Brian West (145), and Brian Bierman (155) negotiate a sharp and steep downhill turn during the sixth annual Fat Tire Classic bike race at Lake Macbride State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. This year’s event, raising money for the Solon Centennial Lions Club, will be held Saturday morning starting at the Lake Macbride Golf Course and winding through and around Lake Macbride State Park.
8th annual Lake Macbride
Solon Economist
CEDAR RAPIDS — Eighteen Solon High School students enrolled in Future Farmers of America (FFA) classes this year received their distinctive and traditional National Blue with Corn Gold trim jackets during a ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids.
Alannah Mahoney, Allen Shima, Brayden Netolicky, Bubba Kreps, Emily Pence, Jack Steinbrech, Kaden Recker, Mackenna Craig, Mackenzie Craig, Maddi Singbeil, Mary Richards, Payton Pearson, Peyton Netolicky, Raleigh Bennett, Reece Meyer, Tess Richards, Will McAtee, and William Katzer attend FFA classes at Prairie under the instruction of Kristy Thomann and Laura Brecht, the agriculture teachers at Prairie High School.
The National FFA Organization is an intracurricular organization for students interested in agriculture and leadership who are recognized by their jackets.
“The FFA jacket is more than a piece of clothing,” explained Thomann, “It is a lifestyle. The jacket represents a lifestyle of new opportunities, tradition, leadership, agriculture, commitment, pride, community service, social responsibility, a sense of belonging, and so much more.”
Thomann added when an FFA member is wearing official dress (including the jacket), they are held to a higher standard of conduct. “They are held to the FFA standard and they are expected to be model citizens of the FFA organization, their school, and their community. The jacket unifies members in a long-standing tradition and reminds them that they are part of something bigger than themselves.”
51 students in total were presented with their FFA jackets.
This is the first year for Solon HS students to attend FFA classes at Prairie, having attended them at West Branch HS previously.
“I believe things have been going well,” said Thomann. “I grew up in a similar position as these students. My high school did not have an agriculture program, so I went to a neighboring school as well. All of the students have some sort of passion or connection to agriculture, and it has been a pleasure to engage and educate them each week”
Solon’s students have been active in Prairie’s FFA Chapter with Alannah Mahoney, Maddi Singbeil, and Tess Richards attending the National FFA Convention this past October in addition to several other happenings involving Solon students.
Fat Tire Classic is
Saturday
Bike event raises money for Solon Centennial Lions Club
Solon Economist
SOLON — Over hill, over dale, along what might be a soggy trail, adventurous cyclists will go rolling along Saturday as the 8th annual Lake Macbride Fat Tire Classic gets underway. The event, the primary fundraiser for the Solon Centennial Lions Club, will see up to 250 registered participants piloting their “fat tire (3.8” or wider)” bikes along either a 15 or 30-mile course around and through Lake Macbride State Park on the trails and snowmobile and ski trails.
The action starts at 9:00 a.m. with the Lake Macbride Fat Tire Classic 30-mile races for adults, youth 18 and under, and three-person teams. At 10:30 a.m. the Lake Macbride Fat Tire 15-mile races will begin for adults and youth 18 and under.
All races start and end at the Lake Macbride Golf Course.
Kristy Thomann | Contributed photo
18 Solon High School students were among 51 members of the Cedar Rapids Prairie HS FFA Chapter who received their traditional blue FFA jackets Tuesday, Jan. 28 during a ceremony at Prairie.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Emily Crumbo of Ely named to University of Alabama Fall 2024 Presidents List
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Emily Crumbo, from Ely, was named to The University of Alabama Presidents List for Fall Semester 2024.
A total of 14,631 students enrolled Fall Semester 2024 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean's list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president's list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's). These driven students are making waves across UA's more than 70 undergraduate programs and 12 colleges and schools.
The UA dean's and president's lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load. For more information visit news.ua.edu.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state's flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state's largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.
Locke named to Augustana College’s
fall semester Dean’s List
ROCK ISLAND, IL — Alexandra Locke, a Data Science, Computer Science major, of Solon, was named to Augustana College's fall semester Dean's List.
The college named more than 1,200 to the Dean's List for the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.
A private college of the liberal arts and sciences, Augustana enrolls 2,500 students on a 115-acre residential campus in the Quad Cities (pop. 470,000) along the Mississippi River. Augustana prioritizes engaged learning in 100 majors, minors and other academic programs, building each student's potential through customized success teams, hands-on learning,170 student organizations and 28 NCAA DIII athletic teams. The college also serves 40 graduate-level students in a fully accredited master of science in speech language pathology program. Augustana's location and community partnerships provide students access to internships, jobs, student teaching and research opportunities.
Solon students named to Luther College Dean’s List
DECORAH — Luther College recently announced its Fall 2024 Dean's List. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. Among the 612 Luther students that made the dean's list were Solon residents Maggie Bruck, Maggie Hickman and Lauran Schwake.
About Luther College
At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.
Upper Iowa University announces Fall 2024 Dean's List
FAYETTE — Upper Iowa University has announced that Trevor Myers and Karen Smith, both of Solon, have been named to the Dean's List for the 2024 Fall Semester. To be honored, a student must have earned a minimum 3.50 grade point average and be enrolled as a full-time student.
Coe College to welcome Daniel Kraft, MD for the 2025 Contemporary Issues Forum
CEDAR RAPIDS — Coe College is pleased to announce physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur and investor Daniel Kraft, MD as the 2025 K. Raymond Clark Contemporary Issues Forum speaker. Kraft will be on Coe's campus Tuesday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m., and his speaking engagement in Sinclair Auditorium is open to the public.
Daniel Kraft is a Stanford and Harvardtrained doctor, and with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research and healthcare innovation, Kraft has served as faculty chair for medicine at Singularity University since its inception in 2008 and is founder and chair of NextMed Health, a program that explores convergent, rapidly developing technologies and their potential in biomedicine and health care.
Following undergraduate degrees from Brown University and medical school at Stanford, Kraft earned board certification in internal medicine and pediatrics after completing a Harvard residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital. At Stanford, he completed fellowships in hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplantation. Kraft is a published researcher and holds medical device, immunology and stem cellrelated patents through National Institute of Health-funded faculty positions. Kraft
is also a partner with Continuum Health Ventures, investing in seed-stage digital health startups. He serves as chair of the XPRIZE Pandemic & Health Alliance.
Kraft frequently addresses the future of health, medicine and technology and has delivered four TED and two TEDMED Talks. He is the founder and board member of several Fortune 50 and digital healthrelated startups, and is the inventor of the MarrowMiner, an FDA-approved device for the minimally invasive harvest of bone marrow.
Also an avid pilot, Kraft has served in the Massachusetts and California Air National Guard as an officer and flight surgeon and was a finalist for astronaut selection with NASA.
Kraft's appearance at the Contemporary Issues Forum is in partnership with the Corridor Business Journal, which is hosting him for its Health Care Symposium. Kraft's remarks at Coe will be on unique topics across the two events.
Tickets are available at Coe's online box office at coe.universitytickets.com. The general public can purchase tickets for $10, while non-Coe students and seniors can purchase tickets for $5. Virtual tickets to view a livestream of the event are also available for $10 at www.ticketleap.events.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to roughly 5,500 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus, and education centers through the U.S. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, affordable, and quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
Jack Clark named to St. Cloud State University fall Dean’s List
ST. CLOUD, MN — St. Cloud University has announced the names of more than 1,086 students including Jack Clark, College of Science and Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, BS, from Solon, whose academic achievement placed them on the 2024 fall semester Dean’s List. To be eligible for the honor, students must have a grade point average of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
St. Cloud University serves more than 10,000 students, with a focus on individualized student support and a holistic approach to learning. SCSU prepares graduates to meet workforce demands with a focused academic portfolio that is responsive to real-world needs. The 100-acre campus is located about an hour northwest of Minneapolis along the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota. SCSU is leading into the future by serving a new generation of students with a focus on research and innovation, allowing students to apply their knowledge through experiential learning. Over 133,000 alumni continue to be changemakers throughout Minnesota and around the globe. Learn more about St. Cloud State University at www.stcloudstate.edu.
