One of the first groups to tackle the 2023 Spartan Dash leaves the starting line in front of the Timber Dome at the SRNA. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lakeview Elementary and Solon Intermediate School PTOs and will be held Saturday, April 26.
Spartan Dash 2025 is next Saturday, April 26
Annual event benefits Lakeview and SIS PTOs
Nicole Rodriguez and the Spartan Dash Team Special to the Solon Economist
SOLON — The annual Spartan Dash is a family-friendly 1 mile fun run with an obstacle course and serves as the largest fundraiser for the Lakeview Elementary and Solon Intermediate School PTO's. Families compete as a team from start to finish and it's enjoyable for all ages. The course is untimed and participants are encouraged to walk, run, skip, or leap through the obstacles. Teams stick together and everyone wins!
The goal of the PTO is to provide support and services to the faculty of Lakeview and Solon Intermediate Schools.
Spartan Dash was created in 2012 and was designed to encourage families to be actively engaged and entertained while raising funds for the schools. It’s an annual event with a goal of raising over $20,000 each year. All of the proceeds go directly back into the classroom to fund things like; field trips, playground equipment, educational materials and much more. The top three classrooms with the most participants in each building (Lakeview and SIS) will win a prize for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
2025 Obstacles Include:
Get Low & Go • Walk the Plank • Big Mouth Beast Mode • Spartan Ninja Warrior • The Gladiator Human Hamster Wheel • Spartan Decontamination Spartan Wall • Car Wash PLUS a NEW obstacle this year
‘I fell in love with it immediately’
SOLON — The Solon Public Library recently welcomed Mykle Clark as the new Adult Services Librarian -- taking over for Alexis Kruth, who served in the position for the previous five years.
Clark worked at the Iowa City Public Library from 2019 until taking the Solon job.
“I fell in love with it immediately,” Clark said of library work. “Just helping people do activities on the computer, printing, answering basic questions and book recommendations, I could really see myself doing this.”
Clark was an hourly librarian in Iowa City but was limited to working just one weekend a month. He found the open job in Solon and immediately took interest.
Living in Iowa City, Clark didn’t want the trouble of having a long commute to work and wanted to keep the trip under 30 minutes. This made the fit at Solon even better. It kept the trip relatively short while allowing Clark to enjoy his favorite disc golf course, Sugar Bottom Park, on the way home from work.
Library hosts programs for adults
Clark’s job is to organize ideas for the programs provided for the adults of Solon, some of which might include book clubs, do-it-yourself activity nights, and cooking classes. Most of these programs are already established, but it's Clark’s job to come up with agendas and projects before the next organized meeting.
“So if it’s Do-it-Yourself Night, that’s already set, but I have to find the thing it’s going to be,”
Clark said. “I’ve got to make sure it’s reasonable within the hour we scheduled and I have to create the thing myself to make sure I can do it and help people do it.”
This planning process forces Clark to look months ahead of the calendar year to make sure each group has an activity and a meeting area set up.
Because of the small staff, employees are responsible for a multitude of responsibilities in addition to their intended title. While programming is Clark’s main focus, desk work, cleaning, shelving, and helping other guests are just some of the other jobs he will do, depending on the day.
“We all take part in all the different activities,” Library Director Liz King said. “As you can see, I am the director, but I am on circulation desk number two every day.”
The Solon Public Library takes pride in being a welcoming place for all members of their growing city,
A new chapter: Jordan Creek Church expands to serve a growing community
Church plans to work with Johnson
County for proposed building site
Jackson Miles For the Solon Economist
SOLON—Jordan Creek Church, which started as a small gathering in a living room just a few years ago, now is poised to become what church leaders hope is a cornerstone of the Solon community.
Rodney Hedge, the staff pastor of Jordan Creek Church, said the church’s primary mission is simple yet
staff said. Providing much more than books, this institution is the bloodline of the community and is a place where people can gather to learn, educate, and grow closer.
Thus far into his tenure, Clark has enjoyed being a part of the Solon. He says that the community he’s now a part of is amazing to him.
The rest of his co-workers have been very helpful in his emergence into the library. Welcoming him with open arms, Clark has felt no sort of rough transition in the first handful of months on the job.
“It feels like I have known them[the staff] for years,” Clark said. “It’s been a very good fit I think, and they at least tell me the same.
Staff involved in hiring process
One of the reasons for the smooth fit is because of the unique hiring process King uses when trying to find a replacement for a staff member.
After making a detailed job description of the many tasks and responsibilities assigned with the new position, King makes sure the rest of her staff is fully involved with interviews and reviews of potential candidates.
“We all need to work well as a cohesive unit and support each other,” King said. “In addition to the qualifications on paper, we also want to make sure it’s going to be a good fit for our community and our team.”
powerful: to serve and engage the community around them.
"We want to make an impact on this community," Hedge said. "Whether it's through a Sunday service or a youth group activity, we're always looking for new ways to serve and be a light to others."
This mission has driven the rapid growth of the nondenominational Christian church.
In 2017, there were about 25 members, and as of 2024 there is now an average of about 220 people who regularly attend services. Now, church leaders are planning a new building that will offer expanded spaces for worship, youth groups and community events. They want to build a 16,000-19,000 square foot building costing between $6.5 million and $7.5 million along Highway 382 west of Solon.
The new building project has raised some concerns
Jake Olson For the Solon Economist
Mykle Clark joins Solon Public Library as the new Adult Services Librarian
Clark
Hedge
King said the Solon staff were blown away by Clark’s background experience, previous library work, and overall persona.
CLARK from 1 CHURCH from 1
“Truly in his interview, you really could get
regarding its logistics since it is going to be built on land outside of Solon, which the city would have to annex. With this also comes the question of amenities, roads, water and sewage. City administrator Cami Rassmussen said during a recent meeting that normally a proposal like this would be a no, but the church was going to “bypass the city’s process and work with the county to create a parcel.”
From the start, Jordan Creek has made its home wherever the community needed it. Meeting initially in one of the founding members houses, the church quickly recognized they couldn’t keep meeting there and moved into a high school classroom. As the congregation continued to grow, they rented out the lobby of a local performing arts center before finally finding a home at the Solon Community Center. But with the city’s plans to demolish the Community Center, the church needs to find a new home.
"It's been a blessing not having a dedicated building," Hedge said. "It's allowed us to focus on what's really important— outreach, service, and community connection."
Jordan Creek plans to expand in a thoughtful, intentional way. The first phase of construction will include classrooms, a worship area, and a nursery—structures designed to foster the church’s mission. However, Hedge said the church will grow at a sustainable pace, only building what is necessary at the time and expanding as the community does.
Church leaders recognize the strain that building on the edge of
that feeling of ‘I want to help people,’” King said.
“I feel like that is something that you can’t fake. You really can see if that’s genuine or not.”
Clark sees the library as an available space for all residents to educate themselves and socialize with the rest of the community.
“It is necessary, we need it,” Clark said. “Espe-
town causes and hope to be able to work with the city to meet demands for both sides. With limited space for bigger venues this would give Jordan Creek the ultimate ability to carry out their missions for events like their youth group FUSE.
"I feel like our group is super tight-knit, and it carries outside of FUSE as well," said Xander Bishop, 15, a sophomore at Solon High School, who has been attending the church since he was in sixth grade. FUSE has shaped his friendships and faith. "It feels like a family when we’re here."
Xander said he and his friends spend time together at school, FUSE, and at least three more times a week outside of school as well. This connection, he believes, strengthens their relationship with one another and with God, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
"All my friends are here, and they've become my closest friends through church and through FUSE," Xander said. "I feel like that just keeps me coming back, because I know there's a good community."
The church’s influence extends beyond its weekly services, drawing in community members who engage with its events, programs, and other opportunities. This welcoming environment has attracted members like Tim Thomsen, who has attended JCC for three years and volunteers for FUSE, supporting the youth boys.
“The people we see at church, the people we see at athletic competitions and other town activities—it’s neat to be able to integrate your everyday
neighborly life with your faith life, and it’s just a neat opportunity, just neighbors doing life together,” Thomsen said.
Thomsen and Chase Moser, another member who also volunteers for FUSE, lead the roughly 150 kids who gather each week, fostering a space where faith and friendship intersect. They strive to create an environment where young people not only learn about their beliefs but also put them into practice in their daily lives.
“As followers of Jesus, we talk about a lot of things, about how to love our neighbors well, or about how to be a good disciple,” Moser said. “That's all great when you're reading it, but then you have to apply it, because the people that you're going to church with are also the people that you're living your life with.”
Looking toward the future, the people of the church are enthusiastic about the potential for their new building to make an even greater impact.
“The best church building is the one that's relevant seven days a week," Thomsen said. "A building that can be used for frank church activities but also would be open as an asset to the community for meetings, gatherings, family reunions, and that kind of stuff, because there really isn't an abundance of that kind of space in Solon."
The church’s growth and expansion are a direct result of its unwavering commitment to the people it serves. And as Jordan Creek Church continues to grow and evolve, that sense of community will remain the heart of its mission—building a space for the community, not just physically but also emo -
Lyons in the running for CCA Supt. position
Solon’s Associate Supt. and former HS Principal Wear among three contenders Solon Economist
cially since division is just increasing. I think a way to combat that is to not think of ‘us versus them,’ but to think that we are all here together. We have different opinions, but we have to live together.”
Thank you to our amazing community for their support!
tionally and spiritually. "We're not just building a church; we’re building a family—a place where people can find hope, con-
nection, and purpose,” said Hedge. "The building may be what we're building, but it's the people that make it a church."
Sheriff’s time report for Solon
SOLON — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) provides law enforcement to the city of Solon on a contracted basis and releases a monthly Town Time Report documenting the agency’s activities and time spent within the corporate limits of Solon.
March
Deputies conducted 49 traffic stops (344 total since July 1), responded to four 9-1-1 hangups, 24 emergency medical incidents (the most since July 1), and six fire responses among 167 total calls for service for the month; a dozen more than for February. Also, deputies responded to one motor vehicle accident, conducted six business checks, and responded to one civil disturbance.
Five animal complaints were investigated along with one missing person. JCSO deputies also conducted 13 school visits/patrols, one special assignment, made contact with five suspicious persons or vehicles, and conducted one welfare check.
As a reminder the Sheriff’s substation is located at 223 S. Iowa St. in Solon. The facility is not staffed 24/7 but if a deputy is needed (non-emergency) call 319-356-6800 to make a request to have one meet you. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
March
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.
OXFORD — The Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Community School District’s Board of Education has announced three finalists in their search for the district’s next superintendent, with two, Dr. Josh Lyons and Nathan Wear, having a direct connection to Solon.
