Solon Economist — 3.27.25

Lakeview work to begin this fall

New bus lane to be added this summer

Solon Economist

SOLON — The Board of Education for the Solon Community School District (SCSD) met in regular session Tuesday, March 11 in the district’s administrative offices. Superintendent Davis Eidahl gave an update on renovation plans for Lakeview Elementary, one of several projects approved and funded by voters in the March 2023 $25.5 million bond issue.

Plans for Lakeview include updating or replacing electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems along with replacing many of the interior finishes.

Originally it was thought the work would largely be done during the next couple of summers, however, Eidahl told the Board work will likely begin this fall.

“They’re (OPN Architects and Larson) in the design phase now,” he said noting district administration did a walk-through of Lakeview with OPN and Larson representatives recently . “We talked about phasing the building, how do we minimize having to move multiple times?” Phasing the project, he explained would mean teachers and staff may only have to move once.

Work this summer will likely consist of putting in a dedicated bus lane on the west side. Interior work will shift into high gear this fall. Davis explained the media center will be divided with work taking place on the west side first.

“At mid-year we’ll switch over to the other side, and probably next summer we’ll do the middle – the media center itself, and the gym. So it’ll be almost two years.”

City, School District at a crossroads over intersection realignment

Eidahl reported a setback in plans for parking lot improvements at Lakeview after a conversation with the City.

LAKEVIEW | 2

Angela Rehnke captured this moment of calm as the sun began to illuminate the eastern sky Sunday morning (March 23).

The Solon Economist always welcomes contributions from our readers. Submissions can be sent to chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com.

New Jordan Creek Church provides challenges for city, county

City Council and Supervisor Rod Sullivan discuss unusual situation

Solon Economist

SOLON — The Solon City Council met in regular session Wednesday, March 19, and received an update from Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan.

In his report to the Council, Sullivan addressed concerns from the County’s perspective regarding Jordan Creek Church’s plans to build a church west of Solon along Hwy. 382 on land owned by Bob Upmeyer. Currently, Jordan Creek Church meets in the Solon Community Center, which is slated for demolition within the next few years by the Solon Community School District,

who leases the building to the City.

The Council discussed the proposal, including infrastructure needs (water, sewer, roads) to the site, which sits outside of the city limits; and discussed the possibility of annexing the site, located within the two-mile fringe area surrounding Solon, into the city. During the Feb. 19 Council meeting Mayor Dan O’Neil noted it would be unfair for the taxpayers to fund the project with consensus from the Council.

Rasmussen said during a recent meeting with a church representative it was stated the church was going to “bypass the city’s process and work with the county to create a parcel.”

“That’s obviously a concern,” said Rasmussen, “Because the fringe area agreement is intended to protect Solon’s borders and the agreement has language as far as parcel creation.”

Rasmussen consulted with City Attorney Kevin Olson and contacted Josh Busard, Johnson County Director of Planning, Development, and Sustainability.

“This is kind of an odd situation that unfortunately, our fringe agreement didn’t anticipate,” said Sullivan. “As one supervisor, I would much rather have this development happen in the city of Solon, I think you folks should be able to talk about water and sidewalks and whatever other things you think are important for that development. I find it a little frustrating that they want to develop in the country rather than the city. In almost any other circumstance we would just say no, that’s covered by the fringe area agreement and you have to talk to the city.”

Johnson County staff, Sullivan

“We were going to get started this summer,” said Eidahl, “and when they took plans to the City for permitting they caught us off guard with a project they were thinking about with Highway 382 where they’re looking at Racine, Chabal, and then a bit up by the Library that has that funny turn.”

Eidahl said the City Engineer had drawn up a plan to realign Chabal Street that would

CHURCH

said, are not viewing the proposal as creating a parcel and therefore do not require the county’s permission.

“Churches are conditionally permitted in that zoning district, and so they can conditionally permit a church. The Board doesn’t even vote on this. So it’s kind-of out of our hands.”

Sullivan recommended the City write to the County Board of Adjustment and explain how this is an unforeseen issue with the fringe area agreement and to request certain conditions prior to any approval (by the Board of Adjustment).

Sullivan expressed his frustration and noted it was likely shared with the Council.

“Because they’re not creating any new parcels, they’re not subdividing, I don’t think there’s anything that we can do. This is a

have it cross 382 and go directly into the east side parking lot at Lakeview.

“So we waved the red flags hard on that,” he said. “We had a meeting with the City and told them all of the reasons that would not work. We gave them some other ideas that they’re going back to the drawing board (with).”

The Solon City Council discussed the matter at their Wednesday, March 19 regular meeting.

City Administrator Cami Rasmussen said the Streets Committee had met and,

really weird situation and if it was anything other than a church, they couldn’t do this.”

In other news - Sullivan said the Board of Supervisors have moved to the third floor of the Health and Human Services Building located at 855 S. Dubuque St. (directly across from the Johnson County Administration Building).

“The Board (meeting) room is still in temporary quarters on the second floor, it’ll be moving up to the third floor probably in just a couple weeks,” said Sullivan.

Board members, the Sheriff, the County Attorney, “and a few other folks,” were scheduled to tour some of the newer jails in Iowa to gather ideas to be incorporated in a new Johnson County Jail. The Supervisors recently approved a $238,000 contract for immediate structural repairs to the facility, which has been deteriorating for several years as has been documented by Sheriff Brad

Solon Senior Support April news

Solon Senior Support is a non-profit volunteer group helping Solon-area senior citizens. Please call Jill Weetman at 319-624-2773 for questions or information.

Got Pills? Got Questions?

Saturday, March 29, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 pm., Solon United Methodist Church

Bring in ALL of your current or expired medications. Ask questions, get rid of unused or expired medications (even controlled drugs), pick up a FREE wallet card to keep track of your meds, or a FREE weekly pill planner.

Pharmacy students and professors from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy will be available to answer your questions.

Cards and Bingo Fridays at 12:30 p.m.

Solon United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

We’ll break for coffee and a snack around 2:00 p.m. Interested? Email Jill at solonseniors@gmail.com or call 319-624-2772. Feel free to leave a message. Sponsored by Solon Senior Support, no cost to play, win prizes!

Senior Coffee now on Thursdays

Stop by for FREE coffee/tea/hot chocolate and treats, meet new people, and enjoy great conversation! Coffee is better with friends!

Thursdays, 9-11:00 a.m. at the Solon United Methodist Church.

Need a ride? Call Jill at 319-624-2773. If you haven’t come to Coffee on Thursday mornings or Bingo/Euchre on Friday afternoons, you are missing out! Come join us at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall and bring your friends!

Solon Public Library Happenings

Don’t miss Doris Montag, humorist and curator of History of Ordinary Things at the Solon Public Library Thursday, April 3, 10:00 a.m.

Did you know that Solon Senior Support volunteers will deliver books/materials to your home and pick them up when you’re done reading them? Call the Library at 319-624-2678 for more information or to set up a delivery. Large print books are available.

“We wanted to make sure that the school wasn’t putting in improvements that would be negatively impacted by the future reconstruction of that intersection and viceversa.”

City Engineer Dave Schechinger and Rasmussen have been meeting with the SCSD’s engineer on designs, “and we wanted input from the Streets Committee on those designs. We’re going to do some additional studies but it won’t inhibit or prevent the school from beginning their project.”

Kunkel and his predecessor Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek. Johnson County voters have previously rejected bond referendums that would have replaced the facility.

In January the Supervisors approved a resolution greenlighting investigating if a joint facility housing the jail, Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa City Police Department would be feasible.

The Supervisors held their annual budget hearing Wednesday, March 26.

Also, Sullivan reported the Supervisors had engaged with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a water study.

“I think we’re going to have that data sometime in mid-to-late April. We’ll see if we can get those folks to give you a special presentation or if we can get it recorded, or whatever we can do, because I know it’s a big impact on Solon’s future as well as a lot of communities. So we’re looking forward to hearing the results of that,” Sullivan said.

April Solon Senior Advocates news

The May Senior Advocate Board meeting will be held Tuesday, May 20 at 5:45 p.m. at the Solon Methodist Church Fellowship Hall so members of the community can attend to learn more about the Advocates mission and activities, so please join us!

