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission giving a certificate of appropriateness for the work on the first two phases of the project.

Scott Allen, with OPN Architects, presented the plans for the first two phases of the project at the commission meeting. Cornell College needed a permit to begin work on the first phases of the project, and because the building is a historic building and in a historic district, MVHPC has to approve of the work.

Allen said rough early estimates for the project’s first two phases are $27 million. Those funds come from insurance payments for the damage, FEMA reimbursement, SHIPO funding, historic tax credits and a private donor who is contributing to the building.

Phase 1A will be getting the framework of stabilizing elements throughout the building. Another element OPN will be doing in phase 1A will be administering grout barriers throughout the building.

“What we found as we looked around the building is that the consistency of grout in parts of the building wildly varies,” Allen said. “We’re administering that all over to help have a firmer foundation.

Phase 1B will be the shell stabilization and outside envelope for the project. It will enable the building to be better secured as work goes to installing new steel trusses at the roof of the building.

“We’ve determined that the wood truss structure was not adequate to take the weight of the slate roof, and has been sagging over time,” Allen said. “By replacing all the trusses to the building above the ceiling, that will make the roof more solid.”

Faux trusses that adorn the interior ceiling as an art element will be removed during this process, but the plan is to reinstall those when work is completed.

Another part of Phase 1B will be replacing a staircase in the southwest tower with a more modern staircase.

“The spiral staircase in that tower is not up to code, and we’ll be replacing it,” Allen said.

There will also be some work to replace some of the slate tiles on the building’s roof, some of which were damaged during the derecho.

Another part of the project will be installing storm windows to the exterior of the building, there to help protect some of the historic glass. Allen said those will stretch even to the lower portion of the building, which were the ones most impacted during the derecho.

Phase 2 will be the work that happens to the interior

Hopping good time

Mount Vernon and Lisbon were hopping places to be Saturday, April 19, as Easter events happened in both communities. The Mount Vernon Fire Department held its annual pancake breakfast at the fire station. The breakfast had steady traffic, with more than 1,400 served Saturday morning, and saw volunteers manning the griddles, serving sausage, eggs, pancakes and coffee, juice and milk. Members of the local Boy Scout troops and Trailblazer 4-H clubs helped with clearing tables or getting refills on juice, pancakes and other items. The families of the fire department also held a bake sale at the department.

Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group, Hallmark Care Center, Rehabilitation Center of Lisbon, Cherry Ridge, Hardee’s of Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon Volunteer Firefighters Association had more than 3,000 Easter eggs prepared for the hunt at Washington Elementary track for the dash Saturday morning.

Matt Siders, director of Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation, said the event would not have been possible without the help of the Cornell Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, who helped distribute those eggs on the field to start the day. The teams will be hosting an alumni soccer game Saturday, April 26 at noon and 2 p.m.

Over in Lisbon, more than 40 youth participated in hunting for their own eggs. This year, the Lisbon Parks and Recreation Department moved the younger age group’s hunt away from the playground equipment, as there were a number of eggs lost or damaged in previous years. The hunt for the golden egg in the older age group took the longest to complete.

of the building. One of the changes will be taking two center windows on the ground floor of the building and helping to turn them into doors to help with traffic flow into the building.

Work on Phases 1A and 1B will begin this year, some of the work on those phases happening in tandem. The design and work planned for Phase 2 will go out for bids in September of this year, with that work slated to begin after and stretch into the next year.

Allen said OPN Architects has worked on projects on several historic buildings, including Terrace Hill, Old Capitol and Brucemore, and every project has given them more experience.

Randy Brown asked if there were any plans to clean the exterior stone of the building. Allen said that there will be some replacement stones, and some tuckpointing or repointing in areas, but no designated plans for a cleaning to all the stones on the building.

Kellie Ploegge from Cornell College said that the work by Scott Ladwig in determining the right architects and contractors for this project

was crucial to the project getting to where it is today.

“We’re almost five years post-derecho, but we’ve needed all these contractors and architects to get a scope of what repairs are needed for the building,” Ploegge said.

Julie Barnes from Cornell said that the project has had so many reviews because of the historic nature of the building and proposed fixes to make sure that the correct work is being done to address the building. She assisted the application for FEMA funds and insurance following the derecho and is continuing work on the project.

Join us for a community news reception May 5

Meet some of the U of I journalism students who have contributed to the Solon Economist and Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

A

over a year

were purchased by Student Publications, Inc., the non-profit organization overseeing The Daily Iowan. This created a partnership between the two

Mount Vernon schools health insurance rates lower this year

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

Brian Doyle with Gallagher Insurance reminded the Mount Vernon School Board that he doesn’t usually get to share positive news like Mount Vernon is seeing this year.

With 81 people enlisted in Mount Vernon School’s health insurance program this year, the district was able to bolster the school into a larger health insurance pool for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.

“That has helped to bring down our co-pays, which helps to make the insurance plans much more competitive,” Doyle said.

Those co-pays went from $40 for an office visit and

$100 for a specialist down to $20 for an office visit and $50 for a specialist visit. Drug co-pays were reduced as well.

Doyle also said he was able to add levels in between single and family rates, to address the types of health care packages employees may be looking for with the bid this year.

“Hopefully, that will attract more people to the insurance plan,” Doyle said.

While Mount Vernon saw increased enrollment in the insurance options last year, the district is slightly under the 60 percent for the plan.

Superintendent Matthew Leeman said the district will be communicating with employees during the open enrollment period about these

DEA Drug Take-Back

On Saturday, April 26, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will be collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. The Sheriff’s Office will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (West Parking Lot), 310 Second Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. This free, anonymous service will help keep your home safe and could even save lives.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 26 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website at www.deadiversion. usdoj.gov.

weeklies and the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism, a partnership that has seen several UI students helping the newspapers with coverage while gaining

changes and rough estimates of costs so employees will know what they will be getting in the plans.

Dental had additional options added and vision changed to a provider that is accepted out at Mount Vernon Eye Clinic.

Doyle also said that for one year, employees will have a chance to sign up for life insurance this year as well if they haven’t previously.

Board member Jermey Kunz said that reducing co-pays, costs and volunteer life insurance this year is a

real world experience.

Monday, May 5, the UI’s Community News Class is hosting a reception at the Solon Public Library (320 W. Main St.), from 3-5 p.m.,

great job for the district.

Leeman said the district is also looking to possibly join a new consortium for property insurance if it becomes a reality this summer. The cost would mean that schools would need to come up with 1 percent deductibles for building damages for any repairs to buildings or property damaged by a storm.

The 28E agreement and consortium would let districts pool money into a fund that would accrue interest and payout only if there were damages due to severe

to celebrate the collaboration between the university, The Daily Iowan, the Solon Economist, and the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun.

In addition to meeting some of the students and faculty who have contributed greatly to the Economist and Sun, an Iowa PBS segment featuring this unique journalistic partnership will be shown. Volume

storms.

“It would be a huge win for us if this was in place, as it would provide more coverage than we could ever have on our own if we were to see damages in severe storms,” Leeman said.

Corrections

In the article on the new daycare in the April 17 Sun, Marjorie Martel’s last name was misspelled as Mertel throughout. The Sun apologizes for the error.

In the article on Roger Teeling, Soraya Teeling’s first name was misspelled throughout. The Sun apologizes for the error.

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

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Editor Nathan Countryman nathan.countryman @mvlsun.com

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

Copyright 2025 Mount VernonLisbon Sun, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online editions, are the property of Student Publications, Inc., and may not be reproduced or republished without written permission.

mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon Students Shine at Annual Java Jazz

With packed crowds, vibrant lights, and heartfelt harmonies, the beloved tradition showcased the talent and bond of the school’s jazz and acapella performers.

Vernon-Lisbon Sun

The gymnasium at Mount Vernon High School pulsed with rhythm and soulful stillness on March 14 as families filled every seat for the school’s biggest annual event, Java Jazz. Under glowing lights and a canopy of sound, jazz bands and acapella groups lit up the night with everything from toe-tapping swing numbers to soft, heartfelt melodies that held the room in stillness.

Graduating senior and vocalist Penelope Vig said that the magic of Java

Jazz comes from the bond among the musicians.

“You can tell we’re just having so much fun up there,” Vig said.

Junior Madie Boren, a vocalist, said that the event is consistently a highlight of her school year.

“This has probably been the best experience out of all the music things I do,” Boren said. “I love what we do, and all the effort and the work that goes into this.”

Caitlin Branaman, a middle-school choir and orchestra teacher in the district, worked with one of

for the annual fundraiser for the music departments in Mount Vernon.

the student groups called Uptown Jazz.

“They are awesome. They are seriously so fun to work with,” Branaman said. “The word that comes to mind is laughter, because they just got along really well. We always had a lot of fun as we made music together.”

Thad Wilkins, the school’s vocal music director of 13 years, said he has been involved in organizing this event for the past 11 years.

“It has never seemed like work,” Wilkins said. “The more time I can spend with them, the better.”

Wilkins said the students’ participation in the Kirkwood Jazz Festival and jazz championship were highlights of the academic year, but nothing beats the excitement around Java Jazz.

“They all love it,” Wilkins said. “This is the favorite thing.”

Holland Smith | For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon

Top: The Mount Vernon Jazz Band, directed by Scott Weber, performed a Java Jazz event at Mount Vernon High School on Monday, April 14, 2025. The concert featured music by jazz legends such as Ray Charles and B.B. King. Above:: William Turner plays the saxophone during the Java Jazz event at Mount Vernon High School on Monday, April 14, 2025. He performed with the Mount Vernon Jazz Band on “Goin’ Down” by The Monkees and “From the Start” by Laufey.

