PAGES 6 Spartans roll Mustangs 41-7 in annual Hwy. 1 gridiron rivalry battle THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 • $1.50
Upcoming events
Sunday, Sept. 20 • Ely Fall Fest 5k and 1-mile Fun Run, 9 a.m. (7:45 a.m. check-in) at Ely City Park Monday, Sept. 21 • Home cross country meet, 4:30 p.m. at Solon Recreation and Nature Area Wednesday, Sept. 23 • Homecoming parade, 6:45 p.m. • Homecoming King coronation and pep rally, 7:45 p.m. in Spartan Stadium Thursday, Sept. 24 • U of I’s David Cwiertny, PhD, will discuss local water quality and issues, 6:30 p.m. at Solon Public Library Friday, Sept. 25 • Homecoming football game, frosh-soph at 5 p.m., varsity at 7:30 p.m. with Queen coronation at halftime of the varsity game Saturday, Sept. 26 • Solon Public Library 25th Anniversary event, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • RUCK 2.2 walk to raise awareness of veteran suicide, 9 a.m. at Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460. Day of registration at 8 a.m. with preregistration at IVOE’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/IowaVeteransOutdoorExperience, using Venmo® or PayPal® strongly encouraged. • 19th annual Ely Fall Fest, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 • Solon Public Library and League of Women Voters of Johnson County Johnson County Supervisors District 2 candidate debate, 6:60 p.m. at Solon Public Library Saturday, October 10 Bone Dash 5k and 1-mile Fun Run at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area. Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.
SFD annual Battery Up program is October 17 John Studt Solon Fire Department It’s that time of year when you should change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Your Solon Fire Fighters offer a Battery Up program to our senior residents and disabled individuals within our service area. We will come to your residence and change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. We will be providing this service on Saturday, October 17, starting at 8 a.m. If you are in need of this service please contact the Solon Fire Department via e-mail at john.studt@solonfire.com with your name, address and contact info. If you do not have access to email call 319624-2386 ext. 2208 and leave us a message with your name, address and a good contact phone number.
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One team, One community, and One nation
Solon HS volleyball honors vets and currently serving members of the armed forces on Military Appreciation Night
More photos of Military Appreciation Night on page 12
Ready to work while they learn UI Community News students covering the Solon beat again this semester
have already been contributing to our coverage of Spartan athletics, the Community News students are gearing up to provide city council and school board meeting coverage, and to tell compelling stories about Solon and Solonites. Three Community News students – Chris Umscheid Anna Mitchell, Grace Escritt, and Lilly Solon Economist Kopp, have been assigned to Solon for chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com their beat. Again this semester, the Solon Escritt has already become a familiar Economist is pleased to provide real face in Solon after starting as a general world work opportunities to students assignment reporter intern this past in the University of Iowa’s School of summer. Journalism and Mass CommunicaHere, in their own words, are their tion – specifically students in the Prep introductions to the Solon commuSports Report and Community News nity. We’re mighty glad to have them classes. While Prep Sports students onboard and look forward to seeing and
Solon Public Library News - 3 | Opinions - 4 & 5 | Sports - 6-9 |
publishing their work this fall. Anna Mitchell I am a fourthyear student studying journalism and political science at the University of Iowa. Originally from Libertyville, IL, a Mitchell northern suburb of Chicago (Bear down, baby!), I have spent my first few years in Iowa City developing my passion for curiosity and storytelling. I am
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STUDENTS from 1
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deeply interested in making a difference with my work, and community news is one of the most tangible examples of how I can do so. Having worked at the student-run paper of the UI, The Daily Iowan, for three years now, I have had the opportunity to work in sections covering local news to state politics, and most recently shifting focus to long-form enterprise writing and editing. But there is nothing like the impact small-town journalism makes. Whether it's to maintain civic accountability or highlight the stories of Solon's best and brightest, coverage helps strengthen bonds with neighbors and community members. At a time when local papers are having to shutter and news deserts continue to grow in Iowa; this reporting is more essential than ever. And that’s why I’m taking Iowa Community News this semester. This fall, I look forward to getting to know the people who make the place in Solon. I seek to provide the community with the coverage they need and give a voice to the residents of Solon, all while learning how to improve my reporting and grow into myself as a journalist. I want to make the most of my time in the Iowa Community News course and the first semester of my final year in Iowa City. There’s a lot to learn and a lot to cover, and I can’t wait to get started. Grace Escritt Hello, Solon! I am e xc ite d to for m a l ly introduce myself to the community as an intern and University of Iowa student who will be working with the Solon Economist over the next few months. I am originally from Escritt Emerson, IA, which is a small, rural town in the southwest region of the state. In 2023, I moved from my hometown — which is composed of around 400 people — to bustling Iowa City in order to attend the University of Iowa. Three years later, I am now a senior majoring in journalism and mass communication as well as political science. I first began interning with the Solon Economist this past June. Over the summer, I had the privilege of covering this lively, tight-knit community as a reporter — and sometimes, a photographer — with a focus on local government meetings, features and festivals. Due to the wonderful experience I had exploring Solon’s history and telling the stories of its residents, I decided to extend my internship into the fall semester. Along with this internship, I am taking the “Iowa Community News” course at the university as my capstone. I chose to take this as my final journalism class due to my passion for community storytelling. After all, it is essential to fostering togetherness, connection and representation. Local news is the glue that holds a com-
Of a Little Weekly Miracle
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
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Instructor Ty Rushing (second from right) and the fall 2026 UI SJMC Community News class took a whirlwind tour of Solon Tuesday, Sept. 8 to familiarize themselves with the community. Three students – Anna Mitchell, Grace Escritt, and Lilly Kopp have been assigned Solon as their beat for the semester.
munity together, and losing access to this necessary information can have devastating effects. Unfortunately, many town newspapers around the United States are shutting their doors due to losses in funding and journalism becoming increasingly digital. I interpret this as a call-to-action, and I feel a sense of purpose behind ensuring communities — regardless of their size — have access to this necessary service. Since I first learned to hold a pencil, I have loved the art of storytelling. For me, writing is a way to express myself and connect with others, but community journalism takes this one step further: It gives me the chance to use something I am passionate about to serve the public interest. Upon graduating from the university, I plan to pursue a career in political journalism. Thank you to the people of Solon for welcoming my classmates and I to the community. I look forward to telling your stories.
border, Somerset Wisconsin. I always tell people I’m from Minnesota though, because I went to high school in a suburb of Minneapolis, and more people know where the Twin Cities are than my small town. Now, my family moved to Florida, so I’m working on paying better attention to the local news down south as well as staying up to date on my local news here. Because of this background, I realized that local news is crucial to maintaining communities. Over the summer, I worked for a non-profit newspaper in Minneapolis that had a hyper-local focus. They took time to find stories that big corporations, like the Star Tribune, weren’t telling. Big news organizations can sometimes forget about small towns. Similarly, they don’t always understand these communities, as they are looking from the outside and not getting involved in town events. I think it’s important to bring the focus back to them, and I hope I can make some kind of impact on Solon. Lilly Kopp As a senior in my last semester, I’m looking Growing up, I was sur- forward to working with a new community. I rounded by the news. I love meeting new people, but reporting in a don’t think my grandma place like the Twin Cities doesn’t leave much has ever gone a room for growing relationships, especially day w ithout reading when I wasn’t reporting within my particular the local paper, and she is neighborhood. always reminding me of the I’m excited to grow relationships with citiimportance of paying zens of Solon and find extraordinary stories attention to the news, no that are unique to the area. Small towns often Kopp matter what level. harbor some of the best stories, and I can’t My name is Lily Kopp, and I am from a small wait to crack open Solon’s shell to find what town just on the Wisconsin and Minnesota treasures are hidden beneath the surface.
COLLEGE NEWS Longo among ISU 2026 summer grads AMES — Santino Joseph Longo (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, B.F.A.) was among 637 graduates of Iowa State University this summer. Students earning degrees during the summer have the opportunity to participate in fall or spring commencement ceremonies.
Advertising Sales Catherine Bilskie catherine.bilskie@ soloneconomist.com Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com Advertising Director Juli Krause juli.krause@dailyiowan.com Interns Grace Escritt, reporter Cadence Dighton, reporter Abby Princehouse, digital/ social media, sports reporter Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response The Solon Economist (USPS 500860), a division of The Daily Iowan, is published weekly on Thursdays by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31 Iowa City, IA 52242. Periodicals Postage Paid at the Solon Post Office and additional offices. 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 2026 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.
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SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS We’re mid-September and in full swing for the school year! Johnson County Iowa League of Women Voters and the Solon Public Library will host a candidate forum Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m. with Johnson County Board of Supervisor candidates for District 2. Candidates up for election on November 3, Jon Greene and Phil Hemingway, will answer questions from the panel, and from the audience if time allows. The Library is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of our current building! Join us Saturday, September 26, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., for a celebration of the Solon Public Library, our history, our incredible Library community, light refreshments, and cupcakes! Hosted by the Friends of Solon Public Library, Board of Trustees, and the Solon Public Library Foundation. September is Library Card Sign-up Month! Back in 1987, Library Card Sign-Up Month began with a simple but powerful idea: every child should have a library card—and use it! That message still rings true today! At Solon Public Library, we believe a Library card is your ticket to so much more than books. Use your Library card to check out puzzles, cake pans, the Iowa Adventure Pass, and more surprises you might not expect! Sign up for a new Library card or renew your account this September and you’ll be entered to win a fun prize bundle. Remember, the library is for everyone, every day!
earrings and necklaces, teens are welcome to join us for some afterschool crafting time. Teen programs are for 6th-12th graders. For 1st-8th Graders, visit the Library for our Thursday early-out BAM POW programs from 1:45-2:45 p.m. On September 24, we will finish the month with Play It! Homemade Play Dough. Pick up a copy of the schedule at the Library or check our website calendar for details. Monday, September 21, at 5:30 p.m., join us with special guest Dee Swartzendruber for a presentation on the history and intricacies of the Hurdy-Gurdy. This program is open to all ages, no registration required. Thursday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m., join us with special guest David Cwiertny, PhD, from the University of Iowa for a presentation on our local water quality. Learn about where our local water quality stands, what you can do to improve water quality, and what barriers currently exist to hinder the quality of our water. An old favorite has returned to the Library! Don’t miss Meal & a Movie Friday, September 25, at 11 a.m. The Solon Senior Advocates organize the meal, contact Sandy Hanson to reserve your meal for a small cost, and stick around to enjoy a movie with friends.