Thursday, April 3 – Doris Montag, “The Story of Can Openers, a History of Ordinary Things”

Montag is a freelance curator, which means she develops and installs small exhibits at museums and libraries across Eastern Iowa. The theme of her collections is the history of everyday objects.

It's not too soon to think about 2025 bus trips

Thursday, May 15 – Kalona Illa Miller’s homecooked meal, Golden Delight Bakery, String Town Community Store, South West Valley Greenhouse (Perry Bender’s).

Leave SRNA (“Rec Park”) at 11:00 a.m.

Cost TBA

Wednesday, June 18 – Circa 21/Rock Island, “Chicago, the musical,” cost TBA

Thursday, July 10 – Newton art tour/Neal Smith’s Wildlife Buffalo Refuge, cost TBA

Restaurant Runs

Thursday, April 24 – Midtown East (200 Scott Court, Iowa City). 12:00 Noon, personal cars. Sign-up sheet Wednesdays at Senior Dining or call 319-430-8655.

May is Older American’s Month

Please join us Wednesday, May 7 at the first May City Council Meeting when the Senior Advocates award the Senior of the Year. Each year a senior citizen is selected who has given of himself in service to the community through volunteerism, or in enhancing the well-being of others.

Contact Pat Ikan for info at pikan@ southslope.net, PO Box 148, or 319624-2643.

Solon Senior Transport

Provides volunteer transportation for seniors to medical appointments. For information and to enroll please call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279.

Senior Advocates Board

Art Tellin 319-626-2816, Sandy Hanson 319-430-8655, Barry Byrne 319-354-8757, Cindy Jensen 319-3603279, Larry Brecht 319-624-2925, Ivan Hasselbusch 319-670-9150, Phyllis Fiala 319-331-7447, and Mark Hollinrake 319-551-2811.

Volume 145 I Issue 13 Of a

PO Box 249, Solon, IA 52333 Phone: 319-624-2233 news@soloneconomist.com

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Copyright 2025 Solon Economist, a division of The Daily Iowan and Student Publications, Inc. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in print and online

Janet Louise (Wikel) Moore, age 89 of rural Solon, and former longtime Iowa City resident passed away peacefully at her home on Lake Macbride with family by her side Monday, March 17, 2025. Janet was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on November 18, 1935, to W. Clifford and Florence Margaret Wikel. She went to City High School in Iowa City where she met her loving husband, Paul. She obtained a degree in elementary education from Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI). Ten days after graduating from college Janet married Paul in the Disciples of Christ Church in Iowa City where she was a member since 1947. They were married for over 66 years. Her life journey was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Janet was a homemaker that gave heartfelt love to all three children: Alan (Kathy), Jane (Rob), and Gail (Kirk); her nine grandchildren Shannon, Chris, Becca, Alli, Molly, Andrew, Gretchen, Grant and Sarah; and her ten great-grandchildren Theo, Freddie, Addie, Finley, Theodore, Ophelia, Charlotte, Peter, Gracie, and Phoebe, with two more on the way including Lucy Janet. She loved celebrating their accomplishments and many times relished a shopping trip uptown with them just because they visited.

Janet was loved dearly for her humor and wittiness which continued to make us laugh even in her last days. Janet had a very natural way of making a personal connection with others immediately and never being judgmental. She was very genuine and caring and always had time to listen to others’ concerns. She was an active member of Chapter JF of the PEO Sisterhood. Janet drew great satisfaction and contentment by spending time on their screened porch overlooking the lake where she cherished conversations with her children, neighbors and her life-long friends. She enjoyed tending to her plants, sending greeting cards, and vacationing. Fourth of July was a favorite holiday when all the family came to visit each year.

Janet is survived by her devoted husband Paul, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother Rob (Pat), and numerous other family members.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, and a nephew, Steven Wikel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to First Christian Church of Coralville, Solon Nursing Care Center, St. Croix Hospice, or the charity of your choice. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show next Saturday in Coralville

Make plans now to attend the Annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show Saturday, April 5, at the Hyatt Regency Conference Center in Coralville, Iowa.

This is the area's largest show, with over 100 talented exhibitors presenting and selling the Midwest's finest handcrafts. The show is a production of Callahan Promotions, Inc. and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy original affordable arts and crafts.

Among the various products presented at the show are paintings and prints, gourd art, bird houses, bird feeders, ceramics, jewelry, metal art sculptures, pet products, yard and garden art, etched, and fused glass, quilts, photography, pottery, candles, clothing, floral wreaths, dolls & doll clothes, rugs ,baskets, aprons, placemats, table runners, purses, wood and metal signs, wall hangings and many more original products.

Exhibitors will also be selling homemade salsa, wines, breads, fudge, barbeque sauce, jams, dried soup and food mixes.

The Hyatt Regency Conference Center is connected to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and is located at 300 East 9th Street in Coralville, just off of I-80 at Exit 242. Admission to the show is $6, with anyone 10 and under free. Parking is always free.

Show hours are Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

For additional show information and to apply for a chance to win $50 show gift certificates, please

Enjoy hands-on DIY fun with our monthly DIY Night for adults and young adults (16+) with our new adult services librarian, Mykle! Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. Mykle will lead the group in creative painting of a birdhouse. It’s perfect for spring decor, feathered friends, or a gift for a birdwatcher friend. Registration is required, visit our website calendar and click on the event to complete the registration form or call the Library for assistance.

Library Events

You won’t want to miss this “Laugh & Learn” session with Doris Montag and her History of Ordinary Things curated collection Thursday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. Did you know the can came years before the opener? Safely preserving food by canning was introduced in 1807. And there is more… Doris Montag, a local storyteller and humorist, returns with the history of the Can, and its sidekick, the Opener. Assembled by her father, the entire evolution of the opener is documented from primitive cast iron gadgets to the electric opener (and knife sharpener) and all in between. It is an ordinary thing often taken for granted, and potentially nearing the end of its lifecycle. This collection will be displayed in the library for the month of April.

Spring Baby Time is here with a new twist, join us at the Solon Community Center on Mondays through April 28, at 9:15 a.m. for this six-week session of songs, rhymes, and fun for little ones 0-36 months and caregivers. Siblings welcome! Stick around after Baby Time to enjoy free entry to Tot Time from 10:00 a.m.-Noon.

The final Fun For All Night of the season is coming up Saturday, April 12, with a blockbuster hit the whole family will enjoy, Moana 2! Join us at the Solon Community Center for gym games at 6:00 p.m. and the movie at 7:00 p.m. with popcorn from our friends at Theisen’s of Coralville. This program is provided in partnership with the Solon Recreation Department and free for allages to enjoy.

Kitchen connoisseurs and hopefuls gather for Cookbook Club to share recipes, tips and tricks. Saturday, April 19, at 11:00 a.m. the group will cook and share favorite sheet pan meals. Check out a cookbook for inspiration or prepare a favorite and join us! Cookbook Club is for adults but the whole family is welcome to attend, no registration required.

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.

The Library will be open Friday, March 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.

What’s new?

Our new fiction shelves are bursting with a wide variety of options for every reader. Pick up something new to enjoy! The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly. Isabelle Shelton has always found comfort in the predictable world of her mother’s dressmaking shop, Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions, while her sister Sylvia turned her

back on the family years ago to marry a wealthy doctor whom Izzie detests. When their mother dies unexpectedly, the sisters are stunned to find they’ve jointly inherited the family business. Izzie is determined to buy Sylvia out, but when she’s conscripted into the WAAF, she’s forced to seek Sylvia’s help to keep the shop open. Realizing this could be her one chance at reconciliation with her sister, Sylvia is determined to save Mrs. Shelton’s Fashions from closure—and financial ruin. Through letters, the sisters begin to confront old wounds, new loves, and the weight of family legacy in order to forge new beginnings in this lyrically moving novel perfect for fans of Genevieve Graham and Lucinda Riley.