Cornell, Fisk Jubilee choirs hold Easter holiday concert

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

Fisk Jubilee Singers were in Mount Vernon for a whirlwind tour, hosting a concert at United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon Saturday, April 19.

Cornell College director Christopher Nakielski said more than 60 emails had been exchanged to try and line up this concert in Mount Vernon.

“The end result is that the Fisk College students had to be on the bus at 4 a.m. Thursday, April 17, to arrive here in Mount Vernon for one of our first practices,” Nakielski said. “They will take off after the concert tonight to be back to their college for

their commitments for Easter.”

The church was full of attendees, with a cap on tickets reached a week earlier. Volunteers and ushers from the church also had to work on helping people navigate some steps in the church, as the church elevator broke earlier in the week and repairs were two weeks out from being made.

Nakielski said that Cornell did not let the tour go to waste, however, learning from the singers about the differences between work songs and spirituals.

Both choirs performed separate repertoires for the concert, with Cornell Choir performing “The Word Was God” and “To Sit and Dream (Langston Hughes)” by Rosephayne

Powell, “Great Day” by Moses Hogan, “City Called Heaven” arranged by Josephine Polinitz and “Aint Got Time to Die” by Hall Johnson.

Fisk Jubilee Singers provided a selection of songs that highlighted The Seed of American Music, with “I’m Going to Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart” by Moses Hogan, “Porr Man Lazarus” and “Elijah Rock” arranged by Jester Hairston, “Our Father” and “Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” arranged by John W. Work III.

In the second set, the Fisk Jubilee Singers began with two pieces arranged by Willaim L. Dawson “Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit” and “Soon Ah Will Be Done.” Other pieces in that set included “He’s

Got the Whole World” arranged by Paul T. Kwami, Ride the Chariot arranged by William H. Smith.

Both Cornell and Fisk

with

OPINIONS

Frogs and toads may be loud and ugly but we love them

Living in Iowa

Dan Brawner

Why are frogs so loud? How can they jump so far? And why do toads pee on you when you pick them up? (What would you do if some big creature grabbed you from behind and lifted you off the ground?) We are fascinated by amphibians. For many of us, as children, toads and frogs were our first encounter with wildlife. Now, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website invites us to “Come Join the Frog and Toad Call Survey” and help count Iowa’s amphibians.

Okay, it sounds a little geeky to assume the public would be that excited about listening for toads and frogs, but already the DNR says it has more volunteers than it can handle for this year. They have been conducting the survey for 35 years, collecting data on the state’s amphibians in over 2,200 wetlands with volunteers slogging through swamps, shivering in the cold and dark with their clipboards, noting the different calls, intensity and the location of the frogs. In 2023, they collected data from 851 sites around Iowa. The most common species they found were the American Toad, Chorus frogs (these can be heard from a mile away!), Cricket frogs and the Eastern Gray Treefrog (you see these stuck like Gummy bears to window sills and handrails).

Amphibians are amazing. There are over 6,000 known species of frogs and toads, found on every continent except Antarctica. They’ve been around for 200 million years and lived right alongside the dinosaurs.

Frogs are great jumpers, leaping 20 times their own length. The Sharp-Nosed frog of South Africa can jump 44 times its length! The Costa Rican tree frog has webbed fingers allowing it to glide from tree to tree. The Goliath Frog can grow up to a foot long and weigh more than seven pounds—as much as a newborn baby! (Imagine seeing one of them in a baby carriage, wearing one of those little knit hats!) The biggest toad ever found was named Toadzilla. This Cane Toad from Australia weighed almost six pounds. The world’s smallest frog, found in Papua New Guinea, is about the size of a housefly, named the Paedophryne amanuensis (I bet the locals have a better name for it). Did you know that frogs use their eyes to help them swallow? When they eat, frogs pull their eyeballs into the roof of their mouth to push food into their throat. Frogs can be loud. How loud are they? The Gray Tree Frog’s call is over 108 decibels—louder than a chainsaw or a live rock band.

So why bother to do a survey of Iowa frogs and toads? “Amphibians are one of the most imperiled, in danger groups of animals in the world,” IDNR representative Stephanie Shepherd told KCRG. “They’re pretty sensitive to environmental changes.” Records show that almost 41 percent of amphibian species on Earth are facing extinction. We need to be kind to our amphibian friends. And the next time you pick up a cute little croaker and it pees on you, remember—I toad you so.

SUN EDITORIAL

There is something in the water for MV, Lisbon’s successes

Mount Vernon activity director Matt Thede outlined the key to Mount Vernon’s success has been focusing on giving students the opportunities to succeed in multiple activities at the district at once.

The presentation by Thede outlined the number of state qualifiers at Mount Vernon Schools over the past 11 years, and the numbers were staggering on the athletic side –

Nineteen different events have been champions or runner ups, roughly an average of two events per year.

Twenty-one total team appearances for boys’ and 26 total team appearances for girls’ in post-season appearances in that same 11 years.

And while Thede had the data for athletic appearances, there are countless other activities like speech, drama, jazz band, choir, band, choir, Science Olympiad and robotics that have had increasing number of state and higher accolades. That they might not be “state champions” because an equivalent

title in their sport doesn’t exist does not deter that the focus on students developing their skills at all they do is seen as a boon for the state.

We don’t have the numbers for Lisbon’s state qualifications handy, but we can say as the newspaper that covers both –when we are entering any postseason, we are discussing with Daily Iowan students now about “we will likely have a need for coverage at the state contest level for either of our two schools.”

Lisbon in the past week had their jazz band finish the highest they have as a Class 2A band and their concert band was selected for the Iowa Bandmaster Association conference in May. Lisbon BPA has another crew headed to nationals. This is an editorial topic we come back to, but there’s a reason. Focusing on students at all levels and helping them to develop their talents, be that in athletics, music or the arts are what our coaches do, and we as a community remain richer for it.

Theater always calls you back eventually

ny side

Nathan Countryman

It has been roughly 10 years since being on stage in my last musical. Roughly six since I last even auditioned for a show.

When I was up in Algona, I found time to be able and be part of some musicals and plays, usually in the summer. It started with “Guys and Dolls” (conversely, one of the first shows that I saw when I arrived in Mount Vernon nine years ago in July was Odyssey’s production of that musical).

In subsequent years it was “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “The Odd Couple,” “Les Miserables,” and then “Jekyll and Hyde.”

I also took a hand directing shows up that direction, a production of “Love Letters” and a children’s show.

Those of you who read these columns or are at speech contests know I spend a lot of time judging speech contests January through March. And I attend a lot of theater productions in the area.

But I haven’t had the opportunity in a few years to join a production. Some of it was just certain shows were not calling to me, or I couldn’t find it in my schedule. Some of it

Learn your families own immigration stories

I have mentioned in previous columns that most Americans are the products of immigration. Unless you are a Native American, you have an immigration story. It is preposterous for Americans to complain about immigrants when they wouldn’t be here in the first place if not for the immigrants in their own family tree.

Let me tell you about Hansine Christine Nielsen Hansen, my great-great grandmother. She was born in 1843 in Bornholm, Denmark. When she was 2, her father died, leaving her mother and three sisters. Her mother remarried and in 1854 the family prepared to immigrate to America when she was just eleven years old, along with three of her new half-siblings. They sailed from Denmark to Louisiana.

Once they arrived in New Orleans they planned to take a steamer ship up the Mississippi River to St. Louis. Along

was as I was stepping into the role of editor and doing this job solo, I just was too scared of committing time away from the newspaper and stretching myself too thin. With a couple interns planned again this summer, that will give me more flexibility to assign those elements/games we need photo coverage for our area baseball and softball teams and have evenings open, some of my Sunday evening work shifting to Sunday mornings or afternoons.

This year I auditioned for “Jesus Christ Superstar.” And my brain did the usual “this is not in our current comfort zone” at the audition, as I stretched muscles and abilities I haven’t touched in nearly a decade. My solo was rushed, slightly off tempo and at times off-pitch, even with the karaoke track – As a friend said afterwards – all signs of being nervous at the audition. When I was in a group setting warming up, the rich tone of my voice definitely came out. And I’m graced with, as a 400-pound dude, two left feet. They can move on a rhythm, but I don’t think I was pulling off the same footwork as everyone else in the easy choreography. That could take a little bit to get back into. But it’s something I feel is doable in the six weeks between first practice and show times.

Still, I auditioned. And it’s been too long being in the audience for productions by me, every time going to a show missing that camaraderie and connection with fellow actors to present art to the public. Part of me is still nervous. But it also goes back to the words of another friend years before when I mentioned missing theater as I was doing a preview story for the newspaper on a different production – “if it’s something you love, you’ll always find your way back to it.”

the way cholera broke out on the ship and her mother, sister, brother, and one half-sister all died of the disease. Hansine was now an orphan, except for this step-father, in this new country where she didn’t speak the language.

Imagine how frightened she must have been. Everything was foreign to her. Her mother and siblings were hastily buried and they moved on. She must have been in absolute shock as she made the rest of the journey up the river and then began the route west to cross the prairie and mountains.

However, she didn’t have anyone chasing her down asking her immigration status or checking for her immigration papers. There were none. She, like millions of other newly arrived Danes and Swedes and Norwegians and Brits and Scots and Irish and Germans and French and people from so many other countries, simply walked off their ships and into this new land that they had claimed as their new home.

