SPORTS | 6 & 7 Baseball: A split, a sweep, and a shelling Softball: A pair of WaMaC sweeps for the Lady Spartans
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THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 • $1.50
Solon’s Mariachi Band opens Music on Main concert series Natalia Scales Solon Economist
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist file photo
Big Grove Solon was the destination for last year’s Big Rove bike ride. Cyclists departed Big Grove locations in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and converged in Solon for fellowship and the Trophy Dads band before riding back to their starting points. The event returns to Solon Saturday, June 21 and street closures will be in effect for the happening.
SOLON — The Solon High School Mariachi Band brought vibrant sound and energy back to downtown Solon during the Music on Main Street concert series on Wednesday, June 4. Led by band director Desmond Cervantez and supported by Spanish teacher Martin Chapa, the 26-member student ensemble filled Main Street with lively rhythms and rich cultural tradition. Community members gathered with lawn chairs and smiles to enjoy this beloved summer tradition. Check out these highlights from a night of music, culture, and community spirit. The series continues Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. on the Main Street stage in Mushroom Park through August 6. Barefoot Becky brings her unique style of polka to Solon Wednesday, Natalia Scales | Solon Economist June 18 with the Mill Street Band performing a musical mix June 25. Martin Chapa sings a classical Spanish song with confidence and emotion as Solon HS students accompany him during the Solon Mariachi Band’s performance at the Music on PHOTOS | 12 Main Street concert Wednesday, June 4, in downtown Solon.
Big Rove bicycle Four local students to Girls State 2025 ride returns to Solon June 21 Marilyn Hansen Special to the Solon Economist
Street closures, live music, and community fun planned Natalia Scales Solon Economist SOLON — Get ready for a day of riding bikes, cold brews, and big fun—Big Rove is rolling back into Solon on Saturday, June 21, and excitement is already building around town. During the June 4 Solon City Council meeting, city officials and community members discussed the upcoming bicycle event. Big Rove, organized by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition in partnership with Big Grove Brewery, promises a unique and energetic gathering that brings riders together from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for a mid-ride celebration in Solon. This oneday, 36-mile out-and-back ride lets cyclists choose their starting point—either Big Grove Brewery in Cedar Rapids or Iowa
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SOLON - The 2025 session of the Iowa A mer ic a n L eg ion Auxiliary Iowa Girls State will be held June 15-20 on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines. The Solon American Legion Auxiliary, Unit Craig #460, is pleased to announce this year’s Girls State selections. Participants from Solon will be Mackenzie Craig, the daughter of Ray and Beth Craig. Mackenzie is involved in the Octagon Club, Secretary of FBLA, is a Student Council representative, a peer leader and has participated in volleyball, softball and archery. She is very involved in many community activities including 4-H and is on the Johnson County 4-H council. She has been an International Exchange delegate to Norway. Some of her community service has included care bags for homeless veterans, Salvation Army bell ringer, Adopt-an-Angel, volunteer at Holiday Lights at the Lake, and has donated her hair to Locks of Love. Mackenzie finds time to work at the
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Solon Retirement Village as a dietary aid. After graduation, she plans to attend a 4-year college to obtain her bachelors degree. She is exited to be attending Girls State and connect with other active youth and mentors across Iowa. She’s excited to learn more about the Iowa government and legislative processes. Also attending will be Adlie Miller, who is the daughter of Kevin and Claudia Miller of Solon. Adlie is involved in NHS, Peer Leaders, School Leadership, Concert Choir, Color Guard, Yearbook Club, Lead Sound Director for all musicals and Miller plays, football cheer, track & field, and women’s wrestling. Outside of her many school activities, Adlie is involved in helping with concessions and works at Heyn’s Ice Cream in North Liberty. She is planning on attending college and majoring in Criminal Justice. By attending Girls State, Adlie is hoping to gain a learning experience and to meet new, amazing people. ELY – The Ely American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #555, is excited to announce their two Girls State representatives.
Madison Singbeil from Solon is the daughter of Jordan Singbeil, Stephanie Schwake & Andrew Hodge. While at Solon High School, Madison is involved as a Peer Leader, on the Executive Council, Solon School Board Singbeil Student Representative, Varsity Cheerleader, Best Buddies, 4-H, and FFA. Madison is very active in the community with volunteering at the Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center, volunteering at St. Mary’s Church and in the school district. Her working activities include the Solon Learning Academy, North Liberty Pet Clinic as a Vet Assistant and Bobbers Grill. Madison plans to attend Buena Vista University in Storm Lake majoring in the pre-vet track and then applying for vet school at Iowa State University to become a large animal veterinarian. She is excited for Girls State to learn more about city and state government and to learn how agriculture can play an important role in city and state government. Also, being sponsored by the Ely
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