The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison. Abe Winter and Ruth Warneke were never meant to be together—at least if you ask Ruth. Yet their catastrophic blind date in college evolved into a seventy-year marriage and a life on a farm on Bainbridge Island with their hens and beloved Labrador, Megs. Through the years, the Winters have fallen in and out of lockstep, and from their haunting losses and guarded secrets, a dependable partnership has been forged. But when Ruth’s loose tooth turns out to be something much more malicious, the beautiful, reliable life they’ve created together comes to a crisis. As Ruth struggles with her crumbling independence, Abe must learn how to take care of her while their three living children question his ability to look after his wife. And once again, the couple has to reconfigure how to be there for each other.

Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips. Pulitzer Prize Winner. In 1874, in the wake of the War, erasure, trauma, and namelessness haunt civilians and veterans, renegades and wanderers, freedmen and runaways. Twelve-year-old ConaLee, the adult in her family for as long as she can remember, finds herself on a buckboard journey with her mother, Eliza, who hasn’t spoken in more than a year. They arrive at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in West Virginia, delivered to the hospital’s entrance by a war veteran who has forced himself into their world. There, far from family, a beloved neighbor, and the mountain home they knew, they try to reclaim their lives.

The omnipresent vagaries of war and race rise to the surface as we learn their story: their flight to the highest mountain ridges of western Virginia; the disappearance of ConaLee’s father, who left for the War and never returned. Meanwhile, in the asylum, they begin to find a new path. ConaLee pretends to be her mother’s maid; Eliza responds slowly to treatment. They get swept up in the life of the facility—the mysterious man they call the Night Watch; the orphan child called Weed; the fearsome woman who runs the kitchen; the remarkable doctor at the head of the institution.

OPINIONS

The original April Fool's Day joke

Food for Thought

Milli Gilbaugh

We all have memories of those silly pranks we played on others on the first day of April when we were kids. They were usually something that we invented on the spot to take advantage of a situation. We'd shout out, “Somebody's stealing your bike!” then watch gleefully as our friend rushed out to stop the imaginary thief. Elaborately conceived pranks usually required at least one fellow conspirator and didn't always turn out as planned because somebody couldn't help grinning at the wrong time.

The most effective April Fool jokes seem to take place when the victim is caught unaware of the fact that it is April first. My mother always managed to catch us by bursting into our bedrooms, insisting that we get dressed immediately as we were already late for school for different, but believable reasons. One year it might be because the electricity had been off and the clocks were an hour late. Or maybe she herself had overslept. Once, she took advantage of our groggy confusion on a Saturday and we were hastily dressing before we realized it wasn't a school day.

At other times, she would simply tell us to look out the window, “You've got to see this,” she'd insist. “This is the strangest thing I've ever seen!” Curiosity got us out of bed faster than the idea of being late. Sometimes the joke hinged on our sense of privacy. She'd stand by the dressing table, pick up something that made a little noise and say, “What in the world is this?” The one good thing all that achieved was to make us keenly aware that it was April Fool's Day and put us on the alert for possible booby-traps. Even our teachers would try to trip us up by announcing an unexpected quiz or telling us we had all done the latest assignment wrong and would have to do it over.

History has seen some truly convincing public April Fool jokes that, even though they were mostly outlandish, managed to fool a large number of people. Here are a few; In 1905, a German newspaper reported that thieves had tunneled under the United States Treasury and stolen all the silver and gold. In 1957, British television reported that the spaghetti weevil that had plagued Switzerland's spaghetti trees for years had been eradicated and that the harvest was looking hopeful. The report was accompanied with footage of workers harvesting the new crop. Horticulturists were swamped with requests from people wanting information on how to obtain and cultivate the trees. 1969, there were reports that remote scanners were being used to locate unregistered radios and televisions in the Netherlands because too many people were avoiding paying the taxes on them. Wrapping those appliances in layers of aluminum foil was reported to be the only way to prevent their discovery. Within the day, all stores were out of foil and a flood of delinquent taxes had been paid. In 1980, the executive producer of the Boston 6:00 PM newscast was fired because he approved a false report of the eruption of the great Blue Hill in Milton, Mass. The intended tonguein-cheek report had resulted in panic with many persons fleeing their homes. In 1997, Wheel of Fortune hosts Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek of Jeopardy traded places for their April 1st broadcasts. Many viewers who were familiar with both the popular game-show personalities, failed to notice the switch.

When did all this so-called tradition begin? Joseph Boskin, professor of history at Boston University has told us that, during the reign of Constantine I, a group of court jesters told the Emperor, as a humorous entertainment, that a jester could do a better job of running the empire than he could. Amused by the notion, Constantine went along with the fanciful idea and nominated jester Kugel to be king for a day. Kugel then passed an edict calling for absurdity to reign on that one day and the jest became a tradition that eventually spread across the civilized world. An Associated Press account of the story brought it to the public's attention and it was three weeks before it became known that professor Boskin had made up the story as an April Fool joke. As of today, the origin of the tradition remains unknown – just consider the day itself to be the original April Fool's Day joke and join in the fun.

Is the state doing enough to help direct care workers who provide care and support to older Iowans and people with disabilities?

Di Findley

Executive Director, Iowa CareGivers

Over 300,000 family caregivers provide the lion's share of care for those with disabilities, including children with special needs, and older Iowans. When family caregivers can no longer provide round the-clock support, the direct care workforce becomes an extension of families. They are Certified Nursing Assistants, Home Health and Hospice Aides, Direct Support Professionals, and other Direct Care Workers (DCWs) in nursing homes, group homes, hospices, and the homes of those served.

A state legislator recently asked me, "Is the state doing enough to address direct care workforce issues?" I replied, "If the state was doing enough, we wouldn't be having the same conversations we were having when I started Iowa CareGivers 33 years ago."

In 2019, Iowa CareGivers partnered with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to conduct a Direct Care Worker Wage and Benefit Survey 2019 DCW Wage and Benefit Survey Summary of Findings which revealed a DCW median hourly wage of under $15 an hour. Numbering 40-65,000, DCWs make up one of the largest segments of Iowa's workforce. Most are women whose median hourly wage barely budged between 2019 and 2022 with some earning only $9.80 an hour. Over 50% had children enrolled in HAWK-I, the state's Children's Health Insurance Program. Others used the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help them pay for food, childcare subsidies, and other supports that enabled them to work!

The turnover rate of Certified Nursing Assistants working in nursing homes in 2023 was 77% with a price tag of over $120,000,000, using a LeadingAge nursing home industry formula for calculating turnover cost. The high turnover rate is partially caused by poor wages and benefits, and by worker burnout that is at an all-time high.

The state has known about the problems facing DCWs for more than 30 years. It now needs

to implement known solutions, one of which is increasing wages. Wages for DCWs can be increased by requiring employers that participate in the Medicaid programs to pay adequate levels of wages, and an increase of the minimum wage for all workers. But other strategies must be explored such as increasing the income eligibility cap on state benefits, something suggested by both Democrat and Republican legislators or tax incentives.

Increasing the minimum wage to $20 or even $15 an hour for DCWs would be an improvement but it comes with a risk. Both a 5-year phased-in approach and an immediate increase to $20 an hour, effective July 2025 have been proposed. A random hourly wage increase could result in the loss of vital state benefits doing more harm to these essential workers. This "between a rock and a hard place" dilemma is what the United Way and others refer to as the "cliff effect" that occurs when a small increase in earnings results in lost benefits. The United Ways' "Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed" (ALICE) report United Way ALICE Report for Iowa provides poverty threshold guidelines that can also help to inform decisions on wage enhancements for DCWs.

With grants from Mid-Iowa Health Foundation and Northwest Area Foundation, Iowa CareGivers is again partnering with IWD to repeat the 2019 Direct Care Worker Wage and Benefit Survey. The findings will be released later this year, and we urge lawmakers to use the new Iowa and DCW-specific data to drive their decisions.

It's time to invest in this workforce upfront rather than continuing to cover the costs associated with high turnover; workplace injury; state subsidies; mental health needs of burned-out workers; nursing home fines; employers' reliance on more expensive temporary staffing agencies; the loss in productivity to the business community when employees with caregiving responsibilities reduce hours; and loss of financial security for family caregivers who give up employment to care for loved ones.

