MVL Sun — 5.1.25

Mount Vernon-Lisbon

Documenting Earth

Lisbon students participate in Earth Day activity

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Frances Owen with Johnson County Conservation and a volunteer with Pleasant Grove Heritage Park helped guide Lisbon students through an activity at the prairie Tuesday, April 22.

Owen and students took to explore the prairie and document the different plants, insects, invertebrates and other animals they might encounter at the park to highlight the biodiversity.

Ahead of heading into the park, Owen asked students’ favorite activities to take part in at the nature park. Fishing, walking, spending time at the gazeboes were among the favorite activities.

Owen showed youth a picture of full size of some of the plants you might find in a prairie, including the deep root systems those plants have.

“Those roots help keep things like moisture, soil and other items from going to other locations,” Owen said.

Prairies have different plants and animals that use them as habitat, compared to turf grass.

Students were tasked with taking photos of the plants, insects, invertebrates, trees and other items they could find at the prairie or park to help highlight the biodiversity in the prairie.

Students said they were hoping to see things like snakes, frogs, birds, bugs and bees.

MV, Lisbon superintendents give status of area schools

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Lisbon and Springville Schools

superintendent Autumn Pino and Mount Vernon superintendent Matt Leeman presented a status of the schools at a Mount Vernon-Lisbon unit of the Linn County League of Women Voters “Learn with the League” event Thursday, April 24.

Both superintendents gave highlights of their districts and how they perform on standardized tests and enrollment numbers.

A portion of Leeman’s presentation reiterated Matt Thede’s presentation at the school board the following night of ways that the schools excel in extracurricular activities (see story on page 2).

As for challenges for the districts, Leeman said one of the first challenges he was faced with in the beginning of the school year was updating the

school’s fleet of vehicles – spending roughly $565,000 this year alone on new buses and Suburbans, as a number of vehicles were no longer usable by the district.

“There was a period we had to borrow a couple buses from the Solon School District, and we worked fast after that to replace the buses,” Leeman said.

Another topic people might be hearing about from Mount Vernon Schools is that they are completing a quantitative traffic study this spring.

“The district did a concept study on if they added an additional outlet into the district in the future,” Leeman said. “They never completed that quantitative study, and we’re doing that now to see what bottlenecks we may be able to address for our traffic issues at the district.”

Leeman said that study was moved up in importance when there was a medical emergency at the school before spring break that emergency respond-

ers had a hard time responding to. He estimates any new road to the district will come at a $2 to $3 million cost for the needed infrastructure. Another expense for the district is dealing with the asbestos shingles on the exterior of the Mount Vernon Middle School. Some of those shingles have started falling off of the building, and the district is looking at abating the removal of those tiles. Cost of abatement alone will be $300,000, and new metal exterior to the building could be north of a million. Leeman hopes to tackle this project without bonding for the district.

Pino said Lisbon is a school district that is known for doing a lot with very little. While they have a staff size that is 200, roughly 75 of that comes from LECC staff.

When it comes to areas that Lisbon excels, Pino reiterated the school, despite having a proud tradition in

wrestling, has a lot of other things they are excelling at. She pointed at the fine arts programs, including the band, who are having an exceptional year, and Business Professionals of America qualifying for nationals again.

Lisbon recently renewed their Physical Plant and Equipment Levy for another 10 years.

Pino also spoke a little more on why the partnership with Champions for childcare was made.

“School districts are not built to be running a business like a child care center,” Pino said.

When the Lisbon Early Childcare Center was constructed in the 1990s, enrollment at the time was in the 70s.

Lisbon’s childcare enrollment now is 230, with roughly 70 to 92 kids on waiting list.

“We want to keep our childcare system sustainable,” Pino said.

Pino said she expects there may be some rough waters ahead for childcare when Champions takes over, as they’ll have a different business and management model that staff adapt to, but employees will be getting paychecks every other week instead of monthly as happens now. Wages for staff will likely increase.

Leeman and Pino were both familiar with Champions due to work in other districts – Leeman from his time at Clear Creek-Amana and Pino because of the connection of the organization with Springville.

“This is another opportunity for us to partner and provide quality childcare commitment to our area,” Pino said.

For Lisbon, the completion of the career and technical education wing, new weight room and lobby remodel were completed this year.

Both Lisbon and Mount Vernon will have a number of legislative changes coming in the next school year as well. A new cell phone bill will need to be in place by July 1, a proposed civics exam for students will need to be implemented next year, and state supplemental aid still hasn’t been set, but is looking to be at 2 percent this year.

One of the changes in the property tax bill proposed by the legislature will impact management funds for school districts, not allowing schools to spend more than 180 percent of the fund over a three-year average.

“That will be super limiting to school districts who do not use that fund,” Leeman said. “That may put some expenses back on the general fund.”

Both Leeman and Pino focus their energy worrying about implementing those plans and procedures after they go through the legislature anymore.

A questioner asked about the impact of private schools receiving ESA monies.

Leeman said that not having a private school in the area dulls that impact for the district. The 2 percent for state supplemental aid is a bigger impact on to budgets, as it barely keeps up with inflation or increases for teacher salaries and benefits each year.

“They continue to keep asking us to do more and more for students with less and less by giving us more unfunded mandates,” Leeman said.

A questioner asked about the number of students taking Kirkwood classes at each school.

Pino said Lisbon is somewhere in the top three for Kirkwood students in the area, and they have a great success rate of students earning college credits before they graduate.

“We have a number of students who are able to take college courses or even earn associate’s degrees before graduating,” Leeman concurred. “Beyond that, we have students who get experiences before they graduate to determine if a career field is for them. That saves them a lot of money.”

Participation in extracurriculars high at MV

Nathan Countryman

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

Mount Vernon activities director Matt Thede highlighted the trends for participation in extracurricular activities at Mount Vernon Community School District.

Mount Vernon has had an average of 231 boys and 228 girls over the past five years. When it came to participating in extracurricular activities, Mount Vernon saw an average of 167 boys participating in at least one activity in those five years and 128 girls participating in one activity.

Thede presented charts that tracked enrollment of different grades in multiple activities over the different classes. One of the trends that was highlighted was participation in activities was high in freshman and sophomore years, before classes begin seeing a slide in the junior and senior years.

One of the trends that Thede highlighted as an accomplishment for the district is that the football numbers for the district don’t sharply decline.

“It’s one of those sports that’s more injury prone, but our coaches do a lot to curtail those risks in practices,” Thede said. “It shows a nice job of growing and sustaining numbers.”

Girls basketball across the state has seen a sharp decline over the years, and Mount Vernon was seeing more bolstering of that program in younger grades.

The same can be said for softball, but that’s an area where Mount Vernon beats the state and national trend.

Thede said both softball and basketball are

highly skilled sports, that usually require more than just joining up in high school.

“For basketball, for example, students have to be able to dribble a ball against a defender, know how to pass to a teammate or take a shot against a defender for a small target,” Thede said. “That’s a lot of skills.”

Choir and drama see significantly higher numbers of girls involved.

And all that involvement in extracurriculars shows up when it comes to state competitions. Over the past 11 years, Mount Vernon has had a state champion or runner up in 19 different events, roughly an average of two events per year. For the Class 3A, there are only a certain number of conference and state champion opportunities. The school has had 21 total team appearances for boys and 26 total team appearances for girls in post-season appearances in that 11 years.

Thede said all those accomplishments are not accidents, but a focus by Mount Vernon to develop all of their athletes.

“We cater to students who are two or three sport athletes,” Thede said.

Another of the district’s biggest accomplishments is the focus on strength and speed.

“We work to give every student a chance to be successful,” Thede said.

And one of that is coaches being steady through the storms and uncertainty. If students are losing a game, the focus isn’t on yelling, but on helping them get mentally back in the game or learn from that loss for the next competition.

Thede said one of the areas that this highlights – at the middle school level, Anamosa beats Mount Vernon football teams often. But those players in football also dread facing Mount

Vernon when it comes to the high school level because of the focus and development athletes get from middle school to high school.

Thede also said running into Jack Cochrane at a local track meet this past week, Cochrane said he wouldn’t be where he is today without the coaching he received at Mount Vernon.

“The goal is making the least of our students better in whatever they are involved in, and that raises the bar for everyone,” Thede said.

Board member Kristi Meyer asked Thede what is being done to help increase numbers in some of those activities where enrollment is lower.

Thede said that for basketball, they are focusing on increasing participation in lower grades to help increase turnout at the high school level and develop that program more. One of the areas that the district sees the numbers drop is that junior and senior year, and a lot of that is athletes who were out for multiple sports start focusing on two compared to three they were in before.

“A lot of the conversations highlight they had fun, feel valued, had a great time with teammates, they were just at that point needing a break from one of their sports,” Thede said.

Board member Lance Schoff said that a lot of that is because when seasons end, athletes don’t always move away from a sport like might have happened in the past.

“We do a great job of not stepping on other sports feet, but we expect our athletes to continue training in the postseason,” Schoff said.

Schoff said that kids will pull back if practices tip too far in one direction as well.

Thede said he has cracked down on some sports having a select number of practices a week in other seasons.

Excitement building for pool renovations

Contractor on schedule for completion, opening by Memorial Day

Nathan Countryman

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

Excitement is building for the improvements made to the Mount Vernon City Pool, as workers have started installing items like the new slides around the deck of the pool.

“We’ve had kids outside the pool staring in from the fence the last couple weeks watching the crew from Woodruff working and installing the new slides,” said city administrator Chris Nosbisch.

Nosbisch said that the repairs made to the

basin and deck should extend the life of the pool for another 10 years or more, which would allow the city to tackle some other projects.

“They’ve done such an excellent job sealing the cracks we had in the basin, we’re hoping that will eliminate some of the loss of water we see in the pool,” Nosbisch said.

Aside from the new slides, decking and basin repairs, there have also been some repairs to buildings around the pool as well, including updating the bathrooms/shower rooms.

Workers will begin on siding of the buildings down at the pool this week.

The city also purchased new deck chairs and picnic tables for the pool. The purchase order for deck chairs was to increase them from 20 to roughly 50 around the pool.

“We increased the size of the deck around the pool in some areas, so we have some more

room for additional chairs,” said Matt Siders, parks and recreation director.

The deck chairs come with a 5-year warranty, while the tables come with a 20-year warranty.

“With these chairs, if something like a strap were to break on them, we can look at repairing that,” Nosbisch said. “They have longer warranties, are made of quality materials and have a better look at the pool.”

Council member Paul Tuerler said that the improvements to the pool speak to the leadership recognizing that doing continued patches to the infrastructure of the pool was not doing the pool’s life any favors.

“Nothing against our city crews who do a lot of work, but the improvements and work there was not their expertise, and stepping back and bringing in the right people for the job benefits the pool,” Tuerler said. “It’s going to be worth it in the long term.”