New DVDs Here’s what’s new in DVDs at the Library! The Bride! A murdered young woman is resurrected to create a companion for Frankenstein and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what they'd imagined. [R] Star Wars – The Mandalorian and Grogu. The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they have enlisted the help of legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu. [PG-13] The Sheep Detectives. In this witty new breed of mystery, George is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can't possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers. [PG]
In the Grey. A covert team of elite operatives lives off the grid, executing missions no one else can. When a ruthless Library access despot seizes a billion-dollar fortune, they're deployed to reclaim it. But what begins as an impossible heist spirals Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 into a deadly battle of strategy, deception, and survival. [R] Library programs a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sundays. Please always refer to our website calendar or History of the Solon Public Library, Part 25 For teens, visit the Library on Tuesdays for Switch call to check hours as weather may impact our ability You’re invited! The Library is celebrating its 25 year hisand Social after school until 4:30 p.m. Hang out with to be safely open. tory on Saturday, September 26th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, September 25, the Library will be open from friends, eat snacks, and play games. We’ll have a variJoin us to revisit library history from the humble beginety of board games available and games for our Switch. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome at the Library and our pro- nings under the band stand to today’s beautiful space Also for teens, Thursday, September 24, at 3 p.m., we’re built by our community. grams. Please contact us with access needs. making Shrinky Dinks! From keychains and charms to
Solon Public Library hosts 25th Anniversary celebration bors. Browse sixty years of progress, learn about all the programs & services the library currently offers, and give feedback to help shape future library growth. Revisit the Library’s history from humble beginSaturday, September 26, the Solon Public Library nings beneath the Main Street band stand and the will host a community celebration of the Library build- community efforts to build the new library which opened June 24, 2001. It’s truly a library built by this ing’s 25th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy light refreshments, have a cupcake, and share community and continues to be a community hub for your favorite library stories among friends and neigh- education, gatherings, and entertainment. Megan Richardson Interim Director Solon Public Library
This celebration is hosted by the Solon Public Library Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library, Solon Public Library Foundation, and Solon Women’s Club. Each of these groups play a vital role in the library’s history and continue to serve the library and community as a whole. This event is free and open to the public. For further information, please contact the Solon Public Library at 319-624-2678 or staff@solon.lib.ia.us.
NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Steele named National Merit Scholarship semifinalist
Steele
Alina Steele, a senior at Solon High School, has been named a semifinalist in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program, giving her an opportunity to compete for 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $24 million that will be offered next spring. Alina is among more than 16,000 academically talented high school seniors nationwide selected as National Merit semifinalists.
Next steps in nationwide competition More than 1.2 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2025 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship ® award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title. To become a finalist, the semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards
Scholar title. The National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. The program was established in received. A semifinalist must have an outstanding aca- 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit demic record throughout high school, be endorsed and Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten recommended by a high school official, write an essay, by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the stu- 300 business organizations, higher education institudent’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. tions, and individual donors that share NMSC’s goals From more than 16,000 semifinalists, more than of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and 15,000 are expected to advance to the finalist level, encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.
Types and timeline of National Merit scholarships Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in spring 2027: Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit® $2,500 scholarships that will be awarded on a state-representational basis. About 700 corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards will be provided by approximately 120 corporations and business organizations for finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 140 colleges and universities are expected to finance about 3,500 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. The 2027 National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 395,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit
OPINIONS
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Fiction to fact to Striking the balance: Local fantasy STATE GUEST OPINIONS
Food for Thought Milli Gilbaugh Having long ago settled for the limits of the television programs I can get free on local channels (after suffering the disappointments of satellite broadcasts) I find that I have become somewhat of a Star Trek fan. I especially enjoy episodes of The Next Generation for its imaginative plots, talented actors, humor and believability. It seems to address issues that are still viable all these years after the series was filmed. (Technology may change in coming centuries, but humanity remains much the same.) Wishes and fantasy serve a beneficial purpose in our lives. They can give us hope or inspire creativity, for instance. I can think of any number of delightful stories and movies that stemmed from someone’s wishful thinking. Would we ever have had Superman without some boy wishing he could fly? Space travel, modern automobiles, artificial joints and limbs – the list of things is endless. And it all started when somebody said, “I wish there was a way to…” Have you ever wished you could understand your pet better? Recently, I watched part of a movie about a doctor who could understand the language of animals. My first thought was that he should have been a veterinarian rather than a doctor for humans. Later, I was thinking that it would not be such a good idea for the average petowner, or farmer, to be able to understand what was going on in those animal minds. As past owner of a sassy, strong-willed, manipulative dog, I took enough flack with the stuff I managed to understand. I don’t think I would want to know too much more. Dogs and cats, I’ve noticed, manage pretty well when it comes to making demands and ordering us around. If it were easy for them to make their every wish known, you know who would be the master and who would be the slave, don’t you? Sometimes, wishes can keep us going – help us keep our sights on the future and work toward our goals. Maybe our wishes are a bit too lofty and out of reach but, as a teacher once told me, “If you aim for the cupola, you might hit the barn.” Without that attitude, we wouldn’t have champions or heroes or excellence in music, art, poetry or any number of other human endeavors. Part of that success has to be attributed to talent, intelligence and competitiveness but it all started with a wish. And, who knows if the wish was ever fulfilled – maybe those stellar accomplishments still fall short of the original dream. We wish for lots of foolish things, in an off-hand way, that we don’t really mean. We wish we could eat the whole bowl of chocolate cake batter rather than just licking the beaters and scraping the bowl (we don’t really want to be that sick.) Or, we wish we didn’t have that bossy big sister (who would we borrow sweaters from, or share secrets with?) We wish the good fairy would clean up the kitchen for us while we go shopping (now, that’s not such a bad idea, come to think of it.) We wish the dog wouldn’t get us up in the middle of the night because he has to go out (what’s the alternative?) And – the supreme foolishness – we look out of the window on a mild, sunny winter day and wish for snow! Maybe wishing doesn’t do any harm but, in this case, it won’t do you any good, either. There are just as many of us – maybe more – who wish it would stay above freezing and precipitation-free until sometime in April when we’ll permit some warm showers and nighttime lows above forty. We are the ones who have bad backs and can’t shovel the white stuff. We are the ones who don’t want to risk broken hips from falling on the ice. We are the ones who hate heavy boots, bulky coats and earmuffs. We are the ones who live at the end of dead-end roads that are the last to be plowed out. We are the ones who have to shiver in a cold car just to drive a half mile to the mailbox to get the morning paper. We are the ones who don’t own snowmobiles, skis or ice skates. We are the ones who can’t afford to spend the winter in Arizona or Florida. And – we outnumber you. And we are the ones who can no longer paint the bathroom, shampoo the carpet, mow the lawn or pick that bumper crop of wild blueberries. We are the ones who wish the fairy godmother was more than a wish.
freedom and statewide protections Brooke Boden
Iowa House Representative, District 21
As Chair of the Local Government Committee in the Iowa House, I am often asked: Where should decision-making power reside? I believe the answer lies in the principled balance that local entities should lead on local operational needs, but the state must ensure consistency when constitutional rights, taxpayer protections, or public safety are on the line. We must respect local flexibility while Boden establishing a baseline framework that protects the fundamental rights, safety, and pocketbooks of all Iowans, regardless of their zip code. Iowa recognizes that local officials are closest to the people. A rural county faces different operational realities than a metro area, and local leaders require proper elbow room to manage budgets, deliver services, and address community-specific needs. However, local control is not unlimited self-government. State consistency becomes necessary when local mandates create a confusing regulatory patchwork, undermine fiscal accountability, or encroach upon fundamental liberties. House Republicans have applied this balanced test across several key areas. First, because local government decisions directly impact family budgets, major property tax reforms established consistent guidelines for tax
growth, assessment limits, and budget reporting. This ensures taxpayers across all 99 counties understand where their hard-earned dollars go, while preserving local boards' ability to prioritize spending within reasonable boundaries. Second, protecting childhood innocence and empowering parents are non-negotiable principles requiring statewide uniformity. We have set clear, statewide standards to ensure parents remain fully informed and involved in their children's well-being, while still preserving local operational authority by allowing local school boards to determine the specific security measures, such as School Resource Officers or trained staff, that best fit them. Finally, public safety and economic stability require state law to be applied predictably. We have consistently opposed attempts to create a patchwork of conflicting local enforcement policies regarding immigration laws, identification standards, or commercial regulations, ensuring a thriving economy and safe communities where citizens, law enforcement, and small business owners operate under one clear, fair standard statewide. State legislators should not micromanage the daily operations of cities, counties, or school districts. Local leaders must retain the freedom to innovate and solve community problems within their proper scope. But when local decisions collide with constitutional rights, economic fairness, or equal protection under the law, state consistency must act as the ultimate safeguard. By maintaining these boundaries, Iowa strikes the right balance, empowering local governance while protecting our state's most vital unit: the individual and the family.
Democracy grows from the ground up Janice Weiner
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader
American democracy succeeds by trial and error. Our history is littered with flaws and mistakes, corrected and amended, re-broken, and fixed again, often thanks to citizen input. That is why local government – bottom up, grassroots democracy – provides the best opportunity for experimentation and correcting the mistakes that a top-down view of government too often misses. Weiner Yes, some things need to be uniform – things like traffic signs and rules of the road, public health, and our currency, for example. But many of the best ideas start local. Maybe it’s a commission, or a new approach to public transit. Maybe it’s stricter rules for storm water drainage based on regular, extreme rain events, a unique idea on how to multiply options for affordable housing, or an idea to offer incentives for entrepreneurs. Heck, even school boards are local and the legislature actually recognized that when it set a floor on the use of electronic devices for students – districts can build on that. That’s precisely why our best opportunities for collective self-improvement are often discovered not in the halls of Congress or the office of the governor, but in the city council chamber or the county administrative building; in the small rooms and local communities that serve as civic laboratories. And that’s why recent top-down efforts to strip those small, local rooms of their ability to experiment and innovate are so shortsighted. Our communities are different, counties are different – their local economies and their built and natural environments are different – and that is where local governance and public input come in. We’re different, and that’s a good thing. We’re not all square pegs to be shoved into round holes. Just look at my neck of the woods. Iowa City isn’t the same as Tiffin. Tiffin isn’t Solon. West Branch isn’t Riverside, which isn’t Coralville or North Liberty. And so on. Even for communities separated by less than 30 minutes of drive time, the community-based approach on any given policy issue can vary significantly. And
when the legislature imposes a one-size-fits-all “solution”, it leaves little room for local governments to adjust to local needs. It’s like telling everyone in a household that they must all wear the same size or kind of shoe. In the past, preemption battles usually played out between the states and the federal government. Iowa doesn’t much like it when the federal government imposes limits or a mandate. But recently, these fights have filtered down to states and municipalities. In the past ten years alone, dozens of preemption bills have become law in Iowa as Republican lawmakers in Des Moines sought to consolidate and centralize power under their governing trifecta. The statehouse slammed the brakes on local government efforts to enshrine workers’ rights, provide affordable housing, manage local elections, enhance civil rights protections, and codify electrical safety requirements. These exertions of state power aren’t made with each individual Iowan in mind – they impose a set of ideological goals and preempt local governance. Maybe they would like to sit in the mayor’s or the councilor’s chair and field public comment? Given how many opt out of basics like forums and town halls, that seems a stretch. In 2008, for example, the statewide minimum wage increased to $7.25, a number adopted shortly thereafter by the federal government. In 2015, recognizing that $7.25 was insufficient at both reducing poverty and meeting local cost of living needs, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance establishing a higher, local minimum wage that would begin at $8.20 and rise to $10.10 by 2017. Then, in March of 2017, Gov. Terry Branstad signed a law preempting that ordinance, reducing the enforceable minimum wage in Johnson County back to $7.25. Our county adjusted and innovated based on local need, to provide a higher quality of life for local residents, and the state said no – we know better – under the guise of “needing uniformity” and “it would be confusing.” Establishing a floor, a minimum standard of regulation, allows localities to experiment and innovate while protecting baseline freedoms for everyone. The Smokefree Air Act, for instance, was passed in 2008. It established a floor to protect public health but didn’t prevent local governments from going further based on community demand. But establishing a floor is very different than simply saying no because someone in the
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stitution, a court can strike it down. Our local communities are nimble – they can respond more quickly and with precision to local constituents’ needs. Let local governments experiment and let the
state adjust based on the results. We might all just learn something. Will all of the ideas work? Of course not. But democracy, like flowers, grows and flourishes from the ground up, not the top down.