Established by the late K. Raymond Clark '30, the Contemporary Issues Forum presents the views of distinguished leaders whose work has shaped and altered the course of world events.
The forum has featured former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, former Poland President Lech Walesa, deep-sea oceanographer Robert Ballard, civil rights activist Myrlie Evers-Williams, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, "Doonesbury" cartoonist Garry Trudeau, ecology expert Jared Diamond, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Leonard Pitts, celebrated author Sir Salman Rushdie, former Senate Majority Leader and Special Envoy George Mitchell, Pulitzer Prize-winning global health expert Laurie Garrett, legendary soccer player Abby Wambach, leading commentator on race Jelani Cobb, environmentalists and social entrepreneurs Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews, pioneering astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, MIT AgeLab Director Dr. Joseph F. Coughlin, Vietnamese-American author Viet Thanh Nguyen, Negro Leagues Museum President Bob Kendrick and influential data scientist DJ Patil.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting extracurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. The college has the #8 Career Services and #22 Most Accessible Professors in the country and is a Top 25 private school for internships across 6 of the last 7 years according to The Princeton Review. It is consistently ranked as a top college by national publications and offers more than 60 areas of study for its 1,300 students. Post-graduation, nearly 100 percent of reporting graduates are employed or in grad school within nine months.
Volume 145 I Issue 6
Of a Little Weekly Miracle PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com
The Solon Economist strives for accuracy and fairness in reporting news. If we’ve made an error or a report is misleading, let us know about it: news@soloneconomist.com.
STAFF
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Editor Chris Umscheid chris.umscheid@ soloneconomist.com
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Solon Economist at PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333. Subscriptions: Contact Catherine Bilskie at 319-624-2233 or catherine. bilskie@soloneconomist.com for additional information. Subscription rates: Johnson and adjoining counties – $55 annually; elsewhere In Iowa – $75 annually; out of state –$85 annually.
Copyright 2025 Solon Economist, 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. soloneconomist.com
NEWS FROM COE COLLEGE
Cheryel Lee Reyhons, 82, died peacefully Wednesday, January 29, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Visitation was held Monday, February 3, 2025, at Lensing Funeral Home in Iowa City followed by cremation. A private family committal service will be at a later date.
Cheryel was born October 2,1943 in Iowa City, the daughter of Leonard and Camille “Cornie” (Volk) Reyhons. After graduating from Solon High School, Cheryel spent two years at Grailville College in Ohio. She moved to Rochester, New York for a short time and then moved back to Iowa. She worked at Procter & Gamble in Iowa City for a couple of years and then moved to Phoenix. While there, she got married, got pregnant, and got divorced. While pregnant she moved back to Iowa to raise her son Jay.
Cheryel worked for her dad for a couple of years at the Amoco fertilizer plant in Solon, driving a spreader truck and filling ammonia tanks along with part time work as a garbage man for her uncle Earl. Later she started a regular job working as a secretary at the University of Iowa Hospitals. She worked in various departments but primarily in the orthopedics and radiology departments. She made several friends during her 24 years working there and after putting up with the politics of being a state worker, retired early in 2001.
Cheryel enjoyed watching Jay grow up, serving as his “Mather,” teaching him everything from cooking to home repairs. She loved watching him play trombone in the band, especially at Iowa State University, while he studied interior design. Her favorite memory was traveling to Rome, Italy while Jay was studying abroad for a semester.
While retired, Cheryel would travel to Arizona in her camper for the winter to hang out with old friends and her brother Tom. She assisted on various local Habitat for Humanity house projects as well as with building the round barn in Solon. She was not an avid golfer but enjoyed hitting the course with her cousin Mikki, which was more searching for balls, then actual golfing.
Cheryel went twice to Africa with a group from the local church to a sister parish in Tanzania. They took medical and other supplies for those in need. She said It was a life altering experience to see the beautiful country, beautiful people, and the goat meat wasn’t bad either.
Cheryel’s main love was her family, her son Jay, his wife Paula, and her joy, their son Collin. She loved watching him play baseball and play the same trombone Jay played. Cheryel was a big influence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, their children, and their children as if they were her own grandchildren. She will always be known for her drive to help in any way, whether it was refinishing antique furniture to helping family members clean and paint their new house.
Cheryel is survived by her son, Jay Reyhons, daughter-in-law Paula, and grandson Collin Reyhons of Ankeny; her siblings, Ardeth Wray of Sutliff, Bernita (Marvin) Stastny of Solon, Tom Naughton of Iowa City, Este (Chip) Weeces of Solon, and Francine Snyder of Arkansas; and many loving nieces, nephews, and large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Camille Reyhons; sister Donna Naughton, brother Tom Reyhons; and brother-in-law, Don Wray. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Grail in the US, 931 O’Bannonville Rd, Loveland, Ohio 45140 - https://www.grail-us.org/ or to the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, 350 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401. - https://www. iowavalleyhabitat.org/ Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com
Take a chance and try something new in February! Blind Date with a Book aims to break the habit of judging books by their covers or titles and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. You could discover a hidden gem and explore literature you might not have come across otherwise. Books are selected by library staff, wrapped in plain paper to conceal what’s inside, with a few clues added to pique your interest. Books will be available for 3rd graders and up in February.
Library Events
February’s Fun For All Night is Saturday, February 8, at the Solon Community Center. Join us at 6L00 p.m. for gym games, and stick around for the movie, Migration [PG] at 7:00 p.m. with popcorn! This free night of all-ages fun is perfect for busting the cabin fever! Fun For All Night is provided in partnership with Solon Public Library and Solon Recreation.
We’re excited to have Susan Dickinson, an admissions counselor from the University of Iowa, join us to teach us the ins and outs of applying to college and financial aid Thursday, February 13, at 3:30 p.m.. Afterwards, she will answer any questions you have about the college application process and financial aid. Teens and parents are encouraged to attend this program.
The 2025 Teen Reading Challenge is designed to encourage 6th-12th graders to try books in different genres throughout the year. The annual challenge consists of 12 categories, and four seasonal options. Teens can read a book that fits one of the categories, complete the Google form, and collect a prize! Each completed category submitted is an entry to win a Kindle Fire tablet. When all 12 categories are completed teens will receive a $10 gift card to a local business of their choice. Why not get rewarded for reading great books?
This month Solon Book Club participants are reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Check out a copy at the Library and join the discussion Tuesday, February 18, at 6:30 p.m.
Library Access
Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours as winter weather may impact our ability to be safely open.
Please note the upcoming special hours at the Library:
The Library will be closed Thursday, February 20, for a special Corridor Library Staff In-Service.
The Library will be open Friday, February 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our regular monthly staff in-service after closing.
Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
Did You Know?
Did you know that you can access digital library materials? Solon Public Library patrons who live inside city limits or in rural Johnson County are eligible to utilize these great resources! Please note, if you live outside of these areas you should contact your local library about access.
Visit our website (www.solon.lib.ia.us) and click on eBook & Audio to get started with eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. There are a few different ways you can access Bridges, depending on your device(s) and preference for enjoying your materials. The Libby app is perfect to download on your smartphone or tablet to enjoy on-the-go.
