2025 WaMaC East All Conference teams | 11 & 12 SOLONECONOMIST.COM
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025 • $1.50
Housing survey highlights affordability concerns in Solon Natalia Scales Solon Economist news@soloneconomist.com
Solon residents are voicing concerns about housing affordability and availability, as revealed by a recent housing survey initiated by City Council Member Lauren Whitehead. Whitehead launched this independent survey to start the conversation in Solon while Johnson County conducts a comprehensive county-wide housing assessment, a process that could take up to two years. The goal was to initiate dialogue among residents, circulate information, and ensure the community is united in understanding and addressing housing affordability to facilitate meaningful change. "Each voice matters to me," Whitehead explained, underscoring the importance of immediate community feedback. "We needed to start the conversation now." Johnson County's June 26 presentation highlighted that the median salary in the county is barely sufficient to afford the median-priced home, emphasizing the need for urgent action. Whitehead’s survey specifically sought to understand local residents' priorities and concerns regarding Solon’s housing market. The survey received 84 responses and provided key insights into how the community views the housing situation. Nearly half of the respondents (45%) mentioned the need for "affordable housing," illustrating the pressing nature of the issue. However, about 25% explicitly expressed reservations about "low-income housing," highlighting the complex views residents have on affordability. "The responses didn't shock me," Whitehead noted, "but they show that there's a misconception about what affordable housing is. Affordable housing creates opportunities for teachers, healthcare workers, and young families who want to put down roots here." Whitehead emphasized the importance of
INSIDE
SURVEY | 3 Solon Public Library News - 3
Kade Pieper two-peats at Beef Days Hay Bale Toss
AJ Dolan Solon Economist news@soloneconomist.com
It has become an annual tradition for Iowa football players to put their strength to the test at Solon Beef Days’ esteemed Hay Bale Toss, and this year was no exception, hosting numerous Hawks in the 2025 event. After offensive lineman Kade Pieper’s victory last year, winning at a bar height of 12 feet, he made it his mission to once again outperform his competition as well as himself. “I didn’t really change anything from last year,” said Pieper. “I just came to throw it up there.” And throw it he did. In front of his fellow Hawkeye teammates, Pieper stepped up to the bar and made his bale tosses count, beating his last year height with 13 feet in an overtime battle with opposer Wyatt Seagren. “It was fun, I enjoyed it a lot. It was great to win and have all these people around, especially my teammates,” said Pieper. Prior to Pieper’s win, both the women’s and master’s divisions showdowns took place, gathering hundreds to witness the strength and determination of their peers. In the women’s division, former Hawkeye Track & Field athlete Jamie Kofron took home the Champion belt after a shootout with Cat Kruschke, winning with a bar height of 9 feet, 6 inches. In the master’s division, Steve McElmeel was crowned the victor, beating the crowd favorite AJ Dolan | Solon Economist Moose Kueter with an impressive height of 11 feet, Iowa football lineman Kade Pieper muscles a hay bale at the annual Hay Bale 6 inches. Toss during Solon Beef Days Friday, July 18. Pieper defended his 2024 win with a 13’ toss in a showdown to claim the 2025 Championship. See page 2 for more Hay Bale Toss photos
Pedaling their hearts out in Beef Days’ Kid’s Tractor Pull
If the annual Hay Bale Toss is Solon Beef Days’ biggest event, then the Kid’s Tractor Pull must be a close second. Starting an hour before the toss, kids in multiple weight classes compete on pedal tractors to a sizeable crowd as Solon’s Don ‘Voice of the Spartans’ Ellis emcee’s the event. Natalia Scales | Solon Economist
Maddox Stormer, of Solon, chugs along steadily as he competes in the 51–55 lb. group in the Kid’s Tractor Pull Friday, July 18, during Solon Beef Days.
See page 2 for more Tractor Pull photos
| Opinions - 4 | Beef Days - 5-7 | Public Notices - 8 & 9 |
10 | Sports - 11 & 12
SOLON
EC N MIST Focused on community.