legislature doesn’t like what a particular local government is doing. There are also other checks and balances at work here – voters weigh in every two years, and if an ordinance is at odds with state law or the state con-
Q&A: Upholding public trust in government With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What motivates you to hold meetings in every county across Iowa every year? A: When the Senate’s not in session, I’m home meeting with Iowans. Having dialogue with my constituents is the essence of representative government. As your senator, I bring your ideas and concerns back to Washington, D.C., to solve problems that are making it harder to get ahead and stay ahead. This year I completed my 99 county meetings for the 46th year in a row with more than 100 workers at Sub-Zero in Cedar Rapids. Holding Q&As at hospitals, manufacturing facilities and on the factory floor provides an additional benefit to keep on top of the challenges facing employers and the workforce, as well as learning about our high-quality products and services here in Iowa. I also make it a priority to foster civic engagement with younger generations and enjoy answering questions from students at schools across Iowa. I’m often asked why I started my annual 99 county meetings. Before I was elected to the U.S. Senate, I was at a local restaurant and overheard someone say that “it must be election time” because politicians were in town. That remark stuck with me. That’s when I decided to hold a meeting in every county, at least once, every year – not every six years. I’m glad my approach to representative government has influenced presidential candidates and other elected officials to hold themselves accountable to the people with face-to-face meetings. Obviously, it’s not possible to meet in person with more than three million Iowans, so I encourage people to share their opinions and concerns by calling my office or sending me an email at www.grassley.senate.gov. Whether I interact in person at a county meeting, by email or in my office on Capitol Hill, feedback from Iowans informs my work at the policymaking tables. For example, when Iowans told me about a steep price increase for their child’s EpiPen that’s used for emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions, I investigated the situation that led to bipartisan legislation to fix the problem. More recently, I’ve led efforts to fix California’s Prop 12 that’s added a costly burden to Iowa pig farmers’ operations and adversely impacts Iowa’s economy, the number one pork producing state in the nation. I’m also leading a bipartisan push for muchneeded reforms in the pharmaceutical industry that’s making it harder for rural pharmacies to keep their doors open. Based on feedback from local employers across Iowa, I supported tax relief to boost the engine of the U.S. economy in the Working Families Tax Cuts
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Act that enable small businesses to invest in their operations, create new jobs, raise wages and boost benefits for their employees. As your senator, I remind Iowans that my door is always open. Q: Why did you cosponsor the Stop Insider Trading Act? A: My annual 99 county meetings keep my finger on the pulse of Iowans as I work to strengthen public confidence in government. Years ago, Iowans often would ask why Congress doesn’t have to follow the same laws it applies to American society. Prior to 1995, Congress was exempt from a dozen workplace laws. My bipartisan Congressional Accountability Act delivered a reality check to the people who write the laws of the land so that lawmakers walk in the shoes of our constituents. There’s also growing concern among Americans that elected officeholders enrich themselves while serving in office. Under no circumstances should members of Congress profit from insider information while shaping public policy. Public service is a privilege, not a stepping stone to a fat bank account. Among my efforts to restore public trust in government, I led efforts to improve the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act enacted during the Obama administration to prohibit members of Congress and federal employees from profiting from nonpublic, insider information. Since its passage, I’ve worked to close loopholes in the law. Most recently, I’ve cosponsored the Stop Insider Trading Act. This legislation would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. Moreover, members would be required to file a seven-day public notice prior to the sale of any stock they presently own. Violations of the bill’s requirements would result in stiff penalties and the forfeiture of any gain realized from the transaction. With the support of Iowa Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra, the House of Representatives passed the bill in July. Voters place their trust in elected representatives to do what’s right and this bill establishes guardrails to do just that. After 46 years of holding Q&As in every county, every year across the state, it’s an honor and a privilege to listen, learn and advocate on behalf of my fellow Iowans. Without a doubt, common sense runs rampant in Iowa and I’m working as hard as ever to uphold the public trust in government by displacing Washington nonsense with Iowa common sense.
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said Treasurer Smith. “It’s money that will stay invested for tuition, apprenticeships, trade schools and other qualified education expenses instead of going towards administrative costs. Government should always be Jacob Holck looking for ways to deliver more value. Whether it’s modPublic Affairs ernizing programs or reducing fees, my goal has always State Treasurer’s Office been to put Iowa families first and make every dollar DES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith work harder for them.” announced the third fee reduction for ISave 529, conParents, grandparents and other individuals interested tinuing his commitment to lowering costs and helping in opening an account can get started at ISave529.com Iowa families keep more of their investments. with an initial $25 contribution to begin investing. Effective September 1, the plan’s only fee decreased Connect with ISave 529 on Facebook, Instagram and to.15% or $1.50 per $1,000 invested. This fee reduc- LinkedIn to stay informed of updates and news. tion will further strengthen ISave 529’s position as an inexpensive option for Iowa families saving for future More About ISave 529: educational expenses. ISave 529 is Iowa’s direct-sold 529 plan administered “One of my priorities as Treasurer has been to make by State Treasurer Roby Smith. With the plan, people it more affordable for Iowa families to invest in a child’s can save for future educational expenses for themselves, future,” said Treasurer Smith. “This marks the third fee children, grandchildren or others, and Iowa taxpayers reduction during my administration and reflects our can deduct up to $6,100 in contributions per benefiongoing commitment of finding ways to reduce costs and ciary account from their state income taxes in 2026. An deliver a high-quality education savings plan for Iowa.” ISave 529 account can be opened with as little as $25, Since taking office, Treasurer Smith has reduced the and anyone – parents, grandparents, even friends – plan’s only fee from .18% to .15%, which equates to a can contribute. The plan offers a variety of investment drop of 16.7%. In addition, the Treasurer has modernized options and is easy to manage online at ISave529.com ISave 529 by adding new investment options for account or through the READYSAVE 529 app. holders. To learn how you can open an ISave 529 account, visit “Lower fees may seem like a small thing, but this will ISave529.com. For more information about the plan, make a meaningful difference over the life of an account,” read the Program Description.
SPORTS
NEWS
6 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS
FOOTBALL Week Four Friday, Sept. 18 – HOME vs. Benton Community, 7:30 p.m. (Youth Football Night) Week Five Friday, Sept. 25 HOME vs. Fairfield, 7:30 p.m. (HOMECOMING) VOLLEYBALL Saturday, Sept. 19 – Clinton HS River Queen Invitational, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 – HOME vs. Marion, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 – AT West Delaware, 7:30 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY Thursday, Sept. 17 – Independence Invitational (B&G), Independence MHI, 5:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21 – HOME Invitational (B&G), SRNA, 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 – Anamosa meet (B&G), Anamosa Middle School, 9 a.m. GIRLS SWIMMING (with Iowa City High School)
Saturday, Sept. 19 – HOME Little Hawk Invitational, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 – At Wahlert Catholic (Loras College AWC San Jose Pool, Dubuque), 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 – Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cougar Invitational, 9 a.m. GIRLS TENNIS (with Iowa City High School)
Thursday, Sept. 17 – At Cedar Rapids Kennedy, 4 p.m. Postseason Regional Individual Meet – Wednesday, Sept. 23 Regional Team Meet – Saturday, Sept. 26
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FOOTBALL
Spartans roll Mustangs 41-7 in annual Hwy. 1 gridiron rivalry battle Solon improves to 3-0 after dominating performance
calls, one erasing a massive 75-yard run from Kelly with only three minutes left in the first half, but the play was called back for holding. Quinn Felderman “Their response is their superFor the Solon Economist power because there is going to be news@soloneconomist.com bad calls, or bad plays on us. Things are going to happen, and the best MOUNT VERNON — Solon’s teams always respond the best to varsity won in a 41-7 rout against those,” Stanton said. rival Mount Vernon Friday, Sept. 11. The very next play, Kelly found The Solon Spartans went into Owen Bock (Jr.) wide open in the their biggest rivalry game of the middle of the field for a 70-yard season confidently after starting touchdown to bolster their lead. the season off with back-to-back blowouts including shutting out "Our response is our the Williamsburg Raiders in a 42-0 superpower. I feel like they dominant performance. Solon’s defense and special teams really buy into that. It’s were hot early, recovering a missed kind of next play mentality. toss fumble on Mount Vernon’s Something bad happens, 20-yard line and blocking a punt on something good happens, the following drive, setting them up we want to be on the same on the opponent's 32. The Spartans would capitalize wavelength every time." on these opportunities early, scorLucas Stanton, Head Coach ing on both drives. Maddox Kelly (Sr) would put them on the board with his legs on 13 yard quarterback The second half of the game draw. Jackson Burk (Sr.) would fol- would see Kelly and Bock dominate. low up on Solon’s next possession Kelly ended with a 71.4 completion with a 25-yard rush to give the percentage, 293 scrimmage yards, Spartans a double-digit lead with and 4 total touchdowns. Owen 7:38 left in the first quarter. Bock broke out with seven recepSolon would continue to dom- tions, 185 receiving yards, and two inate on both sides of the ball for touchdowns. the rest of the game, with their only “Anyone could have a breakout limit being themselves. The Spar- game, and that’s the beauty of our tans faced adversity with penalty team, they have to choose which Stats Passing – Maddox Kelley 11/15, 240 yards, 3 TDs. Ryder Laing 4/6, 29 yards Receiving – Owen Bock 7/185, 2 TDs. Kaden Hoeper 2/40, 1 TD. Cody Milliman 2/15. Paxton Holtkamp 1/14. Michael Bigelow 2/11. Wyatt Young 1/4 Rushing – Kelley 11/86, 1 TD. Jackson Burk 9/52, 1 TD. Greyson Burg 3/2. Foster Owens 1/3. Grant Milliman 1/1. Laing 1/0 Defense – Simon Einwalter 5.5, 4, 2, 1. Lucas Feuerbach 5.5, 3, 1, 0. James Thomsen 4.5, 4, 1, 0. Foster Owens 4.0, 3, 0, 0. Colton Sieverding 3.0, 3, 0, 0. Wyatt Young 3.0, 2, 1, 0. AJ Haege 3.0, 2, 0, 0.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Junior Owen Bock leaps to avoid a last-ditch effort at a tackle by Mount Vernon’s Gabe Grafft at the goal line to score Friday, Sept. 11, at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon as the Spartans and Mustangs engage in their annual rivalry game. Solon won their fourth consecutive game since 2022 as they dominated the Mustangs 41-7. one of us to guard,” Bock said after the game. “We all love each other, we all work hard with each other, so it’s great to see all of us have success.” The Spartans have now won four years straight since losing in 2022. That loss was the first in the series for Solon with wins going back to 2008.