Some benefits we see people enjoy most with Bridges and the Libby app are adjusting the font (size, type, and even colors) on eBooks. No need for eyestrain or page magnifiers when you can adjust the size on your device. We also really enjoy being able to adjust the narration speed of an audiobook. When reading or listening in the Libby app your progress is saved should you run out of time on your check out, just place it on hold and when you start again you’ll pick up where you left off. There are thousands of magazines available through Bridges, and no wait times! Patrons are able to check out up to five items at a time with Bridges and have up to ten items on hold. It is true that popular titles will have long hold periods, but we love the ability to search for “Available Now” titles and have discovered some great books that way.
If you enjoy streaming movies and shows on your smart device, Kanopy is perfect for you! Find movies, series, documentaries, and Kanopy Kids. Kanopy has a wide range of subjects available including carefully curated lists for timely enjoyment. Use the app on your favorite smart device, including your smart TVs! Patrons are given 15 tickets each month to use in Kanopy, items range between two and four tickets, depending on the title.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro when it comes to technology or looking for some help getting started with these, we know you’ll enjoy these great resources from the Library. Please contact us with any questions, we’re happy to help!
Solon Robotics Team qualifies for State Championship
Saturday, Feb. 1, Solon Robotics Team 15055, DeDuctive Thinkers, qualified to compete at the Iowa FTC Robotics Championship in Coralville Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday, March 1.
DeDuctive Thinkers were one-half of the winning alliance, placing first among 18 teams. They also received the Design Award for " ...design elements of the robot that are both functional and aesthetic and are presented to teams that incorporate industrial design elements into their solution."
The Iowa First Tech Challenge Championship is held at the Xtream Area in Coralville with 72 teams competing to advance to world competition in Texas. All events are open to the public and free to attend.
2025 Robert D. Blue Scholarship open for applications
DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith announces the 2025 Robert D. Blue Scholarship is open. Soon-to-be and former graduates of any Iowa high school who plan to pursue post-secondary education are encouraged to apply. Awards are based on financial need, an
original essay, academic achievement, and recommendations.
Smith is a member of the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, which funds the scholarship.
“Last year, $8,500 was distributed to seven outstanding students on their
education journey,” said Smith. “Let your children, grandchildren, and friends know about the Robert D. Blue Scholarship, and this year, it could be a student in your life.”
The Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation was created in 1949 by Governor Robert D. Blue. At that time,
a scholarship fund was established to encourage students to attend Iowa’s institutions of higher learning. In 1990, the Foundation officially named the scholarship after Governor Blue and hopes to encourage the education development of Iowa’s students and their work in public service fields. Scholarship applications are only accepted online and must be submitted by Saturday, May 10. Visit rdblue.org to apply and learn more.
Contributed photo
Middle School members – Koleton Davis, Bryce Taylor, Brayden Hansel, William Holm, and Lincoln Chalupa. High School members – Philip Miller, Rene’ Meza, Alina Steele, and Madelyn Elkins.
Cheryel Reyhons
OPINIONS
Building a better can-opener
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
Once upon a time, I adopted the electric can-opener as my symbol for unnecessary inventions. They don't work when the power goes out. They are useless on picnics and camping trips. They hog the most convenient outlet in the kitchen and that little cutting wheel is a pain to clean. My husband once suggested they might be great for people with only one hand or with severe arthritis. It takes two hands and a healthy grip to use them successfully.
Some time ago, I read an account of a woman who is crusading to get manufacturers to make products that are easy for everybody to use. I wish I could remember her name. She deserves credit for her good sense. The focus of her crusade is to eliminate some of the problems faced by the elderly and the handicapped, but she insists that better-designed products would be easier for everybody to use and should not need modifications for people with special needs.
Most products are designed for people with arms and legs and fingers and eyes and ears that do what they are supposed to do. Anybody who is less than perfect is likely to have varying degrees of trouble using tools and gadgets until it gets to the point where they cannot use them at all without expensive modifications or specially designed substitutes. A good product could be made, in the first place, so that most of those problems don't occur - for any of us.
As for that can-opener – I have a few ideas that manufacturers might take under consideration. I remember can-openers of the past. They were small and lightweight, didn't require electricity, and worked on a variety of containers. For many years, the familiar little “church key” was the only tool needed to get into most commercial containers. Only about four inches long and under an inch wide, it had a simple bottle-opener on one end and a triangular punch at the other. It easily removed those crimped-on beer and pop bottle caps, pried the lids off paint cans, punched the tops of beer and soft drink cans, tins of juice, fruit and vegetables. While it didn't remove the lid from a can of pork and beans in one neat, round piece, it could punch triangular holes around the edge until the contents could be poured out. Most people kept several of the handy little openers because they were inexpensive – sometimes free. One might find several in the kitchen, one in the picnic basket, one in the glove compartment of the car, a couple in the garage workbench and one with the gardening tools – wherever a person was likely to need to open a can or a bottle with a lid that didn't unscrew. The first mechanical can-opener I remember was the Daisy opener. It fit into a bracket mounted on the wall in a handy spot in the kitchen and could be removed for cleaning. It swung flat against the wall when not in use and featured a rotating cutting wheel that cut through the lids of canned goods by turning a crank. It inspired a portable version that worked in the same way. Eventually, the principle was adapted to a model that was powered by electricity and was weighted and bulky. People have been trying to perfect it ever since. It is still heavy, inconvenient and does not work on all types of cans.
Long before they put tab openings on beer and pop cans, there were easy-opening cans that required no additional tools. For all my childhood coffee came in tins with a “key” opener. The tins had a built-in strip that was removed by curling it around a little metal key that came attached to the bottom of the can. When removed, it left the tin with a replaceable lid that had a wickedly sharp edge. Other things featured similar methods of opening without tools. Sardines and anchovies were packaged in cans, a key for pealing back the top of the can was placed on top and the whole thing wrapped with a paper label. The first canned Spam (developed for the armed forces) was sold in a can using the same principle as the long-time coffee tins. Today's tab-top tins containing soup, fruits and vegetables need perfecting. Too many of the tabs break off easily, and the lids are recessed too deeply for the can-opener to work, leaving us searching kitchen drawers for that old church key. Help! Inventors needed.
Encouraging mercy is not un-American
I was in Eagle Grove last week. Like many travelers in Iowa, I stopped at Casey’s before leaving town.
Eagle Grove is a meatpacking community, and many jobs are held by Hispanic men and women. As I waited with my coffee in the check-out line, I was behind a Hispanic man whose hands showed his labors had taken a rougher toll than my life’s work at a computer has taken on mine.
A convenience store in the middle of America is not a place where one typically pauses to reflect on a church sermon given three days earlier at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Stray
Thoughts
But I can’t be the only person nowadays who wonders whether people are listening to each other amid the chatter that constitutes our supposed national dialogue. Are our ears the most under-used part of our body?
Normally, what a pastor says from the pulpit rarely makes headlines. But at this time and place in our history, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde of the Washington Diocese of the Episcopal Church was not just another pastor looking out over another flock when she addressed the interfaith prayer service to recognize the inauguration of a new president.
I will get to the heart of Budde’s sermon shortly. First, I want to take note of what struck me beyond her softlyspoken words. I was taken by the reaction from many across our nation.
Yes, there were those who praised her tone and her message. But there were plenty of others who suggested the bishop disrespected her audience, besmirched her church, and missed the true meaning of what all Christians supposedly believe. One member of Congress even said the bishop should be deported.
Do we really think all Christians hold the same beliefs? Do we really think this is the first minister ever to make some in an audience uncomfortable?