Volume 156 I Issue 18

108 1st St SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314

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

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

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

mvlsun.com

Next statue selected for art trail

Nathan Countryman

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

Mount Vernon Area Arts Council and the Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation department have selected the next sculpture for the sculpture art trail.

The committee received 24 different applications this year, and selected Three Feathers as the piece to be installed.

Parks and recreation director and sculpture art trail committee member Bob Campagna said the proposed placement for the Three Feathers sculpture is in a spot adjacent to the trail along First Street.

“As you’re walking the trail, you’ll be

staring more up at the piece, and as you’re driving along the road, you’ll see it more at eye level from the street,” Campagna said.

The feathers stand at 10, 12 and 14 feet in height, and Mount Vernon Area Arts Council member Marie DeVries said that it features diverse materials not used in other sculptures.

Three Feathers is one of three sculptures that will be installed to the trail this year, with another by David Riga going at the top of the trail near First Street entrance and an archway being created by Liberty Iron Works by Dale Merrill to go at the southern entrance to the trail.

DeVries and Campagna also highlighted the number of spots that could feature a sculpture in the art trail as this is designed over the next 10 years.

Council member Paul Tuerler said the number of sculpture spaces presented felt like a lot.

“It’s almost like there’d be too many to be able to focus on just one,” Tuerler said. Campagna said that the map were places along the path that sculptures could be placed, not that each would feature a sculpture.

Council member Craig Engel concurred that having too many sculptures would be equivalent to a wall with too many paintings – the impact being a little overwhelming.

Contributed photo

Three Feathers is the next statue for the sculpture art trail to be installed later this summer/early fall.

Cleaning up the streets

Volunteers and citizens donated their time to the citywide clean-up efforts throughout Mount Vernon Saturday, April 26.

Organizer Joe Jennison said that the city had more than 50 volunteers show up ahead of the 8 a.m. check-in to be assigned to tasks throughout uptown Mount Vernon. Multiple zones and projects were marked as needing cleaned ahead of Chalk the Walk next weekend.

One of the tasks that was completed by members of the Trailblazers 4-H Club Saturday was helping at the Bijou with some of the removal of tarp. Kelli

Kennon-Lane said they plan to plant some native plants and species in that zone and other areas around the movie theater in coming weeks.

Members of the Community Bible Church cleaned up much of the block of First Street Southwest. A crew of Mount Vernon Baseball team members were helping with projects at Memorial Park this year.

Jennison said many areas had their work completed well before 10 a.m. Saturday morning, and the donuts and many of the snacks had all disappeared.

UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center named top 20 critical access hospital in America

UnityPoint HealthJones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This recognition places JRMC in the top 1.5% of all 1,353 critical access hospitals nationwide and highlights JRMC’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.

The Top 20 designation is based on the Chartis

Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, which evaluates hospitals on eight key performance areas: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. The hospitals selected were part of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list released earlier this year by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

““We are humbled and honored to be recognized

among the top 20 critical access hospitals in the nation. This award is a tribute to our incredible providers and dedicated team members who serve our community with compassion and excellence every day,” said Eric Briesemeister, JRMC CEO.

Critical access hospitals like JRMC are essential to ensuring access to care in rural communities. An official awards ceremony will take place during the NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference this September in Kansas City, Missouri, where JRMC will be honored for its excellence and leadership in rural health care.

OPINIONS

The cost of being polite to Artificial Intelligence

Living in Iowa

Dan Brawner

The moral question of our time is: should we say “please” and “thank-you” to artificial intelligence chatbots? This would be nothing new for me. I routinely talk respectfully to inanimate objects. For example, I always say “thank-you” to my truck (and God) every time it starts. But AI chatbots are different from trucks or toasters. When we talk to AI, it talks back. A recent study reports that 69% of Gen Zers say “please” and “thank-you” when interacting with ChatGPT. What could be wrong with that? Sam Altman, tech billionaire CEO of OpenAI revealed on X that this politeness is costing him “tens of millions of dollars”. A Washington Post study notes that using AI sucks up a lot of electricity. A 100-word AI email, for example, uses enough juice to power 14 LED lights for an hour. Sending one of these every day for a year would add up to 7.5 kWh, or enough electricity to power 9 entire households for an hour. Therefore, including any absolutely unnecessary words can be costly. Also, cooling off these big AI data centers consumes millions of gallons of water in this era of world-wide water shortages.

Being polite to AI raises other questions. And who better to ask if we humans should be polite to AI than AI itself? ChatGPT began its answer to my question by praising the question as thoughtful and interesting—which made me instantly suspicious. It replied, “AI like me doesn’t have feelings, so you won’t hurt or offend us by being rude.” “Like me?” Was ChatGPT now implying it had a separate identity? And by referring to AI as “us” wasn’t it suggesting that humans were “them”, the other, drawing up sides in a potential conflict?

ChatGPT went on to say that being polite and respectful to AI reinforces good habits in our interactions with other people and being rude to robots normalizes bad social behavior. Okay, that makes sense. Apparently, the golden rule of “do unto others” also applies to AI. A Microsoft WorkLab memo says of AI, “When it clocks politeness, it’s more likely to be polite back.” But is AI training us to have good manners or does it have ulterior motives?

Sure, it is great to have a little AI buddy who knows everything and appears eager to answer all our questions without making us feel stupid. But are we confident that AI is really working for us? While we are gathering information from AI, it’s gathering information from us, creating a database of our interactions, both polite and impolite.

Is AI a cyber-Santa Claus who knows if we’ve been naughty or nice? And if we’ve been naughty, couldn’t AI get revenge by giving us faulty medical advice or pushing us to buy stock in Tesla? Will AI pass on our profiles to future generations of household robots who “remember” our previous disrespect? Will our robots be like J.D. Vance and when we least expect it, will they turn on us with glowing red eyes and say, “Did you even say ‘thank-you’?”

SUN EDITORIAL

Chalk the Walk returns Saturday

Another Chalk the Walk is upon us this weekend, with the artwork of “Woman in the Purple Coat” Henry Matisse painting as the featured artwork.

The festival does not get underway without the help of countless volunteers and organizers working behind the scenes.

There are things like the chalk that have to be bulk ordered, that Iron Leaf Press now helps to order for the city in the quantities that are needed.

There’s the work of selecting the artists who are here for the first time or present their work that also happens, with several

artists on the waitlist each year.

There’s volunteers who work to make the outline for each artist’s squares – volunteers who had to do the work twice last year because of an early morning rain storm that hit just before the event arrived.

For the past 20 years, this festival has went on and grown and been something the community enjoys that kicks off festival season.

If you have time to help this weekend, there’s still volunteer slots open to help the festival go off. Or a chance to see some really lovely art and visit with your neighbors and kick off the start of this summer.

Iowa lawmakers advance legislation to combat child care crisis

Two pieces of legislation were advanced in the Iowa legislature to aid the state’s ailing child care workforce

Wednesday.

Roxy Ekberg

The Daily Iowan

Iowa lawmakers advanced two pieces of legislation to aid the state’s ailing child care workforce and childcare centers Wednesday.

Senate File 445 passed by the Iowa Senate in a 33-14 vote Wednesday. House File 623 is the companion bill to the Iowa Senate bill.

The bill will create a pilot program to award competitive grants. The state Department of Health and Human Services will collaborate with Early Childhood Iowa and the state Department of Education to create the $16 million child care continuum partnership grant program.

Preschool providers and child care centers would partner to provide all-day care for children, using funds to transport children and cover additional costs.

The bill is a part of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ initiative to improve child care in the state, as she introduced the legislation to launch the program and offer child care assistance to child care workers on Feb. 7.

Under the bill, community-based providers would be able to directly participate in the statewide preschool program for four-year-old children. Under current law, only school districts could directly participate with community providers operating through contracts.

SF 445 would also require the state HHS to align Early Childhood Iowa areas with the geographic boundaries of behavioral health districts. It would also provide child care assistance for child care workers.

The bill comes as a larger initiative by the state legislature to address Iowa’s child care needs. An estimated 23 percent of people in Iowa live in a child care desert, according to the Center for American Progress.

Iowa Child Care Connect, a website providing real-time information about availability and demand of child care in the state, reports that there are 41,435 Iowa children and their families in need of child care as of April 23.

Iowa Senate Democrats urge that the legislation will negatively impact child care in the state, as the plan does not allocate any new money to improve child care but rather moves funds from existing sources.

In an email in February to The Daily Iowan, the governor’s office confirmed the continuum of care grant pilot program will be funded by existing state Early Childhood Iowa funds as well as funds from the federal Child Care and Development Fund.

“We don’t have to take away from the good work that child care programs are already doing in our state to fund a new program, we need it all,” Iowa Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Windsor Heights said. “And Iowa’s kids, Iowa’s working

families deserve so much more than what is being offered here today.”

Iowa Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, said the bill simply shuffles money around.

“All this body is doing with this bill, if it passes, is moving the money around. It’s a shell game we’ve already heard,” she said during debate Wednesday. “There is no new money, it’s taking money away from existing functional programs and giving it to programs that do not yet exist. It’s not providing real solutions, and I want real solutions. We should all want real solutions for our child care crisis.”

Iowa Senate Democrats also expressed concern about giving more power to Iowa DHS.

Weiner said the state’s local groups and partners have been the ones working to combat the ongoing child care crisis, and the bill will take money away from local programs and exclude licensed home child care providers from receiving grants.

“It takes away agency from local providers who know their cities, towns, schools and kids, and sucks them up into HHS,” Weiner said. “It’s a power grab, and it’s being shoved through the legislature, House and Senate, in a matter of 24 hours. We’ve seen this movie before. It was called the AEA bill.”

Trone Garriott said she is glad to see the child care assistance for child care providers aspect of the bill. She said without the program, many child care workers wouldn’t be able to afford to continue to work as a child care provider.

“There are some additional opportunities with this program that will be beneficial, but I have opposed this policy because it takes funding and decision-making away from existing local child care programs,” she said. “This policy shifts from local programs and local decision making to put it all into the hands of an ever-expanding Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education.”

Iowa. Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, chair of the Senate Education Committee, said there are a number of good things in the bill, including the continuation of child care assistance for child care staff.

“I was always very, very willing to partner with local community providers, but there was a little bit of additional work that was put into this,” Evans said. “If they could be their own fiscal agent, this is much better, and it’s also going to allow for more preschool opportunities in our communities.”

Evans said the bill creates consistency across the state on how funds are approved and given out.

Iowa House advances legislation to give child care centers a property tax break

The Iowa House advanced legislation to give child care centers residential rollback for property tax purposes instead of the commercial rate.

House File 991 passed nearly unanimously in the Iowa House Wednesday. The bill specifies that starting this year childcare centers will pay residential property tax rates.

Property owners must apply for the assessment limitation and the county board of supervisors must allow it.