And so, when I hear of mass deportations of immigrants in recent months, I get angry. When I hear of Homeland Security Agents going into schools in Los Angeles attempting to “check on” children in the schools, I get angry. When I hear about emails being sent to immigrants with temporary status telling them that it is time for them to leave the United States, I get angry.

I think of Hansine and all that she went through to get to the United States, of all that she lost along the way, of all that

she

Americans and hear

what they have gone through to get here and why they want to be here. Surely it is similar to what happened not so long ago in our own families. Let us not close our eyes, ears, and hearts to what is happening; before we know it, it could happen to us.

Mount Vernon to be purchasing new K-5 literary curriculum

Nathan Countryman

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

Mount Vernon will be replacing its 11 year old literary curriculum for Kindergarten through fifth grade this year.

Michelle Boyden, district teacher leadership instructional specialist, said the district has been reviewing the English and language arts standards over the past few years and narrowing down choices for new teaching curriculum. The process began in 2022, and when teachers were looking at curriculum last year, they paused to address changes from the state and its focus on the science of reading.

The committee is recommending purchasing CKLA and 95 Phonics Core Programs for the K-5 literary curriculum.

Areas that educators had found have

priorities were foundational skills, writing instruction, comprehension strategies, Decodable Readers and vocabulary, and areas that were missing from the current curriculum were writing instruction, morphology, foundational skills, decodable readers and critical thinking skills.

The study team looking at curriculum found areas that students needed improvement in by looking at Iowa Skills and Student Proficiency tests, FAST data and other tests. Those areas included letter sounds, vocabulary acquisition and usage, conventions of standard English and spelling. Those were other areas the district wants to align with any new curriculum purchase.

The district’s new curriculum will align to the Iowa Core standards, align to the Science of Reading, help build strength in foundational skills and be knowledge building curriculum.

More than 13 teachers were part of the K-6

Budget amendments, upcoming water main repairs discussed at Lisbon

Ella McEntaffer

For the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

The April 14 Lisbon City Council meeting covered a variety of topics as the spring season approaches.

The Lisbon City council discussed budget changes for the fiscal year ending on June 25. The Public Works budget will increase by $100,000, bringing the total budget to just over $860,000. The increase in funds comes from the purchasing of a new fire truck for the city, which is expected to be completed in the next three to four weeks.

The council also voted unanimously to approve the budget for FY26. The beginning fund balance on July 1 is expected to be just over $2 million. Detailed budget

report copies can be picked up or viewed at the offices of the Mayor and City Clerk as well as the Library.

“We are right in the range we’ve been the last few years, so we’re doing well with the budget and keeping that in line,” said city administrator Brandon Siggins.

In preparation for the repair of the water main on West Main Street, Travis Bagby, head of Lisbon Public Works, wants to purchase a new compactor for the city’s mini excavator. For similar previous projects, the City has had to rent a roller or compactor. If a new compactor is purchased, the old one will be traded in.

The project will be done in house, and Siggins said that the repair will be “hopefully starting around the first week of June.”

Drayton Kamberling, Lisbon Parks and

curriculum study over the past four years. Those teachers were Mallory Beatty, Lisa Kramer, Kacey Schmit, Kim Siggins, Heather Bauer, Jess Thede, Allison Schnoor, Jess Bartelt, Krista Whitham, Rachel Glaza, Leigh Ann Jordan, Cara Dix and Lesly Bruner.

The team identified four different companies originally they were looking at for new curriculum. One company was reduced when the district focused on the Science of Reading initiatives. CKLA Knowledge and 95 Phonics Core Programs combined were the winner of the most support for teachers.

Boyden said she is working on a purchase information for the district, with the board approving the purchase agreement at a special meeting in April or May’s next school board meeting, and implementation for the new curriculum to happen this fall. Boyden is also looking at potential grants available from the state to purchase some additional decodables for the district for the program.

Recreation Director, recapped the start of the soccer season at the sports complex, which has approximately 120 children enrolled. Kamberling said that he is “looking forward to the rest of the season.” Parks and Rec also hosted a spring clean-up at Lisbon City Park, which had a large turnout according to Kamberling, who also said he wants to thank all the community members who volunteered their time to help out with the clean-up.

Another exciting update from Kamberling and the Parks and Rec team is field sponsorships at the Lisbon Sports Complex have been finalized. Eight different local businesses have committed to a five year sponsorship, which will bring in a total of $9,000 each year. Banners for each business sponsor will be displayed at the sports complex.

“I want to thank all the businesses who give us [donations] to have a sponsorship out there on the fields,” said Kamberling.

Towards the end of the meeting Siggins reiterated the importance of fire

MV moves up lease with Apple

Mount Vernon Schools is renewing its lease for Apple computers slightly earlier this year to avoid the impact of tariffs on computer equipment.

Technology director Sean Flockhart said that the district has the renewal of the lease on the books for Physical Plant and Equipment Levy or SAVE funds to support the lease, this was a prudent move to make sure the lease for this new equipment was in place in case tariffs moved forward between now and when the district usually reviews the contract.

The contract replaces the iPads and Macintosh computers used by teachers and staff in the district as well as computer labs, and comes at a $273,333.50 bid for all the equipment being replaced, which is spread over four years. The district leases computer equipment on a four year rotation.

The district also has a 1:1 initiative for computers for students, which are Chromebooks, and that lease is not up for renewal at this time.

Flockhart recommended moving forward with the lease at this point to lock in the zero percent interest from ApplePay and get equipment ordered before new tariffs are to go into place.

safety in the community, as the Fire Department received six grass fire calls on the previous Sunday. The fire department is approaching 100 calls this year, so it has been a busy year for the group.

In response to council member Mike Williams’ question about increasing community awareness on fire safety, Siggins said that the Fire Department has a Facebook page, and they are going to work on adding more safety information to it.

Lisbon Librarian Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez shared some exciting program updates from the library, such as the Laura Ingalls Wilder expert who will be meeting with Lisbon Elementary School third graders later in the year. On May 20, the fifth graders will be viewing an art share presentation put on by the University of Iowa, which Hoover de Galvez said students enjoyed last year.

“I encourage everybody to take advantage of the new programs at the library and [through] Parks and Rec,” said council member John Bardsley.

Mount Vernon presents “The Music Man”

Joel Kellar Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

From the imaginary town in Iowa, River City, now to the Mount Vernon performing arts center, it’s The Music Man presented by the Mount Vernon High School Theatre. Director Tom Stephens and the almost 50 actors are reaching back to their roots to perform a musical about musicians in Iowa.

“This is an Iowa classic,” said Stephens, “It’s a great one to expose the kids to.”

The performances on April 26-27 and May 2-3 will give the audience the chance to watch the hit musical songs “76 Trombones” and, an actor favorite and high energy dance number, “Shipoopi.” Tickets can be purchased at MVHSTheatre.booktix.com.

“Once we get the dance down, Shipoopi is going to be a really fun scene,” said Emmet Jordan, playing Harold Hill, the lead actor.

As a senior it is Jordan’s fourth and final musical with the group. With all the experience he finally earned himself a leading role.

“I’ve seen people in the lead roles before me, and as an ensemble member kind of watched from the outside,” said Jordan, “Now, getting to experience it, is very much different than I thought it would be, but it is a lot of fun.”

Claire Jensen will be in the role of the lead actress, playing Marian Paroo. Jensen is partaking in her first spring musical but has experience in the fall musical and participating in local theatre acts. Jensen had never heard of the show before but after the first watch

she loved it. Now she gets to play a leading role in the show.

“With the show being originated in Iowa, my grandparents know it really well,” said Jensen, “I don’t think it’s very common for them to know my shows before watching it, so I think that will be fun.”

While the students are taught and guided by Stephens and other mentors, the show itself will be mainly student run on show night. There are two student directors, including Meg Dye, who will be up in the booth calling the shots during showtime.

Dye’s parents were also Mustangs and performed The Music Man when they were at Mount Vernon. As a senior, it makes the moment much more special, especially because she will share the stage with her brother and sister. Growing up, they watched the musical many times and The Music Man became a family favorite.

“We would sing those songs all the time, especially Shipoopi,” said Dye, “We’d dance around our living room, but now it will be exciting to perform it on the stage.”

Dye’s role will be to cue set moves, lighting, audio, and more. But her main focus will be making any adjustments on the fly.

“It’s a little fun when things don’t go as planned because I like fixing it,” said Dye with a laugh, “Solving any problems that arise is something that I’m really excited for.”

One of the challenges of putting a show together of this complexity is not the talent or effort from the actors, but their availability. Many of the actors are also involved in sports and other

activities, including track and field, soccer, science Olympiad.

“The reality of being in a smaller school is that we are stretched kind of thin,” said Stephens, “But we make it work by working around their schedules and we support them in their other activities.”

In between the two weekends of performances will be a sensory friendly performance. This performance is on May 1. Anybody interested in attending should contact Kate Stanton, the Washington Elementary Principal, for more information.

“[The Music Man] is just one of those classic titles that has been around forever and is a great story with great music,” said Stephens, “A lot of older folks know it well, but younger people don’t, so they should come by and give it a shot. It will be great family entertainment.”

Lisbon presents ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Nathan Countryman

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

Lisbon is taking audiences down to Skid Row with their take on “Little Shop of Horrors” today (Thursday, April 24) through Sunday, April 27. The shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Lisbon Auditorium, with tickets $10 at the door.