More important is the cost in diminished quality of care and life for both those on the receiving and giving ends of care.

Q&A: Sunshine is the best disinfectant

With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Q: What is Sunshine Week?

A: The nation’s fourth president is best known as the Father of the Constitution and is considered the defender of open government. During the anniversary week of James Madison’s birth, we honor his legacy by celebrating Sunshine Week to commemorate this fundamental principle of good government. One of the most influential founders of our republic, Madison wrote, “…a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” By his conviction, knowledge is “the only Guardian of true liberty.”

As a government watchdog, I’ve learned pulling back the curtains on the sprawling federal bureaucracy is a never-ending job. My oversight work wouldn’t be as effective without courageous truthtellers who stick out their necks to report wrongdoing. That includes whistleblower disclosures of obstruction by the Obama administration that put national security at risk and emboldened the Iranian regime. That’s why I champion whistleblower protections to ensure individuals on the front lines of government and those working behind the scenes aren’t afraid to come forward. They deserve protection from retaliation and retribution. During Sunshine Week, I’m glad to report redemption on behalf of two IRS whistleblowers who exposed obstruction of the federal criminal investigation into Hunter Biden’s

tax offenses. At my urging, they’ve been promoted to senior leadership positions at the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. Reinstating whistleblowers who have been retaliated against sends a clear signal across the federal bureaucracy. Reporting wrongdoing is a patriotic thing to do and ought to be encouraged.

Q: What sunshine measures are you cultivating in Congress?

A: As a lifelong farmer, I know it takes sunshine for crops to grow and thrive. As a U.S. Senator, I’ve also found conducting the people’s business in broad daylight helps expose and deter wrongdoing in government. Transparency brings accountability. I keep my foot on the gas through congressional oversight, including my work in the previous Congress that swept across 97% of all federal agencies. Breathing down the neck of the federal bureaucracy keeps check on overreach and misconduct. Sunshine laws, such as my bipartisan Physician Payment Sunshine Act discourage kick-back arrangements that harm patient safety and rip off the taxpayer. In this Congress, I’m working to strengthen disclosure laws and regulations that track foreign ownership of U.S. farmland; stop secret pricing schemes that push up prescription drug prices; codify rules requiring hospitals and insurers to provide cash prices and negotiated rates to patients before they receive

medical care; require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the price of their prescription drugs in television ads; and, improve nursing home metrics published online to empower families, including webbased tools for inpatient psychiatric facilities. Letting the sunshine in better informs the public and helps policymakers to make informed decisions.

Policymakers and the public ought to know if someone is trying to influence policy decisions to benefit a foreign entity or adversary. I’ve introduced legislation to close a loophole that allowed unregistered foreign agents to skirt disclosure requirements and raised concerns about foreign influence-peddling on U.S. college campuses. America can’t afford to have foreign actors pull the wool over our eyes, peddle their propaganda on our campuses, or infect political discourse where we’ve seen a rise in antisemitism. That’s why I’ve led efforts to reform and strengthen the Foreign Agents Registration Act to end

CONSUMER CONNECTION

secret lobbying arrangements and let transparency do its magic: disinfect wrongdoing.

Sunshine Week is a good reminder that the federal government exists to serve We the People.

On this 20th anniversary of Sunshine Week, I again introduced a Senate Resolution to underscore the importance of open government. For decades, I’ve fought bureaucratic foot-dragging and a mindset that government knows best. From Pentagon overlords to rogue FBI agents, I’m working as hard as ever to rinse wrongdoing from Washington. We’ve seen how secrecy erodes the public trust and breeds conspiracy theories. In 1992, I supported the JFK Records Act that required the public release of records related to President Kennedy’s assassination. A quarter-century later, I pushed for their scheduled release and am glad President Trump delivered.

Transparency is the best policy.

The importance of a home inventory before a disaster or insurance claim

Sonya Sellmeyer Consumer Advocacy Officer for the Iowa Insurance Division

When disaster strikes, whether a tornado, fire, burglary, or other insurance-covered peril, homeowners and renters often find themselves overwhelmed by the loss and the claims process. One critical step an insured can take to prepare for such situations is to create a comprehensive home inventory. After a covered peril occurs, an insurance company may require policyholders to provide proof of ownership and value for lost or damaged items. Insureds may struggle to recall every item they own, leading to incomplete claims and potential financial losses. A home inventory is a detailed list of personal belongings with descriptions, receipts, purchase dates, photographs, appraisals, and estimated values.

To create an inventory, go room by room and list your belongings with photos, receipts or estimated worth, and descriptions including the make, model, and serial numbers. Always store your inventory in a safe place not in your residence, like a safety deposit box or in the cloud. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a home inventory app (https://content.naic.org/consumer/ home-inventory) that can help with the documentation process by allowing you to take pictures and scan barcodes of items.

An inventory allows claimants to submit accurate and detailed reports, ensuring they receive the actual or replacement cost compensation they are entitled to under their policy. Actual cash value is paid after depreciating for age and wear and tear. Replacement cost means reimbursement for the cost to repair or

League of Women Voters of Johnson County to host legislative forum

March 29

Local legislators invited to discuss immigration and citizenship issues

The League of Women Voters of Johnson County will host a legislative forum Saturday, March 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the North Liberty City Hall, 360 N. Main St., to discuss immigration and citizenship

replace with a similar item. With replacement cost, the depreciated amount is paid first, and once proof is provided for the repair or replacement the company will reimburse the cost.

Insurance policies cover personal property up to the limit on your declarations page. In the absence of a home inventory, insurers may default to estimating the value of lost items, often leading to underpayment. By having an organized record, policyholders can provide concrete evidence, increasing the likelihood of receiving the full replacement cost for their belongings.

In the case of burglary, a home inventory is a valuable tool for insurance claims and law enforcement investigations. Many homeowners and renters underestimate the value of their possessions, leading to insufficient insurance coverage. A home inventory helps individuals assess whether their current policy limits are adequate to replace their belongings. If the total value of possessions exceeds the policy’s coverage limit, policyholders can make informed decisions about adjusting their coverage before a loss occurs. This proactive approach prevents the unpleasant surprise of being underinsured when it is too late to make changes. Speak to your licensed insurance agent annually about policy limits and if they need to be adjusted.

A home inventory is an invaluable tool that simplifies the insurance claims process, ensures fair compensation, and provides peace of mind during difficult times. Taking the time to create a comprehensive inventory before disaster strikes, allows homeowners and renters to protect their financial well-being and recover more quickly from losses.

issues. Johnson County legislators Sen. Zach Wahls (D, District 43), Sen. Janice Weiner (D, District 45), Sen. Dawn Driscoll (R, District 46), Rep. Dave Jacoby (D, District 86), Rep. Heather Hora (R, District 92), Rep. Elinor Levin (D, District 89), Rep. Amy Nielsen (D, District 85), Rep. Adam Zabner (D, District 90), and Rep. Judd Lawler (R, District 91) have been invited to attend.

League members will moderate the forum and accept questions from the audience.

The event will be available as a live stream on LWVJC Facebook and recordings will be made available at www.lwvjc.org and www.citychannel4.com.

About the League of Women Voters of Johnson County, Iowa

The LWVJC is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to people 16 years of age and older and of all gender identities. With over 100 years of experience the League is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations.

She’s had all that she can take

Why would I move out of a state in which I have lived for over 50 years?

The air is dirty, the water is dirty, pesticides drench farm fields, private education is favored over public education, books are banned, civil rights protections are eroded, voting laws have become overly stringent, Universities are dictated to regarding curriculum and programming, child care is woefully unsupported, the Iowa Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund – supported by voters in 2010 – remains unfunded, and physicians are dictated to regarding established medical procedures.

Governor Reynolds and her legislative support group have created a nanny state.

It's time to move

A new season dawns for the Spartans

Solon Economist

2025 varsity boys' soccer preview

Daniel Tearse.