Bradyn Schnoor 2.5, 2, 0, 0. Hoeper 2.0, 1, 0, 0. Luis Buck 2.0, 1, 0, 0. Caden Kilburg 2.0, 1, 0, 0. Kelley 1.5, 1, 0, 0. Cohen Leichtman 1.0, 1, 1, 0. Benjamin McFadden 1.0, 1, 0, 0. Jonathan Thomson 1.0, 1, 0, 0. Jacob Donnenwerth 1.0, 1, 0, 0. Drew O’Neill 1.0, 1, 0, 0. Luke Devery 1.0, 1, 0, 0. Milliman 1.0, 0, 0, 0. Grant Gordon 0.5, 0, 0, 0 Fumbles – Kelley ¼ Kick returns – Hoeper 1/15 Field goals – Collin McKie 2/3 PAT – McKie 5/5 3A-4 Scores Fort Madison 28 Central Lee 12
Quinn Felderman is a student in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Quinn is a student in the Prep Sports Report class. Editor Chris Umscheid and Prep Sports Report class student Ryan Paris contributed to this report.
West Burlington Notre Dame 57 Keokuk 13 Washington 49 Burlington 19 Mediapolis 47 Fairfield 28 Mount Pleasant 42 Oskaloosa 0 3A-4 Standings District Overall Mount Pleasant 0-0 3-0 Solon 0-0 3-0 Fort Madison 0-0 2-1 Washington 0-0 2-1 Fairfield 0-0 1-2 Keokuk 0-0 0-3
VOLLEYBALL
Lady Spartans sweep Vikettes 3-0 on Military Appreciation Night Veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces were recognized chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com between the first and second set. Solon took the second and third sets After a wild five-set battle, and 3-2 win 25-5 for the sweep. over Mount Vernon last Tuesday (Sept. 8) Charleigh Whitford, a junior, led all in the Lady Spartans returned home to face kills with eight while sophomore AmeVinton-Shellsburg Thursday, Sept. 10, on lia Guinn produced six with five from Military Appreciation Night. With the junior Hailey Gorham and four apiece by student section decked out in patriotic seniors Addison Walter and Harper Nichattire and waving flags, the seniors from olson, sophomore Makinley Galvan, and both teams carried a large American flag freshman Zephie Bishop. Junior Kendyl into the gym for the National Anthem as Kidwell produced a kill as well. members of Solon American Legion StiNicholson led defensively with two nocher Post 460 performed Color Guard block assists with one each for Walter, duties. Kidwell, Galvan, and Guinn. Kalynn Once play commenced it was all Solon, Timmons made four ace serves with all the time with a 25-7 first set win. three from junior Emersyn Bucheit and Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
senior Scarlet Ferin, two by junior Ava Hohn, and one from sophomore Anabelle Boelkins. The Lady Spartans improved to 14-1 with the sweep.
ford, three from Harper Nicholson, two apiece by Addison Walter, Makinley Galvan, and Amelia Guinn, and one apiece from Beckett Kruse, Scarlett Ferin, and Zephie Bishop. Walter had one solo block with three block assists by Nicholson. Kalynn Timmons had a pair of ace serves Solon goes 3-2 in Linn-Mar’s with one by Ferin. tourney Solon 2 Davenport North 0 – Solon swept the Wildcats 21-13 and 21-14 with The Lady Spartans competed in Linn- nine kills by Guinn, four from Whitford, Mar’s tournament Saturday, Sept. 12, and three by Kendyl Kidwell, two by Galvan, added three wins and a pair of losses to and one each from Walter, Nicholson, their record. and Bishop. Nicholson made one solo block with four block assists by NicholSolon 2 Dubuque Hempstead 0 son. Walter and Timmons had a pair of – Solon topped the Mustangs 21-13 and aces each with one apiece by Anabelle 21-11 with four kills by Charleigh Whit- Boelkins and Ferin.
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SPORTS
"We played some ranked teams, and that was good for us to have to play through some challenges. We responded well and came out with a win over Marion, played tough with Pleasant Valley, and have some things to work on." Ruben Galvan, Head Coach Dowling Catholic 2 Solon 0 – The No. 4-ranked (Class 5A) Maroons handed the Lady Spartans their second loss of the season 6-21 and 12-2. Guinn led Solon with three kills while Whitford produced two and Boelkins, Galvan, and Bishop made one each. Defensively Walter and Galvan had one block assist apiece. Kidwell added one ace to her record this season. Solon 2 Marion 0 – No. 3-ranked (4A) Marion fell to No. 3 (3A) Solon 24-22 and 24-14. Guinn dominated the match with 11 kills while Whitford produced six, Bishop made four, Galvan had three, Nicholson added two, and Walter contributed one. Walter made two solo blocks and two block assists with one each by Nicholson and Guinn. Galvan and Bishop had a block assist each. Hohn made a pair of aces with one each by Boelkins and Ferin. Pleasant Valley 2 Solon 0 – The No. 5-ranked (5A) Spartans swept the Solon’s Spartans 19-21 and 13-21. Guinn led Solon’s offense with eight kills backed up by Whitford’s four, three apiece from Walter and Galvan, and two by Bishop. Walter and Guinn had a block assist each with an ace for Walter and Hohn. Aliya A. Stork, a student in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications’ Prep Sports Report class contributed to this report.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Carlee Carney, a junior, puts up a kill shot Thursday, Sept. 10, at home in junior varsity competition against Vinton-Shellsburg. The JV Lady Spartans swept the Vikettes 3-0 on Military Appreciation Night.
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 7 Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union weekly rankings (9/10/26) School Record Previous week 1 Humboldt 7-0 1 2 Western Christian 6-2 2 3 Solon 13-1 4 4 Cherokee 8-3 3 5 Mount Vernon 13-4 6 6 Dike-New Hartford 7-5 7 7 Center Point-Urbana 9-4 5 8 MOC-Floyd Valley 7-3 11 9 Wilton 10-2 8 10 Roland-Story 10-1 9 11 Van Meter 9-2 10 12 Kuemper Catholic 6-3 12 13 West Delaware 9-3 15 14 West Liberty 9-3 14 15 Knoxville 7-4 14 WaMaC Standings (8/13/26) Conf. Overall Solon 1-0 17-3 CCA 1-0 14-3 Benton 1-0 11-4 CPU 1-0 13-5 Marion 1-0 11-5 Grinnell 1-0 3-4 Independence 0-1 10-3 Mount Vernon 0-1 13-4 W. Delaware 0-1 9-3 S. Tama Co. 0-1 14-6 Williamsburg 0-1 10-6 Vinton-Shellsburg 0-1 1-13 Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Amelia Guinn, a sophomore, slaps the ball over the net in the varsity match against Vinton-Shellsburg Thursday, Sept. 10, on Military Appreciation Night. Solon swept the Vikettes 3-0 (25-7, 25-5, 25-5). Nicholson is a senior while Guinn is a sophomore.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Charliegh Steiger watches as Kinzey McKelvy bumps the ball Thursday, Sept. 10, as the sophomore Lady Spartans battle the Vikettes of Vinton-Shellsburg. Solon swept the visitors 3-0 (20-11, 21-12, 15-13).
SPORTS
8 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
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VOLLEYBALL
Rivalry showdown creates storms throughout Iowa Mount Vernon eventually won the first set 25-15. “After losing the first match, I thought we were really on our heels, and I think the girls realized we were playing to their level,” said Solon head coach Ruben Galvan. Kendall Mathew “And I think we really needed to step it up. It took a while For the Solon Economist for us to understand that we had a lot better tools too.” news@soloneconomist.com The second set started slow for Solon. An 8-8 tie brought with it a breakout moment for the Spartans. MOUNT VERNON — A line of lightning-fueled thun- Mount Vernon used two timeouts before Solon finally derstorms wasn’t the only electricity in the Eastern Iowa won the second set, 25-22. air Tuesday, September 8. A back-and-forth five-set volIt was at this point that the sirens inside the Mustang leyball match between Solon and rival Mount Vernon gymnasium went off. Not because of the scorching hot provided its own fireworks. play on the court, but due to a tornado warning prompted No. 4 (Class 3A) Solon outlasted the 8th-ranked Mus- by the passing storms. The break created an opportunity tangs in a five set thriller, 15-25, 25-22, 22-25, 25-14, for both teams to recharge and refocus, while students 18-16. The win moved the Spartans to 13-1 on the season. filled the hallways and sang “Sweet Caroline.” The storm They ended the week 17-3 overall after wins over Vin- clouds and dark skies outside the building created an ton-Shellsburg and Dubuque Hempstead as well as a 3-2 energy shift inside that few saw coming. Play resumed record in the Linn Mar Volleyball tournament. after a roughly 30-minute break. But it was the showdown against Mount Vernon that Shortly thereafter, Solon freshman Makinley Galvan was the highlight of the week. As a line of thunderstorms earned the first yellow card of the game. The two teams swept across the area, you could feel the ground shak- tied 7-7, then again 14-14, an emotional roller coaster for ing in a packed gymnasium even before the first serve everyone watching. Mount eventually won the third set went up. Mount Vernon jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the 25-22, taking a 2-1 match lead. opening set, sending the Mustang students into a frenzy. Solon started the fourth set strong, climbing out to The Spartans came back to take an 8-6 lead, but an 11-6 lead, much to the delight of the Spartan fans.
Lady Spartans ride out the storm and outlast Mount Vernon 3-2
FOOTBALL
Freshman fall to Mount Vernon 14-13
The “oooh’s” and “ahhh’s” filled the stands while points stacked up. After one lengthy volley Solon took control and won the set 25-14 setting up a fifth and decisive final set, as the clock pushed toward 10 p.m. The crowd roared. The students stood on their feet. And both coaches were fired up. Solon jumped out to a 5-2 lead before Mount Vernon crawled back and a nervous excitement filled the gym. 14-14. 15-15. 16-16. No one would give in. At set point 17-16 Solon junior CJ Whitford killed the ball for the 16th time on the night to give the Spartans the hard-fought win. Whitford’s 16 kills were second only to sophomore Amelia Guinn, who had a gamehigh 19 kids on the night. Senior Scarlett Ferin added 25 assists. And junior Ava Hohn contributed 18 digs for the Spartans. “Fortunately, we had a delay, and we got some time to reflect on what was going on. I think that helped us a lot,” Galvin said. Between the sirens, the superfans and the high-level of play, it was a night no one in the gym would soon forget. Kendall Mathew is a junior at the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Kendall is a student in the Prep Sports Report class.