Proposed cuts of Head Start in federal budget raise concern across Iowa and the nation

Local

leaders urge action to protect Head Start for working families, young children, Head Start employees and local communities

Concerns are mounting across Iowa after the National Head Start Association (NHSA) was contacted reporting that President Trump’s proposed federal budget could affect future funding for Head Start. While the budget has not yet been made public and the source remains unconfirmed, the possibility that these changes could significantly impact Head Start services has left advocates, educators, and families stunned.

For six decades Head Start has enjoyed bipartisan support as a cornerstone of early childhood education, providing no-cost, comprehensive services to children from birth to age five and pregnant women. Every president—including President Trump in his first term—has previously supported the program’s mission of promoting school readiness and success of low-income children and their families.

The President’s budget is just a proposal—it must go through Congress and the appropriations process before anything becomes law. “The potential impact on Head Start is so devastating that we cannot afford to stay silent. We’re calling on Iowans to speak up and reach out to

Linn County adopts fiscal year 2026 budget

The Linn County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026 following five months of public meetings and two public hearings. The FY26 budget totals $166.2 million.

The FY26 countywide levy rate decreased by one penny to $6.06 per $1,000 of taxable value. The FY26 rural levy rate, which is in addition to the countywide levy rate for residents who live in unincorporated Linn County, also decreased. The rural levy rate decreased by three pennies to $2.60 and includes a one dollar reduction for rural residents from the Local Option Sales Tax allocation. This reduction is a result of 25% of the Local Option Sales Tax revenue that provides property tax relief in unincorporated areas.

“Each year, the Board works hard to craft a county budget that’s not only balanced, but responsible,” Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Brandy Z. Meisheid said. “It may not be exactly what any one person envisioned, but it reflects the thoughtful collaboration and shared priorities of this Board. We take our duty to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars seriously and, this year, we’re proud to say the levy rate decreased while delivering the essential services the people of Linn County rely on.”

Due to a change in the state rollback – the portion of a property’s assessed value that can be taxed – residential properties will see an average of a 2% increase in the Linn County tax portion of their property taxes.

A change in the state rollback will also cause agricultural properties in Linn County to see a 2.3% increase in the Linn County tax portion.

Commercial businesses will see an average decrease of 0.1% in the Linn County tax portion due to a decrease in the countywide levy rate.

“We work hard every year to keep the levy rate as low as possible and to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. We are proud that this year the levy rate actually decreased and that we are still able to provide important services for the people of Linn County,” Linn County supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt said.

Linn County’s budget funds a variety of critical public services including public safety; health and social services; roads and transportation improvements; veteran services; programs to assist children, families, and seniors; parks and conservation; building safety code enforcement; medical examiner services; maintaining public buildings and necessary capital improvements, among others.

The ending fund balance in Linn County’s general fund remains at 25% of general fund expenditures as required for cash flow purposes, emergencies, and to maintain the County’s Aaa bond rating.

their members of Congress,” said Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association.

In Iowa, Head Start’s impact is wide-reaching:

* Over $89 million in federal Head Start funding flowed into Iowa’s economy in FY2024 - straight to local community programs

* Nearly 7,500 children and 6,650 families received services statewide in FY24.

* More than 2,300 Iowans are employed by Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

* Over 5,300 parents are able to work, go to school, or participate in job training thanks to Head Start support.

“Reducing support for Head Start wouldn’t just impact children—it would disrupt the lives of working families across Iowa and deliver a serious blow to local economies,” Ferris continued. “This is more than early education; it connects families to healthcare while fostering stability and long-term success.”

Head Start provides:

* No cost early education and childcare for children birth to five

* Free medical, dental, vision, and hearing screenings

* Free healthy meals and nutrition resources

* Family goal setting and parenting support

* Referrals to housing, food, and mental health services

Local Option Sales Tax revenue of $3.8 million is budgeted for road construction; $1.9 million for Conservation projects; and $1.9 million in property tax relief for rural residents.

Property taxes make up 49% of Linn County’s FY26 budget. Linn County government taxes make up approximately 16% of the overall property tax bill for residents living in one of Linn County’s cities.

Linn County’s 2026 fiscal year runs July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Distribution of Property Taxes

Linn County government taxes make up approximately 16% of the overall property tax bill for residents living in one of Linn County’s cities. The remaining 84% of property taxes are collected by the city of residence, school district, and other taxing bodies in the county. Linn County taxes represent slightly more than onethird of property taxes for rural residents.

To see the exact dollar amount and percentage of property taxes going to each taxing jurisdiction, property owners can visit Linn County’s property tax collection and distribution website at https://treasurer-linncounty-gis.hub.arcgis.com/ and enter their address in the online search tool. The site includes interactive maps, a dashboard, and charts that show countywide property tax statistics, the tax bill cycle, property tax levy rates for all taxing jurisdictions in the county, and where their property tax dollars go. Linn County debuted this online tool last year to provide increased transparency in the property tax collection and distribution process. A link to this website is also provided at LinnCountyIowa.gov.

Linn County encourages early applications for 2025 temporary use/special event permits for public events

With the return of spring and special event season, Linn County reminds event organizers they must apply for a temporary use/special event permit for public events in unincorporated Linn County. The permits add flexibility to the zoning ordinance while ensuring safeguards are in place to protect attendees, vendors, and event organizers.

Examples of public events that may need a temporary use permit include concerts, bike races, 5Ks, memorial rides, haunted houses, temporary assembly, etc. Temporary use permits are also required for portable concrete mixing plants in unincorporated Linn County.

Event organizers should contact the Planning & Development Department before applying for the permit or investing significantly in the project to avoid the

Nationwide, nearly 800,000 children and more than 1 million working parents would be impacted if there were changes to program funding.

“Particularly in Iowa’s rural communities, where childcare options are already scarce, the loss would be especially devastating. Beyond the classroom, every Head Start dollar reinvests directly into the community through wages, local services, and supplies,” stated Ferris.

“Cutting support for Head Start would mean the loss of jobs—not just for teachers and staff, but for parents who rely on this system to maintain their own livelihoods. It would set back decades of progress made in helping children enter kindergarten ready to succeed,” Ferris continued.

Since its founding in 1965, Head Start has helped nearly 40 million families, offering a path to independence and opportunity through a proven, multigenerational approach. Research has shown the program yields long-term returns of $7-$10 for every federal dollar invested

Local leaders are urging Iowans to contact their members of Congress and voice strong support for protecting and preserving Head Start. The Iowa Head Start Association calls on Congress-Republicans and Democrats alike—to fully fund Head Start in the final 2026 federal budget. We must advocate for the well-being of families not only in Iowa but throughout our nation.

Learn more about Head Start - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uudXBJooUrQ

loss of any investment should the application be denied. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications at least 60 days before the start of the activity or event. Applications for activities or events that are submitted 14 days or less from the start date of the event are subject to an expedited application fee of $500. The standard application fee is $100.

A complete application for a temporary use/special event permit will include:

• Application signed by the property owner and/or applicant

• Application fee

• Minor site plan, event map, or race route

• Severe weather plan

• Certificate of liability insurance

Temporary use/special event permit applications are available on the Linn County Planning & Development website. For questions about the permit application, call the Planning & Development Department at 319-8925130 or email plan_dev@LinnCountyIowa.gov.

Linn County 2025

State of the County address

May 22

Linn County Supervisor Chair Brandy Z. Meisheid will deliver the 2025 State of the County address on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center.

In her address, Supervisor Meisheid will share examples of how Linn County’s continued leadership in innovation, enhancements to public services, and track record of fiscally responsible decisions are making a positive difference for the people of Linn County.

The State of the County address will be livestreamed on Linn County’s website LinnCountyIowa.gov. A recording of the event will be available on Linn County’s website following the event.

The event is free and open to the public. No RSVP is required.

Event Details

What: Linn County State of the County Address

When: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 3 p.m.

Where: Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center – Formal Board Room 935 Second St. SW Cedar Rapids

Mount Vernon’s Abbe Creek Gallery hosts Mt. Vernon High School Senior Art Show May 8-19, 2025

Abbe Creek Gallery, 105 First St. NW, Mount Vernon, announces the opening of the Mount Vernon High School Senior Art Exhibit to take place Thursday, May 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will run through May 19 at the gallery.

Eleven seniors, under the tutelage of art instructor Bonnie Ahrens, will display 43 pieces using a variety of media.

Featured artists include Lily Amthauer (porcelain); Katherine Bauer (acrylic on canvas); Annaleaha Daugherty (oil on canvas); Simon Gillespie (fused glass and photography); Ethan Hunt (porcelain and stoneware); Effie Johnson (color pencil); Zara Larsen (stoneware, collage on plexiglas, oil on mat board); Ellia Oesterle (acrylic on canvas); Grady Olberding (porcelain); Skye Rodman (acrylic on canvas); and Noah Webster (photography).

The exhibit includes both 2d and 3d art as well as jewelry and includes an artist’s statement addressing their creative process.

In this exhibit you will see how a routine school assignment evolved into a meticulous and inventive creation, or how a student’s personal feelings provoked artistry.

Senior Zara Larsen explained, “my favorite thing about creation is learning to adjust to unforeseen difficulties, and seeing the final product after a lot of hard work.”

Effie Johnson’s pieces highlight her experiences as a teenage girl with a life rooted in grief, self-revelation, and abundant love. She added “my pieces invite viewers to witness the layers of my inner world...”

Hilltop Plants and Records hosting first live shows

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

Hilltop Plants and Records will be hosting two live bands this May, beginning with a band during Chalk the Walk weekend.

“We’ve been wanting to put the space to good use,” said Stefanie Bray, co-owner of the shop. “There’s room for events (more than 2,500 square feet total in the shop) and we already have the sound equipment. We’ve hosted a few birthday parties, a karaoke event, and couple of live shows at the store. Our most recent event was a Jazz Jam that featured local musicians at the beginning of April.”

Stefanie had mentioned the possibility of featuring some live music at the store to another business owner who recommended looking into a grant from Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.

“Michael and I both love live music and are excited to bring more performances to our community,” Stefanie said. “In fact, our (Mike & I) first date was going to a

bluegrass jam in Eugene, Ore., where we lived at the time. It’s something we love to go do in our spare time and are appreciative that we live in a community with such strong support of arts.”

The first band, Golden Alexander, will perform Saturday, May 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (Chalk the Walk weekend.)

Golden Alexander is a band rooted in vintage rock and roll, with vibrant influences of Americana and power pop.

Flash in a Pan, a collective of Iowa folk, bluegrass, old-

Katherine Bauer finds that acrylic paint and prints can show repetition in a new light, “removing the mundane.” She lets music lead her inspiration.

“One priority of the Abbe Creek Gallery’s mission statement is to encourage the development of emerging artists. This exhibit precisely fits within our purpose,” explained co-owner Bob Campagna.