“Little Shop of Horrors has always been a favorite of mine,” said director Grant Freeman. “I’ve performed in it before and have listened to the soundtrack since I first got my start in theatre.”

Freeman said when Mount Vernon finished their production two years ago, Tom Stephens and the Velvet Curtain MVHS Theatre Program donated their set to Lisbon in order to make the Lisbon production possible.

“I am indebted to his kindness,” Freeman said. “ And so, the puppets have been lying in wait all over the school in preparation for our production. “

Being a small but mighty theater group has had some issues. Freeman noted that this year did not see a male audition who would fit the role of Seymour.

“We have gender-bended and cast Seymour as a young woman,” Freeman said. “Adapting in all of its various forms has been a learning process. All of our students have had to adapt in one form or another whether that’s to gender-bending roles, eighth grade/freshmen taking on leads, students in their first musicals, or students singing for their first time onstage.”

Kaitlynn Silver plays the role of Seymour Krebs.

“The difficulty is definitely in signing for a different vocal part,” Silver said.

She did say she has loved the role, however, as it’s forced her to expand her acting abilities.

Gracie Cummings plays the role of Audrey in the production.

“She is a totally different character than I usually play, so that has given me opportunities to expand and do more than the parts I usually play,” Cummings said.

Cummings did admit that the change of Seymour to being played by another girl has led to some adaptations in a couple songs that the cast are still working through

in modernizing the adaptation.

Joey Watson plays dual roles of Crystal and Audrey II.

“It’s been so fun to play Audrey II in this show,” Watson said. “Audrey II has a completely different singing style than my other character, more of a jazzy rock style of music.”

The difficulty for Watson is playing these two different characters at the same time.

The show has a cast of thirteen, which Freeman said is hands on for this production.

“Many programs around the state have many more students in their productions, but I challenge any of them to have the same level of buy-in,” Freeman said. “We are at 100% buy-in, both cast and crew. Everyone wants to be here, works hard when they’re onstage and off, and cares deeply about the show and the program as a whole.”

“We all are taking part in this show,” Watson said. “We’re building a lot of this theater program and have put a lot of energy into this show.”

“It’s a really fun and funny show,” Silver said. “It’s also a bit on the shorter side for musicals.”

“I think supporting homegrown theatre is important,” Freeman said. “High school theatre can only thrive when its surrounding community shows their support. And this is the perfect little show. Filled with comedy, science fiction, and giant performances, both human and plant. “

Cast:

Seymour Krelborn - Kaitlyn Silver

Audrey - Gracie Cummings

Crystal/Audrey II - Joey Watson

Mrs. Mushnik - Riley Clark

Chiffon - Alyssa Hrabak

Ronnette - Hermione Chalupa

Orin Scrivello DDS - Gavin Lord

Ensemble - Peyton Appel, Kendall Hartelt, Ashlynn LeClere, Caroline Morris

Puppeteers - Lucas Curtis, Lillian Moeller

AD/SM - Payton Curtis

MVLCT announces cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theater is proud to present the cast and creative team of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Cast includes Ethan Glenn as Judas, Sam Nester as Jesus, Kami Zbanek-Hill as Mary, John Zbanek-Hill as Pilate, Anton Rood as Caiaphas, Nick Rudzianski as Annas, Braden JP Rood as King Herod, Penelope Vig as Simon and Chester Rood as Peter.

Soul Girls/apostles are Allie Klinsky, Violet Olinger, Meg Paulson, Allie Teague and Claire Thuerauf. Apostles/beggars are Matthew Buckaloo, Cal Loan, Evan Schmidt and Jordan Sweet-Landfair. Priests/Romans/ beggars and media are Nathan Countryman, John Crosheck, Courtney Faust, John Gruber-Miller and Emily Irwin.

Creative team includes Courtenay Baker as director/choreographer, Kelsey Legore as musical director, Sirius Barnett as assistant director, Len Struttman as lighting designer, Courtenay Baker as scenic designer, Len Struttman and Trevor Baty as sound production.

Performances for Jesus Christ Superstar are July 18, 19, 25, 26 and August 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. and July 20, 27 and August 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets for the show are on sale June 1, 2025

Cowan Painting looking for new clients this spring

Nathan Countryman

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

Robby Cowan is hoping to fill his spring with house painting and other tasks.

Cowan runs Cowan Painting, based in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids corridor.

“I have more than 20 years of experience in doing interior and exterior house painting,” Cowan said. “I just moved towards the Mount Vernon area, and am looking to expand my business footprint this direction.”

Cowan said that the time it takes to complete a job depends on the complexity of the job, but he’s happy to go over that with customers.

“My favorite part of doing this job has to be the look on people’s faces when the work is done,” Cowan said. Outside of painting, Cowan also offers power washing services as well.

When he isn’t busy, he loves spending time fishing or spending time with his plants.

If you’d like to schedule a job, contact Cowan at 319573-4714.

April 14 – Accident, 600 First St SW, Mount Vernon

April 14 – Possession of drug paraphernalia, 200 blk 10th Ave NW, Mount Vernon

April 14

April 14

April 15

April 15

– Theft, 1200 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon

– Assault, 600 First St SW, Mount Vernon

– Criminal mischief, 200 blk First St SW, Mount Vernon

– Welfare check, 600 First St SW, Mount Vernon

April 16 – Trespassing, 100 blk Second St SW, Mount Vernon

April 16 – Accident, 100 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon

April 17 – Medical, 200 blk N. Jefferson St, Lisbon

April 17 – Juvenile issue, 200 blk School St, Lisbon April 17 – Agency assist- medical, 100 blk W. Main St, Lisbon April 17 – Car unlock, 600 Fifth Ave SW, Mount Vernon April 17 – Criminal mischief, 300 blk Fifth Ave SW, Mount Vernon April 17 – Welfare check, 400 blk Third St SW, Mount Vernon

April 17 – Trespassing, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon

April 17 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co April 17

Medical, 400 blk E. Market St, Lisbon April 17

Suspicious person, 200 blk business 30, Lisbon April 18

Suspicious person, 100 blk Walnut St, Lisbon

April 18 – Welfare check, 200 blk 10th Ave NW, Mount Vernon

April 18 – Medical, 500 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon

April 18 – Medical, 200 blk School St, Lisbon

April 18 – Animal control, 1225 blk First Ave NW, Mount Vernon

April 19 – Agency assist- disturbance, Linn Co

April 19 – Medical, 300 blk Virgil Ave, Mount Vernon

April 19 – Disturbance, 100 blk Seventh St SE, Mount Vernon April 19 – Alarm, Hillview Dr SE, Mount Vernon

Service Sunday at UMCMV

On Sunday, April 27th, the United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon will dedicate the morning to a special Service Sunday. Volunteers will go into the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities to lend a helping hand to agencies and individuals who have requested assistance with tasks such as yard work, small repairs, community clean-up, etc. Volunteers will also be able to visit folks in homes or nursing homes. Due to this opportunity to be active in the communities that morning, there will be no worship services at the United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 27th.

Friends of the Pal Food foraging event

Join the Friends of the Palisades Kepler State Park for a food foraging event Sunday, April 27, from 1-3 p.m. The group will meet at Cedar Cliff Trail head. The event will be lead by Jeannie Muellerleile. Whether you’re a novice forager who once collected blackberries at the age of 10, or an amateur in need of a refresh, this event is for you. Muellerleile will help identify edible plants in the park and even answer a few questions about how to prepare them. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. As Always, this is a family friendly event.

CLUB NOTES

Mount Vernon Trailblazers 4-H Club

The Mount Vernon Trailblazers 4-H club held their monthly meeting Sunday, April. 13 at the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Before the meeting two Springville American Legion members came in and gave a presentation on the 13 steps on how to fold a flag. Community service talked about the upcoming breakfast on April 19 this Saturday Walk clean up on Saturday April 26 at 7:30. A club mem ber also mentioned that meat sales were due May 4th. The next meeting will be held May 4th after the roadside clean up at the Stoner farm.

STUDENT BRIEFS Spots

Luther College graduate

Danielle Pitts of Mount Vernon graduated from Luther College with a degree in Nursing.

Cole Corner

Cathy Boggs Cole Library

Cole Library book talk titles available now

Another Spring Book Talk is over. We had a wonderful turn out with more than 85 people in attendance. Still there were people unable to attend and asked if we would keep a program for them to see the titles shared. No problem. Then, despite doing the Book Talk with Hills Bank for 25 years, it dawned on me I should put the titles in Cole Corner, so here they are:

Book Talk Titles 2025: Penitence - Kristin Koval

How to Read A Book – Monica Wood

The Women – Kristin Hanna (This title is available on Hoopla)

Home Before Morning – Lynda Van Devanter

– Alexander McCall Smith

SPORTS

LISBON TRACK

Lisbon boys win home meets

Lion girls third, fourth at same meets

lineup.

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Lisbon senior Tiernan Boots does not like finishing second. Like. At all.

“No, definitely not,” Boots said. “Second is not a good feeling. I’ve got to train harder, get ready for next race.” Fortunately, it doesn’t happen too often for Boots or the Lisbon boys’ track team. The Lions won both of their home meet last week, topping the Lisbon Opener on Tuesday, April 15, and the Lisbon Invitational on Thursday, April 17.

And the two-time defending Class 1A track champ won both titles without stacking their

LISBON INVITATIONAL

“That really shows our depth,” Lisbon Coach Lonnie Speidel said. “It may not be our biggest firepower team … but it is one of the deepest teams Lisbon has had.