Seated before Bishop Budde in the front row of the National Cathedral was the new president and vice president of the United States. What got under the president’s skin, and the skins of his supporters, were the closing thoughts the bishop shared with the audience in the massive cathedral and watching on television around the world.
In a polite, under-stated tone, the bishop said: “Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you. And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God.
“In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian and transgendered children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear
for their lives.
“And the people, the people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meatpacking plants, and wash the dishes after we eat in restaurants and work the night shifts in hospitals, they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation. But the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals,” the bishop said.
“They pay taxes and are our good neighbors. They are faithful members of our churches and mosques, synagogues, gurdwara and temples. I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”
The bishop said she is concerned “the culture of contempt that has become normalized in this country … threatens to destroy us.” She went on: “We are bombarded daily with messages from what sociologists now call the outrage industrial complex, some of that driven by external forces whose interests are furthered by a polarized America.”
Budde told the New York Times, “I wasn’t necessarily calling the president out. I was trying to say, ‘The country has been entrusted to you,’ And one of the qualities of a leader is mercy. And to be mindful of the people who are scared.”
The speaker and her spectator-in-chief both were blunt in their remarks after the prayer service. Budde told the Times, “I’m saying this is what I believe … the Holy Spirit might be wanting us to hear.”
The president said, “She brought her church into the world of politics in a very ungracious way. She was nasty in tone and not compelling or smart.” Trump called Budde a “radical left hardline Trump hater” — as if he were the first president to be criticized by a person of the cloth or as if a unanimous view ever occurs about any incoming president.
Christianity in America has been roiled for decades by the conflicting views among churches and denominations — conflicting views on racial tensions, on what constitutes a marriage, on gays and transgendered people, or on the place of women in positions of authority in some denominations.
These conflicting views, at their heart, boil down to the question of W.W.J.D. Yes, what would Jesus do? And what would Jesus say — about gays and transgendered individuals, about migrants and refugees, about our contempt for each other?
All excellent questions.
Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.
NEWS FROM THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Judicial Magistrate Appointing Committee vacancy
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors announces one vacancy on the Johnson County Judicial Magistrate Appointing Commission to fill a six-year term beginning upon appointment and expiring Dec. 31, 2026.
Responsibilities include interviewing and appointing Judicial Magistrates. After appointment, the commission must certify to the Clerk of Courts and
Chief Judge the name and addresses of the magistrates appointed. This commission meets on an as-needed basis to interview and appoint and/ or reappoint Judicial Magistrates for Johnson County.
This person needs to be an eligible elector of Johnson County but cannot be an attorney or an active law enforcement officer.
Application forms are available on the Committee/
Board Openings webpage of the Johnson County website at www.johnsoncountyiowa. gov/vacancies and in the office of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, second floor of the Johnson County Health & Human Services Building, 855 S. Dubuque St, Iowa City. Completed applications must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
An opportunity easily overlooked
Solon Area Community Foundation scholarships invest in the future
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
SOLON — Senior year is a hectic time for high school students and their families. Students are busy not only with completing their graduation requirements but also participating in activities such as athletics and fine arts in an effort to make their last year the best and most memorable it can be. At the same time, they are more or less expected to make plans for their future – college or university, two years or four, a major, maybe a minor, possibly a track to advanced degrees later, military service, trade school, an apprenticeship, or even working for a few years and then deciding on further education.
And then, if post-secondary education is in the plans, there is the question of how to pay for it with scholarships being one way to help defray the ever-increasing cost of higher education. But which scholarship(s) to apply for? For some, selecting a scholarship can be as daunting a task as deciding on a college or major.
“Years ago the high school held a scholarship fair and it gave the opportunity for the students to actually come in, go table-to-table to each of the scholarships offered and get some one-on-one information. That process has gone away with technology. So, with that process no longer available to the students,” said City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, who sits on the board of the Solon Area Community Foundation (SACF).
Indeed, the Solon High School’s website has a page (https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/solon-hscounseling/scholarship-information) dedicated to scholarships including types, how to search for the right scholarship(s), how to apply, and a listing of available scholarships including how to apply, requirements, and very specific deadlines.
Two local scholarships students may not be aware of or might overlook thinking they have no chance of qualifying for, for whatever reason, are administered by the SACF.
Paula Sears, Executive Vice President for Bridge Bank, and fellow SACF Board member, explained the scholarships and how every Solon High School student has a fair shot at consideration.
“We administer two scholarships that are open to all students who are seeking to pursue post-secondary education, and that can look like a two or four-year college, an apprenticeship, or trade school. We’ll look at a military enlistment with college deferment.
(A college deferment, in relation to military service, puts college education on hold. When a student is accepted into a college or university, they can ask for a deferment to delay their enrollment, which allows the student to complete military service or other obligations before starting college studies.)
“We’re even open to something that maybe we haven’t even seen yet if it is some sort of post-secondary education, we’ll take a look at that.
Busting the myths for the Solon Area Community Foundation Scholarship
“We want to bust that myth that you had to be going to college to even think about applying for a scholarship,” said Sears. “We have a metric that we’re looking at with many different qualifying things. So primarily, we want to see that they’re motivated and invested in their future, but also looking back at where they came from and what Solon has done for them and have them reflect on their time in Solon.”
Part of the scholarship requires them to write an essay based on any of the many projects the SACF has been a part of over the years, and how it has impacted them.
“They might choose the SRNA, the Library, something that we’ve had a hand in,” said Sears.
GPA, in this case, isn’t a deal-breaker
“GPA is a small portion (of the scoring metrics), said Sears, “we look at other things too such as extracurricular activities or maybe committees that they’ve sat on. But we also recognize that not everybody gets the opportunity… they might be working to save money toward college or working to help their family’s finances. So, we look at employment and things they’ve been involved in outside of school.”
Extracurricular activities don’t have to be in school, she added. Sears explained the committee looks at all activities the applicant is involved in to see if they are investing in themselves, their community, and their future.
SACF Scholarships – three awarded per year
Three scholarships are awarded, at $750 each, per year. Last year however, there was a tie resulting in a fourth scholarship being awarded, explained Sears. SACF scholarships can be applied to traditional colleges or universities, community colleges, trade schools, and even apprenticeships.
“We really want to make sure that regardless of what your path is…not everyone wants college as their next step, and we’re in a society now where we’re seeing so many avenues that weren’t there before,” said Rasmussen. “Trying to get students into the workforce and work-ready faster is just a huge initiative in Iowa in general. So maybe as an apprentice, you have to have a set of tools. That would qualify (for a scholarship). We’re really just trying to broaden the scope and provide the graduating seniors, whatever path they’re choosing, scholarships that they have access to.”
The Doris Looney Scholarship – help for future healthcare providers
Doris Looney bequeathed money for the SCAF to disperse to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
“She worked at the University of Iowa in healthcare and that was a passion of hers,” explained Sears, “So we honor that by administering a $4,000 scholarship (in her name) that is tiered over four years.” And a student doesn’t have to be planning on nursing school or medical school; allied healthcare professions also qualify such as EMT/ Paramedic, CNA, or even speech pathology. “Anything in healthcare,” Sears said. “If you’re interested in healthcare you should take a look at this. It can be a two-year program, a four-year program, we’re open to anybody who’s interested in that.
Applicants for the Doris Looney Scholarship also must write an essay on why they want to go into healthcare as a profession and why they feel deserving of the scholarship.
April 1, 2025, is the deadline
Both the SACF and Doris Looney scholarships have a Tuesday, April 1, 2025, deadline. All applications are done online through the SACF website (www.solonareacf.org).