SOLON — The varsity Spartans ended last year’s soccer season with a 9-10 record after falling 5-1 to Center Point-Urbana (CPU) in Class 2A substate semifinal competition. Graduation claimed seniors Josiah Hale, Bryan Petrie, Braden Haugland, Eli Freerks, Coy O’Haver, Ethan Melloy, and

In his third season with the program, Coach Eyasu Russell (15-20 at Solon) brings back three seniors – keeper Zander Stookey, Evan Burg, and Evzen Meza, five juniors – Tucker Spence, Caden Mai, Parker Mergen, Rene Meza, and Ryan Locke, and sophomores Elliot Sutton and Colin McKie. Stookey made 89 saves and allowed 42 goals, Burg produced three goals and made five assists, Mai had one PK and one assist, while Locke led the team last season with 11 goals and three assists.

The season opens Monday, March 31, at Iowa City Regina Catholic at 5:00 p.m. followed by a trip to CPU (Fross Park, Center Point) Friday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. The Stormin’ Pointers were second in the WaMaC East with an 8-3 conference showing and 11-5 overall record behind East Champion Marion (101/14-5).

The Spartans will host Clinton and West Branch in a triangular Saturday, April 5, starting at 8:30 a.m. while Williamsburg visits Tuesday, April 8, at 7:00 p.m.

Jami E. MartinTrainor, U of I Prep Sports Journalism class, contributed to this report

Chris Umsheid | Solon Economist file photos

Far left: Zander Stookey, a senior this season, made 89 saves last year and allowed 42. Left: Eli Freerks was second in goals last year with ten. A senior, Freerks is one of seven the Spartans lost to graduation last May. Below: Ryan Locke (33), a junior this season, led the Spartans in goals with 11 last year.

Returning experience and leadership are keys to a great season

2025 varsity girls' soccer preview

SOLON — The varsity Lady Spartans ended last year’s soccer season with an 8-8 record after falling 3-0 to Center Point-Urbana (CPU) in Class 1A regional semifinal competition. Graduation claimed seniors Tali Radcliffe, Claire Leone, Grace Yetley, Gabby Knipper, and Tatum Holtkamp.

In her seventh season with the program, Coach Amanda Paulson (5537) brings back eight seniors – Rose McAtee, Silvie Hendricks, Addi Greene, Farrah Hendricks, Charlotte Leone, Ella Havlicek, Elena Swan, and Jocelyn Hendricks, four juniors – Gable Knight, Delainey Durr, Madelyn Pauley, and Sofia Ortega, and sophomore Laney Johnson McAtee led Solon’s offense last year with 13 goals including a pair of PKs. Hendricks scored four goals and made five assists, Greene was second in goals with a dozen, and Farrah Hendricks scored one goal – a PK. Ortega was third in scoring with seven goals and three assists. Johnson scored one goal and made two assists.

Freshman Kinley Mai joins the varsity

ranks as a “Big newcomer,” according to Paulson.

“We are returning a lot of starters and strong leadership. I am looking forward to a great season!” she said.

A scrimmage against Liberty High is set for this evening (Thursday, March 27) at 5:30 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. The season opens Tuesday, April 1 at Iowa City Regina Catholic at 5:00 p.m. followed by a trip to CPU (Fross Park, Center Point) Thursday, April 3 at 5:00 p.m. The Stormin’ Pointers won the WaMaC East with a 7-0 conference showing and 12-2 overall record.

The first home match will be Tuesday, April 8 with Williamsburg at 5:00 p.m. followed by Iowa City, City High Thursday, April 10. Important WaMaC East conference games include Independence (home) Monday, April 21 and Vinton-Shellsburg (away) Thursday, April 24.

Senior Night will be held Monday, May 12 as Marquette Catholic visits at 5:30 p.m.

Jami E. Martin-Trainor, U of I Prep Sports Journalism class, contributed to this report

IHSAA Basketball Tournament moves to ISU’s Hilton Coliseum in 2027 Gnida wraps up decorated Loras career at D3 Championship Meet

Chris Cuellar Communications Director, IHSAA

BOONE — A century after playing championships inside State Gym, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa State University (ISU) enter an exciting new era together as the IHSAA State Basketball Tournament will move to James H. Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027.

An initial five-year agreement with support from Discover Ames will place the five-day, 32-team boys’ tournament inside Hilton Coliseum as the first-ofits-kind multi-use CyTown district is developed at the Iowa State Center and slated to come online in 2027.

“We couldn’t be more excited about what this opportunity will offer our student-athletes, schools, and supporters as they experience an elite basketball environment at Hilton and an awesome new tournament community in CyTown and Ames,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who has helped make this possible at Iowa State University, Discover Ames and Cyclone Athletics.”

Lauded as one of the nation’s finest college basketball venues, Hilton Coliseum boasts consistently strong attendance for the Cyclones’ men’s and women’s basketball programs with a capacity of 14,267, and the programs annually rank among the national leaders in home attendance.

ISU will make facilities at Hilton and the attached and updated Scheman Building available for the IHSAA event. Opened in 1971, ISU Athletics installed a new state-of-the-art video board, LED ribbon boards and an audio system ahead of the 2024-25 season and has also completed upgrades to its team locker rooms within the facility. The Scheman Building is in the midst of a significant renovation which has created new hospitality spaces for Cyclone contests as well as other special events that the facility attracts.

The surrounding CyTown district – announced in 2022 and expected to be up and running in 2027 – will feature space for retail, food and beverage, common areas, and a 200-room Marriott hotel, The Cardinal.

“On behalf of Iowa State University, thank you to

Michael Kabela

Special to the Solon Economist

Solon graduate Zeb Gnida finished his college wrestling career Saturday March 15 in Providence, RI at the Division 3 wrestling championships. The Loras 174 pounder entered the championship meet with an impressive undefeated record and number 2 seed.

After a pair of wins in the opening rounds, Gnida was upset in the quarterfinals. He managed one more win in the consolation rounds to finish with his second allAmerican honor, a 7th place finish. He placed third in 2024.

Gnida finishes his Duhawk career with 3 academic all-American honors and a career 64-14 record. He also reached all-American Rivers Conference status in 3 seasons. In 2022 Gnida achieved all-American status placing 6th in the U20 US Open Championships, one of only 2 division 3 athletes to do so. Gnida graduates this spring and will attend Arizona State where he plans to get his PHD in chemistry.

Bet your bracket but trust your belt

Iowa Department of Transportation

The ritual of March Madness is here – and no, we don’t mean basketball tournament blizzards. You’ve meticulously analyzed stats, evaluated talent, predicted upsets, consulted AI, and crafted the perfect bracket. Even if you’re willing to bet the house on it, filling out a perfect bracket carries odds of 1 in 9 quintillion. It’s an exercise in risk and reward where unpredictability reigns supreme.

While we embrace chaos on the court, there's one area where unreliability is best left on the bench: our safety on the roads. Trusting your bracket to hold up? Risky. Trusting your seatbelt to hold you in place during a crash? Now, that's a slam dunk.

It’s not easy to understand why someone would roll the dice and choose to drive or ride in a vehicle without buckling up. In 2023, a staggering 45% of traffic fatalities in Iowa involved individuals who weren't wearing seatbelts, resulting in 123 lives lost.

Buckling up is your best defense against the unexpected for two key reasons:

Keeping you secure: Buckling up helps avoid a body’s ejection from a vehicle, which is nearly always deadly. Air bags are designed to work with seatbelts: Seatbelts restrain the body, keeping it in the correct position for airbag deployment. This allows airbags to cushion the head and chest, reducing the risk of severe injury.

Watch a powerful reminder of the important role seatbelts play at www.youtube.com/watch?vpYuqLZxcz3A , and the injuries that typically occur when a body is ejected from a vehicle.

In 2025 in Iowa, 41 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of three since Friday, March 14.

the IHSAA board, Tom Keating, and Tom’s staff for deciding to bring the Athletic Association’s state basketball tournament to Ames to experience Hilton Magic,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We are excited to host this great event and our staff looks forward to working with the IHSAA to make this special for the athletes, coaches and fans whose teams reach the state tournament each year.”

“This is a major win for Iowa State University and our communities’ hotels and restaurants,” he added. “It is a great example of the new economic opportunities that CyTown can bring to the Ames community. This will be the first of many such opportunities our community will have in future years, because of Iowa State University’s investment in CyTown.”