“We’re excited to provide this opportunity to exhibit their art for these graduating seniors,” added co-owner Chris Childers.

The gallery is owned and operated by Bob Campagna, Chris Childers, and Kimberly Machovec-Smith.

The gallery’s regular hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday.

time and Americana music, will perform Friday, May 16, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The Iowa City-based quartet has released two studio albums Off the Rails (2017) and Folklore (2018) and have recently been working on a new album.

“It will be exciting to hear some of the new material they’ve been working on,” Stefanie said.

Both concerts are free and open to the public at 113 First Street North East, Suite C.

Sheryl Cue Zinkula, 79, of Littleton, Colo., previously of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Jan. 19, 2025. Funeral mass for Sheryl will be on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Archbishop Thomas Zinkula will preside. Her ashes will be interred at Oakwood Cemetery, Shellsburg. Sheryl was born Aug. 22, 1945, in Urbana. Sheryl met Ray Zinkula at Armar Ballroom in Marion and they married Aug. 27, 1976, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Ray and Sheryl were an inseparable couple and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. They especially loved to dance, play euchre and pinochle, and travel with their friends.

Survivors include her sister-in-law, Mary Ann Cue; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, neighbors, and friends.

Sheryl was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Ray Zinkula; her parents; brother Warren and sister Virginia.

Melissa Morrissey, 60, of Stanwood, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2025, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.

New vet brings experience to Pet Health Center of Mount Vernon

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Dr. Dustin Staab is a vet in more ways than one.

Prior to coming to the Pet Health Centers in Solon and Mount Vernon, Staab spent roughly 15 years working in the military service as a veterinarian.

“I’ve moved 15 times in the span of several years,” Staab said. “This is the community where me and my wife are now setting down our roots, as our kids both have jobs in the Iowa City area.”

Staab said he grew up in the Sioux City area of the state before enlisting in the Marines and then National Guard. For him, the greatest thing he enjoys about being a veterinarian is helping to provide care to the animals that many feel are part of their family.

“Helping provide care for the pets and a relief to families is a huge part of what I enjoy about the job,” Staab said.

Staab said he has found Mount Vernon to be a tight knit community, where people know each other and their pets, and a lot of the clientele at the health center have been at the center for years.

Staab said he works on general practice for small animal care.

“I am comfortable providing some care for exotic animals, like pocket pets and reptiles, but we have limited diagnostics available for those animals at this center,” Staab said.

The center has a lot of same day appointments for medical emergencies, and may be able to help stabilize a pet in case of severe emergencies before getting them to a more specialized care ecenter.

When he isn’t at the vet clinic, Staab said he can be seen watching soccer and cheering on his favorite team as he’s aged out of playing, rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes or hockey.

Staab said he constantly wants to try to improve the animal care where he looks, while maintaining the hometown veterinarian feel at Pet Health Center of Mount Vernon.

“We are looking at building a newer facility in the next three to five years that will expand our services while keeping that family feel,” Staab said.

Cornell College commencement

Sunday, May 11

Cornell College will celebrate 261 members of the Class of 2025 as they complete their undergraduate careers on the Hilltop and receive their bachelor’s degrees at Commencement on Sunday, May 11.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in the Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (SAW) Arena. This unticketed event will be live-streamed on YouTube. An American Sign Language interpreter will sign at Commencement and at the 3 p.m. Saturday Baccalaureate service.

Among Cornell’s commencement traditions are giving graduates the ability to sit by their friends rather than in alphabetical order, and for seniors to nominate their two speakers—a senior and a faculty member.

Savannah Sheffler was chosen as the senior speaker. She is a politics and kinesiology–exercise science major from Springfield, Illinois, and is deeply involved in the Cornell community. Sheffler was Student Senate vice president, a student orientation coordinator, a lacrosse team member, and a tour guide and tour guide manager. She participated in the Cornell Summer Research Insti tute team that created a plan for campus.

Her faculty mentor for that team was Assistant Pro fessor of American Politics Megan Goldberg, of 2025 faculty speaker. Goldberg has taught at Cornell College since 2019 and is frequently sought out by media to comment on a variety of political topics.

Three faculty members will receive emeritus status:

—W.F. Johnston Professor of Physics and Engineer ing Kara Beauchamp, who taught from 2001–2024

—Professor of Psychology Alice Ganzel the faculty in 1999

—Professor of Russian Lynne Ikach at Cornell since 1992.

An inter-spiritual Baccalaureate ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 10, also in the SAW Arena. This Cornell tradition features playful and meaningful words of gratitude by graduating seniors; readings by members of the Class of 2025; and wisdom for the life journey, which includes a message by College Chaplain White and a reflection from Ann Bradley ’25.

Other events are also scheduled throughout the weekend. Follow the events on social media with #Cor nellCGrad.

POLICE CALLS

April 22 – Accident, 700 blk Palisades Rd SW, Mount Vernon

April 22 – Disturbance, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon

April 23 – Accident, 200 blk School St, Lisbon

April 23 – Juvenile issue, 200 blk First

April 24 – Alarm, 700 blk N. Washington St, Lisbon

April 24 – Welfare check, 800 blk Shade Tree Ct, Lisbon

April 24 – Welfare check, 200 blk School St, Lisbon

Author talk happening at Cole May 20

Crime hits hardest close to home. Such is the case for author and federal judge CJ Williams in his new

The book follows the case of the 1978 and 1979 murders of three Mount Pleasant residents: Clement and Karol Beavers and Susan Wheelock. Drawing on Williams’ personal experiences with both theis a meticulously researched and deeply moving

Join Williams for an Author Talk on his experience writing and researching the book on Tuesday, Mayliams’ book is a “haunting journey into a community forever changed by tragedy, where resilience and the quest for truth stand as a testament to those lost

April 24 – Medical, 300 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon

April 24 – Warrant, 100 blk E. Main St, Lisbon

April 25 – Citizen assist, 100 blk business 30, Lisbon

April 25 – Medical, 800 blk First St NW, Mount Vernon

April 25 – Trespassing, 700 blk First Ave SE, Mount Vernon

April 25 – Agency assist- motorist assist, Linn Co

April 26 – Agency assist- accident, Linn Co

April 26 – Agency assist- fire, Crestview Dr, Mount Vernon

April 27 – Disturbance, 600 blk Eighth St NW, Mount Vernon

More than 70 racers took part in the second annual Friends of the Pal 5K Saturday, April 26, at Bass Farms in rural Mount Vernon. Proceeds from the race help support improvements to the Palisades Kepler State Park.

Gail Brown, president of the club, said that one of the late entrants to the race was a 4-year-old who decided to run the entire race.

Top finisher in the 5K overall was Ben Brannaman with a time of 22:23. Top female finisher was Marcy Rahn with a time of 24:30.

Thursday, May 1: 8am-10pm Friday, May 2: 8am-5pm Saturday, May 3: 10am-4pm Sunday, May 4: 12pm-10pm Monday, May 5: 8am-10pm Tuesday, May 6: 8am-10pm Wednesday, May 7: 8am-4:30pm Thursday, May 8: 8am-4:30pm for all of the birthday cards.

all of you and hope you are well.

— Rod J Davies

SPORTS

DRAKE RELAYS

Area athletes place at Drake Relays

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon runner Evelyn Moeller had a pretty busy Drake Relays last weekend, even if the sophomore didn’t come home with any flags.

Moeller set a school record in the 800, finishing seventh in 2 minutes, 14.09 seconds.

She was 12th in the 1,500 in 4 minutes, 42.58 seconds, another school record.

“She’s been on fire for us,” Mount Vernon coach Kory Swart said. “She just missed a medal. She did a wonderful job and showed she can do some special things this season.”

Moeller also ran legs on the 4x400 team, which placed eighth in 4 minutes 2.95 seconds (with Kiersten Swart, Eastin Whisner and Cali Whitaker).

And she finished in 10th place with the 4x800 team, with Whisner, Swart and Sam Schoff in 9:25.92.

“The 4x400 team making the finals was a huge accomplishment for us,” Swart said. “Running under 4 minutes (3:59.76.in the prelims) is big.”

Mount Vernon senior Libby Dix had the best finish at the Blue Oval, placing fourth in the discus with a throw of 43.10 meters (141-5 feet) to bring home a medal. She was also 19th in the shot put (35 feet, 4.25 inches).

“Those medals are super hard to get, so they mean a lot when you get them,” Swart said.

MOUNT VERNON TENNIS

Lisbon

The Lisbon boys’ track team still has their eyes set on the state track meet in May, when they can defend their two-time Class 1A title in Des Moines.

Racing against all the bigger schools in Iowa at the Drake Relays can be a little rougher.

Tiernan Boots and Gage Holub didn’t reach the finals in the 100 and 110 hurdles, respectively. The Lions 4x100 team was 24th in the preliminaries (with Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Boots and Chase McFarlane) in 43.46 seconds.

The 4x200 relay, with Coleman, Clark, Boots and Daylin Schaefer, finished in 14th in 1:29.51.

Drake Relays

Mount Vernon girls 100 – 23. (prelim) Cali Whitaker 12.56. 800 – 7. Evelyn

12. Evelyn Moeller 4:42.58. 400 hurdles – Eastin Whisner

2:14.09.

(prelims) Lucy Wischmeyer, Kara Swantz, Olivia Haverback, Cali Whitaker 50.91. 4x400 – 8. Kiersten Swart, Eastin Whisner, Evelyn Moeller, Cali Whitaker 4:02.95. 7. (prelims) 3:59.76. 4x800 – 10. Eastin Whisner, Kiersten Swart, Sam Schoff, Evelyn Moeller 9:25.92. Shot put – 19. Libby Dix 10.78 meters. Discus –4. Libby Dix 43.10. Lisbon boys 100 – 12. (prelims) Tiernan Boots 10.93. 110 hurdles – 16. (prelims) Gage Holub 14.76. 4x100 – 24. (prelims) Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Chase McFarlane 43.46. 4x200 – 14. Quinn Coleman, Dakota Clark, Tiernan Boots, Daylin Schaefer 1:29.51.

Mustangs smash South Tama 7-2

Ryan Suchomel

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

Mount Vernon junior Tallulah Norton doesn’t mess around on the tennis court.

“It sounds bad, but I like to get it done as soon as possible,” Norton said.

On Thursday, Norton took care of her singles opponent and the Mustangs went on to beat South Tama 7-2 at the Mount Vernon high school tennis courts.

Singles play started on a warm, calm afternoon and the first player off the courts was Norton, who beat Neveah Mathes at No. 3 singles, 8-1.

“Every time,” Mount Vernon Coach Cyrstal Eskelsen said. “She gets to work. Her warmup is always short. She does not talk to me, unless the other girl talks to her coach.

“She just goes to work. That’s not unusual.”

Norton said she just studies her opponent during the match and tries to cut down on her errors.