“We showed great depth, especially in field events.”

The Lions won the 10-team invitational with 136 points, topping secondplace Anamosa (114) and third-place Alburnett (107). They also won the opener with 155 points, toping Vinton-Shellsburg (126) and Mount Vernon (108).

“It shows how deep we are and how much potential we have,” Boots said. “We really haven’t seen our loaded-up meet, so it’ll be exciting to see what we can do when

Boys team scores – 1. Lisbon 136; 2. Anamosa 114; 3. Alburnett 107; 4. Wapsie Valley 82; 5. North Linn 71; 6. Calamus-Wheatland 51; 7. Springville 50; 8. (tie) North Cedar 41 and West Branch 41; 10. Highland 10. Winner, Lisbon placewinners High jump – 1. Chase Klatt (CW) 5-11; 2. Justin Snyder (L) 5-10; 3. Leon Rogers (L) 5-10. Long jump – 1. Cash Varner (Alb) 21-3. Discus – 1. Jacob King (Ana) 146-0; 4. Henry Reiling (L) 123-9. Shot put – 1. Zach Krigbaum (Alb) 45-5; 2. Henry Reiling (L) 43-0; 43. Hayden Jackson (L) 42-7.5. Sprint medley – 1. Anamosa 1:40.01. 3,200 – 1. Levi Benesh (NL) 10:38.74; 3. Kyler Happel (L) 11:07.14; 6. Tate Petersen (L) 11:57.59. 4x800 – 1. Alburnett 8:21.50; 4. Lisbon (D. Nunemaker, B. Speidel, A. Morrill, A. Armstrong) 8:37.68. Shuttle hurdle – 1. Lisbon (K. Fox, I. Kelsey, R. Stone, G. Holub) 1:05.11.

100 – 1. Brandon Pedersen (WB) 10.78; 2. Tiernan Boots (L) 11.00; 3. Quinn Coleman (L) 11.07. Distance medley – 1. North Linn 3:46.19.

400 – 1. Seth Countryman (Ana) 50.89; 6. Caleb Ross (L) 55.99. 4x200 – 1. Alburnett 1:32.17. 110 hurdles – 1. Gage Holub (L) 14.82; 4. Riley Stone (L) 16.10.

800 – 1. Jack Stamp (S) 2:05.96; 3. Cade Happel (L) 2:13.09; 4. Gavin Hove (L) 2:17.05.

200 – 1. Dakota Clark (L) 22.88; 5. Jackson Powers (L) 24.14. 400 hurdles – 1. Nolan Staker (WB) 1:00.21.

1,600 – 1. Hayden Gustafson (Alb) 4:40.64; 6. Sawyer Feldman (L) 4:50.98.

4x100 – 1. Alburnett 43.32; 2. Lisbon (Q. Coleman, D. Clark, T. Boots, C. McFarlane) 43.41.

4x400 – 1. Alburnett 3:31.61; 4. Lisbon (B. Speidel, A. Morrill, D. Nunemaker, A. Armstrong) 3:41.87.

Girls team scores – 1. Anamosa 121; 2. Alburnett 114; 3. Lisbon 102; 4. Springville 85; 5. West Branch 82; 6. North Linn 72; 7. Highland 48; 8. North Cedar 31; 9. Calamus-Wheatland 17. Winner, Lisbon placewinners

High jump – 1. Rowan Jacob (S) 5-0; 2. Emersyn Reiter (L) 4-10. Long jump – 1. Brynn Epperly (L) 15-3.

Discus – 1. Crystal Bonafazi-King (Ana) 104-9. Shot put – 1. Alyssa Pierce (WB) 38-5.5. Sprint medley – 1. Alburnett 1:58.13; 3. Lisbon (P. Epperly, Q.

Alburnett. The Lions ran 43.41 and the Pirates were at 43.32. That may be one to watch.

Still, the Lisbon sprints head to the Drake Relays this week to try and take on the big schools in the unclassed event.

“We know we’re racing against bigger teams,” Boots said. “It is us against the clock, buy there is always somebody faster. Trust the clock and just get a better time.”

There were a few finishes to watch Thursday. Gage Holub finished first in the 110 hurdles with a time of 14.82. He also anchored the winning shuttle hurdle relay, pulling away from what had been a close race.

we’re fully stacked up, for sure.

“Expectations are definitely set high, and we definitely want that third title.”

Boots did lose in the open 100-meter race Thursday. West Branch’s Brandon Pedersen ran a 10.78 and Boots was second in 11.00. Boots had beaten Pedersen the previous week in Mount Vernon.

“That kid is impressive,” Speidel said of Pedersen. “Tiernan was mad. Understandable. He’ll bounce back. He’ll be fine. It doesn’t hurt to be humbled every once in a while.”

Boots, along with Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark and Chase McFarlane were also second in the 4x100 to

Roos, B. Patterson, L. Mayhew) 2:03.33. 3,000 – 1. Ava Remley (Ana) 13:04.73. 4x800 – 1. North Linn 10:53.90; 4. Lisbon (M. Adams, H. Dighton, G. Moehlman, H. Ries) 12:14.78. Shuttle hurdle – 1. Springville 1:10.54. 100 – 1. Gabrielle La Rue (Ana) 13.29; 3. Brynnley Patterson (L) 13.40; 6. Paige Epperly (L) 14.24. Distance medley – 1. Anamosa 4:59.66. 400 – 1. Adah Fishell (Alb) 1:02.93; 4. Jordyn Jarchow (L) 1:08.48; 7. Ava Mollenhauer (L) 1:10.47. 4x200 – 1. Lisbon (B. Patterson, Q. Roos, L. Mayhew, A. Clark) 1:55.27.

100 hurdles – 1. Miranda Neighbor (Alb) 15.42; 3. Brynn Epperly (L) 16.42.

800 – 1. Emma Pleasant (L) 2:44.08. 200 – 1. Miranda Neighbor (Alb) 27.08; 3. Brynn Epperly (L) 27.64.

400 hurdles – 1. Grace Hamann (WB) 1:07.48; 4. Addie Clark (L) 1:14.03. 1,500 – 1. Abi Stejskal (S) 5:52.04; 7. Maleeah Adams (L) 6:21.77. 4x100 – 1. Lisbon (B. Epperly, Q. Roos, A. Clark, B. Patterson) 52.77. 4x400 – 1. North Linn 4:33.28; 2. Lisbon (L. Mayhew, A. Mollenhauer, A. Ahrendsen, J. Jarchow) 4:39.28.

LISBON OPENER

Boys team scores – 1. Lisbon 155; 2. Vinton-Shellsburg 126; 3. Mount Vernon 108; 4. West Branch 85; 5. Waco 76; 6. Dyersville Beckman 69; 7. Calamus-Wheatland 46; 8. New London 45. Winner; Lisbon, Mount Vernon placewinners

Shot put – 1. Colson Chvala (VS) 45-1; 2. Henry Reiling (L) 43-0.5; 5. Ethan Hoekstra (L) 39-2.5; 6. Andrew Dix (MV) 38-6.25. Discus – 1. Byron Christianson (VS) 156-4; 3. Henry Reiling (L) 138-7; 6. Andrew Dix (MV) 121-2; 7. Brady Weaver (MV) 120-2. High jump – 1. Chase Klatt (CW) 6-0; 2. Erik Lamb (MV) 6-0; 4. Justin Snyder (L) 5-10; 5. Leon Rogers (L) 5-10; 6. Luke Paulus (MV) 5-8. Long jump – 1. Hayden Shelman (Waco) 21-7.75; 2. Daylin Schaefer (L) 21-6; 3. Gage Holub (L) 21-1.5; 8. Maddox Thede (MV) 18-11.5. Sprint medley – 1. Mount Vernon (Maddox Curran, Erik Lamb, Jaks Lee, Holden Hlavacek) 1:39.48; 5. Lisbon (Ryder Meeks, Asa Bee, Ethan Stone, Brody Speidel) 1:43.24.

team,” Speidel said. “We’re not just one event. We cover a lot of areas.”

On the girls side, Anamosa won Thursday, and Mount Vernon won Tuesday. But the Lions placed third and fourth, respectively, and showed plenty of potential.

“We’re a young team, but I’m pleased with the direction we’re going,” Lisbon coach Brett Epperly said. “Everyone’s times are starting to drop. The girls are seeing that and it is proof of why we do what we do.”

“Gage ran the No. 1 time in hurdles in 1A,” Speidel said. “We’re ecstatic.”

The other winner Thursday was Dakota Clark in the 200, which he finished in 22.88 seconds.

Otherwise, the Lions relied on depth to pile up the points.

“We never stack up this early,” Speidel said. “I like to have the legs as fresh as they can be later in the season.”

Lisbon has shown more scoring potential across more events, with an improving middle distance and distance runners.

“They’ve come through this year and are showing some talent,” Boots said. “Hopefully that’ll help us in a few relays get a few more points at state.”

“We have a well-rounded

Senior Brynn Epperly had a big night. She won the long jump (15-3) took a leg on the winning 4x100 team, and was third in the open 200. Her best race might’ve been her third-place finish in the 100 hurdles (16.42), where she finished behind two of the state’s best, including event winner Miranda Neighbor of Alburnett (15.42).

And Epperly won the 100 hurdles in the Lisbon Opener on Tuesday.

“This is my first year running the 100 hurdles, and each race I’m working at progressing, getting better,” Brynn Epperly said. “Winning is a good confidence booster, but losing to the best in the state will also push me. I got a PR tonight (Thursday), which is what you want. They pushed me to get a better time.”