“The SACF is truly for the betterment of the Solon community, and the group is looking to invest in people who are going to go out and use their life to better the world,” said Rasmussen. “That’s really what the foundation of these scholarships are. We want to see that these students, whether they’re working, whether they’re doing school activities, or some other activities, that they’re engaged in their future. That means they’re going to be engaged citizens wherever they are out in the world. We want to help them on their journey.”
2024 SACF Scholarship recipients
Jamison Grimm
Ashley Hummel
Mia Stahle
Peyton Pentico
2024 Doris Looney Scholarship recipient
Kate Richards
About the Solon Area Community Foundation
The Solon Area Community Foundation (SACF) was founded in 1981 and is a nonprofit organization established for, and dedicated to, supporting Solon’s future through developing and supporting a wide variety of youth and community projects to benefit the Solon area. SACF is supported 100% through donations and accepts requests for funding a variety of community projects with the goal of having a broad impact.
Some examples of projects SACF has made investments in include:
• Municipal sign and flagpole in the city park at Hwy. 1 and Main Street (including a time capsule) with similar markers on the south and north entrances to Solon on Hwy.
1
• The North Shore Trail between Solon and Lake Macbride State Park.
• Construction of the Solon Public Library in 1998.
• Initial grading (1999) for the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA).
• Investment in 2011 for the scoreboard and sound system
for the then-new Spartan Stadium.
• Donation for the creation of the Johnson County Freedom Rock, located next to the Solon Veterans Memorial (2015).
• Donation in 2016 toward painting the Solon water tower.
• Donation in 2019 for the new Solon Firehouse project.
For more information on the Solon Area Community Foundation, go to www.solonareacf.org.
SPORTS
Lady Spartans take 2nd at Regional Tourney, send four to State
VeDepo, Rogers, Bonnema, and Richards in action Thursday, Feb. 6, at Xtream Arena in Coralville
SOLON — Four varsity Lady Spartan wrestlers qualified for this week’s 2025 IGHSAU State Tournament with their performances in a Class 1A Regional Tournament Friday, Jan. 31, at the Solon High School.
Kara VeDepo, McKenna Rogers, and Olivia Bonnema will be making a return appearance at State while Tess Richards will be making her State Tourney debut.
VeDepo, a senior, took the 105-pound championship and improved her record to 36-3 in the process. She had byes for the first two rounds as well as the quarterfinals before pinning Louisa-Muscatine’s Neyva Alberhasky in 28 seconds in the semifinals and taking a 9-6 decision from Mount Vernon’s Kate Martin in the 1st Place Match. VeDepo is ranked No. 1 at 105 pounds in Class 1A by IAwrestle and will be making her third consecutive trip to State. She finished in 4th Place last year.
Rogers, a junior, took runner-up at 110 pounds and improved to 27-6. After first and second round byes Rogers disposed of Cascade’s Charlotte Lawler in 12 seconds before a fierce battle with Mid-Prairie’s Austyn Sexton in the semifinals. It was a match where the momentum shifted with Rogers appearing to be in dire straits at times, and well in-control at others before pinning Sexton with one second left in the second period, at 3:59.
"It was a gutsy match for McKenna,” said Coach Jake Munson, “McKenna was thrown to her back in the first period. She fought hard and survived until the end of the period and got right back to work eventually pinning her opponent. McKenna has great composure on the mat and she is a dangerous wrestler. She is never out of a match, no matter the score." Rogers is also making her third State Tourney appearance in as many years.
Rogers, ranked No. 4 in Class 1A, lost a 7-4 decision to No. 3-ranked Kiersten Swart from Mount Vernon in the 1st Place Match and won by No Contest in lieu of a rematch against Sexton in the 2nd Place Match. Richards, a 115-pound sophomore, also received byes for the first two rounds before pinning Xavier Catholic’s (Cedar Rapids) Joey Hines in 38 seconds in thequarterfinals and Central DeWitt’s Delaney Barber in
1:32 in the semis. Richards sealed the deal for the championship by pinning Mid-Prairie’s Gabby Gingerich in 1:28 in the 1st Place Match. Richards takes a 13-6 record to State.
Bonnema, No. 9-ranked at 140 pounds, has been to State the past two years with this third trip making her senior season even more special. Bonnema received a bye for the first two rounds then pinned Tri-County’s Layla Shilling in 51 seconds in the quarterfinals, Lisbon’s Alina Mallie in 1:15 in the semis, and won a tough battle against Benton Community’s Jordan Voelkel with a win by fall in 3:01 to win the gold. Bonnema takes a 22-6 record to State. "We focused on wrestling our best going into the Regional versus focusing on potential outcomes,” said Munson. “We wanted to control what we could control and that was our effort and execution on the mat. The girls' effort was great all night and it felt good to avenge a few losses from earlier in the season. We were proud to finish second out of eighteen teams at a tough regional as it speaks highly to the depth of quality wrestlers we have within our program."
3rd Place – Alannah Mahoney (125 lbs.) and Lucy Miller (135)
4th Place – Layla Knazze (100) and Jadlyn Huynh (120)
Did not place – Alexis Anderson (130), Adlie Miller (190), and Haiden Wolfe (235)
"Sending four wrestlers onto the State tournament is great. Kara, McKenna, and Olivia have all competed in the State Tournament previously, with both Kara and McKenna as returning State Place winners. This will be the first trip for our sophomore 115 lb. wrestler, Tess Richards. We are looking forward to the competition and wrestling at a high level against the best in the state on Thursday and Friday. We've put a lot of work into the season and the four state qualifiers are confident going into the State Tournament,” said Munson.
Friday, Feb. 7 – Session 3, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Class 2A/1A Championship Semifinals & 3rd Round Consolations, Consolation Semifinals, and 7th Place matches.
Friday, Feb. 7 – Session 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m., Class 2A/1A Finals, 3rd Place, and 5th Place matches.
Tickets
Purchase online at https://extreamarena.evenue.net/ events/ighsau-girls-state-wrestling?RSRC=PRM WEB&RDAT=GSW24.
For additional information on parking and Xtream Arena policies go to https://ighsau.org/news/wrestling-statetournament-central/.
Livestream
www.watchighsau.com/
Above: Fans watch at McKenna Rogers battles Cascade’s Charlotte Lawler in a 110-pound quarterfinals match Friday, Jan. 31, in a Class 1A Regional Tournament in Solon. Rogers pinned Lawler in 12 seconds and went to a second place finish, advancing to the State Tournament this week.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Top: Lucy Miller battles Mid-Prairie’s Emmerson Moore in a 135-pound semifinal match Friday, Jan. 31, in a Class 1A Regional Tournament in Solon. Miller pinned Moore in 4:37.
Left: McKenna Rogers waits for the ref’s signal as she pins Mid-Prairie’s Austyn Sexton in the 110-pound semifinals Friday, Jan. 31, in a Class 1A Regional Tournament in Solon. Rogers pinned Sexton in 3:59 and went on to place second to advance to this week’s State Tournament.
Solon Economist
GIRLS'
Abbey Ballauer | For the Solon Economist
Spartans prevail over rival CPU in 2 OT thriller
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist Maddox Kelley (11) puts up a two-point shot under pressure from CPU’s Lucas Lopata to beat the buzzer at the end of the third period Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Solon. The Spartans outlasted the Stormin’ Pointers 67-63 in double overtime with nine points from Kelley.
Jonah Frey
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Double overtime. Two seconds left on the clock.
The Solon Spartans are up three against their rivals, Center Point-Urbana (CPU). At the free throw line stands Solon’s Maddox Kelley. If he makes the free throw, Solon seals the deal. If he misses, The Stormin’ Pointers have a chance to tie it at the other end. Kelley takes a moment to catch his breath. With every eye in the gym on him, with every ounce of pressure in the game on him, he lines his body up to the hoop, and shoots.