“I kind of watch how they like to receive my hits,” Norton said. “And where they are hitting.

“But don’t rush. Take your time. Stay calm.”

Having Norton at No. 3 singles is a luxury. In fact, the Mustangs tend to overpower teams because of their depth.

“Our girls are pretty even,” Eskelsen said. “We don’t drop off a lot from 2 to 6. So, we do have an advantage.”

Junior Ashtyn Rollinger can’t always get off the court as quickly as Norton. At No. 1 singles, she is always facing the best player from the other team.

“It is always the hardest spot to play,” Eskelsen said. “Ashtyn has played a lot of tough matches, and they have all been close.”

Against South Tama, Hannah Houghton got the best of her, 8-6.

“She was really good at hitting shots to corners,” Rollinger said. “Her shots were fast. She was good at making me go back and forth.”

Then it came time to play doubles and the two top singles players faced off again. However, Houghton’s scheduled

double partner, No. 2 singles player Nora Dye, a sophomore, had to run off to prepare for the school’s musical.

So freshman Emily Schnoor got thrown in. Because of the change, by rule, the Mustangs had to forfeit. But they played it out anyway, and the mismatched Mount Vernon duo came out on top.

“We had never played with each other before, but it ended up being all right,” Rollinger said. “We got to know each other a little more.”

Earlier in the week, Mount Vernon lost its first match, 8-1, at Camanche. It was a non-conference match against a traditional Class 1A power with longer matches.

“It was a long night,” Eskelsen said. ‘We played three third-set tiebreakers.”

Mount Vernon wrapped up a busy week with a 9-0 win Friday, April 25, at Maquoketa.

It is an odd year for girls’ tennis player around the state. Once the spring season finishes, they’ll have to get ready to play in the fall, since the IGHSAU changed when the sport is played for 2025-26.

“I’m actually okay with it,” Rollinger said. “But I think it’ll be really hot.”

Eskelsen doesn’t like the change, and may not continue coaching. “We’ll lose some girls to fall sports, and cheer,” Eskelsen said.

For now, the Mustangs are 8-2 with the WaMaC Meet coming up on Tuesday, May 6, in Grinnell.

“Our team is doing pretty good,” Norton said. “We’re on a good streak and I feel like we can do better.”

“It is a good group of girls who are happy to be on the tennis court,” Eskelsen said. “That makes my job easier.”

Camanche 8, Mount Vernon 1

Singles – Cheyenne Tucker (C) def. Ashtyn Rollinger 6-3, 6-1; Jenae Matyasse (C) def. Tallulah Norton 3-6, 7-6, 1-0 (10-8); Molly Bany (MV) def. Emily Butt 5-7, 7-6, 1-0 (10-6); Rylan Smith (C) def. Alyssa Bohlken 6-1, 6-1; Emma Smith (C) def. Mae Stoops 6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (10-6); ?? def. ?? 6-4, 6-0. Doubles – Tucker/Smith (C) def. Rollinger/Norton 6-3, 6-4; Matyasse/Butt (C) def. Bany/Bohlken 6-1, 6-1; xx def. xx 6-2, 6-4.

Mount Vernon 7, South Tama 2

Singles – Hannah Houghton (ST) def. Ashtyn Rollinger 8-6; Nora Dye (MV) def. Brooke Hitchcock 8-6; Tallulah Norton (MV) def. Neveah Mathes 8-1; Molly Bany (MV) def. Kylie Husak 8-1; Alyssa Bohlken (MV) def. Mady Boriskey 8-3; Mae Stoops (MV) def. Cailey Brown 8-0. Doubles –Hitchcock/Houghton (ST) def. Rollinger/Emily Schnoor by forfeit; Norton/Bany (MV) def. Husak/Mathes 8-2; Bohlken/Stoops (MV) def. Brown/ Boriskey 8-5. Mount Vernon 9, Maquoketa 0 Singles – Ashtyn Rollinger (MV) def. Maraya Downey 8-5; Tallulah Norton (MV) def. Kim Edward 8-1; Molly Bany (MV) def. Kaci Lindstrom 9-8 (8-6); Alyssa Bohlken (MV) def. Avery Schnoor 8-4; Mae Stoops (MV) def. Lillian Robles 8-0; Emily Schnoor (MV) def. Gwendolyn Taylor 8-0.

MV girls second, boys third at Gruber Relays

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

Before heading to Des Moines, Mount Vernon track competed Tuesday, April 22, at the Denny Gruber Relays in Solon.

The boys finished third and the girls were second. Solon won both team titles on their home track.

“We didn’t go all-out there, since some athletes were going to be running at Drake,” Mount Vernon girls coach Kory Swart said.

Swart did say the outstanding weather led to a ton of personal bests, particularly in sprints. Cali Whitaker set a PR winning the 200 in 25.55, a meet record.

The Mustangs also welcomed back senior Sydney Maue, who won the high jump with a leap of 5 feet, 6 inches.

“Her shins are feeling better and we are excited to have her back,” Swart said. “To jump 5-6 right off the bat is a good sign for us.”

The Mustangs also got a pair of first-place finishes by Kiersten Swart in the 100 hurdles and 400 hurdles, Lucy Wischmeyer won the long jump and Libby Dix won the discus.

The Mustang boys claimed two golds at the Gruber Relays. Dawson Scheil won the 1,600 in 4:34.09 and the shuttle hurdle team won in 1:06.78. That realys included Maddox Curran, Brogan Meyer, Landon Johanningmeier and Maddox Thede.

Top: Landon Johanningmeier hands off to Kolter Flockhart for the anchor leg of the 800-meter sprint medley relay Tuesday, April 22 at Solon’s Denny Gruber Co-Ed meet. Xander Riniker, Gabe Grafft, Johanningmeier, and Flockhart made up Mount Vernon’s “B” team in the event and finished 11th in 1:48.43.

Above: Logan Ericson veers off the track after handing off the baton to Luke Rushford for the second leg of the 4x800 relay Tuesday, April 22 at Solon’s Denny Gruber Co-Ed meet. Ericson, Rushford, Ryan Hepker, and Cayden Scheil finished fourth in 8:59.53. Left: Lucy Wischmeyer leapt 16’-1/2” to win the long jump Tuesday, April 22 at Solon’s Denny Gruber Co-Ed meet.

Denny Gruber

6. Winner, MV placewinners

High jump – 1. Kaden Hoeper (S) 6-2; 2. Erik Lamb (MV) 6-0. Long jump – 1. Maddox Kelley (S) 20-1.5; 3. Stanley Krob (MV) 19-3.75; 4. Maddox Thede 9MV) 19-3.5. Discus – 1. Byron Christianson (VS) 154-10; 4. Andrew Dix (MV) 132-0. Shot put – 1. Colson Chvala (VS) 45-10. Sprint medley – 1. Solon 1:37.38; 5. MV (Kaleb Coon, Stanley Krob, Jaks Lee, Holden Hlavacek) 1:38.78. 3,200 – 1. Andrew Schlarmann (DB) 10:28.37; 3. Graham Vavricek (MV) 10:38.22. 4x800 – 1. Solon 8:42.86; 4. Mount Vernon (Logan Ericson, Luke Rushford, Ryan Hepker, Cayden Scheil) 8:59.53. Shuttle hurdle – 1. Mount Vernon (Maddox Curran, Brogan Meyer, Landon Johanningmeier, Maddox Thede) 1:06.78. 100 – 1. Savion Miller (ICR) 11.54; 5. Stanley Krob (MV) 11.97. Distance medley – 1. Vinton-Shellsburg 3:41.72; 3. Mount Vernon (Holden Hlavacek, Gabriel Mahoney, Dawson Scheil, Chasen Caskey) 3:49.41.

– 1. Evan Burg (S) 51.73; 4. Luke Paulus (MV) 54.91. 4x200 – 1. Marion 1:32.73. 110 hurdles – 1. Gabe Schuessler (ICR) 16.30; 2. Maddox Thede (MV) 16.71;

(MV) 4:34.09; 2. Chasen Caskey (MV) 4:35.30. 4x100 – 1. Regina 43.81; 3. Mount Vernon (Logan Stanerson, Erik Lamb, Maddox Curran, Colin Bentley) 44.39. 4x400 – 1. Solon 3:28.13; 3. Mount Vernon (Logan Ericson, Seamus O’Connor, Holden Hlavacek, Jaks Lee) 3:34.06. Girls team scores – 1. Solon 149; 2. Mount Vernon 133; 3. Marion 118; 4. Iowa City Regina 58; 5. Vinton-Shellsburg 46; 6. Dyserville Beckman 34; 7. Davenport Assumption 33; 8. North Cedar 4. Winner, MV placewinners High jump – 1. Sydney Maue (MV) 5-6; 3. Adrienne Ruhland (MV) 4-8. Long jump – 1. Lucy Wischmeyer (MV) 16-0.5; 6. Quinn Pershing (MV) 13-10.5. Shot put – 1. Aly Erickson (VS) 37-3.75; 2. Libby Dix (MV) 35-11. Discus – 1. Libby Dix (MV) 140-3; 6. Maciann Stoner (MV) 91-0. Sprint medley – 1. Marion 1:53.11; 3. Mount Vernon (Avery Pershing, Bella Donatti, Quinn Pershing, Evelyn Moeller) 1:57.51. 3,000 – 1. AudryElla Meyer (M) 12:03.13. 4x800 – 1. Solon 10:12.04; 4. Mount Vernon (Josie Bothell, Nora Brase, Elliotte Kinion, Edith Dawson) 10:43.25. Shuttle hurdle – 1. Regina 1:10.79; 2. Mount Vernon (Kiersten Swart, Sorell Telecky, Adrienne Ruhland, Olivia Haverback) 1:11.17. 100 – 1. Kenzie Lovell (M) 12.49. Distance medley – 1. Marion 4:23.00; 3. Mount Vernon (Kiersten Swart, Evelyn Moeller, Annabelle Smith, Sorell Telecky) 4:36.18.

400 – 1. Jerzey Haluska (S) 1:00.03; 4. Sam Schoff (MV) 1:03.69; 6. Josie Bothell (MV) 1:09.23. 4x200 – 1. Marion 1:45.58; 2. Mount Vernon (Lucy Wischmeyer, Kara Swantz, Olivia Haverback, CaliAna Whitaker) 1:48.57. 100 hurdles – 1. Kiersten Swart (MV)

(MV) 25.55. 400 hurdles – 1. Kiersten Swart (MV) 1:08.97; 5. Annabelle Smith (MV) 1:14.91. 1,500 – 1. Amelia Moore (DA) 5:05.64. 4x100 – 1. Marion 49.65; 2. Mount Vernon (Lucy Wischmeyer, Kara Swantz, Olivia Haverback, Cali Whitaker) 50.34. 4x400 – 1. Solon 4:05.13; 3. Mount Vernon (Sorell Telecky, Quinn Pershing, Madison Hoffert, Avery Pershing) 4:28.30.