IHSAA basketball brings eight qualifiers across four classifications to the state tournament. Since moving to a five-day format in 2018, the event has averaged nearly 50,000 paid attendees with full capacity available.

Ames already hosts over 100,000 youth sports visitors annually through the Iowa Games, Special Olympics of Iowa’s Summer Games, and more.

“We are super excited to partner with Iowa State Athletics and the IHSAA to bring the State Basketball Tournament to Ames and Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027,” said Discover Ames President and CEO Kevin Bourke. “This weeklong event will expose teams and fans from across the state to Iowa State University, as well as create a huge economic impact to Ames while showcasing our wonderful community.”

Ames played host to the IHSAA’s basketball tournament six times between 1917 and 1926, all inside then-Iowa State College’s State Gym. The most recent edition featured a small-school round robin, with Irwin topping Keystone, Grandview, and Lake View for the 1926 Class B title.

The IHSAA concluded its 2025 championships on Friday at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, where the tournament has been hosted since 1963.

“We have great relationships in Des Moines and at Iowa Events Center, and we thank them for all their years of support and their continued work in hosting our events,” Keating said.

In Iowa in 2024, there were 356 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www. iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf

Jacob Holck Public Affairs, Office of the Iowa State Treasurer

DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith is reminding Iowans that they have until April 7 to register for the $1,000 ISave 529 Spring Giveaway, courtesy of the Iowa Educational Savings Plan Trust. Currently, there are more than 270,000 ISave 529 accounts, with 15623 accounts in Johnson County valued at approximately $357,701,619.

"There's still time to register and give a child in your life a chance to win $1,000 contribution," said Treasurer Smith. "Visit ISave529.com, click the registration button, watch a quick video, enter your information and a child in your life will be entered into the contest."

The ISave 529 Spring Giveaway runs through April 7. To register visit ISave529.com.

Learn more at ISave529.com. Follow ISave 529 on Facebook, Instagram and X for current events and updates. For additional details, read the ISave 529 Program Description.

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

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.

Welcome Spring!

Thank you, March entertainers – John McFarland and Karen McFarland Miller singing John Edgerton’s favorite Western songs, and Larry Olson’s Purple Martin program.

April showers bring (April Happenings)

Wednesday, April 2 – Scott Bogard sings Wednesday, April 16 – Easter Celebration Wednesday, April 30 – City Representative

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.

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

Friday, March 28

Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Donut

Long John or Cinnamon Roll Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Reservations for Wednesday dine-in are required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays 10-11:00 a.m.

Friday, March 28

Sauteed Shrimp

Buttered Noodles

Broccoli

Raspberry Gelatin w/Marshmallow Topping

Monday, March 31

Smothered Pork Chop

Scalloped Potatoes

Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Squash Cherry Cobbler

Wednesday, April 2

Chicken Parm Alfredo Chalet Garlic Vegetables Garlic Toast Frosted Peanut Butter Bar

Friday, April 4

Honey Butter Flounder Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Beets in Orange Sauce Butterscotch Apple Cake

Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers!

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”

— Elizabeth Andrew

Monday, March 31

Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit, Frudel Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Tuesday, April 1

Parfait (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Snackbread French Toast Bake, Fruity Oatmeal, Waffles & Sausage Patty Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Wednesday, April 2

Sausage Pancake Wrap (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Nutri Grain Bar

Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Thursday, April 3

Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Mini Pancakes

Muffin Top, Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Across

1 Past its glory

6 Say yes, say

10 [Bada bing bada boom!] 14 Round windows 15 List trimmer 16 Move after a touchdown 17 Network connections

18 Lynchian or Felliniesque, say 20 This clue 22 Digital work fueled by machine learning, in brief

Stayed put 24 ___-relief

27 Go-ahead

28 Shelter on a tropical island, maybe

29 With 43-Across, something never to be repeated ... or a hint to the answers to the italicized clues

32 Ancient Mexican civilization

34 Who said “A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture”

36 High pair

37 This answer

40 Subreddits, for example

41 Alternative to a spicy Dorito

42 Throw with great effort

43 See 29-Across

44 Broadband connection inits.

45 Slated to be delivered (on)

47 Battletoads console, for short 48 Singer Winehouse

49 “___ mia!”

51 This crossword

58 ___ Roy, Booker Prize-winning author, 1997

59 Ending with home or bed

60 Use as a source

61 Hot spot

62 Like an H.P. Lovecraft work

63 Black gemstone 64 Lowly worker

2 “Don’t have ___, man!”

3 Man 4 ___ Ferrante, author of the “Neapolitan Novels”

5 Clear-cut

6 What a budding musical artist hopes to land

7 Stretch

8 Rooftop spinner 9 Friendly response, after “My” 10 0:00

11 Alliance of 32 nations

12 Enemy alliance of W.W. II

13 Many social posts, informally

19 Exam with a max. score of 528

21 Ex-N.B.A. star ___ Ming

24 Sensational, on Broadway

25 Icy

26 Blue man group member?

28 Home to many kings and queens

29 Setting for several Herman Melville works

30 Pluck

31 Two of spades?

33 Queen Elizabeth I has one named for her

35 Tats

36 Cleared one’s plate, say

38 Virtual storefront in an online marketplace

39 Nine daughters of Greek myth

44 Chatted on the Gram, say

46 Strike caller

48 Architectural expansion

49 San ___, Calif.

50 Follower of the 32-Across

51 Texas city once known as “Six-Shooter Junction”

52 Shamrock land

53 Certain tax

SCHOOL LUNCH Edited by Will

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

Friday, March 28

MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight

Potato Bar, Bright Broccoli Cheese Sauce, Diced Ham

Garlic Knot (SIS/MS/HS), Mandarin Oranges Gold Fish Crackers

Monday, March 31

MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet Sandwich Corn Dog Green Beans

Crunchy Carrots Crisp Apple Slices, Cheetos, Pears (HS)

Tuesday, April 1

MS/HS Alt: Chicken Tenders French Toast Sticks, Syrup Egg & Cheese Omelet Hash Brown Cucumbers Strawberries & Bananas

Wednesday, April 2

MS/HS Alt: Bacon Cheeseburger Pork Tenderloin Sandwich Ranch Potato Wedges

Grape Tomatoes

Peaches, Sunflower Seeds (HS)

Thursday, April 3

MS/HS Alt: Taco Bake

Nacho Supreme with Fixings

Refried Beans, Bosco Stick Kiwi, Mixed Fruit (MS/HS) Salsa

65 Look down on Down

1 Character profile?

54 Only character shown in the final 30 minutes of “2001: A Space Odyssey”

55 Zip

56 Hideaway

57 Locale depicted in Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights”

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.

MARCH

Ordinances and

Chairperson

Summary: Application PZC-24-28639 was filed for approval of the preliminary and final plat of Seneca Farm Subdivision, Johnson County, Iowa and the County Zoning Commission recommended approval. Board action: Approve the plat; direct the Board Chairperson to sign said plat and all associated documents requiring the Chairperson’s signature; and record the following documents: A. Resolution & Documents: Sensitive Areas Exhibit, Owner’s Certificate, Attorney’s Title Opinion, Certificate of County Auditor, Certificate of County Treasurer, Subdivider’s Agreement, Fence Agreement, Private Access Easement - Outlot A, Private Access Easement - Outlot B, Declaration of Protective Covenants and Restrictions, Resolution Affirming the Stability of the Road System; B. Subdivision Plat (5). Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Resolution No. 03-13-25-01, effective March 13, 2025. Approved unanimously.

Convened Public Hearing at 5:37 p.m. on Subdivision Application PZC-25-28647 of Marcus A. Divoky, requesting preliminary & final plat approval of Sandhill Subdivision. The property is located at 4779 180th St NE, approximately 620 ft west of Taft Ave NE, in the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 30, Township 81 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M. in Cedar Township, Johnson County, Iowa. PDS Planner Maya Simon reviewed the application. No one from the public spoke. Public Hearing closed at 5:39 p.m.