FEATURE
Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
MOUNT VERNON — The annual Hwy. 1 rivalry on the gridiron opened Friday, Sept. 11, with the frosh-soph game at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon. The Spartans took a 7-0 lead with 2:52 remaining in the 2nd quarter as freshman Nolan Smith scrambled 60+ yards to score and freshman Aiden Olson’s PAT kick added the exclamation point. The Mustangs attempted to equalize in the third quarter after intercepting a Solon pass and scoring on the ensuing drive. Mount Vernon made a 2-point attempt but failed with an “ineligible receiver downfield” call to trail 7-6 with 4:11 left in the quarter. Smith scored again in the fourth quarter on a 49-yard run to make it 13-6 with 7:15 left in the ballgame. The Mustangs made a late drive for a score with 1:41 remaining making it 13-12. A 2-point attempt was successful giving Mount Vernon the 14-13 advantage and final score. The frosh-soph squad is in action again Friday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. as Benton Community visits. Halftime entertainment will be provided by the annual Cheer Clinic featuring dozens upon dozens of future cheerleaders under the guidance of the varsity and JV football cheerleaders.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Freshman Jeremiah Bartlett snags Mount Vernon’s Titus Reasland Friday, Sept. 11, at the Martha Parsons and Family Activities Complex in Mount Vernon. The Mustangs edged past the Spartans 14-13 in the frosh-soph contest.
Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Solon HS students packed into the limited space of Mount Vernon’s visitors bleachers, with a “white out” theme, for the annual rivalry game between the Spartans and Mustangs Friday, Sept. 11.
Solon student section at the heart of Spartans' hot start to 2026
fourth. Prior to the game, as Mount Vernon fans gave out cautiously optimistic predictions rooted in their underdog status, Solon students showed no such reserve. “56-0,” Luke Dieke said. “42-0”, Tate McCollum mused. “42-7”, Brady Wick offered. Call them haughty, call them arrogant. The Solon student section simply knows their team. They know quarterback Maddox Kelley can breeze past a defense with his legs or drop in a perfect hitch-and-go throw on demand. They know any of their receivers can Ryan Paris take over a game at any moment. And they know their For the Solon Economist defense holds onto shutouts like prized family heirlooms. news@soloneconomist.com “We’re expecting a blowout,” Emerson Miller said before the game. That’s true of any game they’ll play this season. The sign of a strong football team is reflected in the vitalHigh expectations didn’t take away from the celebraity of its student section. A pulsing, roaring heartbeat of tions. chants and cheers that echo across the gridiron every FriAs the final seconds ticked off the clock, the mob day night. migrated from the bleachers to the track where they It’s one thing to pack the entire student body into your planted the black and orange flag they’d been waving all home bleachers and drown out a small section of visiting night. Then, they moved onto the field to celebrate with fans. It’s another thing to do it when you are the visitors. the team. On Friday, September 11th, Solon students crammed “I think our kids really support each other really well at into the handful of rows they were allotted in the away Solon in all activities, not just football. Obviously, there’s bleachers at Mount Vernon. Though heavily outnumbered a little more on the line when it's the Mount Vernon-Solon by the Mustang contingent across the field, Spartan voices matchup, but they always show out. That talks to the culrose above all others in the 41-7 win. ture of Solon and how well we support each other,” head “It’s just really cool to see the community come out, coach Lucas Stanton said. especially in this game,” wide receiver Owen Bock said. Beating Mount Vernon may have been “just another day Solon has dominated the rivalry with Mount Vernon in in the office,” as Dieke put it, but the celebrations continue recent history, racking up 19 wins in a row before losing to foster a crucial connection between the student section twice in 2022. Since then, it’s been all Spartans again. and the players. While emotions are amplified in a rivalry, the signifi“At the end of the day, we all know what school’s better,” cance of the opponent hasn’t changed the way the students Laney Johnson said. have shown up this season. The satisfaction they derived from a blocked punt in Ryan Paris is a senior in the University of Iowa’s the early first quarter mirrored the fervor they held when School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Mount Vernon resigned to running out the clock in the Ryan is a student in the Prep Sports Report class.
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SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 9
SWIMMING
Edited by Will Shortz No. 0813
Little Hawks spoil Prairie’s first home swimming and diving meet Iowa City High 128 Prairie, Cedar Rapids 49
CEDAR RAPIDS – The College Community School District and the Cedar Rapids-Marion area YMCA celebrated the grand opening of Prairie Summit YMCA Tuesday, Sept. 8, which included the first home meet for Prairie’s girls swimming and diving team. Previously the Prairie Hawks swam with Cedar Rapids Jefferson. A tornado warning with radar indicated rota-
tion close by prompted a delay before the Iowa City Little Hawks unleashed a storm of their own upon the Prairie Hawks for a 128-49 win. Solon’s Madelyn Elkins, Avery Feuerbach, and Ireland Hagarty are swimming with City High this season. Elkins, a senior, was on the second place (City “B”) varsity 200 freestyle relay (1:52.39), took third in the varsity 200 individual medley (IM) in 2:40.99, and was fourth in the varsity 100 butterfly in 1:23.90. Feuerbach, a sophomore, anchored the 1st place JV 200 freestyle relay (2:06.99), was second in the JV 200 IM in 3:01.86, and third in the
Scores and results (courtesy of City High Coach Mandi Kowal) JV – City High 89, Prairie 23 Varsity – City High 128 Prairie 49 JV 200 medley relay – 1 City High “A” (Brooke Kehres, Halie Schweitzer, Kameron Krupa, Nora Langfitt) 2:29.79. 2 City High “B” (Hannah Lens, Alice Fahey, Miriam Karbelling-Kurth, Ashlyn Bentler) 2:42.82 Varsity 200 medley relay – 1 City High “A” (Ava Remme, Lily Rowlette, Maeve Waas, Adel Cilek) 1:59.43. 2 City High “B” (Vidya Kumar, Louisa Berry-Stoelzle, Clara Solt Espinosa) 2:05.22 JV 200 freestyle – 1 Alice Fahey 2:44.06. 2 Elsa Packer 2:54.94. 3 Nora Langfitt 3:06.80 Varsity 200 freestyle – 1 Helena Mundisev 2:02.61. 2 Norah White 2:06.17. 4 Kehres 2:35.73 JV 200 IM – 1 Krupa 2:55.85. 2 AVERY FEUERBACH 3:01.86 Varsity 200 IM – 2 Berry-Stoelzle 2:33.41. 3 MADELYN ELKINS 2:40.99. 4 Kumar 2:52.82 JV 50 freestyle – 2 Malorie James 37.25. Langfitt 38.53. Lens 39.81 Varsity 50 freestyle – 1 Waas 25.46. 2 Solt Espinosa 26.70. 3 Rowlette 28.23 Varsity 1-meter diving – 2 Anne Clifton 162.65 Varsity 100 butterfly – 1 Remme 1:04.08. 3 Cilek 1:22.58.
4 ELKINS 1:23.90 JV 100 freestyle – 1 Lydia Brown 1:09.69. 3 Bentler 1:28.16 Varsity 100 freestyle – 1 Waas 56.22. 2 Solt Espinosa 59.17. 5 Kumar 1:07.75 Varsity 500 freestyle – 1 Rowlette 5:36.33. 3 FEUERBACH 6:06.01. 4 Schweitzer 6:41.14 JV 200 freestyle relay – 1 City High “A” (Krupa, Fahey, Brown, FEUERBACH) 2:06.99. 3 City High “B” (James, Packer, Lens, Bentler) 2:39.54 Varsity 200 freestyle relay – 1 City High “A” (Remme, Berry-Stoelzle, Kumar, Mundisev) 1:51.55. 2 City High “B” (White, ELKINS, Kehres, Solt Espinosa) 1:52.39 JV 100 backstroke – 1 James 1:34.97. 2 Colner 1:41.06 Varsity 100 backstroke – 1 White 1:05.50. 2 Mundisev 1:06.88. 5 Cilek 1:14.18 JV 100 breaststroke – 1 Brown 1:30.25 Varsity 100 breaststroke – 1 Remme 1:16.66. 2 BerryStoelzle 1:18.30. 4 Schweitzer 1:31.60 JV 400 freestyle relay – 1 City High “A” (Krupa, Fahey, Kehres, Brown) 4:50.85. 2 City High “B” (Langfitt, Bentler, Lens, James) 5:51.14 Varsity 400 freestyle relay – 1 City High “A” (Waas, Karbelling-Kurth, FEUERBACH, Mundisev) 4:07.54. 3 City High “B” (White, Cilek, Schweitzer, Rowlette) 4:10.07
Solon Economist
More sports photos online at soloneconomist.com SOLON SENIORS DINING • • • • • • • • In-House Dining - Wednesdays only at 11:30 at the Solon Methodist Church. Call 319-624-2251 for reservations (required two days in advance) or information Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10-11 a.m. Home Deliveries - (within a five-mile radius and paved roads only) Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Meals cost $5.00 Call 319-624-2251 for reservations (required) two days in advance of meal. Cancellations Since meals are ordered in advance payment is required if a meal is cancelled on the same day it was to be received. No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays
SEPTEMBER MENU • • • Friday, Sept. 18 Catch of the Day Baked Potato/Sour Cream Seasonal Vegetable Banana Split Dessert
Monday, Sept. 21 Baked Spaghetti Pie Zucchini Parmesan Garlic Toast Seasonal Fresh Fruit Wednesday, Sept. 23 Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes Beef Gravy Roasted Carrots Cherry Pie Friday, Sept. 25 Honey Butter Biscuit Pollack Macaroni & Cheese Broccoli Fresh Fruit Monday, Sept. 28 Country Fried Steak Mashed Potatoes Cream Gravy Honey Buttered Carrots Fresh Fruit Wednesday, Sept. 30 City Rep Smothered Pork Chop Baked Potato Green Beans Blueberry Crisp
Across
1 Take a quick turn 4 Sound from a monitor 8 One who’s definitely not being invited to the party 14 Letters indicating a texter’s P.O.V. 15 Fried side dish with catfish, perhaps 16 Cough drop brand whose name is yodeled in its commercials 17 Mafia members, e.g. 19 Gave a talking to? 20 Tiptoed, say 21 Bamboozle 23 Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr. 24 Messenger 26 Alimony recipients, say 28 Boil … or a sign of boiling 30 Important travel info, in brief 31 Dessert often eaten before the ides of March 33 Hold up 35 “Light” weapon 39 Verbalized shivers 41 Drinks at a pub 43 Kind of bean used in Egyptian falafel 44 ___ Ingebrigtsen, track gold medalist at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics 46 Teary-eyed expression 48 In need of training, say 49 Collect over and over, as resources in a video game 51 Pass, as time doing something 53 11th of a noted 12 57 Was especially wintry 60 Part of a slider 61 ___ Roy, “Succession” role for which Kieran Culkin won an Emmy 63 “It is not enough to be industrious; ___ the ants”: Henry David Thoreau 64 Smallest member of the genus Lynx 66 Evaluating, as an opponent … or a hint to “fitting” the answers to the italicized clues into the grid 68 Uncommon color on the red carpet 69 Draw together, as brows 70 Decline cookies, say, with “out” 71 Soaked up the sun 72 ___ Pictures (media giant) 73 Last term in a math lecture series?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 18 22 25 27 29 31 32 34 36 37 38 40 42 45 47 50 52 53 54
55 56 58 59 62 65 67
Down
0 Love of Bologna Fly off the handle They might have deposits Pull (out), as a narrow victory Makes an oopsie Sticky stuff Query for Claude, e.g. Apple accessory announced alongside the removal of the iPhone’s headphone jack Record label owned by 72-Across Littlest bits Motrin alternative Epitome of a hot place Reacted to a bad taste, perhaps Like a bike without wheels “Gold” of the 21st century Org. focused on cloud security? Five stars on a scale, typically Sandwich that may be a bit crunchy, for short Apt name for an investor A.I. that has been trained with massive amounts of text, in brief Something to jump on Many a sleepless night Untapped, as talent Casual gaming site? Drains the life out of Overwhelming stream Compactness Ran amok Lunchtime, say Monastic superior Website that describes itself as “a place to share knowledge and better understand the world” Allow to post on a forum again, e.g. Uses caution while in public during flu season, say Go off with a bang Consideration when diving El ___ Channel that pioneered 24-hour TV reporting Grape whose “white” wine is actually pink, informally
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.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 2
PUBLIC NOTICES