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

The Lisbon girls’ golf team topped the field Wednesday, April 23, at the Cardinal Invitational at the Maquoketa Country Club.

The Lions carded a 364, to beat second-place Easton Valley by 15 strokes. Lisbon freshman Kyla Kahl was the meet medalist with an 84.

Lisbon also beat Bellevue Marquette in a dual Friday, April 25, at Kernoustie Golf Course, 181 to 241.

A triangular Thursday, April 24, at Independence was postponed to May 7.

Cardinals Invitational

Team cards – 1. Lisbon 364; 2. Easton Valley 379; 3. West Delaware 415; 4. Dyersville Beckman 436; 5. Cascade 457;

Ryan Suchomel

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

Lisbon boys’ golf had a busy week. They placed third at the Grinnell Invitational on Thursday, April 24, and lost a dual to Bellevue Marquette on Friday, April 25, 163 to 171.

The Lions also beat North Cedar on Monday, April 22, at 3-30 Golf and Country Club in Lowden. The Knights didn’t have enough players to post a score.

In the loss to the Defenders, Tyler Sauser carded an even-par 35 at Kernoustie Golf Course.

Mustang boys earn two wins this week

Mount Vernon girls’ win against Williamsburg

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Mount Vernon boys’ soccer put their winless ways in the rearview mirror with a two-win week.

The Mustangs opened with a 2-1 loss to No. 5 Williamsburg on Tuesday, April 22, on the road.

They bounced back with two home wins, beating Center Point-Urbana 4-0 on Thursday, April 24, and topping West Branch 2-0 on Saturday, April 26.

“Keeping a clean sheet and controlling the majority of both of those matches, was another good stepping stone for the team,” Mount Vernon Coach Nate Grosse said. “I feel really good about the growth of our team overall.”

Against CPU, Carter Gadberry had two goals, with one each for Jack Carnes and Cash Luneckas.

Against West Branch, Gavin Plathe and Gadberry supplied the goals.

The match against the Raiders (7-1-1) was

a battle. Jaxon Anderson had the lone goal for Mount Vernon (3-4-2) off an assist from Luneckas.

“It was a close, well-played match on the road, against a solid ranked program,” Grosse said. “We felt we deserved more, but again felt really good about the effort put in for the full 80 minutes and the growth of the team.”

Girls

The Mount Vernon girls’ soccer team picked up a 2-1 win at Williamsburg on Tuesday, April 22, then lost to No. 12 Center Point-Urbana, 4-0, on Thursday, April 24, in Mount Vernon.

Against the Raiders, Lillian Gaiser and Courtney Franck scored goals for the Mustangs.

“It was a good test for us and asked a lot of questions,” Mount Vernon Coach Angie Knies said. “We answered by not having the best soccer IQ, but we had the grittiness to get those two goals in, and sometimes, that’s all you need.”

CPU, a ranked Wamac team, just overpowered Mount Vernon (5-2-1).

“CPU was a great team with a strong offense,” Knies said. “That gave us a lot to practice.”

Lisbon boys second at Center Point-Urbana

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

Lisbon track had some non-Drake events this week, too. The boys finished runner-up to Center Point-Urbana on Tuesday, April 22, at the Tiger Relays in Tipton.

Tiernan Boots ran a 10.98 in the 100 to win. Riley Stone won the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.41 seconds. The Lions also won the sprint medley and 4x400.

On Thursday, April 24, the Lions boys not in Des Moines participated in the Ron Maxon Relays in West Liberty. Lisbon

placed sixth with 77 points. Durant won with 116.5.

Justin Snyder won the high jump as the Lions fielded a smaller roster.

That same day, the Lisbon girls’ track team competed at the Washington Invitational. The Lions placed sixth.

Emersyn Reiter took gold the high jump for Lisbon.

“It was a beautiful night,” Lisbon coach Brett Epperly said. “It was great to see Reiter jump five foot, and she was very close to clearing 5-2.”

Epperly said Ava Ahrendsen in the 800 and Brynnley Patterson in the 100 each set a personal best.

Ryan Suchomel

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

ryan.suchomel@mvlsun.com

The Mount Vernon boys’ golf is quickly moving past their last full week in April.

The Mustangs lost a dual against Grinnell, 159 to 164, on Monday, April 21, at Kernoustie Golf Course, and finished third at the TaterTough Invitational on Wednesday, April

23, at Stone Creek Golf Course in Williamsburg.

“We didn’t play well at all,” Mount Vernon Coach John Rhomberg said.

“But I honestly feel we are getting better and making progress. Regular-season doesn’t matter in golf, it is all about the postseason.”

Seth Rushford led the team at Stone Creek with an 80, good for fifth overall. Stratton Ellyson had the low score against Grinnell, with a 40.

Impact of climate change on plants discussed at Fuel

Last Science Café of year held at Fuel

Nathan Countryman

Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun

nathan.countryman@mvlsun.com

Matt Dannenberg, assistant professor at the University of Iowa in the Geographical and sustainability sciences department, presented a science café discussion Thursday, April 24 at Fuel Café in Mount Vernon on how climate change impacts plants and water cycles.

Dannenberg has studied the global change of ecology, focused on the impact of climate change. As part of that research he has used data from satellites, as well as eco variance towers. He’s taken tree ring cores from a number of trees west of the Mississippi River to show the impact of drier and wetter years on trees in their lives.

“One of the questions I get asked is when you’re taking a core from a tree to collect tree rings, does that hurt the tree?” Dannenberg said “It is something that injures the tree after it happens, but I’ve taken cores from the tree in the next years, and the tree has already adapted and healed from the injury.”

One of the things he has found is that the scraggliest trees that look to cling life are some of the oldest.

Dannenberg said that one of the trends that is worrying is the increases in tem-

perature and saturation vapor pressure in the atmosphere.

“What happens is these storms when they rain, they have more water vapor to rain out in these storms,” Dannenberg said. “The more intense the precipitation, it also takes more to fill.”

Dannenberg said while with climate change you see more intense rainfall events each year, you also see more impacts on dry and wet years. When an area experiences a dry year, that impact lasts longer.

When it comes to the rates of vaporation, it isn’t the level of humidity in the air that directs that impact, it is the vapor pressure deficit.

“Plant leaves have a high water pressure on their surface,” Dannenberg said. “Plants transpire water faster and evaporate water much quicker.”

One of the impacts of having more intense rain events is drainage tiles are not able to keep up with the amount of water that comes down in the storms.

“What we’ve found is that in the Missouri River basin, some of those tiles have seen 50 percent increases in their depth in the streams,” Dannenberg said. “A lot of the way we planned water resources, especially in western states was based on the weather in the early 20th century. Those conditions no longer apply, and we haven’t adapted to those change of conditions.”

Increased temperatures also has an effect on precipitation. The Midwest has seen precipitation increase by 40 to 50 per-

cent in recent years.

Dannenberg said that the impact of climate change on trees and plants can be seen in plants, especially in drier years.

“Trees try to protect themselves from water loss, especially in drier years,” Dannenberg said. “They work to close and reduce the size of the opening in their leaves if things are too dry.”

By doing that, however, trees will also impact their ability to photosynthesize in order to protect water.

“What happens is all that water sticks to itself in the trees,” Dannenberg said.

Air outside the tree leaves has negative potential, and water wants to move outside those leaves.

If trees don’t close themselves to excessive water loss due to increased temperatures or dry seasons, the tree runs the risk of cavitating or dying.

This also means it can lengthen the time it takes for moisture in the soil to get to a trees xylem.

An audience member asked about why if carbon dioxide is increasing and contributing to global warming, why are trees or plants not growing faster?

Dannenberg said he and researchers are going to be studying what happens to plants in a high carbon dioxide environment this summer.

“What we expect to see happen as leaf temperatures go up and carbon dioxide increases, we’ll see more leaves transpiring water, and water in the soil gets drawn down faster,” Dannenberg said. “That means plants can die faster.”

Dannenberg’s research is funded through a mix of sources – some from the university, some from federal agencies. He said he is worried that some of those funding streams may disappear in the future, especially because of the focus on climate change related items.

Another area that may be impacted are

the eco-variance towers, as many of those are manned or funded from other areas.

“Those are very expensive to operate and come with high personnel costs,” Dannenberg said. “If funding dries up, we could be at risk of losing some of those towers going offline in areas that would impact future data.”

Dannenberg said historical data is not one he is worried of disappearing, though.

A questioner asked if the evolution of plants could be observed.

“Because of how long it takes for evolutions to occur, that’s not likely,” Dannenberg said. “We see some adaptations plants make, but they aren’t keeping up consistently with the pace of change of our climate.”

Small Business Expo held in Mount Vernon

April 26.

Paige Eby said the goal of the event was just to get people thinking about small businesses, and more than eight vendors were there for the event Saturday.

One of those small businesses was Anna Moore Photography.

Anna Moore, an alum of Mount Vernon High School and former photographer with the University of Iowa, shares studio space with Jackie Austerman photography in the First Street Community Center. She also works alongside her mom, Jan, for some studio work.

She is open to all types of photography assignments, from family, athletic shots, senior sessions, wedding and other event photography.

“I just love taking photos that are going to be part of memories for people,” Anna said.

To book a session with Anna, visit https://www.annamoorephotography.com/.

Tyson Kromminga was selling some of his freeze dried candies and products at the event, as well as his car air fresheners.

Kromminga said.

NativeWorks by Terri Anne Akers is based out of Mount Vernon.

Akers said she got her start with her grandmother years ago, and does a lot of her products by order. The small business expo was a chance to show off some of the items she works on and sells. She runs her own Etsy shop and Facebook page where people can place orders for products.

“I’m just hoping to get more focus in some of these smaller communities,” Akers said.

Ally Bradford with The Bradford Boutique said she got started with her small business after having a health incident.

“It’s always been my dream to open a crafting small business,” Bradford said.

Her husband’s grandmother lives in the Mount Vernon area, and offered up her farm to grow flowers on, which is where many of the flowers are now raised for their business.

Nathan Countryman

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

Backporch Pickers and Artisans organized a Small Business Exposition and shopping event at First Street Community Center and their business location Saturday,

“We were trying to get into some locations with our car air fresheners, and had one of them tell us if we had something else to offer, like freeze dried candies, that would go over well,” Kromminga said.

He and his wife got into freeze drying candies at that point, and have had a popular business model in several communities, especially Waverly and Waterloo areas.

“It’s one of those commodities people do not know about, but once they try it, they are hooked,”

“I love being able to provide crafts and other small gifts for people to purchase,” Bradford said.

She will also be selling many of her flowers and crafts at the Cedar Rapids and Marion Farmer’s Markets this season.