Swish.
This was the icing on the cake for the Solon Spartans, who captured an oh-so sweet rivalry win over CPU last Tuesday night. The double overtime thriller earned the Spartans their seventh win in a row, tying them for first in the WaMaC East conference standings.
From the beginning, it was a back-and-forth, blow-forblow kind of game. While both teams traded momentum like a hot potato, neither team ever led by more than four points at any point in the game. In fact, there were TWENTY ONE lead changes throughout the game, and eleven ties. It was no surprise that extra periods were required to settle this dog fight.
Both teams put their defensive efforts on display for all six periods of play. After CPU took a 16-14 lead after the first, the Spartans managed to hold the Stormin Pointers to only four points in the second quarter.
While the two teams struggled from three (shooting a combined 7/43 from the arc), their efficiency in the paint kept the two teams going.
Down 46-44 with 13 seconds to go, CPU’s Cooper Grimm made a layup to tie things up at 46. Solon had a chance to hold for the last shot but failed to capitalize. In overtime, the trend followed suit with the first four quarters. A back and forth four minutes saw CPU’s Kinnick Covington convert a layup to tie things up at 56 with 22 seconds to go. Once again, Solon had a chance to hold for the last shot. With a golden opportunity at the rim for a put back at the buzzer, the Spartans didn’t get the roll, and it was on to double overtime.
After six lead changes in double overtime, the Spartans were able to claw their way to a three point lead. With five seconds to go, senior Nolan Seagren made a big time layup as the shot clock expired to give Solon a three point lead. Physical defense on CPU’s inbound pass from Solon led to a CPU turnover. With two seconds left, Solon sophomore Maddox Kelley was sent to the free throw line to ice the game. After the first free throw was waved
off due to a lane violation, Kelley had one last chance to secure the win for the Spartans. No problem for the sophomore at all, he knocked it down.
In close games like this, free throws matter more than almost anything down the stretch. Solon shot an incredibly impressive 15/16 from the line, putting emphasis on the “free” in “free throw”.
Defense and physicality has been a key factor to the Spartan’s success all season. When asked about the defensive effort, Spartan’s head coach Jared Galpin was glowing over his team’s abilities.
“Defense is always something we preach,” stated Galpin after the game. “We weren’t hitting shots, but we had a four point lead at half, so I thought that was a positive.”
Looking ahead, Coach Galpin addressed the upcoming weeks for his squad.
“We know this stretch is tough.” Galpin explained. “We’ve been gearing up for this. We knew that once we settled in we would become a better team and we have done that. This is a well experienced team.”
The Spartans advanced to 10-4 following Tuesday night’s win. They will look to continue adding to their current seven game win streak as we get closer and closer to the state tournament.
Scoring –Isaiah Zoske 18, Caleb Bock 15, Maddox
Kelley 9, Grant Gordon 8, Jackson Link 8, Nolan Seagren 7, Karsyn Regennitter 2
3-point baskets – Link 2/5
Rebounds –Bock 13, Zoske 7, Kelley 7, Link 5, Gordon 3, Simon Einwalter 3, Seagren 1, Kaden Hoeper 1
MARION — Solon’s seven game winning streak was snapped Friday, Jan. 31 on the road as the Marion Wolves prevailed. The game was tied 17-all at the end of the first period and knotted at 31-all at halftime. In the third, Marion outscored Solon 18-8 and never relinquished their lead as the Wolves improved to 7-9 while dropping the Spartans to 10-5.
Maddox Kelley led Solon with 14 points but Marion’s Jaryn Griffith and Tait Rahe led all with 18 apiece. Isaiah Zoske and Caleb Bock produced nine points each with six from Nolan Seagren, four by Grant Gordon, three from Jackson Link, and two points each by Karsyn Regennitter, Kaden Hoeper, and Ethan Ulch.
Spartans rebound with 66-56 win over Regina
IOWA CITY — Following their loss to Marion the Spartans visited Regina Catholic (Iowa City) Saturday, Feb. 1 for a non-conference contest and came away with a ten-point win. The Regals led 14-12 at the end of the first period, but a 22-point effort by the Spartans in the second led to a 34-26 halftime advantage. Solon was up 51-37 going into the final eight minutes.
Maddox Kelley led all with 23 points including five three-point baskets while Isaiah Zoske added 19 points (3/3 from the arc), Jackson Link produced ten points with eight from Caleb Bock, four from Grant Gordon, and two points from Nolan Seagren.
The win improved Solon’s record to 11-5 while handing the Regals their second loss of the season for a 16-2 record.
WaMaC East Standings (2-2-25)
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Jerzey Haluska (24) battles for a rebound as CPU Stormin’ Pointers and Quinn Armentrout (10) join in the fray Tuesday, Jan. 28 at home. The Pointers outlasted the Spartans 57-53 (with ten points from Haluska) to improve to 11-5 on the season while dropping the Lady Spartans to 8-8.
Lady Spartan comeback attempt falls short vs CPU
Joel Kellar For the Solon Economist
SOLON — The Lady Spartans started the second half by struggling to stop Cedar Point-Urbana (CPU). The Stormin’ Pointers were knocking down shots and getting to the free throw line at ease. As the number of empty trips down the court for Solon started to add up, their chances of a victory began to plummet. Solon head coach Jamie Smith called a timeout to get the girls a chance to breathe and to refresh their confidence.
"I told them you’re responsible for how this ends,” recalled Smith, “It’s either going to be a 30 [point loss] or we’re going to get back into it.”
The team took the message to heart and flipped the script in the fourth quarter. They outscored CPU 19-8. Senior Kobie Lietz led the comeback charge with 18 points on the night. The Lady Spartans brought it to within four points and the defense continued to get stop after stop. But the offense was clamped up by CPU in the final minute and they were unable to turn a couple of turnovers into points to inch even closer to completing the comeback.
The Lady Spartans fell just short against 15th ranked CPU, with the final score 53-57 Tuesday, Jan. 28.
"We missed a lot of free throws, and we just couldn’t convert,” said Smith, “We turned it over a couple of times. I guess that's the way it goes.”
The Lady Spartans were jumping passing lanes and moving in transition often but came up empty handed too many times. They forced 15 turnovers, but CPU was able to run the floor and force a missed basket on multiple occasions.
“We switched to a 2-3 one, and I don’t think they ever got comfortable,” said Smith.
CPU’s offense was nearly impossible to stop for the first two and a half quarters. CPU led at halftime by eight points but stretched that to 18 in the third quarter.
“They had nine threes,” said Smith, “The most we’ve given up in six years is seven.”
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, Feb. 7 – HOME vs. Independence, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 – At Vinton-Shellsburg, 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – At West Branch, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 – HOME vs. Washington, 7:00 p.m.
Postseason
Monday, Feb. 24 – 3A Substate First Round
Thursday, Feb. 27 – 3A Substate
Monday, March 3 – 3A Substate Finals
Monday, March 10-Friday, March 14 – 2025 State Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
Lietz’s big day was a big reason why Solon was able to bring the game within reach. To go along with the 18 points, she had four assists, four steals, and shot 58 percent from the field.
As the only senior on the team, Lietz has been tasked with leading the young team to a successful season. This game, Jerzey Haluska was the underclassman that took a step forward with her play. Haluska had ten points on only five shots, including a three pointer in the middle of the fourth quarter that brought the deficit to single digits for the first time since halftime.
Delaney Durr also had a good showing in the loss. The junior struggled to find the bottom of the net in the first half, but she became the driving force of the offense in the fourth quarter. Durr scored seven of her 13 points in the final quarter.