RESOLUTION NO. 03-13-25-02

RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT AND SUBDIVIDER'S AGREEMENT OF SANDHILL SUBDIVISION, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA

Summary: Application PZC-25-28647 was filed for approval of the preliminary and final plat of Sandhill Subdivision, Johnson County, Iowa, and the County Zoning Commission recommended the plat be approved. Board action: Approve the plat; direct the Board Chairperson to sign said plat and all associated documents requiring the Chairperson’s signature; and record the following documents: A. Resolution & Documents: Sensitive Areas Exhibit, City Council Approval – Solon, Owner’s Certificate, Certificate of Attorney, Certificate of County Auditor, Certificate of Treasurer, Subdivider Agreement, Covenant Concerning Fences, Grant of Easement for Highway Purposes, Common Access Easement, Consent of Mortgagee to Subdivision, Raze Agreement, Resolution Affirming the Stability of the Road System; B. Subdivision Plat (5). Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Sullivan, to approve Resolution No. 03-13-25-02, effective March 13, 2025. Approved unanimously. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve the Professional Services Agreement with Axiom Consultants, LLC, Iowa City, for phase two of the Building Envelope Stabilization Project for 511 S. Capitol Street, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and Jail, in the amount of $283,695.00. Approved unanimously.

Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the County Historic Poor Farm Land Use Agreements or Amendments with the following operator(s), effective March 1, 2025: 1. Simon, Adam, and Mary Bwayo, in the amount of $530; 2. Alfred Matiyabo/Africando Foods LLC, in the amount of $950; 3. IC Compassion, in the amount of $0; 4. Iowa Valley RC&D, dba Grow Johnson County, in the amount of $0; 5. Carly McAndrews, in the amount of $740; 6. Nasr Mohammed in the amount of $460; 7. Lee and Melinda Turnbull, in the amount of $460 Approved unanimously.

Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Iowa Department of Management, Des Moines, for enhanced cyber security services at no cost to Johnson County. Approved unanimously.

Adjourned at 5:51 p.m.

/s/Jon Green, Chair, Board of Supervisors /s/Attest: Julie Persons, Auditor

On the 20th day of March, 2025

Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Marly Melsh, Executive Clerk to the Board These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on March 20, 2025. Published in the Solon Economist March 27, 2025.

SECTION 00 1113

NOTICE OF PUBLIC LETTING

NOTICE OF BID LETTING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOLON CSD – TRACK RESURFACING PROJECT FOR THE SOLON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND THE TAKING OF BIDS FOR SUCH CONSTRUCTION.

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District of Solon, Iowa, will receive bids through QuestCDN.com via their electronic Online Bidding service until Wednesday, April 9 2025 at 1:00 p.m., for the Solon CSD Track Resurfacing Project, Solon, Iowa in and for said School District. Bids will be publicly opened and tabulated on said day and hour via Microsoft Teams teleconferences. The login information for the teleconference is: Join the meeting now Dial in by phone +1 612-474-1960,,602017770# Phone conference ID: 602 017 770# The Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District will award the bid at their meeting on the 17th day of April, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Solon District Central Office 301 South Iowa Street Solon, IA 52333 for their consideration and action.

Project Scope: Selective demolition, track patching, track resurfacing, scoreboard upgrade and other related Work indicated in the Drawings and Specifications.

A more detailed description of the kinds and approximate quantities of materials and types of construction for which bids will be received are set forth in the Bidding Documents prepared by ISG, of Des Moines, Iowa, which, together with the proposed form of contract, have heretofore been approved by the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School

District and are by this reference made part hereof as though fully set out and incorporated herein. Bids will only be accepted through QuestCDN.com via their electronic VirtuBid online service. This is no fee to submit bids online. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive informalities and to hold and consider bids for 45 days after the date of the bid opening. The contract will be awarded to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.

Each proposal shall be accompanied by a bid bond, certified check, cashier's check or certified share draft in a separate upload to QuestCDN, clearly marked “Bid Bond” or Bid Security”, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of the proposal. The certified or cashier's check shall be drawn on a bank in Iowa or a bank chartered under the laws of the United States of America or the certified share draft shall be drawn on a credit union in Iowa or chartered under the laws of the United States and payable to the Solon Community School District. Said check or share draft may be cashed, or the bid bond forfeited as liquidated damages in the event the successful bidder fails or refuses to enter into a contract within ten (10) days of issuance of a Notice of Award and post bond satisfactory to the School District insuring the faithful fulfillment of the contract and maintenance of said improvements as required by law. The bid bond should be executed by a corporation authorized to contract as a surety in the State of Iowa and must not contain any conditions either in the body or as an endorsement thereon.

The successful bidder will be required to furnish a corporate surety bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, said bond to be issued by a responsible surety approved by the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District of Solon, and shall guarantee the faithful performance of the contract and the terms and conditions therein contained, the payment for materials used in the project and the maintenance of said improvements in good repair for not less than one (1) year from the time of acceptance of said improvements by the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District.

Payment of the cost of said project will be made from such cash funds of the Solon Community School District as may be legally used for said purpose at the discretion of the Solon Community School District.

The Contractor will be paid ninety-five per cent (95%) of the Architect’s/Engineer's estimate of the value of acceptable work completed at the end of the preceding month. Final payment will be made not less than thirty-one (31) days after completion of the work and acceptance by the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District, subject to the conditions and in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 573 of the Code of Iowa. No such final payment will be due until the Architect/Engineer certifies to the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District that the materials, labor, and services involved in the final estimate have been paid for in accordance with the requirements stated in the specifications.

The Solon Community School District of Solon, Iowa is exempt from paying Sales and Use Tax and will supply Contractor with an “Iowa Sales Tax Exemption Certificate” and an authorization letter to allow the Contractor to buy equipment and material for the project without paying Sales and Use tax.

The work on this project shall commence on June 30, 2025, and shall be substantially completed on or before the 1st day of August 2025, subject to any changes in the contract period as provided for in these specifications, and granted by the Board. The Work on this project shall be finally completed by, and ready for final payment, on or before the 8th day of August, 2025, subject to any changes in the contract period as provided for in these specifications, and granted by the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District. By virtue of statutory authority, a preference will be given to products and provisions grown and coal produced within the State of Iowa.

In accordance with Iowa statutes, a resident bidder shall be allowed a preference as against a nonresident bidder from a state or foreign country if that state or foreign country gives or requires any preference to bidders from that state or foreign country, including but not limited to any preference to bidders, the imposition of any type of labor force preference, or any other form of preferential treatment to bidders or laborers from that state or foreign country. The preference allowed shall be equal to the preference given or required by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident. In the instance of a resident labor force preference, a nonresident bidder shall apply the same resident labor force preference to a public improvement in this state as would be required in the construction of a public improvement by the state or foreign country in which the nonresident bidder is a resident.

Failure to submit a fully completed Bidder Status Form with the bid may result in the bid being deemed nonresponsive and rejected.

Plans and specifications governing the construction of the proposed improvements have been prepared by the Architect/Engineer. These plans and specifications, and the proceedings of the Board of Directors of the Solon Community School District referring to and defining said improvements, are hereby made a part of this Notice and the proposed contract by reference, and the proposed contract shall be executed to comply therewith.

Copies of said plans and specifications and form of contract are now on file in the office of the Solon Community School District, for examination by bidders. Copies may also be obtained from ISG, 217 E 2nd Street, Suite 110, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, (telephone (515) 243-9143), upon deposit of one-hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) which shall be refunded if plans and specifications are returned to Architect/Engineer no later than fourteen (14) days following award of project. If the plans and specifications are not returned within the allotted time and in a reusable condition, the deposit shall be forfeited. Please call ahead to make sure that bid-

ding documents are ready to pick up when you arrive. Drawings, specifications, and other Bidding Documents may also be obtained online at www.questcdn.com and www. isginc.com. If you do not already have a free membership, you may sign up for one to gain access to the documents. The QuestCDN eBidDoc number is 9592805. There is no fee to access a pdf copy of the documents online. Any bidder or equipment supplier whose firm or affiliate is listed in the GSA publication “List of Parties Excluded from Federal

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Cycling and trails generate $1.4 billion for Iowa’s economy

Economic and health impacts of cycling and trails study released

Iowa Dept. of Health and Human Services

Iowa is home to more than 2,000 miles of trails and nearly 900,000 bicycle riders. Cycling and trails provide more than a fun, outdoor recreation experience, they are powerful economic and health initiatives for the state of Iowa. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition - a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting bicycling and advancing bike safety, education, accessibility, and building a community of supporters - recently conducted a statewide Economic and Health Impacts of Cycling & Trails Study to better understand the impact across Iowa.