10 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST IowaPublicNotices.com THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FORMAL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 Proclamations, ordinances and 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. Green sought and received unanimous consent for approval of the agenda as presented. The Board unanimously agreed to acknowledge correspondence from the public: one telephone message in opposition to a proposed golf course near Morse. Public Comment - No one from the public spoke. Motion by Sullivan, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve the following consent agenda items: 1. Payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials. 2. The claims on the Johnson County Auditor’s Claim Register for September 3, 2026, in the amount of $1,50,965.40: 4 Cs Johnson County.................$9489.60 Access Systems...........................$348.00 Ace Electric .................................$430.79 Ace Reporting.............................. $134.75 Action Sewer & Septic Svc..........$320.00 Adams Multimedia IA.................. $647.26 Advance Builders Corp...............$1199.10 Aero Rental ...................................$63.60 Aia Corporation............................$334.01 Aidan Morris....................................$5.02 Alexandra Furler..............................$2.28 Alissa Schuerer............................ $121.70 Alliant Energy...............................$154.05 Allison Henning................................ $1.29 Amazon Capital Svcs................. $1261.93 Amelia Slaichert.............................$48.20 American Home Find Assn........ $5131.50 Anderson Cemetery.....................$198.00 Ann Dolan-Bishop............................$3.80 Aphton Zimmerman Farrington.......$2.28 Apts In Ic .....................................$700.00 Arnold Motor Supply ..................$245.04 At&T Mobility............................ $4028.40 Baker Tilly Municipal Adv......... $8000.00 Becky Moses................................$273.75 Bijou Maliabo...............................$150.00 Billion Of Iowa City.................... $1527.84 Binns & Stevens.....................$136374.53 Blain Cemetery............................... $24.00 Boostlingo ....................................$512.13 Brown'S West Branch ...............$2259.00 Brown West Branch Ford ...........$440.45 Can-Am Technologies .............$67382.76 Century Laundry Distribut...........$370.75 Chris Knapp................................... $16.00 Christine Barry.................................$3.27 Christopher C Arch........................ $16.00 Christopher Cotant........................ $13.38 City Laundering ..........................$270.67 City Of Iowa City-Acc Rec.........$1582.58 City Of Solon................................ $182.46 Colleen R. O'Connell....................$225.50 Consumers Coop........................$2527.15 Corridor Energy Coop....................$33.78 Covenant Workplace Solut........$1898.05 Custom Hose & Supplies.............$332.86 Dana Konz........................................ $1.52 Deery Brothers Ford Loln............$676.26 Delta Dental IA........................ $28056.31 Diamond Senior Apts IC..............$750.00 Dill Properties .............................$700.00 E Central IA Council Gov..........$58113.46 Eastern Iowa Tire ...................... $3987.76 Eckrich Tool...............................$1963.07 Ecolab......................................... $1857.96 Edward Petersen............................ $13.22 Eldon L Snyder............................... $16.00 Eliza Carter.......................................$3.80 Elizabeth Beltz..................................$6.08 Emily Voss...................................$685.65 Encite Architect Design............ $5890.00 EO Johnson Bus Tech.................. $191.70 Farmers Electric Coop...................$24.26 Gary J Schmit..............................$700.00 Gay & Ciha Funeral....................$2200.00 Gingerich Well & Pump............ $6385.05 Good Guys Auto Care ...................$36.43 Grace Escritt.................................... $1.82 Hands Up Commun.................... $1012.50 Hannah Glawe.................................. $1.52 Hansch ........................................$700.00 Harden Bros. Propane................. $153.42 Hayden Fay-Brandt..........................$0.91 Heartland Shredding .................. $115.00 Holiday Wrecker & Crane............$252.00 Hospers & Bro Printer................. $863.13 Hy-Vee ...........................................$35.00 IC Housing Group .......................$800.00 Imon Communications ...............$800.00 IA Munic Work Comp Assn.... $79564.00 Installed Rite..............................$1435.00 Interstate All Battery Center......$1240.65 Iowa City Area COC....................$2500.00 Iowa City Regency Mobile...........$498.00 IA Cnty Attys Case Mgmt Proj....$725.00 IA Div Criminal Investigation.........$85.00 IA Secretary Of State.....................$30.00 IA State Assn Of Assessors........$850.00 IA State Sheriff & Deput Assn.......$25.00 IA Valley Res Cons & Dev..........$1969.96 IA Workforce Develop.................$925.20 Irish Reporting ............................$270.60 Jack Paige Law Office.................$218.40 Jacob Joyce...................................$35.34 James C Shaw..............................$850.00 Jaxon Robertson............................. $4.71 Jeanne A Strand........................... $149.60 Jefe LLC.......................................$800.00 Jody Harmsen..................................$5.32 Johnson County............................. $41.08 JC Emerg Mgmt Agenc............ $16413.00 Jutta Rubright.............................. $175.00 Kaitlyn Sherlock............................... $1.22 Katya Boltanova...............................$4.86 Kay Carr......................................... $14.00 Kelly Bertelli..................................... $9.42 Kone ..........................................$1084.54 Lensing Funeral Svc..................$3200.00 Liberty Tire Recycling...............$1709.27 LL Pelling ..................................$5430.15 M & A Properties.........................$700.00 Maggie Lage.................................... $1.67 Mail Svcs ...................................$2000.51 Mandy Coates................................$65.94 Martha Norbeck...........................$850.00 Martin Equipment IL............. $298500.00 Melissa Clark................................... $9.12 Melrose Ridge Apts.....................$336.00
Menards - Iowa City....................$452.35 Michael Clark................................... $9.12 Midamerican Energy...................... $54.12 Midwestone Bank....................$26931.63 Mms Consultants ........................ $361.15 Mutual Wheel Comp....................$870.88 Napa Auto Parts........................... $979.19 Neighborhood Center JC......... $12347.01 Neumann Monson Pc................$3959.36 Nicole K Schrock.........................$850.00 NL Living Center..........................$700.00 Office Express Products........... $1749.40 One Source..................................$523.95 Ottsen Oil .................................... $392.15 Paragon Interiors.......................$2755.85 Patricia D Desjardins.................$1020.50 PIP Print & Market.......................$393.73 Pluralsight .................................$2260.00 Point And Pay............................$1290.08 Postmaster.................................$1520.00 Premistar IA...............................$3833.79 Profess Office Svcs...................$5980.80 PSC Distribution.......................... $578.19 Purple Bloom School ..................$500.00 Pyramid Svcs .............................. $169.42 Quadient ......................................$581.40 Radar Road Tec............................$855.00 Richard Woodburn......................$500.00 Rima Patel........................................$0.99 RISE At Riverfrnt Cross...............$700.00 Ronald Mockler............................$750.00 Rowan Spaulding............................. $1.52 Rylie Ovel......................................... $0.91 Sandy Gingerich............................$30.40 Sarah M Marshall............................$4.50 Shueyville Cemet Assn................$148.00 Solon Food Pantry.....................$6730.62 Southgate Prop Mgmt.................$700.00 Staples Contract........................ $1474.40 Stericycle ....................................$290.32 Streichers....................................$270.00 Sulek Cemetery Assn.....................$30.00 Sydney Rupp.................................... $1.52 T-Mobile Usa .................................$50.76 Terry A Smothers........................... $16.00 The Lodge Apartments................$700.00 The Ralston .................................$700.00 Tiffini Stevenson Earl...................... $1.52 Timothy Gholson............................. $7.60 TNT Tuckpoint & Build.............$14692.00 Treasur IA 6th Judicial.............. $3656.25 Tristar.........................................$5529.66 Verizon Wireless..........................$626.92 Visa............................................ $3171.00 Wellmark BCBS IA.................$247000.00 Whispering Garden IHA...............$850.00 Youth & Shelter Svcs ................$1399.50 Zachary Adams................................$3.04 3. Application for alcohol license for Kendra Kundert for an event at the Celebration Farm. 4. Application for alcohol license for Shelter House at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. 5. Application for alcohol license for Tipsy Travelers for an event at the Celebration Farm. 6. Application for alcohol license for Tipsy Travelers for an event at the Celebration Farm. 7. The minutes of the Formal Meeting for August 27, 2026. 8. Job description for the new position of Conservation Deputy Director in the Johnson County Conservation Department, effective September 9, 2026. Approved unanimously. PROCLAMATION NO. 09-03-26-01 OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2026 Summary: The American Cancer Society estimates 21,010 cases of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2026 including 180 new cases and 120 deaths in Iowa and improved awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer by the public and health care providers can lead to a quicker diagnosis. Board action: Proclaim the month of September 2026 to be Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Johnson County, Iowa, and encourage all people to learn more about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and their genetic history. Motion by Remington, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve Proclamation No. 09-03-26-01. University of Iowa Health Care Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology Bridget Toomey, University of Iowa (UI) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Researcher Dr. Kristi Thiel and Fellow Physician Dr. Katherine Sawaya spoke. PROCLAMATION NO. 09-03-26-02 RECOVERY MONTH - SEPTEMBER 2026 Summary: In Iowa, approximately one in five adults live with a mental illness, 22.2% of adults report binge drinking, and 431 Johnson County residents received substance use treatment in Fiscal Year 2025 and recognizing Recovery Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness of mental health and substance use disorders, encourage people to recognize when support may be needed. Board action: Proclaim September 2026 as Recovery Month in Johnson County, Iowa, and encourage everyone to visit yourlifeiowa.org for free, confidential information and support 24 hours a day, and jocorecovery. org for Recovery Month resources, educational opportunities and community events throughout Johnson County. Motion by Remington, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Proclamation No. 09-03-26-02. County Public Health Community Health Educator Susan Vileta, Johnson County Prevention Partnership member Kate Watters, County resident Ross Nusser, and UI Addiction and Recovery Collaborative Community Outreach Specialist Meg Schneider spoke. PROCLAMATION NO. 09-03-26-03 LABOR DAY - SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 Summary: Labor Day is observed each year to recognize and honor the contributions, of American workers and Johnson County recognizes that a strong workforce is essential to a thriving community and is strengthened when workers have opportunities for fair employment, professional growth and economic security. Board action: Proclaim Monday, September 7, 2026, to be Labor Day in Johnson County, Iowa, and encourage residents to join in commemorating and honoring the achievements, contributions, and ongoing endeavors of our local workforce. Motion by Remington, second by Sullivan, to approve Proclamation No. 09-03-26-03. Scott Putney of Coralville, AFSCME Union Representative Quintin Bryant, and State Senator Janice Weiner spoke. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Sullivan, to approve the proposal from Raker Rhodes Engineering, Iowa City,
regarding an observation report of proposed repairs of the Johnson County Courthouse Annex Building in the amount of $6,000.00. Motion by Remington, second by Fixmer-Oraiz, to approve the proposal from TNT Tuckpointing & Building Restoration, LLC, Stockton, for Johnson County Courthouse Annex Building northwest corner stabilization in the amount of $55,254.96. Motion by Remington, second by Sullivan, to approve the proposal from TNT Tuckpointing & Building Restoration, LLC, Stockton, for Johnson County Courthouse Annex Building overhead door infill the amount of $58,957.56, which includes the base bid of $54,319.37 and Alternate No. 1 to waterproof the new CMU block for $4,638.19. ORDINANCE NO. 09-03-26-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE JOHNSON COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE TO ADD A DEFINITION OF SEX STEREOTYPING Summary: The purpose of this ordinance is to add a definition of sex stereotyping as provided below and summarized in the final third reading motion. All other ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. If any section, provision, or part of this ordinance shall be adjudged invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adjudged, invalid, illegal or unconstitutional. Effective Date: This ordinance shall be in effect after its final passage and publication as part of the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors. Amendment: A. Article 4:5.3 is amended by adding the following definition: Sex stereotyping means relying on, enforcing, or penalizing departure from any assumption, norm, or expectation regarding how a person of a particular sex should appear, dress, speak, behave, or present themselves. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes any adverse treatment of a person because that person does not conform, or is perceived not to conform, to such expectations, regardless of whether the nonconformity is partial, complete, or intermittent. It is no defense that the respondent was unaware of the complainant’s sex, or applied a uniform standard, if that standard derives from norms associated with a particular sex. Motion by Fixmer-Oraiz, second by Remington, to approve the proposed ordinance amending the Johnson County Human Rights Ordinance to add a definition of sex stereotyping on third and final consideration and adopt Ordinance No. 09-03-26-01. Roll call: Aye: Fixmer-Oraiz, Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan. Adjourned at 10:02 a.m. /s/Jon Green, Chair, Johnson County Board of Supervisors Attest: /s/Julie Persons, Johnson County Auditor
On the 10th day of September, 2026 Recorded by Auditor’s Office: Marly Melsh, Executive Clerk to the Board These minutes were sent for formal approval and publication on September 10, 2026. Published in the Solon Economist September 17, 2026.