Dr. Lyons is currently the associate superintendent of the Solon Community School District. He previously served as a regional administrator for the Grant Wood Area Education Agency and has experience as both an intermediate and elementary school principal. His career in education began as an elementary teacher in Dunkerton, Iowa.
Wear is currently an associate superintendent and chief academic officer for the Linn-Mar Community School District in Marion. Previously he was the principal of Solon High School.
CCA’s board and stakeholder interview teams conducted formal interviews with each finalist Tuesday, April 15, with a final decision expected to be made soon after. CCA’s new superintendent will start July 1.
Saturday, April 19, 1:30 p.m.
Jackson Miles | For the Solon Economist Tim Thomsen (orange) speaks with members of the FUSE youth group, which is part of the Jordan Creek Church, March 26, 2025, in Solon.
Virginia Mae Wilson, 100, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Hiawatha Care Center. Private family services will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Solon. Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre are assisting the family at this time.
Virginia was born on May 27, 1924, in Solon, the daughter of Fred and Marguerite Beranek. Virginia graduated from Solon High School in 1941. She married James Kessler Wilson on December 22, 1945, at the Solon United Methodist Church. Virginia started her business career at The Hamilton Company in Cedar Rapids and later went to Vigortone Ag Products where she worked for over 30 years as Board Secretary to the President of the Company.
Virginia is survived by her children Melissa (Tim) Jones and David (Victoria) Wilson; grandchildren Kohl, Dane, Garet, Trey, Emily, Shaylyn and Adrien; great-grandchild Otis James. She was proceeded in death by her parents Fred & Marguerite Beranek; husband Jim Wilson; son James Mark Wilson; brother David Beranek.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com
Thanks to everyone who contacted legislators and shared their opinions, the two bills in Iowa Legislation (HF880 and HF521) that would have negatively impacted library services, did not pass the second funnel.
Libraries across the country still need your support as we monitor the situation with the Executive Order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and future federal funding for library services. In Iowa, this funding provides interlibrary loan services, Bridges (Libby app), and website hosting, to name a few of the programs that rely on federal funding.
Additional information can be found on our website, www. solon.lib.ia.us, by clicking on the “Advocacy & Legislation Updates” button.
Library Events
The benefits of chair yoga continue to amaze us all! Patrons have remarked about increased range of motion, improvements to quality of life, and enjoyed the social interaction. You can join us to see what the fuss is all about! Mondays at 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. Please note the class size is capped at 25 to allow adequate space and optimal instruction.
It’s time to get your Solon Area Garage Sale registered with the Friends of the Library. The annual sale is hosted by the Friends Friday, June 6, and Saturday, June 7. You can find the registration details and form on our website, www.solon. lib.ia.us, and click on the “Solon Area Garage Sale” button.
Teens in 6th-12th grades are invited to join the fun of the 2025 Teen Reading Challenge in three easy steps. Read a book, fill out the Google form, and claim a prize! Each participant is entered to win an Amazon Fire Tablet for each form completed. Pick up a bookmark to keep track and complete the challenge by the end of the year.
Looking ahead to May! Save the date and join us at the Library for some of these exciting programs. We’re celebrating Star Wars Day Saturday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m. we’ll watch Return of the Jedi [PG] and make Star Wars themed crafts. Star Wars Day is for all-ages to enjoy, no registration required.
Library Access
Did You Know?
Did you know the Solon Public Library offers a streaming service? Using your Solon Public Library card, you can access over 30,000 films with Kanopy. The diverse collection offers timely films, documentaries, and kids content. With easy to use apps available on your favorite device(s), including smart TV’s, you can enjoy this amazing collection anytime!
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 weather may impact our ability to be safely open. We are open Friday, April 25, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to allow time for our monthly staff in-service. Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.
Solon Public Library receives national grant for small and rural libraries
$10,000 grant will help the Library work with residents with disabilities on library accessibility
American Library Association
SOLON — Solon Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in round three of Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that provides community engagement and accessibility resources to small and rural libraries to help them better serve people
with disabilities.
The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library increase accessibility to the Library, programs, and services for all members of our community.
“We are so proud to be chosen again for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Liz King. “This third round of funding will provide our library with an additional grant to help us continue what we started in the first round.”
As part of the grant, Solon Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a com -
munity conversation Wednesday, May 21, at 9:00 a.m., with residents about library accessibility and use the grant funds to provide inclusive and accessible programs and services for all of our patrons.
If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact Liz King by calling 319-624-2678 or emailing to lking@solon. lib.ia.us. Once the community conversations have been scheduled, additional information can be found on the Solon Public Library website www.solon.lib.ia.us.
Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence
activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.
“Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL).”
Virginia Wilson
Sandy Hanson | Special to the Solon Economist The Solon Public Library was delighted to host Doris Montag, curator of the History of Ordinary Things, and her magnificent collection of cans and openers Thursday, April 3rd. If you missed the storytelling you can still take a look at the history in the Library display case through the end of April.
OPINIONS
How Ogden Nash won my heart First 100 days
Food for Thought
Milli Gilbaugh
I'd long been familiar with the clever wit of Ogden Nash's limericks and other humorous poems, but it hadn't occurred to me that he might have written more serious verses. Throughout most of my high school days, I had believed that “real” poetry was serious meaning-of-life stuff. (What could I possibly have known about life back when I was seventeen!) I thought that poems had to rhyme and have perfect, rigorous rhythm, all the while reflecting beautiful visions, lofty values and noble sentiments. I wrote a lot of boring, stilted, unrealistic hogwash.
I would later discover Nash's poems, bursting with fun as he remodeled and combined words, created new ones for the sake of meter, rhyme, truth and giggles. Sometime in the early 1970's, with no more tempting choices offered by my monthly book club, I ordered his book “I Wouldn't Have Missed It” and learned a lot about poetry and the joy to be found in writing it. Ogden Nash gave me permission and incentive to enjoy writing light verse without apology or guilt.
Nash's poems appeared in newspapers and magazines for years, including Harper's, Life, Vogue the New Yorker and The New York Times. People remembered and quoted his quips, often without remembering his name but always appreciating his aptness and wit. And some of us began to appreciate the truths and values expressed in the less gleeful things he penned. Who couldn't appreciate the tenderness and patience that went into a verse about his two young daughters fraught with winter head colds and childhood ailments in the poem that describes the seemingly endless burden of having “one girl in school and one girl in bed.” And what wife wouldn't melt with love if her husband wrote a poem for her birthday enumerating the joys described in “Always Marry An April Girl.” (Being an April girl, I tend to claim a right to imagine myself in that admirable and lovingly described category.)
Nash began publishing his poems in 1930, a time when it was important to be able to laugh at oneself. Seeing the humorous side of hard times was a great help in weathering the Great Depression. People were reassured by knowing that almost everyone was being forced to grit their teeth, tighten their belts and paddle the same rickety, sinking boat that they were in. Somehow, turning the miseries into silly, rhyming ditties magically made it all more bearable.
In junior high school, I had a minor role in one of Gilbert & Sullivan's comic operas. It was either “Pirates of Penzance” or “HMS Pinafore” - time and similarities have blurred them in my memory. I do, however, remember being enchanted by the clever lyrics and unexpected rhymes in the song lyrics. Such outrageous combinations as 'man's affection' and 'bad complexion' or 'felonious little crimes' and 'merry village chimes' left me gasping with surprise and amusement. It's not surprising that I found a certain delight in coming across similar outrageous rhymes in Nash's works all those years later. I'm still seduced by a little piece about the role and usefulness of husbands who '...tell you when you have on too much lipstick and help you with your girdle when your hips stick'! I haven't yet been bold enough to be quite so absurd, but I did manage these lines about the freedoms that I enjoy in poetry since Ogden Nash liberated me; IT'S GREAT BEING A POET
We have permission to ignore those rigid punctuation rules and strictures that we heard before when we were kids in grammar schools. We needn't ponder case and tense, for all things written by a poet needn't always make good sense, it isn't critical to know it. The organized approach is out. Forget outlines and annotations. Mainly, rhyme and meter count and footnotes are abominations. Spelling skills aren't worth a lot. Abbreviations and contractions work if they express the thought and get us the desired reactions. Ignore that English 101, to be grammatical is a trap. To play around with words is fun. To be a poet is a snap!
Just for fun, give it a try, with my blessing and, possibly W.S. Gilbert's and Ogden Nash's too.
With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
Q: What was on the front burner during the first 100 days of the 119th Congress?
A: Congress hit the ground running on January 3, when it opened for business. After committee assignments were adopted, I resumed the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee and leadership position as Senate President pro tempore. The to-do list on the Senate agenda was shaped by the mandate of the November presidential election. Americans voted for border security, safer streets, lower cost of living and a stronger economy. Processing the nominees to serve on the president’s cabinet was among the top priorities of the first 100 days in Congress. The Senate has the constitutional authority of “advise and consent” in our system of checks and balances. Nominees for the federal judiciary and senior-level positions throughout the executive branch undergo a rigorous background check and vetting process to examine their credentials and qualifications to uphold the public trust. I chaired confirmation hearings for Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, as well as other top leaders for the Department of Justice. During the previous administration, I exposed the weaponization of our government that created a two-tiered system of justice. I’m committed to help restore public trust in our institutions of government and that includes robust oversight to hold government and wrongdoers accountable.
The pace by which the Senate processed cabinet nominations underscores the commitment to get the election mandate in motion. In 18 days, the Senate confirmed 13 cabinet officials, reflecting support to get the president’s team in place to implement his agenda. At the top of the list was border security. Since day one of the 47th president’s second term in office, the Trump administration has kept its promise to enforce our nation’s immigration laws and restore U.S. sovereignty at our borders. Compared to the Biden administration, nationwide border encounters dropped drastically. As the president said at his joint address to Congress in March, “all we really needed was a new president.” What’s more, the first piece of legislation Congress sent to the president’s desk was the Laken Riley Act, a bipartisan bill that included Sarah’s Law, named after an Iowan killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk. I’m also pleased the Senate approved my bipartisan bill called the HALT Fentanyl Act that would permanently schedule deadly fentanyl-related substances created by the cartels to skirt U.S. law. This
THE DRISCOLL DISPATCH
State Senator Dawn Driscoll
Last week (March 31-April 4) marked the second major deadline of the legislative session. This meant that all bills the Senate received from the House of Representatives needed to pass through committee in order to stay “alive.” While our “second funnel” brought about plenty of subcommittee and committee meetings, it also has brought many emails to my inbox about issues the Senate may consider in the upcoming weeks. In this week’s newsletter, I want to focus on several key bills that many of you in District 46 have reached out about.
