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City to recommend approval of plans for new Jordan Creek Church Jordan Creek Church eyes future outside city limits, seeks continued partnership with city Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
Natalia Scales Solon Economist SOLON — The City of Solon will recommend approval of a conditional use permit for the construction of the Jordan Creek Church on land west of Solon along Hwy. 382. The Council took the action during their Wednesday, June 4 regular meeting after much discussion at the May 21 meeting, which included comments from the public and church leadership urging approval. The church is currently utilizing the Solon Community Center, which is owned by the Solon Community School District and leased to the City on an annual basis. The District intends to demolish the building within the next few years, leaving the church in need of a new location. The church purchased land from Robert Upmeyer of Upmeyer Family LLC, which is outside of the Solon City Limits and within the twomile “fringe area” around the city that falls under the jurisdiction of Johnson County. While the County will have the final say in approving or denying the church’s application for a conditional use permit allowing construction of a church on the site, the city has the opportunity to offer comments, for or against, due to the proximity to the city and potential infrastructure impacts. During the May 21 meeting City Engineer Dave Schechinger stated a number of conditions to be placed on the site to bring it up to city standards in the event of future annexation. Among the conditions were either connecting to city water or testing the viability of a well (due to ground water issues in the area), planning for connection to the city’s sanitary sewer system instead of a planned septic tank, conducting a traffic study for access and the potential need for turning lanes off of Hwy. 382. The city’s support for the Jordan Creek Church and their desire to build was stated by Mayor Dan O’Neil who noted the City’s concerns aren’t with the proposed church but rather to maintain “orderly growth and expansion of the city” while avoiding burdening the taxpayers by providing infrastructure the development (church) should fund itself. Councilmembers Lauren Whitehead, John Farlinger (Mayor Pro Tem) and Cole Gabriel noted their support for the project as long as it met the City’s standards
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CHURCH | 2 Solon Public Library News - 3
Solon celebrates Flag Day AJ Dolan
Solon Economist SOLON — This past Saturday, the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 celebrated Flag Day with an American f lag retirement ceremony. The ceremony consisted of a brief speech from Post Commander Adam Hopp, followed with the presenting of American flags by Sergeant at Arms Denny Hansen, in which they are deemed unserviceable and in need of retirement. A flag retirement ceremony, as is held annually by the American Legion, is a process in which a visibly worn-out American flag is disposed of. The disposal of said f lag is done by being draped over a large wire rack over fire, allowing it to ignite in flame. “ T h i s i s t he on ly approved method of disposing of the American flag,” said Hopp. “Any time that it is worn or faded,
as it is a symbol of our nation’s freedom, it is not fit to be flown.” As the ceremony proceeded, it was clear to see that it was done with honor and admiration of our nation’s colors.
“We do the ceremony, after inspecting all of the barrels of flags… to ceremoniously and officially make sure that all of the flags are disposed of properly,” said Hansen. If you have an American
flag in need of retirement, drop it off at American Legion Post 460 for the sake of disposing of it properly and respectfully. PHOTOS | 12
‘Small Town, Big Dreams’ highlights Solon’s recipe for business success Natalia Scales Solon Economist SOLON — Community pride, smart planning, and a deep respect for local roots were on full display Wednesday June 11, during the “Small Town, Big Dreams – Real Iowa Success Stories” panel at Big Grove Brewery in Solon. The event, part of the Community Horizon Speaker Series by Greater Iowa City, brought together Solon City Administrator Cami Rasmussen, Eat Shop founder Cheryl Maloney, and Big Grove Brewery co-founder Doug Goettsch to share how Solon became fertile ground for thriving small businesses. Rasmussen began by tracing Solon’s transformation over the past two decades, from a quiet pass-through town to a thriving destination hub. That growth, she said, didn’t come from one silver bullet but rather years
of investment, collaboration, and planning. “Our slogan is ‘a place to put down roots’ and we mean that,” Rasmussen said. “We want people to connect and come together here.” Maloney, owner of The Eat Shop, shared how she transitioned from a career in corporate America to entrepreneurship, inspired by her great aunt’s 1930s bakery. After moving to Solon in 2020, Maloney began baking in her home kitchen. Her business grew through word of mouth and wholesale partnerships with the University of Iowa, eventually expanding into a brickand mortar store in Solon in 2021. Today, The Eat Shop has four locations, including two on the University of Iowa campus and a newly opened café in Marion. “Small towns are the best place to start a business,” Maloney said. “The support here is something special.” Goettsch, co-founder of Big Grove Brewery, dis-
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