The late effort was not enough, but they showed they could play with one of the better teams in 3A in the state.
MARION — The Marion Wolves topped the Lady Spartans 47-41 in a battle of WaMaC East rivals Friday, Jan. 31 in the Wolves’ den. Stats were not available as of deadline.
Regals top Solon 57-52
IOWA CITY — The Lady Spartans traveled to Regina Catholic (Iowa City) for a non-conference contest against the No. 2-ranked (in Class 2A) Regals and trailed 18-14 at the end of the first period. Solon regrouped and outscored Regina 17-5 in the second to take a 31-23 lead into the halftime break. Momentum
Spartans get the sweep in home quad meet
SOLON — When the Spartans welcomed three high schools for a quad meet last Thursday, one match stood out. Maquoketa Vs. Beckman Catholic wrapped up early, leaving eyes from all four sections of the gym on the 190-pound matchup with Kyler Jensen of Solon vs Anthony Harrison of Midland. Up to this point, the crowd was used to hearing the whistle from the ref and his hand slapping down on the mat to call a pin just minutes later.
The starting whistle echoed throughout the gym, and they were off. The Match started with Jensen taking down Harrison. However, he wasn’t awarded any points for falling out of the circle. Letting out a sigh while looking up at the ceiling and wiping the sweat off his hands on his grey singlet, he had no choice but to hop back in. Harrison began to hold his own from there on out, and the two spent the first two rounds calculating each move. Going into the final round, Jensen found himself with a slim 4-1 margin.
This match had Spartans Coach Aaron Hadenfeldt leaning on the edge of his foldout chair, instructing Jensen. The crowd remained engaged the entire time. By the time the final round started, most side conversations had come to a halt. Jensen chose to begin on top. Harrison was able to escape, making it 4-2. The clock continued to move. Both men began to start breathing heavier and heavier. With 1:08 left, Jensen went head-first at Harrison’s lower half and was able to bring him down. Making the lead 7-2, receiving an enormous roar from the Solon faithful. By the time Harrison got back up it was too late. A gassed Jensen turned to look at the clock to watch the final seconds tick away giving him a 7-3 victory.
Spartans 7th at WaMaC Tourney
“Kyler is the kind of kid to put [matches] like that together,” Hadenfeldt said mentioning how this is a good win for him and how he will have to find a way to win against this kind of competition as the season winds down.
Solon vs Maquoketa:
Solon outmatched Maquoketa as they won all except one match, paving the way to a 78-6 victory. Solon’s combination of pins, and four forfeits were enough for the Spartans to roll past the Cardinals.
126: Justin Moore (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 132: Michael Bigelow (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 138: Charlie Karam (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 144: Jordan Schmidt (SOLO) over Dalton Miller (MAQU) (Fall 2:51) 150: Connor Dunn (SOLO) over Matthew Michel (MAQU) (Fall 1:45) 157: Carson Kidwell (SOLO) over Bryson Groves (MAQU) (Fall 1:28) 165: Teague Williams (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 175: Jackson Feuerbach (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 190: Kyler Jensen (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.) 215: Lucas Feuerbach (SOLO) over Ryker Henderson (MAQU) (Fall 1:38) 285: Grant Wilson (SOLO) over Gabe Yappen (MAQU) (Fall 4:38) 106: Tayden Howell (MAQU) over Anderson Osgood (SOLO) (Fall 4:42) 113: Quinten Henning (SOLO) over Jovan Arnold (MAQU) (Fall 1:16) 120: Jayden Steapp (SOLO) over (MAQU) (For.)
Solon vs Midland:
Solon kept the momentum rolling as they took down Midland by a score of 68-4. 132: Michael Bigelow (SOLO) over Wyatt Tracy (MIDL) (Fall 3:21) 138: Charlie Karam (SOLO) over (MIDL) (For.) 144: Jordan Schmidt (SOLO) over Rylan Graves (MIDL) (Fall 2:35) 150: Connor Dunn
Solon Economist
shifted back to the Regals in the third with Regina leading 44-39 going into the final eight minutes. Regina’s Addie McLaughlin, a freshman, produced 25 points with 22 from senior Morgan Miller. Solon’s stats were not available at deadline.
Individual Stats Team Scores WaMaC East Standings (2-2-25)
Lucas Feuerbach crowned Champion at 215 lbs.
VAN HORNE — The varsity Spartans took seventh place in the 2025 WaMaC Conference Tournament Saturday, Feb. 1 at Benton Community HS in Van Horne. Williamsburg claimed the Conference championship with 225.5 team points with Independence and West Delaware tying for runner-up with 195.5 points each. Lucas Feuerbach was Solon’s only champion, taking gold at 215 pounds with a 3-0 record on the day after a first round bye. Feuerbach pinned CPU’s Jagger
Upcoming Schedule
Friday, Feb. 7 – HOME vs. Independence, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11 – At Vinton-Shellsburg, 6:00 p.m.
Postseason
Saturday, Feb. 15 – 3A Regional Quarterfinals
Tuesday, Feb. 19 – 3A Regional Semifinals
Saturday, Feb. 22 – 3A Reginal Championships
Monday, March 3-Saturday, March 8 – 2025 State Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines
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Jordan Schmidt tries to pin Beckman Catholic’s Shawn Brunsman in the 144-pound match Thursday, Jan. 30. Schmidt settled for a 16-1 technical fall in 5:37 as the Spartans dominated the Blazers 74-4 in a night of dual meets.
(SOLO) over (MIDL) (For.) 157: Carson Kidwell (SOLO) over Wyatt Christiansen (MIDL) (TF 18-2 3:00) 165: Teague Williams (SOLO) over (MIDL) (For.) 175: Dane Ballou (MIDL) over Jackson Feuerbach (SOLO) (MD 16-7) 190: Kyler Jensen (SOLO) over Anthony Harrington (MIDL) (Dec 7-3) 215: Lucas Feuerbach (SOLO) over Collin Hacke (MIDL) (Fall 0:18) 285: Grant Wilson (SOLO) over Wyatt King (MIDL) (Fall 0:36) 106: Anderson Osgood (SOLO) over (MIDL) (Fall 2:00) 113: Quinten Henning (SOLO) over (MIDL) (For.) 120: Jayden Steapp (SOLO) over (MIDL) (For.) 126: Justin Moore (SOLO) over Kolton Duffy (MIDL) (Fall 3:10)
Solon vs Beckman Catholic
Solon Finished the night strong, ending with a 44-4 securing the sweep
138: Charlie Karam (SOLO) over (BECK) (For.) 144: Jordan Schmidt (SOLO) over Shawn Brunsman (BECK) (TF 16-1 5:37) 150: Preston Hunter (BECK) over Connor Dunn (SOLO) (MD 10-0) 157: Carson Kidwell (SOLO) over Steven Roling (BECK) (Fall 2:15) 165: Teague Williams (SOLO) over Andrew Roling (BECK) (Fall 0:45)
Clemons in 1:06 in the quarterfinals and took a 7-1 decision from Williamsburg’s Carson Grier in the semis before pinning West Delaware’s Jeryn Funke in 2:16 in the finals. Feuerbach improved to 40-3 on the season.