HF 969: Cancer Presumptions for Firefighters
I received many emails this week regarding House File 969. This bill expands cancer coverage for Iowa’s public safety workers. This means that if a public safety worker gets any type of cancer, it’s assumed to be from their job, making it easier to get disability benefits. HF 969 came to the Senate floor on Wednesday for a vote and it passed the chamber with bipartisan support. I am incredibly grateful for everything our law enforcement officers do to keep our communities safe, and I know the nature of their jobs ask them to put themselves—and their health— at risk. These men and women embrace these risks for our communities’ sake, and as a result, I believe they should be protected the same way they protect us.
HF 924: Handgun Possession Age
Many of you have also reached out to express support for House File 924, which lowers the minimum age to carry a handgun in Iowa from 21 to 18. This bill also
bill would give law enforcement the tools it needs to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets. Republicans have swiftly delivered on our promise to restore law and order and make America’s streets safer.
Q: What else does Congress have to show for its work in the first 100 days?
A: For starters, I’m glad the Senate has resumed a fiveday work schedule, after a long hiatus in recent years, and continued in legislative session for ten consecutive weeks starting in January. That’s what Iowans expect elected representatives to be doing. That’s how the schedule operated when I first came to the Senate. Many times, I urged then-Senate Majority Leader Schumer to keep the Senate in session five days a week, instead of the sleepy schedule he led during the Biden administration. That light work schedule was a disservice to the American people and contributed to year-end, massive spending packages. Congress must return to regular order and legislate 12 annual appropriations bills in their respective committees. This allows members of Congress to more closely scrutinize every line of spending and offer amendments. Americans deserve better than crisis-to-crisis legislating. As a taxpayer watchdog, I’ve continued to lead efforts to root out Pentagon mismanagement and wasteful spending across the federal government, such as tackling improper Supplemental Security Income payments, continuing my oversight of the EPA, and demanding answers about alleged fraudulent Medicare billing practices. I also published a committee report of my investigative findings shining light on the full scope of the ObamaBiden State Department’s pervasive obstruction of FBI law enforcement efforts before, during and after the Iran Nuclear Deal negotiations.
In addition, the Senate Judiciary Committee has convened 15 hearings in the first 100 days. Among the policies we’ve examined include the Freedom of Information Act; children’s safety in the digital era; legislative solutions to fix universal injunctions; and, the rise in antisemitism in America. I also steered six bipartisan bills through the committee to rein in anticompetitive practices in the pharmaceutical industry to help lower drug prices. When the Senate’s not in session, I return home to Iowa every chance I get to keep in touch with my constituents. In March, I kicked off my 45th annual 99 county meetings, holding a dozen question-and-answer sessions with Iowans. Looking ahead, Congress has a full plate of unfinished business to digest in the coming months, including passing a five-year farm bill, extending rural hospital support programs and telehealth, preventing the largest tax hike in U.S. history and funding the government through a timely and transparent process.
passed the Senate this week. I was a vehement “yes” when the Senate voted on this bill on Monday, and my rationale for why I voted this way echoes the words that many of you shared with me over the past few weeks: if 18-year-olds are old enough to die for their country, they are most certainly old enough to carry a handgun. This bill brings Iowa law into alignment with the trust we already place in young adults—to vote, to serve, and to defend our nation.
Property Tax
A few weeks ago, Senate Republicans introduced a major property tax reform plan aimed at providing longterm relief, increasing transparency, and improving accountability for both taxpayers and local governments. We have received lots of feedback from Iowans regarding this piece of legislation, and we have updated that plan to incorporate what Iowans want and need. This update comes in the form of Senate Study Bill 1227. Several changes in SSB 1227 include: raising the homestead exemption to $50,000 to offer more relief for homeowners, eliminating the rollback for most property classes immediately (except agriculture), adding a CPI adjustment to help local governments manage inflation, and providing extra support for small communities with slow or no growth. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee this year, I have had the opportunity to work closely with this legislation, and this is a bill I’m very passionate about. Notably, several of you have reached out to me with agriculture-specific concerns, and I want to say that, based on the work I have done, I believe that agriculture is getting the most benefits from this reform: the bill leaves the original agriculture land tax formula in place, and the productivity land value is still applied. I will always advocate for the best interests of our farmers
and the agriculture industry, and I believe this bill has those interests in mind.
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) Reform
I have also received a handful of messages related to
pharmacy benefit manager reform. Several of you have noted that PBMs pose a significant risk to local pharmacies, especially those that serve our rural communities, as PBMs play a role in local pharmacy closures and high drug prices. While PBM reform legislation has yet to come to the Senate floor, I want to make clear that I will always support our
Kirkwood and IowaWORKS announce partnership to improve workforce services in Cedar Rapids
College purchased new building to expand continuing education and workforce services
Justin Hoehn
Kirkwood Community College
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College and IowaWORKS has announced a new partnership that will improve the availability and coordination of workforce programs in the Cedar Rapids area.
Effective August 1, 2025, a new location near Kirkwood’s campus will house both the community college’s workforce development programs and the IowaWORKS Cedar Rapids office, serving as the American Job Center (AJC) for the surrounding area. The move will strengthen collaboration across teams that collectively serve employers, deliver professional education and support both current workers and future job seekers.
The existing IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall (4444 1st Ave NE #436, Cedar Rapids) will cease operations on July 31, 2025. At that time, all services will move to the new Kirkwood location.
Kirkwood’s acquisition of the former Ruffalo Noel Levitz building at 1025 Kirkwood Parkway SW in Cedar Rapids marks a major step in the college’s long-term strategy to streamline services, enhance community partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of Iowa’s workforce.
The newly acquired facility will serve as the central hub for Kirkwood’s Adult Basic Education, Continuing Education and workforce development programs. A key feature of this expansion is the collocation with IowaWORKS, part of the statewide AJC network. This alignment brings career counseling, job search assistance, employer connections and training programs into one location—creating a one-stop destination for education and employment services for students and adults
“This purchase is about more than a building,” said Kirkwood President Dr. Kristie Fisher “It’s about expanding opportunities, simplifying access and working together to prepare students for successful futures. This is a chance to make an even greater impact than we do already, and I'm very excited about the possibilities.”
Kirkwood honored with the 2024 Tree Campus USA Award
Justin Hoehn Kirkwood Community College
CEDAR RAPIDS — Kirkwood Community College was given the 2024 Tree Campus USA Award at the Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Ankeny on April 3. The college is one of only 10 Tree Campus USA award winners in the state.
This is the 14th consecutive year that Kirkwood has received the honor, which is presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. To receive the award, a campus must, at a minimum, have a campus Tree Advisory Committee, a tree care plan, a tree program with dedicated annual expenditures, an annual Arbor Day observance, and a service-learning project to engage the student body.
Kirkwood Grounds Director Brett Eilers says the college takes pride in its work with trees on campus and it’s an honor to receive the award once again.
“The Kirkwood Grounds Department is very proud to receive the Tree Campus Higher Education award again in 2024,” said Eilers. “It takes hard work and dedication from everyone involved to achieve this goal every year. I’m personally grateful to work at
Last year, Kirkwood’s Continuing Education division served nearly 30,000 learners–ranging from school-aged children in KICK programs to adults pursuing leisure learning, workforce certifications, and advanced credentials. The division also partners with local employers to deliver custom training and supports state-mandated programs and registered apprenticeships. In addition, it works closely with Kirkwood’s credit programs to build clear, flexible pathways for students looking to start or continue their academic and career journeys. From Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, AJC team members in Cedar Rapids provided services to over 33,120 customers.
This partnership also offers a unique opportunity to bring together all four core programs funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the first time. This includes:
• Title I: Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth services
• Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy, including High School Completion and English as a Second Language
• Title III: Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
• Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation
Currently, Titles I, III, and IV operate out of the IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall. Moving these programs into a shared space with Title II offerings and Kirkwood’s education services represents a major step toward seamless service delivery and program alignment.
“This innovative approach to consolidating educational and workforce services in one location is a testament to the local area’s commitment to accessibility and efficiency,” said East Central Iowa Workforce Development Board Executive Director Tim Carson. “With user experience and performance outcomes at the forefront of this endeavor, the East Central Iowa Workforce Development Board applauds this model of excellence and is fully supportive of this community partnership.”
“At Iowa Workforce Development, we are always looking at how we can improve access to workforce services and create stronger partnerships to create better employment outcomes for Iowans,” said
an institution that believes in dedicating time and resources to reach the Tree Campus USA designation.”
To State Forester Jeff Goerndt, Kirkwood is setting a great example for other institutions to follow.
“The Tree Campus USA Higher Education award is a symbol for universities and colleges who continually strive to educate and engage their students and surrounding community about the benefits of trees and exhibit excellence in their tree management,” said Goerndt. “Kirkwood has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa colleges and universities, by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations."
Kirkwood’s dedication to planting and caring for trees on campus is just one part of the institution’s sustainability efforts on campus. The college recently completed a multi-year climate action plan which set a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. To achieve this goal, the plan includes recommendations for using other renewable energy options, along with the numerous strategies already in place at the college.
For more information about the institution’s climate action plan, as well as its current sustainable initiatives, go to www.kirkwood.edu/sustainability.
With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood Community College boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students, while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life. Kirkwood is a convenient, innovative and visionary educational leader that strives to remain affordable and accessible.
rural communities.
Our legislative session will be drawing to a close soon, which means the next few weeks in Des Moines will be especially busy. If you have any questions regarding certain pieces of legislation, please reach out! As always, I am so honored to serve District 46.
Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development Beth Townsend. “I am excited about this collaboration with Kirkwood Community College, who has been a long-time workforce partner with us, to create a true one-stop location from which students, adults, and employers can benefit.”
This new center positions Cedar Rapids as a model for regional collaboration and innovation in workforce development–enhancing access, improving outcomes and building stronger connections between education and employment. More information on the office’s hours, services and contact information will be released in the weeks ahead.
GIRLS' SOCCER
Solon comes away with draw in 1A vs 3A thriller
Jonah Frey
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Eight goals combined, the lead swaying back and forth, and suspense until the last minute. Last Thursday night at the Solon High School Spartan Stadium had it all. In a pivotal, early-season, women’s varsity soccer clash, the class 1A Solon Lady Spartans looked to keep their two game win streak alive, while the class 3A Iowa City Little Hawks were in search of their first victory of the season.
The result? A goal-scoring frenzy.