SOLON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 Mayor Dan O’Neil called to order the regular City Council meeting at 5:30 pm. Roll Call: Tim Gordon, Greg Morris, Andrew Kramer, Matt Macke and John Farlinger. Also Present: Cami Rasmussen City Administrator, Kevin Olson City Attorney, Dave Schechinger City Engineer, Susie Siddell City Clerk and Megan Richardson Library Director. Civility Pledge Motion by Macke to approve the agenda. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Gordon, Morris, Farlinger, Kramer and Macke. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Citizen Speak: Fernando Oliveira was present stating his concerns of the speeding that occurs on 5th Street. He passed out to council possible solutions that might help with the speeding. Tony Russo discussed with council an article about cyber security with water and concerns with systems being hacked. Dave Richards stated the city was protected. Consent Agenda: Motion by Farlinger to approve the August 19, 2026 regular meeting minutes, approval of list of bills, treasurer’s report and transfers and building. Seconded by Macke. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Kramer, Macke, Gordon and Farlinger. Abstain: Morris. Motion Carried. 4 with 1 abstain. Fire Department: Morris stated they are staying busy, he has talked with the Fire Chief of having and open house for prospective members. Sheriff’s Office Report: Morris stated on Plum Street there had been young people riding razors and minibikes, they had gone through stop signs, the sheriff’s department stopped them and talked with them. Public Works Superintendent Reports: Kris Richardson stated they have been catching up on projects and working on the mowers. Ryan Stebral stated they will start working at 12am Friday morning to paint lines on main street and then they will be finished with street painting. Dave Richards stated TMobile will be putting their antenna back on the water tower and the shed will be gone soon. Richards stated himself and Nate Svec had gone to tour some Sewer Plants and talked with their maintenance and operations people. Library Report: Megan Richardson stated September is Library Card Month, the after school program will start next week and September 26th the will be hosting the 25 years for the Library. City Engineer Report: Schechinger stated 60% of the plans have been dropped off of the new WWTP. Permits have been given to the Army Corps of
Engineers and they will need some easement from them. Schechinger also stated the water and sewer permits have been submitted for Trail Ridge. City Attorney: None Old Business: Ordinance No. 498 Vacating Portion of 2nd Street located West of S. Iowa Street. Rasmussen stated she has not received the plat of survey, they needed a bit more time. Motion by Gordon to approve to combine the second and third reading of Ordinance No. 498. Seconded by Macke. Roll Call Vote: Gordon, Farlinger, Macke, Morris and Kramer. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. Motion by Farlinger to approve the second and third reading of Ordinance No. 498. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Kramer, Macke, Gordon, Farlinger and Morris. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. New Business: Resolution No. 26-37 Resolution Directing the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute A Quit Claim Deed For Vacated 2nd Street: Olson stated a quick claim deed needed to be recorded. Motion by Farlinger to approve Resolution No. 2637. Seconded by Gordon. Roll Call Vote: Gordon, Macke, Farlinger, Morris and Kramer. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. FY Street and Curb & Gutter Projects: Rasmussen stated there had been a streets committee meeting, they had looked at completed projects, First Street water main/curb & gutter, Marshekc ul-de-sac, concrete patching and asphalt patching. They discussed the new projects for FY27 which they will prioritize, West & Elm Street, Stinocher, Cedar, Sovers Main Street and the Library. Rasmussen stated each year the city has a sidewalk program which is underway at this time. Stebral stated he had gotten quotes on restriping areas such as Main Street, Racine, Hwy 382, and the SRNA parking lot. The library will need restriping and repaired. Motion by Macke to move forward with projects. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Kramer, Macke, Farlinger, Morris and Gordon. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. City Administrator Contract Addendum: Olson stated this was the 2nd addendum to the contract as interim Public Works Director. There is a $7500 payment and 240 vacation hours a year. Motion by Farlinger to approve the contract addendum. Seconded by Kramer. Roll Call Vote: Gordon, Kramer, Macke, Farlinger and Morris. All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0. City Hall Remodel Project – Phase Two: Rasmussen stated the Geothermal had been inspected and there are concerns with repairs that are needed as they are aging. Kramer stated the life of a system is approximately 25 years. Kramer stated there are four units in the building which two of the units are on their last leg. Kramer stated it would be better to put all four new units in at the same time, there would be some rebates after the bills are paid. Council requested more quotes on new geothermal. Rasmussen stated the 2nd phase was the driveway on the north side of City Hall. Schechinger stated this would include the upper portion of the parking lot, closing it and have grading out to sidewalk, a flag pole, restriping the parking lot and a new sidewalk with some landscaping. The south side would be a one way with a new in/out section. Macke questioned the reason for taking out that portion of the driveway with Schechinger stated in winter there would not be the steep hill on that side and it would gain some parking spots. Stebral stated he would be getting concrete bids. Macke questioned if this was approved in the budget. Mayor O’Neil stated the phase 2 planned had been discussed with previous council members. Gordon if this was a need or a want, the hill has been there many years. Macke stated he agreed with the Geothermal put not the parking lot and feels it could wait. Gordon questioned why more quotes were not had for the Geothermal with Farlinger also stating he would be good with more quotes. Council members felt the 4 Geothermal units are needed and would make a decision a after they received quotes on the
driveway. Other Business: Council Committees: Streets: None Utilities: None Finance: None Personnel: None Building Needs/Growth: Mayor O’Neil stated there would be a future meeting Police: None City/School: None Community Center: None Fringe Area Agreement: Olson stated he was still waiting on comments City Clerk Report: None City Administrator Comments: Rasmussen stated Garbage/Recycle pickup will be Saturday after Labor Day. There will be no Planning & Zoning meeting this month. An Award was given to the City from Alliant Energy “Premier Energy Champions” and one from the Legacy Rider. Mayor Comments: None Motion by Farlinger to adjourn the meeting at 6:21 pm. Seconded by Macke All Ayes. Motion Carried. 5-0 ATTEST Susie Siddell,City Clerk Dan O’Neil, Mayor Published in the Solon Economist September 17, 2026.
CITY OF SOLON LIST OF BILLS
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 VENDOR DESC AMOUNT ALLIANT UTILITIES UTILITIES................ ................................................$24,362.03 BARCO PRODUCTS BENCHES-PICNIC TABLES................................... $11,210.00 BOHLEN, BRODIE CELL REIMB.....$60.00 CONSOLIDATED ELECTRICAL DIS. MEETING ROOM LIGHTS............$103.04 DREA ELECTRIC REPAIR LIBRARY LIGHTS.........................................$300.00 ELAN FINANCIAL SERVICES CREDIT CARDS......................................$5,776.49 ELECTIC PUMP PUMP WORK.....$866.25 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SYSTEMS FLEX FEE.................................................$85.00 ESGATE, ETHAN CELL REIMB......$40.00 EUROPHINS ENVIRONMENT TESTING TESTING....................................$1,354.37 FIRST MID BANK & TRUST FLEX ACCOUNT................................. $3,000.00 GOOD GUYS AUTO PARTS PARTS.......... .....................................................$235.41 GORDON FLESCH COMPANY CONTRACT PAYMENTS..................................$624.93 HAWKINS INC CHEMICALS..... $2,665.04 HI-LINE INC SHOP SUPPLIES..... $519.09 INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES BOOKS..... ..................................................... $677.61 IOWA ONE CALL LOCATINGS........ $87.40 IRT SERVICES & CLEARLY CLEAN WINDOW CLEANING.....................$90.00 KURTH, ALEXIS BASIC FROSTING CLASS.......................................... $215.00 LIBERTY DOORS KEYS................... $7.96 LINDSEY'S STITCHINS TINY TOT/ PICKLEBALL/VOLLEYBALL SHIRTS....... .....................................................$588.00 LIVERMOOR, BECKY MUSIC ON MAIN... .....................................................$800.00 LRS-JOHNSON COUNTY REFUSE STICKERS/ TRASH & RECYCLING FEE.... ............................................... $21,133.00 LYNCH'S EXCAC. INC LIFT PUMP SRNA. ..................................................... $607.64 MCCLOUD PEST SOLUTIONS PEST CONTROL..................................... $211.46 MIDAMERICAN ENERGY UTILITIES........ ..................................................... $410.37 MIDWEST TAPE VIDEOS............. $182.18 MIDWEST WHEEL TRUCK PARTS 055.... ....................................................... $15.36 MT VERNON ACE HARDWARE PARTSSUPPLIES......................................$49.98 MT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL...............................$100.00 NATHAN SVEC CELL REIMB.........$60.00 NOST, MATT CELL REIMB.............$40.00 OFFICE EXPRESS SUPPLIES......$296.70 OLSON, KEVIN ATTORNEY FEE............... ................................................. $2,252.33 RASMUSSEN, CAMI CELL REIMB........... .......................................................$60.00 RICHARDS, DAVE CELL REIMB....$60.00 RICHARDSON, KRIS CELL REIMB........... .......................................................$60.00 RICHARDSON, MEGAN MILEAGE REIMB .....................................................$212.80 RICKARD SIGN & DESIGN CITY HALL SIGN.............................................$310.00
SOLONECONOMIST.COM ROBERTSON, BRADY CLOTHING & CELL REIMB.......................................... $204.74 SNAP ON TOOLS- SHOP SUPPLIES....... .....................................................$431.00 SOLON SENIOR SUPPORT CHAIR YOGA .....................................................$135.00 SOUTHSLOPE COOPERATIVE PHONE INTERNET.................................$1,696.95 STATE HYGIENIC LABORATORY TESTING......................................... $91.00 STEBRAL CONSTRUCTION NEW CITY HALL.................................... $244,320.00 STEBRAL, RYAN CELL REIMB......$60.00 SUMMIT FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLERS & INSPECTION...$3,816.65 SUSIE SIDDELL CELL REIMB........$60.00 TYLER TECHNOLOGIES NEW SOFTWARE.............................. $2,900.00 US POSTMASTER WATER BILL MAILING ...................................................$1,021.15 USA BLUEBOOK LAB SUPPLIES.............. .....................................................$252.86 VEENSTRA & KIMM ENGINEER FEES...... ............................................. $478,684.00 WRIGHT WAY TRAILERS INC NEW TRAILER..................................$13,809.85 TOTAL .................................$827,212.64 Published in the Solon Economist September 17, 2026.