3rd Place – Jayden Steapp (120 lbs.) 4th Place – Charlie Karam (138) and Carson Kidwell (157) 5th Place – Jackson Feuerbach (175) and Grant Wilson (285) 6th Place – Anderson Osgood (106), Jordan Schmidt (144), Evan Burg (150), and Kyler Jensen (190) 8th Place – Quinten Henning (113) and
175: Jackson Feuerbach (SOLO) over Cody Hageman (BECK) (Dec 4-0) 190: Kyler Jensen (SOLO) over Brian Roeder (BECK) (Fall 0:23) 215: Lucas Feuerbach (SOLO) over (BECK) (For.) 285: Grant Wilson (SOLO) over Erik Boge (BECK) (Fall 2:48) 106: Anderson Osgood (SOLO) over Nathan Kluesner (BECK) (Fall 1:25) 113: Quinten Henning (SOLO) over (BECK) (For.) 120: Jayden Steapp (SOLO) over (BECK) (For.) 126: Justin Moore (SOLO) over Jack Kluesner (BECK) (Fall 5:06) 132: Michael Bigelow (SOLO) over (BECK) (For.)
Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 8 – 2025 IHSAA State Dual Tournament at Xtream Arena, Coralville, 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 15 – Class 2A District 12 Meet at Williamsburg HS, 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 22 –2025 IHSAA State Traditional (individual) Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines
1, Williamsburg, 225.5. 2, Independence, 195.5. 2, West Delaware, 195.5. 4, Benton Community, 191.0. 5, Clear Creek Amana, 173.0. 6, Mount Vernon, 152.0. 7, Solon, 135.5. 8, Grinnell, 66.5. 8, South Tama County, 66.5. 10, Center Point-Urbana, 49.5. 11, Vinton-Shellsburg, 46.0. 12, Marion, 45.0.
Kyle Prondzinki For the Solon Economist
Justin Moore (126) Did not place – Michael Bigelow (132)
Chris Umscheid
Solon Economist
SOLON SENIORS
A Big Thank You to our sponsors and donors for their support in Senior Dining’s mission to serve the Solon Community, and especially to those who support Senior Dining by attending the lunches or receive home deliveries.
Reminders
Bad weather closings – Senior Dining will notify our clients by phone of cancellations. No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays Bingo Wednesdays AM/PM Cards Wednesdays PM
DINING •••••••••••••••••••••
Home Deliveries
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday within a 5-mile radius, on hard surface roads only. Call 319-624-2251 for information.
In-House Dining
Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m.
Meals cost $5.00 and are provided by the Solon Retirement Village Kitchen. Reservations for dine-in are required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays between 10-11:00 a.m.
Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”
SCHOOL BREAKFAST
The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider. Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon.total.k12.com.
Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.
Student breakfast is FREE again this year
The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year. Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important service to the students. “I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75
Thursday, Feb. 6
Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
SCHOOL
For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.k12.ia.us/ page/nutrition-program and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.
STUDENT LUNCH PRICES
High
Thursday, Feb. 6
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Pepperoni Stuffed Crust Pizza
Colorful Mixed Vegetable, Pepper Strips
Triple Fruit Salad
Cheez It’s
Friday, Feb. 7
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Chicken Fillet Sandwich
Cauliflower & Cheese
Down 1 “Jeopardy!” offering 2 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan ___
Average Joe’s name (that’s not Joe)
Bases loaded, e.g.
Iris’s location
17 Temporary cover of a sort
18 Epic with the line “Come, friend, you too must die”
19 Festival covering
— Elizabeth Andrew
CC French Toast w/Sausage Links or Egg
Scramble w/Hash Brown
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Friday, Feb. 7
Muffin Top (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, Feb. 10
Muffin (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Muffin
Mini Breakfast Corndogs or French Toast & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Mini Doughnuts (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Mini Doughnuts
Breakfast Bagel or Bubble Cake
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Wednesday, Feb. 12
French Toast Sticks & Sausage Links (LV/SIS)
G&G Bag (LV) Waffle Crackers
Breakfast Sandwich or Tornadoes
Pickles, Carrots, Grapes
Baked Potato Chips SC (SIS/MS/HS)
Monday, Feb. 10
MS/HS Alt: Grilled BBQ Rib Cheeseburger
French Fries, Tomatoes Sliced (MS/HS) Pickles (SIS/MS/HS) Applesauce Cup, Fruit Roll-Up
Tuesday, Feb. 11
MS/HS Alt: Spartan Cheese Bread
Chicken Taco’s, Tortilla Shell
Romaine, Cheese, Salsa, Corn Tortilla Chips, Fruit Slushy Bananas (MS/HS)
Wednesday, Feb. 12
MS/HS Alt: Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
French Toast Sticks & Syrup
Egg & Cheese Omelet, Hash Brown
Cucumber, Fresh Strawberries
Chocolate Chip Muffin (SIS/MS/HS)
20 Start of a quip by comic Steven Wright
23 Summer abroad
24 Sounds of refreshment
25 King’s ___
27 Adjust on the timeline
29 Pressure cooker sound
31 Producer of an explosion
32 ___ Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama
34 Deep notes
35 Middle of the quip ... and a hint to eight squares in this puzzle
38 French buds 40 Plotted
41 Up to, informally
42 Low pair 44 Beyond cross
48 Drink featured in the Elvis film “Blue Hawaii”
50 Govt. prosecutors
51 Besides
52 End of the quip
56 Actor Jannings
57 Youngest golfer to score below his age in a P.G.A. Tour event
58 White Sox or Red Sox player, informally
59 Runner’s assignment
60 Cricket segments
61 Miller option
62 Flower whose name means “flame” in ancient Greek
63 Lead-in to maniac
64 Troublesome threes, e.g.
3 Worn at the edges 4 Prefix with sexual
5 Possible response to “Where are you?”
6 Craft kit fabrics
7 “Right away, boss!”
8 Comedian Trevor
9 “___ Game” (1986 Hugo Award winner)
10 Cot alternative
11 Wear out one’s welcome, say
12 Achilles, for two
13 Muesli bit
21 Underworld figure
22 Is in the past
26 Chain parts: Abbr.
28 Singer Tori
29 Head liners?
30 Choquequirao inhabitant
33 “Let ___!”
34 Urban addr. specification
35 Like cuisine with lumpia and longganisa
36 “Looks that way, unfortunately”
37 Minimal
38 Bread box?
39 Noxious
42 “Qué ___?” (“How’s it going?,” in Spanish)
43 Only U.S. president buried in Washington, D.C.
45 Home of Firenze
46 They have nine players
47 Get released
49 Early text messager
50 One of a Disney septet
53 Root of resentment, at times
54 Reckon
55 Word before and after an ampersand, in the grocery
56 Maker of toys for girls and boys
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.
Informational and registration meeting for Solon Spartan Trapshooting is Feb. 23
The Solon Spartan Trapshooting Team will host its annual informational and registration meeting Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Solon Public Library from 4:00-5:00 p.m..
Trapshooting is available for students in grades 6-12 within the Solon Community School District and the team participates in American Trap events locally from March until the State competition in June. Safety and responsible firearm handling are the top priorities for all participants. Members compete both individually and as part of a squad.
“Trap teaches shooters how to focus and develops physical discipline, enhancing stability and coordination,” commented Catherine Bilskie, the current President of the club.
For those who cannot attend the meeting, please reach out to communications manager Sherri Shima at 319.330.9420, via our Facebook page Solon Trapshooting, or email soloniatrap@gmail.com.
Allen Shima takes aim at a clay target during the 2024 Solon Spartan Trapshooting season. The sport prioritizes safety and responsible firearm handling at all times.
Left:
Above: 2024 Junior Varsity (JV) shooters (from left) – Jeremiah Bartlett, Dylan Dunnwald, Connor Mahoney, Lincoln DeWild, Nathan Cross, and Arthur Martin.
Contributed photos
Right: 2024 Varsity shooters (from left) –Kacey Craig, Caden Stull, Allen Shima, Ethan Ressler, and Alannah Mahoney.