Whenever a goal was scored, you’d barely have any time to catch your breath before the ball found its way into the back of the opposing net. With neither team ever leading by more than one goal, tensions were about as high as they could get for all 80 minutes of play.
The tone of the match was set in the first six minutes. Iowa City High took the lead at 5:07 into the match. It took the Lady Spartans just 32 seconds to respond with a goal of their own, as freshman Kinley Mai followed through on a loose ball inside the box to even the score at 1-1.
The offensive onslaught continued throughout the first half. Senior Elena Swan grabbed the Spartan’s second with a close range shot that was next to impossible to save for the City High keeper. With the score tied 2-2, sophomore Laeni Hinkle intercepted a City High pass at midfield and outran the Little Hawks’ entire back line, slotting it past the keeper to regain the lead for the Lady Spartans 3-2.
The drama didn’t stop there.
Only 90 seconds into the second half, the Little Hawks drew things level again with a perfectly placed shot from inside the box into the bottom right corner. With the score now 3-3, each team had their focus set on finding a winner.
With 25 minutes remaining, the ball bounced loose inside the City High box after a miscommunication between the Little Hawks’ keeper and defenders. Taking notice of this, Solon freshman Ellie Durr sprang into action and kicked it right past the confused Little Hawk keeper and into the back of the net.
With a 4-3 lead, it was looking like Solon might be able to hold onto the win. City High, however, wasn’t ready to quit just yet. Only two minutes after Solon’s fourth goal, the Little Hawks were on the attack once more. A jaw-dropping shot from the top of the box from City High freshman Elsa Gray curled its way into the top right corner beyond the outstretched hands of keeper Gable Knight into the back of the net.
The score was level for the fifth time this match, now at 4-4.
With a few solid chances from both sides here and there, neither team was able to find a winner in the final 20 minutes. A few strong saves from Solon’s Knight kept City High from stealing a win late.
The final whistle blew, and everyone at the stadium could now catch their breath. With a final tally of 4-4, a draw was a rather fitting result. While both teams may have felt that they deserved to win, it was certain that neither team deserved to lose.
Lady Spartans’ head coach Amanda Paulson was optimistic following her team’s performance.
“We used our speed to our advantage,” said Paulson. “We did a good job of getting numbers up quickly in transition for a lot of support up top.”
Solon’s attack was lethal, continuing an impressive run of games. They’ve now scored 13 goals in their last three games. The spark that they get from their speed is scary for any opposing defense. Junior Sofia Ortega is a force to be reckoned with, as her ability to blow past defenders and fly down the wing to create chances was put on display against the Little Hawks.
Having given up four goals after not surrendering a single goal in their previous two games, Paulson mentioned some takeaways for her Lady Spartans to work at defensively as the season continues to get underway.
“The biggest thing we talked about after the game was transition,” said Paulson. “We need to be able to transition quickly when we lose the ball to slow down the other team’s attack.”
Before going back to her team, Coach Paulson gave her team major kudos.
“With a 1A school playing a 3A school, this result is good for us,” said Paulson. “The energy was there, the fight was there. It was a nice, physical game.”
The Lady Spartans have been on a roll as the season has continued to get underway. Their result against Iowa City High proves that this is a team that has the capability to compete with just about anybody.
Lady Spartans score shutout over W'Burg Raiders
Madeleine Willis For the Solon Economist
SOLON — The field was loud. The players constantly communicating.
The girls shouting phrases such as...
“Open, open, wide.”
“Drop.”
“Get up.”
Senior Silvie Hendricks said communication was something the Lady Spartans had been struggling with, but as the season goes on between games and practice, it becomes easier to understand how her teammates play.
“I feel like it’s just easier knowing each other’s body languages and how people play makes it easier to play as a team,” Hendricks said. Strong communication is what led the Lady Spartans to victory over the Williamsburg Raiders on April 8, leaving the Solon Lady Spartans with a record of 2-2-1 and 2-0 in conference play.
Solon’s first shot on goal came from senior Elena Swan. With numerous attempts on goal, Solon’s
offense monopolized the ball during the first half taking shot, after shot. However the game remained scoreless.
Enter Addi Greene. Greene, a senior forward,
scored about 31 minutes into the first half. The second half consisted of similar gameplay dominated by Solon’s offense, except the first goal came early in the second half. A long ball with an arch that bounced over the goalie’s head straight into the goal, scored by Sylvie Hendricks.
Throughout the match Sofia Ortega had the most shots on goal. Over halfway through the second half, one of Ortega’s shots finally stuck. Solon led 3-0.
To close the match Hendricks scored her
second goal leading the Lady Spartans to a 4-0 shutout conference win.
Hendricks said that prior to the game against Williamsburg, the Lady Spartans were struggling with their offensive game. She said the team made an adjustment in the layout of their positions. The switch to a three-four-three position helped everyone get in on the offensive attack.
“Williamsburg is a team that plays defense, so it was good for us to get on the offensive side of the ball today,” she said.
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, April 17 – HOME vs. West Delaware, 5:00 p.m. (varsity boys to follow)
Monday, April 21 – HOME vs. Independence, 5:30 P.M. (varsity boys to follow)
Thursday, April 24 – At Vinton-Shellsburg, 7:00 p.m. (varsity boys at 5:00 p.m.)
Spartans fourth at Pella golf invitational
Zoske takes runner up at 75 Solon Economist
PELLA — The Bos Landen Golf Course was the site of the 2025 Pella Invitational Thursday, April 10 with the varsity Spartans finishing fourth with 340 behind Champion Pella Christian (324), runner up Pella (334), and Gilbert (339). Earlham (357), Knoxville (363), and Winterset (369) rounded out the field.
Isaiah Zoske, a senior, led the Spartans with 75, good for runner up behind Pella’s Kyler Besick, who shot 73 on the day.
Upcoming Schedule
Thursday, April 17 – At Vinton-Shellsburg (Vinton Country Club), 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 18 – Dutch Masters Day 1 at Bos Landen GC (Pella), 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 19 – Dutch Masters Day 2 at Bos Landen GC (Pella), 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 19 – Benton Bobcat Boys Invite. (Tara Hills, Van Horne), 9:00 a.m.
Monday, April 21 – At Independence (River Ridge Golf Course), 4:00 p.m.
Friday, April 25 – At W. Delaware Boys invite. (Pin Oak Pub & Links), 12:00 p.m.
BOYS' GOLF
Photos by Madeleine Willis | For the Solon Economist
Above: The Lady Spartans celebrate Sylvie Hendricks’ second goal Tuesday, April 8 at home against Williamsburg. The Lady Spartans shut out the Raiders 4-0. Below: (From left) Elena Swan (11), Sylvie Hendricks (2), Jillian Janssen (13), and Farrah Hendricks (8) celebrate a Sylvie Hendricks goal Tuesday, April 8 at home against Williamsburg. The Lady Spartans shutout the Raiders 4-0 with two goals from Sylvie, a senior.
Spartans fall short to Williamsburg
Madeleine Willis
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Williamsburg Raiders defeated the Solon Spartans in a fan crazed conference match on April 8. The Raiders left victorious with a 5-2 win.
Five goals, not including the one point the Raiders shot in their own goal, giving Solon a freebie and making half of the team’s points.
Williamsburg started the match strong offensively. The game was fast paced, and at first, it seemed like it was going to be an even battle. The first three shots on goal came from the Raiders and they led the game 1-0, ten minutes into the half.
The first two scores went to Williamsburg except one was in their own goal for a point to the Spartans.
A minute later, Solon got their own by junior Rene Meza and assisted by Ryan Locke. In the first half, Solon’s defense was working overtime. The team’s goalkeeper got plenty of touches on the ball -- at least four stops, but at the end of the first half, hope remained for the Spartans. The game was tied 2-2.
Raiders victorious 5-2 over Solon
It was in the second half that the fans began to get riled up. The fans urged the refs to make calls or administer cards, but they also encouraged the Spartans to stay motivated and keep taking shots at goal.
“Keep fighting Solon,” a fan yelled.
But halfway through the second half, there were no new scores for Solon, even after many attempts in goal.
With almost ten minutes left in the half. Williamsburg was up by two.
Junior Tucker Spencer shared his takeaway on the end of the match, “I think we all fought hard. There’s a lot of good moments we had, a lot of times we controlled the ball, just fell apart at the end.”
Solon tried time and time again to land one in the goal, but proved to be unsuccessful as a powerful boot flew past the side of the goal.
A fan yelled, “hold your heads high,” after Williamsburg nailed a goal into the top left corner. “I think there’s a lot of areas we need to improve, but I think from the beginning of the season we’ve done a lot better at controlling the ball, playing the ball, even scoring,” Spence said.
Spartans speared 4-1
Linda N. Lako
For the Solon Economist
SOLON — Almost there - just inches away from the net, but not close enough to score. Still, it was enough to make the crowd erupt with "oooh’s" and "ahhh’s," reacting to the relentless passion the Solon Spartans poured into every minute of the match.
It was the kind of day made for soccer - warm weather, a light breeze, and just enough sunshine to ask your dad for a slice of bacon pizza from the concession stand. It all went down on Friday, April 11, at Solon High School, where the Spartans faced off against the Burlington Notre Dame Nikes. At the 38-minute mark in the first half, the Nikes struck first, making it 1–0always a dangerous score in soccer. One
GIRLS' TRACK
last
against Burlington Notre Dame Nikes
bounce, one mistake, and momentum can shift completely.
"They’re a good team, you’ve got to give them credit," said junior Ethan Ulch. "But we just need to take what we learned from this game and move forward."
The Spartans connected passes well and pushed up the field with purpose, until they didn’t.
Halfway through the first half, Notre Dame found the back of the net again. Now 0–2, things weren’t looking great for the boys in orange. Looking to switch things up, Head Coach Eyasu Russell sent in fresh legs with a round of substitutions.
From the outside, it may have looked like a runaway loss but on the field, the Spartans were fighting. Junior Ryan Locke showed unwavering determination, the power behind that leg, but just not enough
because he was just always so close.
"I just moved on to the next one, because every shot is different. You just learn from your mistakes," Locke said.
The first half ended with the Spartans still scoreless. They needed a spark, and while frustration started to boil over, not a single player gave up. Passion turned into fire, and emotions spilled onto the field.
Sophomore Collin McKie earned the first yellow card of the night, setting the tone for a physical second half.
The ball bounced off bodies, legs, and chests; the kind of game that leaves bruises in the morning.
The Nikes matched the energy, adding two more goals to the scoreboard. Now down 0–4, but with 11 minutes left, the ever-humble Ethan Ulch broke through.