Lisbon got another noteworthy finish in the 800, where sophomore Emma Pleasant won in 2:44.08.

The rest of the 4x100 relay, with Epperly –freshman Quinn Roos,

3,200 – 1. Andrew Schlarmann (DB) 10:28.76; 2. Sawyer Feldman (L) 10:32.36; 3. Graham Vavricek (MV) 10:42.75; 4. Kyler Happel (L) 11:03.45; 7. Tate Petersen (L) 12:09,40. 4x800 – 1. Mount Vernon (Chasen Caskey, Seamus O’Connor, Grady Olberding, Dawson Scheil) 8:24.15; 4. Lisbon (Aiden Morrill, Gavin Hove, Carew Kamaus, Drayden Nunemaker) 9:15.04. Shuttle hurdle relay – 1. Lisbon 1:05.76; 2. Mount Vernon (Maddox Curran, Brogan Meyer, Landon Johanningmeier, Maddox Thede) 1:06.32.

100 – 1. Brandon Pedersen (WB) 11.32; 2. Quinn Coleman (L) 11.53; 3. Daylin Schaefer (L) 11.82. Distance medley – 1. Mount Vernon (Colin Bentley, Logan Stanerson, Grady Olberding, Dawson Scheil) 3:38.89; 2. Lisbon (Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Caleb Ross, Anthony Armstrong) 3:39.97.

400 – 1. Eli Petersen (VS) 52.96; 3. Jaks Lee (MV) 53.76; 4. Aiden Morrill (L) 55.79; 6. Leo Tharp (MV) 55.86. 4x200 – 1. New London 1:33.35; 2. Lisbon (Chase McFarlane, Brody Speidel, Jackson Powers, Gage Holub) 1:33.67; 5. Mount Vernon (Logan Stanerson, Holden Hlavacek, Erik Lamb, Colin Bentley) 1:34.72.

110 hurdles – 1. Riley Stone 9L) 16.71. 800 – 1. Jude Dykstra (Waco) 2:02.23; 5. Cade Happel (L) 2:15.70; 6. Cayden Scheil (MV) 2:19.06; 7. Asher Webster (MV) 2:22.11.

200 – 1. Brandon Pedersen (WB) 22.46; 5. Ethan Stone (L) 24.00.

400 hurdles – 1. Nolan Staker (WB) 59.40; 2. Drayden Nunemaker (L) 1:02.29; 3. Landon Johanningmeir (MV) 1:02.99.

1,600 – 1. Andrew Schlarman (DB) 4:37.38; 2. Chasen Caskey (MV) 4:37.91; 6. Seamus O’Connor (MV) 4:55.38. 4x100 – 1. Lisbon (Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Chase McFarlane) 43.31; 8. Mount Vernon (Kaleb Coon, Stanley Krob, Gabe Grafft, Gabriel Mahoney) 47.22. 4x400 – 1. Lisbon (Brody Speidel, Jackson Powers, Anthony Armstrong, Caleb Ross) 3:35.31; 5. Mount Vernon (Logan Ericson, Maddow Curran, Brogam Meyer, Luke Paulus) 3:39.89.

Girls team scores – 1. Mount Vernon 192.5; 2. Tipton 109; 3. Benton Community 105; 4. Lisbon 85; 5. Dyersville Beckman 66.5; 6. Vinton-Shellsburg 62; 7. Waco 47; 8. CalamusWheatland 21.

senior Addie Clark and freshman Brynnley Patterson, made up three legs of the winning 4x200, with sophomore Lelia Mayhew.

“We put our relays together tonight and they really competed well in front of the home crowd,” Coach Epperly said. “Our relay times keep coming down as we build trust.”

“We have a very young team, but it is kind of exciting to see their growth throughout the season,” Brynn Epperly said. “We still have a lot to figure out and a lot of pieces to fill, but the younger girls are really stepping up.”

Winner, Lisbon, Mount Vernon placewinners Shut out – 1. Libby Dix (MV) 36-6.5; 6. Maciann Stoner (MV) 28-6.25. Discus – 1. Libby Dix (MV) 132-0; 4. Sophia Patten (MV) 82-1. High jump – 1. n/a; 2. Emersyn Reiter (L) 4-8. Long jump – 1. Lucy Wischmeyer (MV) 17-5; 3. Brynn Epperly (L) 16-0. Sprint medley – 1. MV (Lucy Wischmeyer, Kara Swantz, Cali Whitaker, Eastin Whisner) 1:54.08; 2. MV B (Bella Donatti, Quinn Pershing, Grace Hale, Caroline Rupe) 1:59.34; 5. Lisbon (Paige Epperly, Quinn Roos, Brynnley Patterson, Leila Mayhew) 2:03.39. 3,000 – 1. Cora Smith (MV) 12:29.94. 4x800 – 1. Benton 10:55.64; 2. MV (Edith Dawson, Nora Brase, Elliotte Kinion, Josie Bothell) 11:04.17. Shuttle hurdle – 1. Benton 1:10.88; 2. Mount Vernon (Sorell Telecky, Annabelle Smith, Ava Willems, Adrienne Ruhland) 1:16.30.

100 – 1. Olivia Haverback (MV) 13.80; 3. Grace Hale (MV) 14.04; 4. Quinn Roos (L) 14.45; 7. Leila Mayhew (L) 14.80. Distance medley – 1. MV (Kara Swantz, Carolina Rupe, Kiersten Swart, Evelyn Moeller) 4:21.32; 4. Lisbon (Alex Roos, Emersyn Reiter, Jordyn Jarchow, Ava Ahrendsen) 5:00.45.

400 – 1. Ella Hein (T) 58.81; 2. Cali Whitaker (MV) 58.93; 3. Sorell Telecky (MV) 1:04.08; 6. Ava Mollenhauer (L) 1:10.81. 4x200 – 1. Lisbon (Brynnley Patterson, Quinn Roos, Leila Mayhew, Addie Clark) 1:53.29; 6. MV (Bella Donatti, Cora Martin, Avery Pershing, Quinn Pershing) 2:00.91. 100 hurdles – 1. Brynn Epperly (L) 17.16; 4. Olivia Haverback (MV) 17.94; 5. Adrienne Ruhland (MV) 18.15. 800 – 1. Carlee Lunsford (Waco) 2:32.51; 2. Madison Hoffert (MV) 2:32.81; 4. Emma Pleasant (L) 2:45.10-; 7. Maleeah Adams (L) 2:53.80; 8. Holley Dighton (L) 2:55.71.

200 – 1. Tatum Nebergall (T) 28.18; 2. Brynnley Patterson (L) 28.19; 4. Olivia Haverback (MV)

MV boys third at Benton Community

Mustang girls third at Wahawk Invite

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon track ran at the Lisbon Opener on Tuesday, April 15, and also ran Thursday, April 17. The boys were at the Benton Community Co-Ed and girls were at the Wahawk Invitational at Waterloo West.

The Mustang boys finished third. Center PointUrbana won the meet.

The Mustang girls were also third. Cedar Falls won the meet. Mount Vernon won four events. Cali Whitaker won the open 100 and Eastin Whisner won the 400 hurdles. The Mustangs also won the shuttle hurdle and distance medley relays.

Lisbon boys slice to two wins

Girls edge Easton Valley for win

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

The Lisbon boys’ golf team picked up a pair of dual victories last week, topping Calamus-Wheatland 176 to 182 at Wapsi Oaks Country Club on Monday, April 14, and then topoping Easton Valley 168 to 171 on Tuesday, April 15, at Kernoustie Golf Course.

“We had a couple of solid outings, despite the windy weather,” Lisbon coach Dylan Hastings said. “I’m proud of how the team is competing and staying focused.” Tyler Sauser led the Lions in both duals, cardin a 38 at Wapsi Oaks and a 36 at Kernoustie.

Lisbon 176, Calamus-Wheatland 182

Lisbon (176) – Tyler Sauser 38, Evan Coleman 41, Adrian Armstrong 47, Ben Kelley 50, Bryce Boots 58, Ian Whittenbaugh 63. Calamus-Wheatland (182) – Carter Henning 44, Ryan Olson 45, Kellen Whitman 46, Eric Hein 47. Lisbon 168, Easton Valley 171 Lisbon (168) – Tyler Sauser 36, Evan Coleman 42, Adrian Armstrong 43, Ben Kelley 47, Bryce Boots 47, Ian Whittenbaugh 50. Easton Valley (171) – Justin Welspfenning 37, Nolan Sandholdt 39, Zach Heister 47, Jeremy Weispfenning 48.

Girls

The Lisbon girls’ golf team edged Easton Valley by one stroke 175 to 176 on Tuesday, April 15, at Kernoustie Golf Course.

“A great early-season challenge for our girls,” Lisbon coach Andy Kahl said. Easton Valley qualified for state in Class 1A last spring. “The girls showed up focused and ready to play.”