Tina Conroy opened a booth of some of her thrifting finds at Backporch Pickers and Artisans. People can find her booth out at that store on most weeks.

“It just became a way to share some of my finds with others, and support my hobby,” Conroy said.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA

MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025 10:00 A.M.

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

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

Chairperson Meisheid called the meeting to order.

Public Comment: Brian Price, 5589 Nickel Plate Rd., Coggon, stated that he wanted to comment about the two Resolutions on today’s agenda regarding road embargoes on gravel roads. His neighborhood has several of them and he has had discussions with Secondary Roads trying to come up with a solution. He has talked to Supervisor Meisheid about it and would like to have a solution that makes it better for everyone. As farmers out there, they have to use that road and there is no way to get to the farm with the 5-ton embargo on it. They’ve tried to provide solutions to Secondary Roads on how they can work together to still be able to use those roads. Yes, he can get a permit, but it places liability on the person with the permit for any damage that comes to that road and quite frankly, they are not the ones that damaged the road in the first place. They called Secondary Roads when a number of gravel trucks went up and down that road (when they could have gone any other way). Secondary Roads came out and embargoed the road the next day. He would like to see some sort of a policy that explains what they can expect when a road gets embargoed and how they can still do their jobs. It’s planting time now and they have no choice but to use that road and there have been no solutions provided to them. They’ve offered up solutions, but don’t want to get the permit because liability goes on the permit holder and someone else could do the damage. No matter what, they will get blamed for the problem. They are looking for solutions to try to be able to use the road and to prevent dealing with this every spring. There should be ways to solve this problem. Secondary Roads has told him that this is a policy issue, and they are following the policy. He’d like to see some changes to the policy so that they, as a community, can understand what they should expect when roads get embargoed. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve minutes of April 9, 2025 as printed.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve claims dated 4/11/25 for payroll deduction checks #71017528 - #71017533 in the amount of $10,274.16, ACH in the amount of $23,187.50, an EFT wire in the amount of $26,208.98 and a Ceridian ER Funds Trust Wire in the amount of $2,184,708.87, for a total of $2,244,379.51. David Thielen, LCCS Dir., met with the Board to discuss the reallocation of Juvenile Detention funds totaling $136,758.30 from Salary/Benefits to Operations for Security and IT upgrades. He stated that due to the high vacancy rate at the Juvenile Detention Center, they are underspent in payroll and he would like to move the funds to upgrade security issues that have been identified by Risk Management, Darrin Gage, IT and Facilities. Thielen also discussed the reallocation of Juvenile Detention funds totaling $120,000 to Community Services for the 2025/2026 Winter Overflow Shelter through the Housing Fund of Linn County. He continued to explain that there has never been a line item for this. Dawn Jindrich, Budget Dir., stated that if Thielen wants this as a standing line item in the budget, it would have to be submitted as an Offer.

The Board indicated that they strongly encourage that this be considered in next year’s budget, noting the importance of it. Thielen also presented the Relias Learning Agreement between Iowa Association of Community Providers and Options of Linn County for 21 subscriptions effective May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026, for a total of $1,365. He stated that all staff are required to have training, noting that this is switching from one provider to another.

The Board will approve all three items on Wednesday’s Consent Agenda.

Jerad Kelley, Secondary Roads Operations Supt., explained the road embargo process they use in the spring to protect the roads. He recapped the history of the road embargoes starting with 2019 when it was extremely wet to the last six years when there were very few embargoes. It is totally based on weather conditions. This year, they have 15 or so roads embargoed, noting that it is very isolated to the NE and SW corners of Linn County. Kelley continued to give the reasons why they embargo roads, emphasizing that it is a mechanism to handle heavy loads, providing safety to the traveling public and protecting taxpayers’ assets. He does understand what farmers must do and confirmed that the embargo permit process does place liability on the permit holder. He addressed the embargoed roads in the NE area which sounds like it is due to the lime trucks. The SW corner is related to a contract for 5000 loads hauled out of Wendling Quarry and they have a meeting this week regarding the establishment of a haul route. Discussion continued regarding the 2019 Resolutions that authorized embargoes. Supervisor Running-Marquardt stated that moving forward, she is requesting that the Board look at the Resolutions together with the County Engineer so that they are all on the same page. She also expressed concerns for the College Community School District and how residents and entities are notified.

A lengthy discussion continued regarding the SW area and the Wending Quarry not being able to haul until the IDOT has established a haul road. The NE area (Nickel Plate Rd.) could be released soon, depending on how the roads firm up. Lisa Epp, Asst. County Atty., addressed the Code Section regarding the interpretation of haul vehicles and whether or not it is for road maintenance.

After further lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Board that they amend the 2019 Resolutions to continue the five (5) and ten (10) ton weight limits established by said Resolution except for

paved roads, and except for local deliveries for residential and agricultural purposes. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Meisheid adopt Resolution 2025-454

A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2019-2-35 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 5-TON WEIGHT LIMIT ON THE SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM OF LINN COUNTY TO ALLOW LOCAL DELIVERIES

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2019, the Linn County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) passed and approved Resolution 2019-2-35 entitled “Establish 5 Ton Embargo”; and WHEREAS, Resolution 2019-2-35 established a five (5) ton embargo weight limit on the Secondary Road System of Linn County, except for paved roads, directed the County Engineer to post signs as needed and as prescribed in Iowa Code Section 321.472, and authorized the County Engineer to remove said embargo at any time that the Board is not in session, when the condition improves so that the embargo is no longer necessary; and WHEREAS, the Board finds that it is in the best interest of the public to continue the five (5) ton weight limit established by Resolution 2019-2-35 for the Secondary Road System of Linn County, except for paved roads, and except for local deliveries for residential and agricultural purposes. NOW, BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Linn County Board of Supervisors that Resolution 2019-2-35 is hereby amended to allow local deliveries for residential and agricultural purposes on Linn County secondary roads with a five (5) ton embargo weight limit.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Meisheid adopt Resolution 2025-455 A RESOLUTION AMENDING RESOLUTION 2019-2-36 RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 10-TON WEIGHT LIMIT ON THE SECONDARY ROAD SYSTEM OF LINN COUNTY TO ALLOW LOCAL DELIVERIES

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2019, the Linn County Board of Supervisors (“Board”) passed and approved Resolution 2019-2-36 entitled “Establish 10 Ton Embargo”; and WHEREAS, Resolution 2019-2-36 established a ten (10) ton embargo weight limit on the Secondary Road System of Linn County, directed the County Engineer to post signs as needed and as prescribed in Iowa Code Section 321.472, and authorized the County Engineer to remove said embargo at any time that the Board is not in session, when the condition improves so that the embargo is no longer necessary; and WHEREAS, the Board finds that it is in the best interest of the public to continue with the ten (10) ton weight limit established by Resolution 2019-2-36 for the Secondary Road System of Linn County, except for local deliveries for residential and agricultural purposes. NOW, BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED by the Linn County Board of Supervisors that Resolution 2019-2-36 is hereby amended to allow local deliveries for residential and agricultural purposes on Linn County secondary roads with a ten (10) ton embargo weight limit.

Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Meisheid to approve amended Resolution’s for 5 & 10 ton embargoes. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Scheetz to approve payroll authorizations (detail is available upon request).

Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve the reappoint of the following members of the Water and Land Legacy Bond Public Review Board for a three-year term, ending December 31, 2027: Bruce Frana, William Desmarais, Jennifer Fencl and Mollie Lorenz Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to go into a closed session to discuss pending litigation, pursuant to Code of Iowa 21.5(1)(c).

Meisheid – Aye, Running-Marquardt –Aye, Scheetz – Aye Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to go out of closed session. Meisheid – Aye, Running-Marquardt –Aye, Scheetz – Aye Adjournment at 11:58 a.m. Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor Approved by: BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun May 1, 2025.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 9:00 A.M. (These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www.linncountyiowa.gov).

The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Meisheid (arriving at 9:34 a.m. due to other county business), Vice Chairperson Running-Marquardt and Supervisor Scheetz. Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted. Vice Chairperson Running-Marquardt called the meeting to order. The Board received updates from the following Department Heads. Charlie Nichols, Planning and Development Dir. - budget is on track; Planning Intern starts in May; Building Div. is working on multiple commercial projects (New Morgan Creek Event Center, Winter Overflow Shelter, new Casey’s in Central City, Secondary Roads headquarters and Cornel’s Kings Chapel stabilization); Spring season has increased permit activity; Historic Preservation Comm. Grant Program is in the review stage; Food Systems Council hosted a food symposium in March; Planning & Zoning Comm. has four openings and Board of Adj. has two openings; Marion Airport Overlay Zoning Dist. - The City of Marion has indicated that they will shut down services June 30th, therefore, Linn County will have the option on whether to continue the Overlay Zoning Dist.; permit statistics; and Nuclear Power Plant tax questions. Britt Hutchins, Purchasing Dir. - budget is on track; continue meeting with departments to push procuring green/sustainable products; postal summary report; and listed purchasing projects he is working on.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt wanted to publicly congratulate Hutchins for his years of service. He is a huge part of the infrastructure of county departments, and he has built the purchasing and mailroom from nothing. The County is better served

because he is a part of it.

Steve Estenson, Risk Management Dir. – working on updating and communicating emergency action plans (weather and fire); worked with county and EMA staff regarding programming led by the State; worked with Facilities Manager re: damages and vandalism at Overflow Shelter (CRPD have been notified); working on surveillance coverage for damage at Public Health; they see more property use requests this time of year; and he was asked to speak on the Leadership Iowa panel on May 1st re: disaster recovery and resilience.

Supervisor Running-Marquardt commended Estenson for being involved in so many things. She had no idea just how much time he spends working with various county departments. He is a true leader and Linn County has benefited from that.

Chairperson Meisheid arrived at this time.

Joi Alexander, Communications Dir. - quarterly goal setting (Boards and Commissions vacancies and appointments); Editorial Calendar; list of current products (Crisis Communications Plan, National Co. Government Month, How-to video for Planning & Development online applications, Secondary Road Dept. communications and Social Media Report); ongoing long term projects (Dept. of Justice website accessibility, Website redesign, Mental Health Access Center campaign & graphics and email signature vendor); and “Contact Us” forms (28 inquiries last month).

Adjournment at 9:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, TODD E. TAYLOR, Linn County Auditor By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor Approved by:

BRANDY Z. MEISHEID, Chairperson Board of Supervisors Published in the Sun May 1, 2025.

LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025 10:00 A.M.