"My teammate Rene Meza did most of
the work, so I wasn’t trying to steal his goal. But when I saw it wasn’t going in, I just decided to tap it in,".
The clock counted down as the Spartans pushed for one more. Despite the aggression on both sides, sportsmanship never wavered.
Time was up with the final score: Nikes 4, Spartans 1.
The loss stung, but heads were held high. Coach Russell made sure the team knew that one game didn’t define them.
"This is a great team, well played, well coached. For us to hold them to 4–1, I know these guys have more in them," Russell said.
Now sitting at 2–3 overall, the Spartans will look to bounce back with sharper focus when they face Mt. Vernon on Tuesday, April 15 (after this edition went to press).
TIFFIN — Three of Solon’s relays took second place in Clear Creek Amana’s Jane Astor Relays last Thursday to lead the Lady Spartans. The 4x200 (Piper Stahle, Aly Stahle, Kobi Lietz, and Jerzey Haluska) finished in 1:46.77, the 4x400 (Quinn Armentrout, Haluska, Grace Hoeper, and Lietz) finished in 4:06.06, and the 800-meter sprint medley (Piper Stahle, Marin Ashbacker, Aly Stahle, and Lietz) finished in 1:52.26.
Kate Shafer took second in discus with a 125’-4” effort for Solon’s highest individual finish.
Other top ten individual finishes included Grace Hoeper’s third place finish in the 400-meter dash (1:02.89) with Jillian Elijah hot on her heels for fourth (1:03.63), Piper Johnson and Shafer going third and fourth in the shot put (34’-6” and 34’-5”), Johnson’s fifth place showing in discus (113’-5”), Sophia Miles clearing 4’-10” in the high jump for sixth, Haluska leaping 15’4” for sixth in the long jump, Ashbacker taking seventh in the 100meter dash (13.67), and Reese Hahn’s eighth place finish in the 200-meter dash (28.71).
Solon Economist
Photos by Rose Grau | For the Solon Economist
Kobi Lietz (at left) grabs the baton from Aly Stahle as they compete for Solon in the 4x200 meter relay during the Jane Astor Relays at Clear Creek-Amana High School in Tiffin Friday, April 11.
Ryan Locke battles a Williamsburg Raider Tuesday, April 8 at home. The Spartans fell 5-2 to their WaMaC West foe.
Photos by Madeleine Willis | For the Solon Economist
Tripp Johnson tries to make an offensive run
Tuesday (April 8) at home against the Williamsburg Raiders.
Shot put – 3 Piper Johnson 34-6, 4 Kate Shafer 34-5, 17 Brinley Landsgard 26-10 Discus – 2, Shafer 125-4, 5 Johnson 113-5, 20 Landsgard 70-10
High jump – 6 Sophia Miles 4-10, Shipley 4-6
Keegan Kleppe clears a hurdle in the 4x100 meter shuttle hurdle relay during the Jane Astor Relays at Clear CreekAmana High School in Tiffin Friday, April 11.
Lady Spartans seventh at Williamsburg Co-Ed
Shafer second in discus, fourth in shot put, and Aly Stahle fourth in 100M hurdles
Solon Economist
WILLIAMSBURG — The Lady Spartans competed in Williamsburg’s Co-Ed Invitational Tuesday, April 8, with a seventh place finish in team points behind champion Prairie (Cedar Rapids) and runner-up Williamsburg.
Kate Shafer had the highest individual finish for Solon with a second place showing in the discus (129’9”) Shafer also took fourth in shot put (36’-4-1/2”).
Other top-ten individual finishes include Aly Stahle taking fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (16.21), Jerzey Haluska’s sixth-place showing in the long jump (15’1/2”), Reese Hahn and Liv Nelson finishing seventh in the 400-meter dash (Reese, 1:05.38) and 800-meter run (Nelson, 2:35.38, Layla Shipley and Addison Seamans ninth-place finishes in high jump (Shipley, 4’-6”) and 1500-meter run (Seamans, 5:24.43), and Marin Ashbacker taking tenth in the 100-meter dash (13.79).
Team Scores – 1 Prairie CR 126, 2 Williamsburg 89, 3 Mt. Vernon 78, 4 Mid Prairie 77, 5 Mt. Pleasant 52, 6 IC West 80, 7 Solon 47, 8 CCA 45, 9 Washington 39, 10 Grinnell 35, 11 CPU 32, 12 Benton Community 30, Regina Catholic 21
Solon results
High jump – 9 Layla Shipley 4-6, 12 Sophia Miles 4-6
VAN HORNE — The 2025 golf season opened under cool and breezy conditions Tuesday, April 8, for the Lady Spartans as they took on Benton Community and Center Point-Urbana’s lone golfer at the Tara Hills Golf Course in Van Horne.
Solon edged out a three stroke advantage over Benton
Bobcats edge out
Lady Spartans in Benton Golf Invitational
Sydney Dee takes runner-up
Solon Economist
VAN
BOYS' TRACK
Bock leaps for gold at CCA Invitational
Solon Economist
TIFFIN — Caleb Bock leapt 20’-5-1/2” to take first place in Clear Creek Amana’s Boys Invitational Track and Field Meet last Thursday. The Solon senior was the highestfinishing Spartan at the 12-team meet.
Kaden Hoeper took second place in high jump with a 6’-1” effort, Will Brandt was fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (58.28), Anders Holmes took fifth in the 3200meter run (10:32.82), and Eli Kampman was seventh in discus (139’-5”).
Solon results High jump – 2 Kaden Hoeper 6-1 Long
to claim the team title.
Sydney Dee fired a 1 over 38 (one stroke off Solon’s 9 hole score record) to win the meet medalist.
The Lady Spartans host Independence Monday, April 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Saddleback Ridge in Solon. Thursday, April 24, Solon travels to Edmundson Golf Course in Oskaloosa for Oskaloosa’s Invitational at 1:00 p.m.
Team Scores – S olon 179, Benton 182, CPU no team score (one golfer)
Individual Scores – Medalist-Sydney Dee 38, Izzy Frees 45 (tied for third), Emma Phelps 47 (sixth place), Jaya Farlinger 49
Macy Fuller 50 (eighth), Taylor Jett 55 (tied for 11th)
in Benton Community’s Bobcat Invitational Saturday, April 12. The Bobcats claimed victory with 359 followed by Solon at 360 and the Solon JV squad at 408. Vinton-Shellsburg finished the day at 453 while Columbus Catholic and Center Point-Urbana only fielded one golfer each.
Benton’s Halle Sobaski medaled with 75 while Solon’s Sydney Dee took runner-up at 82.
"It was good to get an 18 hole meet under our belts,” said Coach Curtis Hendrickson, who noted a close battle was expected, and despite leaving some strokes out on the course, the final score was 25 strokes better than in last year’s outing.
“The girls were not happy with the result, we'll get back to work and chip away at those scores. We really like our team and know that they will keep working hard to improve. That is all we can ask of them."
Hoeper and Kampman third in high jump and 400 dash
Solon Economist
WILLIAMSBURG — The Spartans competed in Williamsburg’s Co-Ed Invitational Tuesday, April 8, with a 12th place finish in team points behind champion Prairie (Cedar Rapids) and runner-up Center Point-Urbana (CPU). Kaden Hoeper and Eli Kampman posted Solon’s top individual finish with third place in high jump (Hoeper, 6’0”) and the 400-meter dash (Kampman, 52 seconds).
Other top-ten individual finishes went to Caleb Bock and Maddox Kelley in the long jump at 20’-3-3/4” (sixth) and 19’7-1/2” (eighth) respectively, and Anders Holmes was fifth in the 3200-meter run (10:31.98).
Owen Gange, Hoeper, Luke Merrick, and Jackson Burk had Solon’s fastest relay with a sixth-place finish in the
Team Scores – 1 Prairie CR 160, 2 CPU 75, 3 Mid Prairie 62, 4 Grinnell 60, 4 Mt. Vernon 60, 6 Benton Community 55, 7 CCA 49, 8 Washington 42, 8 Belle Plaine 42, 10 Vinton-Shellsburg 31, 11 Williamsburg 29, 12 Solon 27, 13 Regina Catholic 25, 14 Mt. Pleasant 20, CR Washington 14
Solon results
High jump – 3 Kaden Hoeper 6-0 Long jump – 6 Caleb Bock 20-3.75, 8 Maddox Kelley 19-7.50
Shot put – 15 Kyler Jensen 40-4, 36 Westley Rohrig 35-50, 51 Tate Rudish 29-2.50, 52 Colin Dunn 28-3.50 Discus – 19 Colby Myers 111-5, 21 Bradyn Schnoor 104-4
800-sprint medley – 7 Solon (Cole Carney, Eli Kampman, Jackson Burk, Owen Gange) 1:41.24
3200 run – 5 Anders Holmes 10:31.98, 13 Maximillian Ferin 11:37.08
4x400 – 6 Solon (Gange, Hoeper, Merrick, Burk) 3:39.70 Results provided by Andrew Kauder, Kauder Racing
HORNE — The Lady Spartans made their second trip to Van Horne in a week as they competed
Individual Scores (Varsity) – Sydney Dee 82, Jaya Farlinger 88, Izzy Frees 95, Macy Fuller 95, Taylor Jett 102, Emma Phelps 106 Individual Scores (JV) – Maddy Harp 98, Julia Steinbrech 98, Lyla Hahn 104, Violet Houtakker 108, Peyton Gordon
(seventh),
GIRLS' TRACK
GIRLS' GOLF
GIRLS' TRACK
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 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. Reservations for Wednesday dine-in are
required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays 10-11:00 a.m.
APRIL MENU •••••••••
Friday, April 18
Pub Battered Fish
Macaroni & Cheese
Buttered Peas Cherry Poke Cake
Monday, April 21
Swedish Meatballs Mashed Potatoes
Scandinavian Vegetables Peanut Butter Tart
Wednesday, April 23
Stuffed Chicken Breast Herbed Rice Green Beans
Chocolate Cherry Dessert
Friday, April 25
Catch of the Day
Mini Baker Potatoes Vegetable Blend Sherbet
Monday, April 28
Dijon Maple Chicken Cornbread Stuffing Hot Spiced Beets Orange Poppyseed Cake
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
SCHOOL LUNCH
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 School - $2.70
Middle School - $2.60
SIS/Lakeview - $2.55
Reduced - $.40
Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70
Friday, April 18
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Delicious Baked Beans, Carrot
Spears
Watermelon Chunks
Baked Lays Chips
the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.
Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75
Friday, April 18
Mini CC French Toast (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Donut
Long John or Cinnamon Roll
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, April 21
Breakfast Pizza (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Oatmeal Bar
Sausage & Gravy over Biscuit
Frudel
Fruit, Juice, Milk & Crackers
Tuesday, April 22
Parfait (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Snackbread
French Toast Bake
Fruity Oatmeal
Waffles & Sausage Patty
Fruit, Juice, Milk & Crackers
Monday, April 21
MS/HS Alt: Fish Fillet Sandwich
Mandarin Chicken & Rice
Broccoli, Sweet Potato Fries
Apple Wedges, Yo Caramel (HS)
Pineapple (MS/HS), Garlic Knot
Tuesday, April 22
MS/HS Alt: BBQ Pork Sandwich
Walking Tacos with Fixings
Mixed Vegetables
Diced Pears
Goldfish (SIS/MS/HS)
Trail Mix (MS/HS)
Wednesday, April 23
MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken Patty
Chicken Patty on a Bun
Cauliflower & Cheese
Shredded Romaine
Sweet Mandarin Oranges, Wacky
Cake
— Elizabeth Andrew
Wednesday, April 23
Sausage Pancake Wrap (LV/ SIS)
G&G (LV) Nutri Grain Bar
Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts
Fruit, Juice, Milk & Crackers
Thursday, April 24
Mini Pancakes (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Mini Pancakes
Muffin Top
Mini Pancakes & Sausage Links
Fruit, Juice, Milk & Crackers
Friday, April 25
Long John (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Donut
Potatoes & Egg Boat or Long
John
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Monday, April 28
Waffles & Bacon (LV/SIS)
G&G (LV) Strawberry Boli
Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini
Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk
Thursday, April 24
MS/HS Alt: Creamed Turkey/ Mashed Potatoes, & Dinner Roll
Cheese Pizza, Seasoned Crinkle
Cut Fries
Tasty Peas, Mango Cubes
Tiger Bites (SIS/MS/HS)
Friday, April 25
MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight
Sloppy Joe Sandwich
Delicious Baked Beans, Carrot
Spears
Watermelon Chunks
Baked Lays Chips
Monday, April 28
MS/HS Alt: Chicken Fillet Sandwich
Hot Dog
Criss Cross Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy Carrots
Fresh Pears, Mandarin Oranges (MS/HS)
Popcorn Trail Mix
Across
1 Give up
5 Datum on a dating profile
8 Delivery people?
13 Eye part
14 Presently, in the past
15 Choose
16 Aired in multiple places at the same time
18 Oil and water, to a painter
19 Nationalist grp. founded in 1964
20 Collectors of forensic evidence, for short
21 Sorts with unruly hair
22 Hit up privately on “the socials”
24 Some lighters or pens
26 Potpourri
27 Tries to win
28 Close-up shots, of a sort
30 Homemade bombs, for short
31 Lout
32 Identity associated with a blue, pink and white flag
37 Burning glow
39 Toy shooter
41 Cays, e.g.
42 “That’s my cue!”
44 Possible sleeping spot for a partner who’s in the doghouse
45 Still to be filled, as a role
47 Put out
48 “if u put it that way, however ...”
52 Tag sale disclaimer
53 Eye part found in the 13-Across
54 Items for babies on board
56 Night light?
58 Vital force in Taoism
60 Farmworker organizer Chavez
61 Commit a party foul, in a way … or what five answers do in this puzzle?
63 Last word of the last multiple-choice option, maybe
64 Month with the newest federal holiday, recognized in 2021
65 Hyundai S.U.V. named after a region in Hawaii
66 Green
67 Assume the lotus position, say
68 Things to brood over
Down
1 Point of transition
2 Bad actors
3 Try-before-you-buy option
4 What un sachet de thé is put into
5 Bug killers?
6 Hits the exchange, in Wall Street lingo
7 ___ around (football trick play)
8 Many a work message
9 First Hebrew letter
10 Companion of Jason in the search for the Golden Fleece
11 Complements to salts and fats in the kitchen
12 Trove
14 Some smallish batteries
17 TV screen option, in brief
21 Windows portal, in brief
23 Big name in nail polish
25 Juggling chain saws on a tightrope, for instance
27 Hotel amenity
28 “No lie ...,” in texts
29 Speedway additive brand
33 Stand onstage, perhaps
34 1982 George Clinton hit with the refrain “Bow wow wow, yippie yo, yippie yay”
35 Cautionary sign at a pier
36 Blind part
38 Atlanta sch. whose teams are the Panthers
40 Quick to learn
43 “Surely!,” in Orly
46 Rapper for whom Harvard’s Hip-Hop Fellowship is named
48 Logician who hypothesized that the simplest explanation for a phenomenon is usually the best
49 Kickin’ cardio option
50 Director Welles
51 Chuck
53 Online shorthand for “off-line”
55 Deuce beater
57 Face on a fiver
59 Six-pack that might be in the “Craft” section, for short
61 Record setters?
62 Barely make, with “out”
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.
Cost of this publication: $213.75 Fiscal year to date cost: $13998.98
THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FORMAL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 3, 2025
Resolutions adopted by the Board of Supervisors are only summarized in the published minutes; the full text may be inspected at the Office of the County Auditor, 913 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, Mon. thru Fri., between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov.
Chairperson Green called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building Boardroom at 9:00 a.m.
Members present: V Fixmer-Oraiz, Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass, Mandi Remington, and Rod Sullivan. Motion by Remington, second by Fix-
2. The minutes of the Formal Meeting for March 26 and March 27, 2025.
3. Payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials.
4. Receive and place on file with the County Auditor the County Recorder’s Report of Fees Collected for February 2025 in the amount of $203,815.36, as submitted by County Recorder Kim Painter.
6. Alcohol license application for Morse Community Club.
Approved unanimously.
PROCLAMATION NO. 04-03-25-01
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
APRIL 2025
Summary: The Fair Housing Act was enacted on April 11, 1968, with the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States and Johnson County is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all. Board action: Proclaim April 2025 as Fair Housing Month in Johnson County, Iowa, and encourage community members to educate themselves on fair housing issues, and endorse policy supportive of fair housing at the local, state, and national level.
Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Sullivan, to approve Proclamation No. 0403-25-01. Approved unanimously. Jessica Andino with the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition spoke.
PROCLAMATION NO. 04-03-25-02
COUNTY GOVERNMENT MONTH
APRIL 2025
Summary: There are 3,069 counties serving more than 300 million Americans to provide essential services to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities and Johnson County remains dedicated to continuous improvement and transparency in government operations to better serve its residents through its more than 550 dedicated county employees. Board action: Proclaim April 2025 as County Government Month in Johnson County, Iowa, and encourages residents to learn about county services, and recognize the hard work and dedication of county officials and employees.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Fixmer-Oraiz to approve Proclamation No. 04-03-25-02. Approved unanimously. County Recorder Kim Painter spoke.
PROCLAMATION NO. 04-03-25-03 CRIME VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK APRIL 6-12, 2025
Summary: Crime affects people in profound and varied ways and victims of crime deserve justice, dignity, and respect, along with meaningful support and resources to help them recover and rebuild their lives and Johnson County is dedicated to building connections, standing in kinship with survivors, and creating a future where healing and hope are within reach for everyone. Board action: Proclaim April 6-12, 2025, to be Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Johnson County, Iowa, and express our gratitude and appreciation for those community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals who are committed to improving our response to all victims of crime so that they may find relevant assistance, support, justice, and peace.
Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Proclamation No. 04-03-25-03. Approved unanimously. County Public Safety & Justice Public Information Officer Kristen Silver and County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith spoke.
PROCLAMATION NO. 04-03-25-04
PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK APRIL 7-13, 2025
Summary: The National Public Health Week is “It Starts Here” highlighting the importance of making a difference in our home, community and state and during the past three decades, public health initiatives have led to significant advancements
in health and well-being, including: HIV/ AIDS prevention and treatment, tobacco control, childhood mortality reduction, lead poisoning prevention, mental health awareness and treatment, health impacts from severe weather events, pandemic preparedness, vaccination progress. Board action: Proclaim April 7-13, 2025, as Public Health Week in Johnson County, Iowa, and call upon residents to observe this week by recognizing the contributions of public health and taking action to build healthier, more equitable communities –because “It Starts Here.”
Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Green-Douglass to approve Proclamation No. 04-03-25-04. Approved unanimously. County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski spoke.
Motion by Sullivan, second by Remington, to set the Johnson County minimum wage to $13.02 per hour effective July 1, 2025. Closed Session to Review the County Engineer Interviews and Process Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Remington, to enter into a closed session at 10:07 a.m. pursuant to Iowa Code §21.5(1)(i): “To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session” to review of County Engineer interviews and process. Roll call: Aye: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan. Remington was not available for the closed session and left at 10:08 a.m.
Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to leave the closed session at 10:40 a.m. Roll call: Aye: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green, Green-Douglass, Sullivan. Absent: Remington.
Adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
/s/Jon Green, Chair, Board of Supervisors Attest: /s/Julie Persons, Auditor
On the 10th day of April 2025
Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Eric Van Lancker, Deputy Auditor (Minutes)
These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on April 10, 2025. Published in the Solon Economist April 17, 2025.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SOLON CITY HALL, SOLON, IOWA APRIL 2, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 6:12 pm. Roll Call: Steve Duncan, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer and Lauren Whitehead. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, City Attorney Kevin Olson, City Engineer Dave Schechinger, City Clerk Susie Siddell and Librarian Liz King. Civility Pledge. Motion by Whitehead to approve the agenda. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Citizen Speak: None: Ryan Kriz, 414 Windam Dr., discussed with council the possibility of a stop sign at the area Beck Dr to Highway 382 or in the area of Viking Dr. Kriz stated people fly down the street there is such a long stretch. There are many kids out playing and at the parks. Kriz was asking for something to be done to slow people down, it is a safety concern.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Gabriel to approve the regular meeting minutes from March 19, 2025, list of bills, treasurer’s report, transfers, building permits and the event application from Girls on the Run Spring 5K May 24, 2025. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Fire Department Report: Mayor O’Neil informed council a member of the department had retired, they still have 33 members and are staying very busy. They have had some big calls. At the previous agency meeting they were shown the yearly report.
Sheriff’s Office Report: The deputy present stated they would make a note of Windam Dr.
Public Works Director Report: Rasmussen informed council they are making progress with the public works specialist position. Staff is busy getting parks ready and they also had burned the prairie areas. There will be new volleyball courts at the SRNA and a shout out to Tom Roskos and Dustin Fordice the seasonal employees for returning.