BOBCAT CO-ED INVITATIOANL

Team scores – 1. Center Point-Urbana 131; 2. Benton Community 118.5; 3. Mount Vernon 87; 4. Iowa Valley 86; 5. Vinton-Shellsburg 76; 6. Oelwein 65; 7. Belle Plaine 63.5; 8. English Valleys 51.5; 9. Independence 48; 10. HLV 8.5; 11. BC JV 8. Mount Vernon placewinners

High jump – 4. (tie) Luke Paulus 5-6 and Erik Lamb 5-6. Long jump – 4. Stanley Krob 20-4. Discus – 6. Andrew Dix 131-6; 8. Brady Weaver 120-11. Sprint medley –7. MV (Kaleb Coon, Stanley Krob, Gabriel Mahoney, Jayden Schieszinski) 1:43.18. 3,200 – 2. Danny Dye 10:51.03; 4. Cayden Scheil 11:09.76. 4x800 – 2. MV (Seamus O’Connor, Chasen Caskey, Dawson Scheil, Grady Olberding) 8:36.60. Shuttle hurdle – 4. MV (Maddox Curran, Brogan Meyer, Landon Johanningmeier, Maddox Thede) 1:07.33. Distance medley – 3. MV (Maddox Curran, Gabriel Mahoney, Logan Ericson, Graham Vavricek) 3:52.61. 4x200 –4. MV (Logan Stanerson, Erik Lamb, Holden Hlavacek, Jaks Lee) 1:34.47. 110 hurdles – 4. Maddox Thede 17.55; 6. Brogan Meyer 17.78. 800 – 4. Seamus O’Connor 2:10.59. 200 – 6. Luke Paulus 24.77. 400 hurdles – 8. Brogam Meyer 1:01.18. 1,600 – 3. Grady Olberding 4:30.10; 8. Graham Vavricek 4:55.14. 4x100 – 4. MV (Stanley Krob, Logan Stanerson, Kaleb Coon, Erik Lamb) 46.04. 4x400 – 4. MV (Logan Mericson, Holden Hlavacek, Jakes lee, Dawson Scheil) 3:33.24.

WAHAWK INVITAITONAL Team scores – 1. Cedar Falls 166; 2. Urbandale 112; 3. Mount Vernon 107; 4. Dubuque Senior 79; 5. Dubuque Hempstead 58; 6. Waterloo West 45; 7. Bondurant-Farrar 31; 8. Cedar Rapids Washington 29; 9. Marshalltown 24; 10. Fort Dodge 22; 11. Mason City 20; 12. Grundy Center 16; 13. Cedar Rapids Jefferson 13; 14. Waterloo East 12. Mount Vernon placewinners Long jump – 2. Lucy Wischmeyer 16-9.25. High jump – 6. Adrienne Ruhland 4-6. Discus – 5. Maciann Stoner 94-1; 6. Lillian Hotz 93-3. Sprint medley

(Lucy Wischmeyer, Kara Swantz, Cali Whitaker, Eastin Whisner) 1:52.80. 3,000

6. Edith Dawson

Kyla Kahl led the Lions with a season-low 40, followed by Eryn Jackson with a 43.

“Each meet, I can see Kyla is gaining confidence and getting more and more comfortable on the course,” Coach Kahl said. “It was a fun meet to be a part of and I saw great golf from both teams.”

Jackson was medalist against Calamus-Wheatland, which didn’t have enough golfers to post a team score Monday, April 14.

“It was really tough playing conditions with the wind and chilly temps, but I was proud of how the girls battled,” Coach Kahl said.

Lisbon 199, Calamus-Wheatland inc.

Lisbon (199) – Eryn Jackson 46, Kyla Kahl 48, Avery Thurn 52, Carie Johnson 53, Abby Bock 54, Avri Trumblee-Looney 59. Calamus-Wheatland (inc.) – Addison Connelly 53, Peyton Grau 71, Katrina VanDeWalle 90.

Lisbon 175, Easton Valley 176

Lisbon (175) – Kyla Kahl 40, Eryn Jackson 43, Carie Johnson 45, Avery Thurn 47, Grace Bausch 50, Abby Bock 51. Easton Valley (176) – Addie Fier 40, Addison Farrell 45, Kendyl Driscoll 45, Hadley Farrell 46.

Mustang girls trounce past South Tama 10-0

MV boys best South Tama 5-0

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon girls’ soccer team kept the scoreboard operator busy with a 10-0 win Thursday, April 17, over South Tama at Armstrong Field.

“I think our team is progressing in the right direction,” Mount Vernon Coach Angie Knies said. “We still need to work on some things, but we are finding our feet more and

making smarter soccer decisions.”

Clare Nydegger, Rose Pisarik and Courtney Franck each scored two goals, and Emma Hoffman, Emara Perreault, Addison Mullis and Lillian Gaiser each added one.

Nydegger had three assists, Gaiser had two, with one each from Natalie Thuerauf, Izzy Logue and Pisarik as Mount Vernon improved to 4-1-1..

“The team is doing everything we ask them to, and it is getting us those results,” Knies said. “We are bonding as a group and figuring out

MV tennis pick up pair of wins

Ryan Suchomel

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

The Mount Vernon girls’ tennis team picked up a pair of wins during a windy second week of the season.

The Mustangs beat Maquoketa 8-1 on Monday, April 14 in Mount Vernon, and won on the road at Independence on

Mount Vernon 8, Maquoketa 1

how to play with each other, which was something we couldn't say at the start.”

Boys

The Mount Vernon boys’ soccer team got its first win Thursday, April 17, topping South Tama 5-0 at Armstrong Field.

“It was a whole team effort,” Mount Vernon Coach Nathan Grosse said. “The team came out and really put South Tama under pressure and we were able to settle in and build off that energy.”

Freshman Jack Carnes delivered with a hattrick, scoring three goals. Juniors Cash Luneckas and Jaxon Anderson each added a goal.

Assists were credited to Jakob Yock (2), Zane Van Regenmorter, and Caleb Bartelt

Mount Vernon is 1-3-2.

“We knew we were playing well enough to get results, so we just focused on keeping belief high and working hard,” Grosse said.

Thursday, April 17, by a score of 6-3.

“The wind was crazy this week!” Mount Vernon coach Crystal Eskelsen said. “We saw a lot of improvement on the court. The team is getting better with each competition, hitting with more power and understanding the game with more confidence.”

Nora Dye, Alyssa Bohlken and Mae Stoops won singles matches in both duals for the Mustangs (6-1).

Singles – Maraya Downey (Maq) def. Ashtyn Rollinger 8-6; Nora Dye (MV) def. Kim Edward 8-0; Tallulah Norton (MV) def. Lillian Robles 8-0; Molly Bany (MV) def. Kaci Lindstrom 8-6; Alyssa Bohlken (MV) def. Avery Schnoor 8-4; Mae Stoops (MV) def. Gwendolyn Taylor 8-4.

Doubles – Dye/Rollinger (MV) def. Downey/Edward 8-3; Norton/Bany (MV) def. Lindstrom/Robles 8-0; Bohlken/ Stoops (MV) def. Schnoor/Taylor 8-1. Mount Vernon 6, Independence 3 Singles – Ashtyn Rollinger (MV) def. Lizzy Wright 8-1; Nora Dye (MV) def. Tessa Post 8-5; Devin Ludwig (I) def. Tallulah Norton 8-3; Isla Reed (I) def. Molly Bany 8-6; Alyssa Bohlken (MV) def. Sofia Leon 8-1; Mae Stoops (MV) def. Brooklyn Pint 8-6. Doubles – Dye/Rollinger (MV) def. Post/Wright 8-5; Ludwig/Reed (I) def. Bany/Norton 8-4; Bohlken/Stoops (MV) def. Pint/Leon 8-1.

Lisbon’s first season of girls’ wrestling

everyone in the crowd,” said Gaiser, “They watched you grown up. So, it makes wrestling here more connected to the community.”

“Having our seniors be so committed to including everybody and going out of their way to create these little team bonding and stuff of that nature really helped people want to be in the environment,” said Bowdre.

These wrestlers took a major chance on joining the brand-new team. But they looked at it as an opportunity to set the expectation that Lisbon girls wrestling will be great.

When head coach Cassandra Bowdre and senior Lillian Gaiser stepped onto the wrestling mat for the first meet of the season, there was not anything unfamiliar about the action. Both had done so many, many times before, both were ready to compete. This time, however, was a bit more meaningful than in the past. This was the first time they could represent their school and their town on the mat. They had the pride of their community behind their backs and represented across the chest of their wrestling singlets.

In bold, red capital letters, “LISBON.”

“I was excited, but I was a little bit nervous because I was like, what if I don’t do good? What if I let their expectations down since Lisbon is such a big wrestling place,” said Gaiser.

Lisbon’s first season with a girls’ wrestling program in the high school was a major success. In large part due to the community of wrestling fanatics and die-hards. Lisbon is right up there as one of the strongest and proudest wrestling communities in the state and they fully embraced the addition of the girls wrestling high school team.

“I think it was different because at Lisbon you know

Prior to this season, a couple of girls would make the 2.8 mile drive down US-30 from the Lisbon high school to the Mount Vernon high school. For the wrestling season the girls would change from Lions to Mustangs. While the transit itself was not too big of a put off, competing for a different school with students who went to another school turned some girls away from the sport.

The Lisbon Lions created a middle school girls’ wrestling team in 2023. Two years later, they added a varsity high school team. A small group of upperclassmen helped lead the Lions through their first season, but the majority of the 11-person team was made up of freshmen and sophomores. However, those underclassmen had a tough decision to either play basketball or wrestle during the winter season.

“We let that first week be a trial run and they were eventually like ‘wrestling is so much better,’” said Bowdre, “It was like a domino effect. Once one girl was like, yeah, I’m going to do it, then others were like, ‘ok I’ll do it too.’”

The tough decision paid off as the first season of Lisbon girls wrestling was seen as a major success. Not just building a winning program, but building a great culture for the girls to not only compete but have a good time doing so.