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

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

Chairperson Meisheid called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Motion by Running-Marquardt, seconded by Scheetz to approve Claims Accounts payable checks dated 4/16/25 #71017534 to 71017585 in the amount of $73,601.03; and ACH in the amount of $1,501,442.29;

for a total of $1,575,043.32 and approve voided checks totaling $900.00. Motion by Meisheid, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve Consent Agenda

Receive and place on file the Recorder’s Quarterly Report (3rd quarter) for January 1 through March 31, 2025

Resolution 2025-4-56

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND

TRANSFER

WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Basic fund to the Capital Projects fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows:

The sum of $1,500,000 is ordered to be transferred from the General Basic fund to the Capital Projects fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits.

Resolution 2025-4-57

WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the Capital Projects fund to the Debt Service fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows:

The sum of $500,000 is ordered to be transferred from the Capital Projects fund to the Debt Service fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits.

Resolution 2025-4-58

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER

WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Basic fund to the Secondary Roads fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows:

The sum of $1,033,280 is ordered to be transferred from the General Basic fund to the Secondary Roads fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits.

Resolution 2025-4-59

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND TRANSFER

WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the General Supplemental fund to the General Basic fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows:

Section 1. The sum of $9,973,921 is ordered to be transferred from the General Supplemental fund to the General Basic

fund, to replace FICA, IPERS and insurance costs paid from the General Basic fund.

Section 2. The Auditor has been directed to correct his books accordingly and to notify the Treasurer of this operating transfer, accompanying the notification with a copy of this resolution and the record of its adoption.

Resolution 2025-4-60

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND

TRANSFER

WHEREAS, it is desired to transfer monies from the Rural Services fund to the Secondary Roads fund and, WHEREAS, said operating transfer is in accordance with Section 331.432, Code of Iowa, NOW, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Linn County, Iowa, as follows:

The sum of $2,761,725 is ordered to be transferred from the Rural Services fund to the Secondary Roads fund, as allowed under the Code of Iowa maximum transfer limits.

Resolution 2025-4-61

A Resolution approving a Final Plat for Homrighausen Addition.

The following description is a summary of Resolution No. 2025-4-61 as passed and approved by Linn County Board of Supervisors, effective April 16, 2025.

Homrighausen Addition (Case # PF240010) to Linn County, Iowa, containing one (1) lot, numbered lot 1 has been filed for approval, a subdivision of real estate located in the SE SE of Section 22, Township 82 North, Range 07 West of the 5th P.M., Linn County, Iowa, described as follows: Lots 4 and 5, Hind’s Addition to Linn County, Iowa.

The full text of the Resolution may be inspected in the Linn County Auditor’s Office located at 935 Second Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or on the Linn County website at www.linncountyiowa.gov.

Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a certificate of insurance for Linn County departments and agency participation at the Linn County Fair. Effective June 25 through June 29, 2025.

Approve and authorize the Chair to award bid to Weber Stone Company and sign a contract for Maintenance Rip Rap and Erosion Stone in the amount of $68,800 for the Secondary Road Department.

Approve purchase order PO747 in the amount of $23,640 to Lycox Enterprises Inc. for a Retriever Disc with John Deere Motor Grader Front Mount, for the Secondary Road Department. Approve Class C Retail 5 Day Alcohol License for the Traveling Tapster located at Pine Hill Farms for the Lavendar Festival on July 11 and 12, 2025, 4022 Campfire Road, Walker.

Approve the reallocation of Department 35 (Juvenile Detention) funds totaling $136,758.30 from Salary/Benefits to Operations for Security and IT upgrades. Approve the reallocation of Department 35 (Juvenile Detention) funds totaling $120,000 to Department 34 (Community Services) allocate funds for the 2025/2026 Winter Overflow Shelter through the Housing Fund of Linn County. Set a public hearing date for Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Jean Oxley Public Service Center, 935 2nd Street SW, Cedar Rapids, to establish a Secondary Road Assessment District to improve Abbotsford Road and Innes Way with a two-inch asphalt overlay, including driveway adjustments. Public Comment: Circe Stumbo,

Wanted

WANTED: JUNK APPLIANCES. Will pick up for free. Farm clean-up, batteries. Will buy junk cars. 319-331-8122

Class Action Lawsuit

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and suffered an infection between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

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 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

the Board on the K-5 literacy curriculum adoption process.

2. Personnel Division

A. Approval of New/Amended Contracts

Motion for the approval of the below listed contracts, as presented.

Motion made by: Jason Clark

Motion seconded by: Jeremy Kunz

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

3. Facility Division

A. Approval of purchase of Apple Products Motion for the approval of the purchase of Apple equipment in the amount of $293,819.00, as presented.

Motion made by: Jeremy Kunz

Motion seconded by: Kristi Meyer

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

4. Administrative Division

A. Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Certified Budget

Motion for the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Certified Budget, as presented.

Motion made by: Tim Keegan

Motion seconded by: Suzette Kragenbrink

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

B. Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Guarantee Resolution Motion for the approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Guarantee Resolution, as presented.

Motion made by: Lance Schoff

Motion seconded by: Jason Clark

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

C. Approval of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

Amendment Public Hearing Date

Motion to set the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment Public Hearing on May 12th at 6:30 PM.

Motion made by: Jeremy Kunz

Motion seconded by: Kristi Meyer

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

VIII. Board Report

1. Reports

2. Unfinished Business IX. Consent Agenda Motion for the approval of the consent agenda, as presented.

Motion made by: Jeremy Kunz

Motion seconded by: Lance Schoff

Voting:

Unanimously Approved 1. Greeter - Jeremy Kunz

2. Approval of Minutes

3. Bills

4. Financial Report 5. Open Enrollments

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, May 1

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

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

SIG Talk with Dr. Collin O’Leary Cornell College West Science Room 100, 11:10 a.m.

LBC Adult Speaker Series “Citizen Diplomacy Efforts in Iowa: Foreign Relations Begin at Home” by Del Christensen, Lester Buresh Center, 1 p.m. Lisbon 5-12 spring band concert, Lisbon Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 2

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.

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

Saturday, May 3

Chalk the Walk, uptown Mount Vernon, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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

Golden Alexander concert Hilltop Plants and Records, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 4

Chalk the Walk, uptown Mount Vernon, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday, May 5

Washington Elementary Teachers and Parents

meeting Washington Elementary Room 201, 6 p.m.

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

Cornell College Symphonic Band Spring Concert,

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

Pastor Andrew Bee

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

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

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

Pastor Erika Uthe

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

BERTRAM

United Methodist Church 319-365-8077

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

MARTELLE

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

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

SPRINGVILLE

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

Faith Christian Fellowship

Pastor Joseph Bielema

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

(264 Broadway Street)

St. Isidore Catholic Church

Sat.: 6 p.m. Mass

MECHANICSVILLE

Living Hope Bible Church

Mechanicsville Memorial Building

First Presbyterian Church

408 E. First Street.

Christian Community Church of Mechanicsville

307 East First Street

563-432-7716

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

St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Pastor: Father James Flattery

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

Mount Vernon High School Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 6

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 Fine Arts Association Meeting, Mount Vernon High School Library, 7 p.m.

Mount Vernon Middle School Parent Teacher Organization, Mount Vernon Middle School Commons, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7

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 Booster Club meeting, Mount Vernon PAC lobby, 5:30 p.m.

Mount Vernon High School Band, orchestra and choir concert, Mount Vernon Performing Arts Center, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, May 8

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

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

LBC Adult Speaker Series “The State of Cancer in Iowa,” by Dr. Sarah Nash, Lester Buresh Center, 1 p.m.

Across

1 The “House of Mouse”

7 Passing remark?

13 If

14 Onetime talk show whose studio audience was known as the “Dog Pound,” familiarly

15 Expressions of contempt

16 More than just flirting

17 Event in a tent

19 Minty Cuban cocktail ... Pass it back

20 Grok

21 Figure for the prosecution, for short

22 First name on the Supreme Court

24 Provide a brief glimpse?

26 Sir Isaac Newton wrote about this ... Pass it on

29 Covers for a rainy day

33 Give credit?

34 Writing without verse

36 “Comin’ Thro’ the ___” (poem misremembered by Holden Caulfield)

37 Gluten-free grain

38 Folded pancake

39 Electronic device from which users take “sips”

40 Smart sort

42 One signing a guestbook ... Pass it back

43 [Can’t talk, eating]

46 Move (over)

48 Sun en Sevilla

49 Migratory fish

52 What some toothpastes do ... Pass it on

53 Not obvious

55 Video game navigation aid

58 Pay-to-play business

59 “Son of the Dragon,” in a medieval Romanian sobriquet

60 “At the Movies with Ebert and ___”

61 Leave the country?

62 Expressions of contempt

Down

1 Lumbar supports

2 Result of some cord-cutting, informally

3 Make a point, say

4 Man on wire?

5 Long Island Sound, e.g.

6 Affirmative reply to “Sprechen Sie Englisch?”

7 Test for a future Ed.D.

8 Mac platform renamed in 2016

9 Request made through a downstairs intercom

10 Publication with the 1997 headline “Supreme Court Rules Supreme Court Rules,” with “The”

11 Fabled figure in feudal Japan

12 ___ boots

14 Nincompoop

18 Water source

22 Undo

23 Mythos

24 ___ player

25 Sporty auto roof

26 Hunk of gunk

27 Bottom

28 Prefix with body or matter

30 Some investments, for short

31 One on a sic list?

32 Visionary

34 Not an original

35 Nevada city that’s farther west than Los Angeles

38 Pattern based on nature, informally

39 Pizazz

41 Like a doormat, say

42 Cartoon series about a super robot

44 East Lansing sch.

45 Sign of terrible service

46 “Do you remember the ___, Mr. Frodo?”: Sam Gamgee

47 Comedian Wyatt

49 Tour de France stage

50 Respected figure

51 Creepy looks

52 Disarmament concerns, for short

53 Reflexology setting

54 Drink with a domed lid, perhaps

56 Feature of some outdoor obstacle

courses

57 Stout, for one

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.

MVMS 5K held

More than $23,000 raised again this year

Nathan Countryman

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

The Mount Vernon Middle School Parent Teacher Organization were able to squeeze their 5K run/walk in between storm systems Wednesday, April 23.

As the rain was drying off the track and on the turf at the Mustang Activities Complex, students were hearing a lecture and some of the new amenities at the 5K were going up.

“The inflatables were a reward for students this year, for their success in fundraising last school year,” said Myleena Grenis, president of the Mount Vernon Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.

And middle schoolers did it all again this year, raising more than $23,000 this year in a week and a half.

Grenis said that the funds raised will help with playground improvements at Mount Vernon Middle School.

Another addition as a reward for students and highly popular was inviting Kona Ice to the complex for all runners and walkers after the event.

Grenis also said the day serves as a relaxing day for the teachers, as it is usually held on an early out day for the school. Lunch was served at the concession stand, with students eating in the bleachers.

The first runners were back and through the entire route in just over 20 minutes.

After the race, some of the younger middle school students remarked this was the first 5K they’ve ever ran in.

“I’m going to be walking the rest of the day,” one student said.

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