Library Report: King stated it was National Library Week, she discussed the LSTA support programs and asked council to look over the information in their packets. This funding is invaluable to libraries. King stated Baby Time is on Monday’s at the community center and anyone that goes will then get into Tot Time free, the Draw Club meets on Wednesday’s and the final Fun for All Night for the season will be Saturday April 12th.
City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated they have started work at Trail Ridge Part 3 and he has been reviewing documents from the school and information on the new WWTP.
City Attorney Report: None
Proclamation:
National Library Week April 6-12, 2025: Mayor O’Neil read and proclaimed April 6-12th National Library Week.
New Business: Board of Adjustment Variance – Wadle: Rasmussen stated Board of Adjustment met March 28th to discuss a variance request from Mike Wadle. He is wanting to replace an existing detached garage at 405 S. Market. He is requesting a 3ft variance with the garage being a bit bigger. Board of Adjustment did approve the request, which Wadle had sat off the board for this meeting. Motion by Gabriel to approve the variance to Mike Wadle. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Harvest Acres Subdivision Concept: Rasmussen stated Watts Group last year had come to council for the annexation and council did look at the concepts then. The development along the highway will be commercial. Because of the access a traffic study was needed, which now has been completed. The streets committee had met but felt full council should have input. Mayor O’Neil questioned the green space and parks at the outlots. Outlot B and Outlot C there are plans to put parks in. Schechinger questioned if this would be private or open spaces. Gabriel stated he felt the green space should be for community space. Watts Group stated they recognize and acknowledge the right kind of use council is requesting.
Purchase Agreement 100 S. Cedar: Rasmussen talked of the background of 100 S. Cedar stating they have been discussing the property for quite some time. An original idea was to expand the old fire station, the city had acquired other properties with the thought of the downtown area being able to grow, with this City Hall would have no place to grow. Olson was asked to negotiate for 100 S. Cedar and there now is a purchase agreement and a closing of May 1st. Duncan stated this area for City Hall will still be in the main street area.. Motion by Farlinger to approve the purchase agreement for 100 S. Cedar Street. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes.
Motion Carried. 5-0.
Resolution No. 25-18 to set Public Hearing for FY26 Budget: Rasmussen stated this was to set a public hearing date and the special meeting will be April 23, 2025. Motion by Gabriel to approve Resolution No. 25-18 setting a public hearing date of April 23, 2025 for the FY26 Budget. Seconded by Duncan. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Other Business:
Council Committees: Streets: The streets committee will discuss the stop sign in Old Mill Creek.
Utilities: Schechinger stated there will be a meeting with MacBride Point about hooking up to the Gallery Acres water line.
Finance: None
Personnel: they have met to fill positions and discuss insurance.
Building Needs/Growth: None
Police Committee: None
City/School: the SRNA 28E agreement draft has gone out to Mayor O’Neil, Farlinger, Duncan and Brodie Bohlen –Recreation Director. Duncan stated it has been very productive, there were a couple of items that need to be looked at further.
City Clerk: None
City Administrator Comments: Rasmussen stated she has received the site plan for the lakeview west parking lot, Planning and Zoning will look at.
Council Comments: Mayor Comments: Mayor O’Neil thanked city staff for holding things down while looking to fill positions.
Motion by Farlinger to adjourn the meeting at 6:58 pm. Seconded by Gabriel. All Ayes. Motion Carried.
5-0
ATTEST
Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist April 17, 2025.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
SOLON CITY HALL, SOLON, IOWA APRIL 2, 2025
Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the Special City Council meeting at 5:30 pm. Roll Call: Steve Duncan, John Farlinger, Cole Gabriel, Andrew Kramer and Lauren Whitehead. Also Present: City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, City Clerk Susie Siddell, City Attorney Kevin Olson and Librarian Liz King.
Motion by Gabriel to approve the agenda. Seconded by Farlinger. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Public Hearing: FY26 Budget Property Tax Levy Public Hearing: Motion by Farlinger to open the public hearing. Seconded by Whitehead. Roll Call Vote: Duncan, Farlinger, Gabriel, Kramer and Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
Rasmussen presented to council a presentation of the property tax 2026 budget. Rasmussen stated staff starts working on the budget in October then council discusses and goes over all in February. The FY26 budget will be July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. She discussed with council assessed property values, tax collections, levy rates and the current and future levy
amounts. Rasmussen stated the City of Solon has the third lowest levy rate. Terry Klooster was present statin he had moved to Solon nine years ago and feels the valuation of homes in Solon is high. Klooster stated something needed to be done and questioned why the assessed value keeps going up. Mayor O’Neil stated the county accessors office is the one that does the valuations. Olson stated a person could call the accessors office and/or fill out a Board of Reviews Application with the accessors office. Tony Russo stated the City of Solon was one of the most expensive areas and felt the city was growing beyond with not having the capital. Motion to adjourn by Farlinger at 6 pm. Seconded by Whitehead. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0.
ATTEST
Susie Siddell, City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist April 17, 2025.
ley D. Collingwood, deceased, bearing date of November 19, 2024, was admitted to probate in the above-named court and that Rhonda Griffin and Jeff Griffin have been appointed Executors of the estate. Any action to set aside the will must be brought in the district court of said county within the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice to all heirs of the decedent and devisees under the will whose identities are reasonably ascertainable, or thereafter be forever barred. Notice is further given that all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned, and creditors having claims against the estate shall file them with the clerk of the above-named district court, as provided by law, duly authenticated, for allowance, and unless so filed by the later to occur of four months from the date of the second publication of this notice or one month from the date of mailing of this notice (unless otherwise
CITY HALL $211.83
GRAINGER PARTS - SUPPLIES $438.56 HAWKINS CHEMICALS $90.00 HI-LINE CABLE TIE $105.00
ILA-IASL POSTERS - LABELS $18.00
IOWA
$2,605.70
LRS-JOHNSON COUNTY REFUSE TRASH - RECYCLE $20,034.00
NOTICE OF PROBATE THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR JOHNSON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HAWLEY D. COLLINGWOOD, DECEASED CASE NO. ESPR036731 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL, OF APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTORS, AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS To All Persons Interested in the Estate of Hawley D. Collingwood, Deceased, who died on or about January 30, 2025: You are hereby notified that on April 2, 2025, the Last Will and Testament of Haw-
For Sale
2006 Toyota Avalon. High Mileage,
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whats happening around you.
Upcoming events with solon parks and rec
What to expect from Solon Parks and Rec this spring and summer season
Ella McEntaffer Solon Economist
SOLON, IA — Park and Recreation Director Brodie Bohlen says that there are a lot of interesting events and activities this upcoming spring for the Solon area community. Preschool through third grade kicked off their youth soccer program Tuesday, April 8, at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area (SRNA). Fourth through sixth graders began their program on Thursday the 10th.
Soccer isn’t the only youth sport that has started this week, with Monday being the first day of eight and under cheerleading. Cheerleading is a four-week long program, and soccer a five-week long program Most Solon programs are all held in-house, but Bohlen says that the soccer teams will also travel to neighboring Mount Vernon and Lisbon. Tumbling and cheerleading are also unique location wise.
“Tumbling and cheerleading is at our old fire station, which is right next to City Hall,” said Bohlen. Bohlen said that the soccer program alone has over 200 kids signed up across grades levels, making up sixteen different teams.
“We have a ton of volunteer coaches for every team,” said Bohlen. “So the league wouldn’t run without parents helping.”
Besides coaching, the Solon programs are heavily reliant on volunteers to keep operations flowing smoothly.
“We paint the fields, we get all the goals ready, we help make schedules and all that, and our public works team in town here helps with mowing,” said Bohlen. “So it's kind of a joint effort by a lot of people in town.”
Baseball, softball and t-ball all start in late April or early May, and parents can register their children through Parks and Rec. Starting later in the summer, parents can also register their children for swimming lessons. Participants will be bussed over to the Mount Vernon pool with Bohlen and Ethan Esgate, Solon’s Recreation Coordinator.
As far as adult activities go, there will be two sessions of sand volleyball held beginning May 13, and June 24, respectively. Bohlen said that Solon Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department works hand in hand, especially during preparation for many community events.
“Our public works team is in the process of putting in two brand new sand volleyball courts,” said Bohlen. “They're on a really nice spot on flat level ground next to the Timber Dome [Lodge] and right next to the splash pad and bathrooms.”
Bohlen said that Public Works has also worked with Parks and Rec on building dugouts for fields, mowing upkeep, and park bathroom maintenance. Although Bohlen says that fall is the most busy season for Parks and Rec, the spring is very much a close second, and that the staff enjoys being able to work outdoors.
“This is probably the next busiest time just with all the field prep and outdoor stuff we're doing,” said Bohlen. “Because we're dragging fields and chalking lines and doing stuff outside of the park, which is fun.”
As far as what an average day looks like for Bohlen this spring, he says there isn’t one. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Bohlen is up at the Solon Community Center for Tot Time. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Bohlen and Esgate are focused mainly on the soccer program “We go to the games, make sure all the refs know what's going on, make sure the games are running smoothly, things of that nature,” said Bohlen.
Besides volunteering for programs, Bohlen said the best way for the community to get involved is simply through word of mouth.
“If we get that word out as soon as possible you get everyone signed up on time and we don't have to worry about late sign-ups, finding coaches last minute, all that kind of stuff,” said Bohlen.
Solon new wastewater treatment facility (sewer plant) update, April 2025
Cami Rasmussen City Administrator, Special to the Solon Economist
Project Overview
The decision to build a new treatment facility came after extensive evaluation by city engineers.
The age of the current facility, limited space, flooding issues, and more restrictive limits on wastewater discharges have steered the decision for a new facility. In 2023, the city purchased a 21-acre site adjacent to Oakland Cemetery along Hwy 382 for the new facility.
Wastewater Treatment Facility Options
Iowa DNR Design Standards require a 20-year projection when designing new facilities. It is anticipated that wastewater treatment improvements will not be operational until the year 2029, so the planning period extends to the year 2050. Future population projections are based upon similar communities in growing metropolitan areas in Iowa as well as past growth. Population growth is projected to be approximately 4% annual growth for the planning period. In the year 2050, the population of Solon is anticipated to be 10,000.
As part of the requirements for increasing a facility’s treatment capacity or discharging to a new location, IDNR/ EPA requires every facility to complete an Antidegradation Alternatives Analysis. The analyses must include lessdegrading alternatives, non-degrading alternatives and no discharge alternatives. Upon completing research on six alternatives considered to meet this requirement that were deemed to be practicable, the Carrousel Treatment Facility with Flow Equalization is recommended by the city engineering firm Veenstra and Kimm, Inc.