“You want to set good standards for the upcoming teams and show them that if you work hard, you can get places,” said Addie Clark.

For the Lions, that started during practice. Even though they would have the occasional day of fun with dodgeball, the Lions took each day seriously. They wanted to prove to themselves and the community that they would be great.

“I think pushing the pace in the room and setting the practice expectations was the thing that needed to be set high,” said Gaiser, “If it was set low, then people might overlook what Lisbon wrestling could be.”

In the team’s first year, they qualified two wrestlers at the state meet. Gaiser, who placed eighth, and freshman Emma Dietsch who did not place, but managed to go 1-2 at the meet. “It was a lot, there were so many emotions,” said Gaiser, “I think it proves that if you work hard and have the right mindset, you can go so much farther than where you think you can.”

The story of the season was how the community embraced the new program and how the wrestlers embraced Lisbon’s rich wrestling history. They took pride wrestling for the Lions and will continue to grow the program during its next season.

MV boys’ golf team bests Williamsburg

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

The Mount Vernon boys’ golf team shot close to a program low in a win over Williamsburg on Monday, April 14, at Kernoustie Golf Course. The Mustangs carded a 149, beating the Raiders (155) by six strokes.

Tommy Rhomberg shot a 1-under 35, followed by four golfers who shot 2-over 38 – Seth Rushford, Garet Swartzendruber, Stratton Ellyson and AJ McDermott.

“That was the lowest team score that we’ve had since I’ve been the coach,” Mount Vernon coach John

Rhomberg said.

The Mustangs then finished runner-up at the Golden Hawk Invitational on Tuesday, April 15, at the Kalona Golf Course, and third at the Tipton Invitational on Thursday, April 17. Both events were won by West Branch.

At Kalona, the Mustangs were missing one of their top golfers “and we didn’t play very well as a team,” Rhomberg said. “We played pretty well in Tipton … just a few holes bit them.”

Rhomberg is seeing a lot of improvement over the early schedule in cold, windy conditions.

“The varsity team is getting better every day,” Rhomberg said. “They boys are all gaining confidence and they are poised to put up improved scores.”

Lisbon Jazz band finishes third in Iowa Jazz Championships

Highest placement for Lisbon in any year

Nathan Countryman

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

Lisbon Jazz band finished third at the Iowa Jazz Championships this year.

Band director Joseph Arch noted that Lisbon has been competing as a Class 2A band over the past several years, and has improved their placement at the Iowa Jazz Championship from eighth in 2023 to fifth in 2024 and now third this year.

“It has been an incredible experience over the last couple years to see students up their standards in order to compete at the 2A level,” Arch said.

During a pep rally for the entire school on Tuesday, April 15, Arch highlighted that members of the Lisbon Jazz band have participated in many of the opportunities at Lisbon schools, including softball, volleyball, basketball, football, speech, drama and many different clubs and organizations. All while maintaining that focus as a Class 2A jazz band extra-curricular.

“If they can do it, you can all do it as students, too,” Arch said to younger classmen in attendance.

Arch also noted some of the accolades the band has received this year, including Bryce Boots being recognized as a NEIBA alternate for Iowa Jazz Band, Sawyer Feldman being recognized as an honorable mention soloist at Coe College and Ethan Hoekstra being named to the All-State Jazz Band. During the season, the Lisbon Jazz Band earned a Division I at the Iowa High School Musical Association competition, won Lisbon Jazz Fest, won Coe Jazz Summit, won NEIBA District Jazz and placed third at the jazz championships.

“I think the performance that has most stood out to me was our very first jazz band performance this year,” Arch said. “It was not good. The important part was that the students understood it was not good. From that point on they began to work hard to improve, which paid off as the season went on.”

“Placing as high was we did at the Iowa

Jazz Championship is a huge accomplishment for our band,” said Sarah Dietsch, senior and four year jazz band member.

Dietsch said her favorite competitions to be a part of have been at Coe College.

“We always have such amazing judges at those competitions and a lot of fun,” Dietsch said.

Ryan Winders, a four year jazz band member in his junior year said that watching the band progress as they’ve been at the Class 2A level has been something he has loved.

“We’ve improved at the jazz competition every year now,” Winders said.

For Winders, the best performance has always been at the Iowa Jazz Championships where the band gives it their all.

“The NEIBA Jazz performances are always great, too,” Winders said.

On top of the accomplishments for the Iowa Jazz Championship, the Lisbon Concert Band has been selected to perform at the Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference May 16.

Arch explained that bands who want to apply have to send in a tape in January, and then judges will determine which the top group in each class is in the state.

“This essentially makes this a state championship in band, since it is the highest honor a band can receive in the state of Iowa,” Arch said. On the other hand, it differs from a state championship in that IBA reserves the right to not award a winner if the quality of applicants is not deemed high enough.”

Both Winders and Dietsch said that the win for the concert band is a testament to how much Arch has pushed the band to improve in the past several years.

“It shows how hard we have been working to improve our performances,” Dietsch said.

“I’m really happy we were able to do that and get Arch the recognition for all the work he has put into this band these past six years,” Winders said. “He has pushed us to improve every year.”

Lisbon will be performing May 16 at 3 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel Convention Center in downtown Des Moines. The performance is free to the public.

The Lisbon Marching Band also won Bands Across the Prairie this year and received a Division I rating at Iowa High School Music Association Contests.

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.

Wanted

WANTED: JUNK APPLI -

ANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-3318122.

Miscellaneous

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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 24

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

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

Lisbon Schools presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” Lisbon Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Cornell College presents “Head over Heels,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25

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.

Lisbon Schools presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” Lisbon Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Cornell College presents “Head over Heels,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26

Mount Vernon clean-up day, uptown Mount Vernon, 8 a.m. to noon

Friends of the Palisades 5K, Bass Family Farms, 9 a.m. Small Business Expo at Back Porch Pickers and Artisans, Back Porch Pickers and Artisans, 10 a.m.

Lisbon Schools presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” Lisbon Auditorium, 7 p.m.

Mount Vernon Presents “The Music Man,” Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.

Cornell College presents “Head over Heels,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 27

Lisbon Schools presents “Little Shop of Horrors,” Lisbon Auditorium, 2 p.m.

Mount Vernon Presents “The Music Man,” Mount

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

Vernon Performing Arts Center, 2 p.m.

Cornell Music Department Honors Recital, Cornell College Armstong Youngker Hall Ringer Recital Studio, 2 p.m.

Cornell College presents “Head over Heels,” Cornell College Armstrong Youngker Hall Kimmel Theatre, 2 p.m.

Cornell College Jazz and Pop Contemporary Ensembles concert, Cornell College Thomas Commons Smith Dining Room, 7 p.m.

Monday, April 28

Lisbon City Council, Lisbon City Hall, 7 p.m.

Lisbon Reading friends book discussion group Lisbon Public Library, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, April 29

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

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

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

Wednesday, April 30

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

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

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

Mount Vernon District Roundtable meeting, Mount Vernon High School, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 1

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

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

Lisbon 5-12 spring band concert, Lisbon Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Across

1 Puppy bites

5 Overly trusting type

9 Hay there!

13 Sign of warming temperatures

14 “Yeesh!”

15 Nowhere to be found, in a way

16 Jewish wedding staple … and a clue to the circled square in this row

17 Actor in “Say Anything …” and “High Fidelity”

19 Deep-frying hazard, maybe

21 Cars whose logo represents the Pleiades star cluster

22 Aspiring doc’s hurdle

23 Monica in the International Tennis Hall of Fame

24 Green-skinned Marvel hero

27 Word processing function … and a clue to the circled square in this row

28 Worker in a Washington office

29 Common antiseptic

31 Alternative to mushrooms, maybe

34 Jewish deli order

36 Cleared (of)

37 Something that may be drawn at night

39 What “…” sometimes means

40 Singer Ric of the Cars

43 Alma mater of Ian Fleming (as well as James Bond)

44 Poetic time of day … and a clue to the circled square in this row

45 Urban area associated with gaming

47 Former world capital that’s an anagram of its country’s current capital

49 Prom attendee, typically

50 Tips back and forth

52 Clad

55 Capability of being pulled and stretched

57 Skin feature … and a clue to the circled square in this row

58 A lot of lot?

59 County north of San Francisco

60 Work, work, work

61 Gmail button

62 Hard worker to a degree?

63 [Don’t delete this]

Down

1 Indefinite degrees

2 Restaurant chain acronym

3 First responder

4 Upholsterers’ samples

5 Onetime queen of Jordan

6 “Yes, that’s it!”

7 Stops for the night?

8 Devote attention to

9 Product of hardened lava

10 “I’m well ___!”

11 Defined set of points

12 Group that once included the members

Babe Ruth and Harry Houdini

17 Martial arts champion who co-starred in 2020’s “Mulan”

18 Used a certain rideshare service

20 T

24 Hot ___

25 When doubled, comment made with a wink

26 Source of the quote “Allah doesn’t task a soul beyond its capacity”

27 Us and them, for two

30 Put down

31 The word “aquarium” has one

32 Word before check or on

33 Say it ain’t so

35 Heckle loudly

38 Gate

41 Boastfulness

42 Word sometimes repeated after “Here ...”

44 Covered with a green growth

46 New York pro athlete

47 N.F.L. star Travis

48 Thirst (for)

50 Sites for saltwater soaks

51 Souvenir from a trip?

52 Very little

53 City on a lake of the same name

54 Arm-raising muscle, informally

56 Porter or pilsner alternative, in brief

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.