Discover how cycling and trails play a vital role in tackling three of Iowa’s top health issues identified in the State Health Assessment (SHA): Active Living, Economic Stability and Income and Mental Health and Mental Disorders, and the ongoing work on Healthy Eating and Active Living in the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).

The Economic Impacts of Cycling and Trails

The study found that bicycling and trail use bring an impressive $1.4 billion to Iowa’s economy. Spending by recreational riders on gear, local bike shops, dining, lodging and infrastructure supports over 21,000 Iowa jobs and generates $690 million in wages. These factors illustrate just how fundamental cycling and trails are to Iowa’s future by keeping dollars in our communities and promoting tourism. Measuring symptoms is challenging due to their subjective nature. Many “symptoms may go unrecognized or

unreported if people don’t think they are important or related to an existing health condition” (source). Subtle symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, weight gain and depression can be early indicators of acute events or the need for hospitalization. Additionally, symptoms can appear even when there are no changes in the progression of the disease, and the disease itself may advance without any symptoms. This underscores the importance of prioritizing comprehensive, personcentered care to effectively address health conditions.

Impacts on Physical Health

The benefits of cycling and trail use are not limited to their economic contributions. Studies have found that bicycling and trail use resulted in better health outcomes for Iowans. While it is no surprise that physical activity like cycling reduces the risk of chronic disease, the study results help to quantify the economic value of preventable chronic health conditions.

Diabetes: Active cyclists are 25% less likely to have diabetes. Cycling prevents about 2,000 cases of diabetes in the state and prevents around $25 million spent on diabetes treatment.

Breast Cancer: Active cycling decreases the likelihood of breast cancer by 28% compared to the rest of the population. This translates to 160 fewer cases and $21 million in avoided medical treatment costs.

Colorectal Cancer: Iowa cyclists are 77% less likely to have colorectal cancer, representing 100 fewer cases statewide and $16 million in avoided medical costs.

Obesity: Active cyclists experience lower rates of obesity compared to the rest of the population, preventing $25 million in medical expenses as a result. Currently, the healthcare spending, loss of life, absenteeism, and disability associated with obesity costs Iowa state residents $4.5 billion annually.

High Blood Pressure: Cyclists

Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist

Solon Beef Days Herky stands guard over a group of bikes during the Big Rove bike ride last July. Cyclists departed from Big Grove in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and met at Big Grove in Solon during one of several bike rides passing through the community. The Iowa Dept. of Health and Human Services says cycling and trails generate $1.4 billion for the state’s economy.

experience high blood pressure at lower rates. If this were not the case, there would be an increase of approximately 1,200 individuals with high blood pressure

Stroke: Active cyclists are 12% less likely to experience a stroke and avoid $35 million in related medical expenses.

Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 473,000 adults in Iowa have a mental health condition. Multiple studies have shown that physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health. Cycling and trail use is a great way to bring more movement into one’s life and spend time outdoors. The Economic and Health Impacts of Cycling and Trails study found that compared to their noncycling counterparts, cyclists are 49% less likely to have experienced over 15 poor mental health days in a 30-day survey period, with 5,400 fewer Iowans experiencing poor mental health annually.

What's Next?

Cycling and trail use bring a wellrounded array of benefits to the state of Iowa, improving the economy, workforce, attracting and keeping talent, helping rural areas grow and improving quality of life. Iowa Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, Luke Hoffman, views the impactful results of this study as an opportunity to advocate for policies that support safe cycling and increased trail project funding. Hoffman stated, “Our investments in bicycling infrastructure not only enhance economic and health outcomes but also position Iowa as a leader in outdoor recreation and bike tourism. Prioritizing safety and expanding infrastructure can further boost quality of life and economic and health benefits for the entire state.” Additional policies that promote safe cycling and trail improvement funding will increase the number of users, further increasing the economic and health benefits revealed in the study. While Iowa ranks #5 in the country for spending on biking, the state ranks in the bottom ten of states for cycling safety and laws according to The League of American Bicyclists’ 2024 rankings. A hands-free law that prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving has been identified as a key piece of legislation to reduce distracted driving. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition and nearly 30 partner organizations have

joined together in an End Distracted Driving Coalition, campaigning for the passage of a hands-free law this year.

What Can You Do to Support Cycling and Trails in Iowa?

• Learn more about the results of the Economic and Health Impacts of Cycling & Trails Study and share it with others (available at https:// iowabicyclecoalition.org).

• Learn more about physical activity efforts across the state via the SHIP ( and Partners in Action

• Promote cycling in your community by participating in Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day on May 7 (https:// walkbiketoschool.org).

Iowa’s labor force participation climbs to 67.0 percent

Jesse Dougherty Iowa Workforce Development

DES MOINES — Iowa’s Labor Force Participation Rate rose to 67.0 percent in January, up from the 66.4 percent first announced for December, after growth and an annual revision of labor statistics added 31,000 people to the official estimate of Iowa’s workforce.

Even after the revision, January’s Labor Force Participation increased slightly from the revised December rate of 66.9 percent. Meanwhile, Iowa’s unemployment rate in January held steady with the revised December rate of 3.3 percent, while the U.S. unemployment rate decreased to 4.0 percent.

The total number of unemployed Iowans increased to 56,500, up 200 from revised December data. Meanwhile, the number of working Iowans rose by 2,700 to 1,664,100. The largest increases in the labor force came among women aged 45-54 and women 20-24.

“January’s report showed a large number of people entering Iowa’s labor force and immediately finding work,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Despite recent layoffs in some industries, Iowa grew jobs in January, for the third month in a row, and absorbed more than 2,000 people who came back to the workforce in search of a new career. Growing labor force participation is a welcome improvement to see early in 2025; with more than 50,000 open jobs, we know employers need even more Iowans to return to the workforce.”

The last five years of monthly labor force data (2020-2024) recently were revised as required by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. This

“benchmarking” is the periodic process of re-estimating statistics as more complete data becomes available, such as updated data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Prior-year estimates for the Current Employment Statistics (CES) and Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) programs – key statistical measures of employment –are benchmarked annually. Revised data are incorporated in January employment statistics when they are released each March.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment

Iowa establishments added 1,400 jobs in January, raising total nonfarm employment to 1,594,200. This increase is the third consecutive for the state, with gains stemming from private education (+100) and health care (+600) industries. Government (a sector that includes federal, state, and local political subdivisions, as well as schools, universities, and public hospitals) grew largely because state universities retained more jobs than seasonally expected. Meanwhile, private industries shed 1,500 jobs between December and January and are now down 2,500 jobs annually.

Health care and social assistance added 600 jobs to lead all other sectors. This sector has gained jobs in four consecutive months and continues to trend up, at all-time highs for employment within this sector. Other gains were small and included leisure and hospitality and other services. Conversely, construction shed the most jobs in January (-800). This decline erases a gain of similar magnitude in December. Professional and business services are also down relative to December (-600). Half of those jobs shed were related to the management of companies and enterprises.

Manufacturing lost 300 jobs in January. Most of these losses were within durable goods factories.

Total nonfarm employment is up 4,200 jobs over the last 12 months.

Private service industries have gained 7,400 jobs thanks to hiring in education and health care (+4,700) and trade and

transportation (+3,100). Annual losses were led by manufacturing (-7,100). Most of these losses were within durable goods production (-4,800). Construction is down 2,700 jobs since last year, and professional and business services has shed 2,300 jobs.

Visit www.iowalmi.gov for more

information about current and historical data, labor force data, nonfarm employment, hours and earnings, and jobless benefits by county.