Editor’s note: Flow equalization is the process of controlling hydraulic velocity, or flow rate, through a wastewater treatment system. The equalization of flow prevents short term, high volumes of incoming flow, called surges, from forcing solids and organic material out of the treatment process. Flow equalization also controls the flow through each stage of the treatment system, allowing adequate time for the physical, biological and chemical processes to take place (www.norweco.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/06/Flow_Equalization.pdf)
Recommendation
This alternative utilizes a new treatment facility and new outfall location in Mill Creek. Wastewater would be transported from the existing wastewater facility through a new gravity sewer to the recently purchased Menefee site west of the existing facility. The new facility would include screening, pumping, grit removal, aeration basins, clarifiers, sludge pumping, aerobic digestion, ultraviolet disinfection, and biosolids dewatering and holding.
This facility is most like the existing facility in operation but provides the added benefit of being designed for nutrient removal (removal of total nitrogen and phosphorus from the discharged water) and includes screening and grit removal which is not part of current treatment process. This alternative allows the City to meet all projected effluent limits for the new outfall location, including new nutrient limits that the City will have to meet as part of Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. In Iowa, facilities with a design capacity of 1.0 MGD (million gallons per day) or greater must comply with annual average limits of 10.0 mg/L total nitrogen and 1.0 mg/L total phosphorus. The City will also comply with limits for CBOD5 (carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand), TSS, ammonia, E.coli, and chloride.
During periods of high flow, some of the wastewater would be diverted for storage at the existing plant site. After the high flows subside and treatment capacity is available, the stored wastewater will be discharged to the sewer for treatment at the new facility. The main lift station at the existing plant would be routed to existing tanks, and the tanks could be re-purposed for equalization basins. This would require minimal piping and rework at the site but would reduce the load to the stream during peak events.
Cost of a New Wastewater Treatment Facility
The City is planning to finance the improvements using a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan and cash reserves. Completion of the facility is anticipated in June 2029.
Project Timeline
The timeline below provides a snapshot of the project timeline for the new wastewater treatment facility with completion expected in June 2029.
Public Information Sessions
Two public information sessions are planned for June 2025 to provide the opportunity for residents to learn more about Wastewater Treatment Facility options that have been reviewed and to ask questions about the project options.
Saturday, June 7th from 9 -10 AM at Solon City Hall, 101 N. Iowa Street.
Thursday, June 19th at 7PM via Zoom (see link on city website calendar)
A strong finish for Spartan boys at Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival
Abbey Ballauer
For the Solon Economist
IOWA CITY — The Solon boys track and field team showed up and showed out this past Saturday at the Eastern Iowa Track and Field Festival at Iowa City West High with a fifth place team finish.
Spectators packed bleachers to the brim with heavy overflow on the grass surrounding the track under clear blue skies and with a temperature of 65 degrees.
Fifty high schools from the eastern Iowa region competed in 21 events, and the pressure was on.
The Spartans participated in five relays, excelling in the 4x400-meter relay. When the starter pistol sounded, sophomore Owen Gange propelled down lane three as he raced to pass the baton to senior Evan Burg.
“The pressure was on,” said teammate Jackson Burk.
While teammates anxiously watched from the south end of the track, Burg passed the baton to sophomore Kaeden Hoeper, making the third leg. As Hoeper ran down the track, junior Eli Kampman stood at the white
line, ready to take the baton to the finish line.
“Kampman is a leader,” said head coach Mark Sovers. “He comes prepared and puts his game face on…and never fails to make me and the other guys on the team proud.”
Kampman immediately took off, shoulder to shoulder with Mid Prairie’s Carson Humphrey.
The sound of spikes hitting the ground raised tension at the finish line, with Kampman taking considerable strides to finish the race. They quickly finished in fifth place with a time of 3:32.54, only .18 seconds ahead of the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks. Cheers were heard from parents surrounding the fence, decked out in orange and black.
Photos by Matt McGowan | For the Solon Economist Above Left: Eli Kampman pulls away from Mid-Prairie High School's Carson Humphrey to take second place in the first heat of the boys 4x400 meter relay at the Eastern Iowa Track Festival at Iowa City West High School Saturday, April 12. Right: Kaden Hoeper performs the high jump at the Eastern Iowa Track Festival at West High School in Iowa City Saturday, April 12, 2025. Hoeper took fifth place in the event.
From Solon to the spotlight, Cam Miller’s quiet surge to the NFL
Kyle Prondzinski
For the Solon Economist
The runway at Fargo’s Hector International Airport sat lined with private jets, each one delivering NFL executives and scouts into the heart of North Dakota one afternoon last March.
Inside the Fargodome, representatives from 27 NFL organizations and even one Canadian Football team watched closely as North Dakota State quarterback and Solon native Cam Miller put on a show.
Forty-eight times Miller dropped back that day. And forty-eight times the ball landed in the arms of his receiver. One throw stood out. Miller took his typical three-step drop back and quickly shuffled forward, driving his hips to unleash a 55-yard dime to former teammate, Braylon Henderson. The pass prompted a thunderous roar of applause and cheers, filling the facility with belief. Miller himself clapped twice in excitement, then immediately went on to the next rep, as the scouts feverishly went back to taking notes in their clipboard.
“It went as well as I could’ve imagined,” Miller said.
“Just about perfect,” his Dad, Kevin, added.
While Cam Miller has dreamt about playing in the NFL for as long as he can remember, it was that jaw-dropping performance at the Bison’s Pro Day that may have made that dream a reality. Since that pro day, NFL buzz has been building for the former Solon quarterback, who earned All-State honors all three years he quarterbacked the Spartans from 20172019.
Now he’s looking to become the 4th player from Solon to make it to the NFL, joining Marshall Koehn, James Morris, and his former high school center, Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens.
“I think [playing with Linderbaum] helped me play at the next level and motivated me to get better every day.” Miller said.
At Miller’s do-no-wrong pro day, he completed all types of passes, ranging from short routes to deep routes. Under center and shotgun, normal drop backs, and play action. He also impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January, where he split reps
with other top prospects and held his own on a national stage. Miller finished 10-of17 passing for 99 yards and led two scoring drives before passing the reigns to Auburn’s Payton Thorne.
“We only had five or six days together with those guys, so building chemistry was tough,” Miller said. “But I think I showed that I belong, no matter who I play with.”
At the Shrine Bowl, Miller said he met with 30 of the 32 NFL teams. He has also made Top 30 visits to the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders. More phone calls and Zoom meetings are expected as the draft draws near.
“You only get one shot at this, so I want to make it count,” Miller said.
The Athletic’s NFL Draft analyst, Dane Brugler, ranks Miller as the No. 12 quarterback in this year’s draft, a likely sixth- or seventh-round selection.
“Overall, Miller won’t wow you right away because the physical traits are average,” Brugler wrote. “The more you watch, though, the more you come to appreciate his decision-making and feel for the position. He can be an asset in an NFL quarterback room as a reserve.”
To stay sharp and continue improving, Miller has moved to New Jersey to work with quarterback coach Tony Racioppi. Racioppi has worked with Kenny Pickett, a first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and Super Bowl Champion with the Eagles this past season. Miller’s sessions have also included working with quarterbacks from Villanova, Bowling Green, and Eastern Michigan.
Racioppi showed his excitement after Cam Miller’s performance at the pro day as he went straight to X, tweeting, “Cam Miller is a draft pick and will be in the NFL for a while!”
A common criticism NDSU players receive when entering the draft is the level of competition they’ve faced in college, considering NDSU doesn’t play at the highest level of college football. Miller helped show he belonged when he went up against Deion Sanders’ Colorado team to kick off the 2024 season, throwing against likely top-three NFL pick and Heisman trophy winner, Travis Hunter. “I think I built up that game a little too much in my mind,” Miller admitted. “But once the game started, it was just football. He’s a talented guy, but you adjust to the speed pretty quick.”
Recently retired NDSU Quarterbacks Coach Randy Hedberg said the Colorado game was a turning point for his
development. Hedberg complimented Miller’s efforts to run full fields concepts, as well as showing his mobility to keep drives alive.
Hedberg has a strong track record of grooming NFL talent. He’s coached three quarterbacks who were drafted into the league and are still there today: Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, and Easton Stick.
“Cam has a lot of the same tools,” Hedberg said, saying he has flashes of all of them but mostly resembles Stick, a fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers in 2019. “He’s smart, he’s mobile, and he’s coachable. I see a similar path for him if he gets in the right situation.”
Though some scouts have questioned Miller’s size, Hedberg said he measures in at 6'1" and about 210 pounds. Millers goal is to be 215 by the time the draft rolls around on April 24th. “There’s always going to be a question about my size and whether I’m big enough for the next level,” Miller said. “But I’ve never let that be a reason for me to doubt myself. It’s about how you play the game.”
Any questions about Miller’s size are quickly quieted by his accuracy. In 2024, Miller threw 22 touchdown passes before he threw his first interception, an elite ratio that reflects both sound decision-making and precision under pressure.
“His ball placement is elite,” Hedberg mentioned. “He doesn’t just complete passes—he puts them where only his guy can get them. That’s what separates him.”
Hedberg believes Miller’s readiness for the next level comes down to his football IQ and the pro-style system he played in at NDSU. “He played under center, he made checks at the line, he ran a huddle,” Hedberg said. “Those are all things you don’t see in every college quarterback, but Cam’s done them. That’ll help him make the jump.
“He’s also got a great handle on coverages and protections at the line. That’s something that’s tough to teach, but he’s already operating like a pro. You could tell he was prepared for this moment. It reminded me of what we saw with Easton Stick a few years ago—focused, accurate, and ready.”
For Miller, the coming weeks will be filled with excitement, possibility but also uncertainty. “There’s definitely fear in the unknown,” he said. “You don’t know when or if your name is going to be called, or what city you might end up in. But I try not to let that fear control anything. I just stick to the plan, keep showing up, and let the chips fall where they may.”
The one thing he can control? His plans on draft night. He’ll likely be at home in Solon.
“We’ll probably keep it to just us and few of his friends,” his dad Kevin said. “Just a small gathering. However he wants to do it.” Regardless of when or where Miller's name is called, his sights are set on achieving the goal he’s had since he was a little boy in Solon.
“I want to be the first in my family to play in the NFL,” he said.
Zachary Lucy | NDSU Athletics
Solon native Cam Miller launches a pass as quarterback for the North Dakota State University Bisons. Miller has his sights set on a spot in the NFL draft.