CITY OF SOLON JULY REVENUES 2026
GENERAL FUND......................$37,655.44 PARKING VIOLATIONS..........................$ANIMAL LICENSES..........................$8.00 ROADWAY MAINTENANCE...................... LIBRARY SERVICES....................$409.00 RECREATIO............................ $12,037.50 GARBAGE-RECYCLING......... $22,536.82 LIBRARY TRUST & AGENCY... $3,300.93 HISTORICAL TRUST & AGENCY...........$FIRE STATION TRUST & AGENCY.........$PLAYGROUND TRUST & AGENCY........... .......................................................$60.00 REC & NATURE TRUST & AGENCY.......... ..................................................$1,800.00 ROAD USE TAX...................... $35,575.50 SPECIAL REVENUE LEVY...........$486.47 LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX.. $73,489.04 TIF PROPERTY TAXES............. $1,184.05 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT............$238.76 CAPITAL PROJECTS..............................$FIRE STATION PROJECT.......................$WATER UTILITY...................... $67,287.53 SEWER UTILIT....................... $97,946.53 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PRO ............................................. $561,275.83 SEWER REPLACEMENT FUND..............$STORM WATER FUND.................$786.38 MARSHEK & EASTWOOD STORM WATE. ..................................................... $120.45 RECOUPMENT FEE................ $10,135.58 WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT................................................$TOTAL................................... $926,333.81 Published in the Solon Economist September 17, 2026.
CITY OF SOLON AUGUST REVENUES 2026
GENERAL FUND...................... $43,155.18 FEMA FUNDING....................... $9,358.23 PARKING VIOLATIONS..........................$ANIMAL LICENSES..........................$4.00 ROADWAY MAINTENANCE ..................... LIBRARY SERVICES.................... $174.05 RECREATION............................ $5,311.75 GARBAGE-RECYCLING..........$20,713.30 LIBRARY TRUST & AGENCY.......$923.91 HISTORICAL TRUST & AGENCY...........$FIRE STATION TRUST & AGENCY.........$PLAYGROUND TRUST & AGENCY........... .......................................................$90.00 REC & NATURE TRUST & AGENCY.......... .....................................................$900.00 ROAD USE TAX.......................$44,279.71 SPECIAL REVENUE LEVY.....................$LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX...$10,738.40 TIF PROPERTY TAXES..........................$CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT......................$CAPITAL PROJECTS..............................$FIRE STATION PROJECT.......................$WATER UTILITY...................... $66,760.13 SEWER UTILITY...................$112,443.43 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT PRO ............................................. $758,400.00 SEWER REPLACEMENT FUND..............$STORM WATER FUND.................$679.50 MARSHEK & EASTWOOD STORM WATER...........................................$98.54 RECOUPMENT FEES...............$41,378.55 WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT................................................$TOTAL................................. $1,115,408.68 Published in the Solon Economist September 17, 2026.
NEWS
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
Gov. Reynolds issues harvest proclamation transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry DES MOINES — Governor Kim and liquid) to be overweight (not Reynolds has signed a proclama- exceeding 90,000 pounds gross tion related to the weight limits and weight) without a permit for the transportation of grain, fertilizer, duration of this proclamation. and manure. The proclamation This proclamation applies to continues through October 10, loads transported on all highways 2026. within Iowa (excluding the interThe proclamation allows vehicles state system) and those which do Mason Mauro Office of the Governor
not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (a)(b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
NEWS FROM JOHNSON COUNTY
Johnson County is partnering with United Way and cities to offer social services grants to nonprofit organizations Johnson County is accepting applications from established nonprofit organizations for Social Services Block Grant funding for the fiscal year 2028-29 two-year funding cycle. Johnson County is collaborating with United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties and the cities of Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty on the joint funding application process. The grant awards are intended
to support established nonprofit organizations that provide services to Johnson County residents that improve quality of life by addressing basic human and emergency needs, health, and child and family well-being. Application information, including the instruction guide and a link to log in or create a new account, is available through the eCimpact login portal at https://agency.ecimpact.com/login.aspx?org=17300u.
Why life insurance matters Russell Gibson Consumer Advocacy Officer Iowa Insurance Division
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month – a great time to review your family’s financial safety net. According to LifeHappens.org, 41% of adults say they know little to nothing about life insurance, and over 100 million Americans either lack coverage or need more. At its core, life insurance pays a taxfree benefit to your beneficiaries after you pass away. It covers immediate expenses like funeral costs and medical bills, helps pay off ongoing obligations like a mortgage or tuition, and helps preserve generational wealth. Coverage is essential for both working and stay-at-home spouses. While an earner’s policy replaces lost income, a stay-at-home parent’s policy provides the funds needed to pay for ongoing childcare and household management.
Submit all grant applications electronically through the portal by 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Direct questions about the electronic application process to Wendy Nolan at wendy.nolan@unitedwayjwc.org. Questions about Johnson County Block Grant funding may be directed to Lynette Jacoby at ljacoby@johnsoncountyiowa. gov or 319-356-6090.
2. Take advantage of the “Free Look” window – After receiving a new policy, you get a 10-day review period (extended to 30 days if replacing an existing policy) to return it for a full Comparing the two main refund if you change your mind. types 3. Buy earlier to lock in lower rates • Term insurance provides afford- – Premiums are based on your age, able protection for a fixed period health, lifestyle, and coverage amount, (such as 10, 20, or 30 years). However, meaning rates are significantly cheaper renewing after the term expires often when you are younger and healthier. comes with a steep price increase. • Cash value (Permanent) insurance Helpful resources offers lifelong coverage paired with a If you are looking for missing covsavings or investment component that can grow over time. Common versions erage left by a deceased individual, include Whole, Universal, and Variable the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers life. a free online Policy Locator tool at https://eapps.naic.org/life-poliEssential rules for buyers cy-locator/#/welcome. For broader 1. Don’t rely solely on workplace guidance on planning and retireinsurance – Employer-provided life ment, the Iowa Insurance Division insurance rarely offers enough cover- provides free educational resources age, and you often lose it the moment through its Save4Later (https:// you change jobs. It is good practice to save4lateriowa.gov/) and SmartHER generally treat job-based coverage as a Money (https://smarther.iowa.gov/) secondary bonus while owning an indi- initiatives. vidual policy that you control.
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | 11
CLASSIFIEDS Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
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NEWS
12 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
MILITARY APPRECIATION from 1
Photos by Chris Umscheid | Solon Economist
Front page & right: Senior players from Solon and Vinton-Shellsburg carried a large American flag into the Solon HS gym for the National Anthem Thursday, Sept. 10 on Military Appreciation Night. Far right: The Solon High School student body showed their American and Spartan pride Thursday, Sept. 10 as the Lady Spartans took on Vinton-Shellsburg in an evening of volleyball on Military Appreciation Night. Veterans and active duty members were admitted for free and recognized for their service after the first varsity set.
Johnson County Conservation, Solon residents tag monarchs for research Grace Escritt Solon Economist
news@soloneconomist.com
With their nets in hand, Johnson County Conservation representatives and Solon volunteers spent the evening of Sept. 10 trekking through Cedar River Crossing as well as Kent Park to catch, tag and measure monarch butterflies for research purposes. Chelsea Cozad is an education and stewardship VISTA member with AmeriCorps who has been helping Johnson County as an assistant naturalist since April. She was in charge of guiding volunteers and gathering monarch data at Cedar River Crossing. Before leading the group of volunteers along the trail and into the prairie, Cozad explained how to properly catch monarchs. She said it is best to catch monarchs when they are eating due to them being distracted, but most importantly, when they are not flying. This is to avoid injuring their wings or knocking them out of the air. Along with instructing volunteers how to catch monarchs, Cozad also taught them how to determine whether a butterfly is a monarch. Viceroys — orange and black butterflies that look quite similar to monarchs — are also commonly found in Johnson County, so volunteers were taught the difference since viceroys were not part of the study. Volunteers also learned how to identify whether a monarch is male
or female. After carefully catching the monarchs in their nets, Cozad facilitated a three-step process before releasing them. First, she placed a small white sticker with an identification number on their wings. Following this, she noted the butterflies' sex and upper wing length. “The purpose of that is if we get recoveries, we can see where they (monarchs) have moved and how far they’ve moved, and we can also just see when they’re in Iowa as well,” Cozad said. “All of that data helps scientists better understand monarchs’ migration patterns.” All tagging processes and requirements are organized by Project Monarch Watch. The identification tags help to monitor monarch movement and therefore indicate which areas they are most prominent in. This also shows scientists where to focus their conservation efforts. Likewise, wing measurements are taken in order to help the project determine if wing size correlates with migration success. This measurement was newly implemented this year. “What we’re doing is called citizen science, so we’re not actual scientists, and it’s kind of really helpful to have citizen science because we can be in a lot more places than the limited number of professional scientists can be,” Cozad explained. Although the primarily objective of mon-
arch tagging events is to gather scientific data, the purpose behind them goes much further. In Johnson County, they are also a way to facilitate community collaboration and education. “They (tagging events and her role) mean so much, but really, it’s education and nature connection, because if people don’t have a connection with something, it’s really hard for them to be passionate about protecting it,” Cozad said. “...particularly species like monarchs, they’re easy to love because
they’re so beautiful, but getting to see them up close and getting a hands-on connection with the people who take part in that conservation effort really drives folks.” All monarch data gathered is compiled into the Project Monarch Watch database. In the case one finds a monarch with a tag, they can enter the tag number into monarchwatch.org to take note of that sighting. More information about monarch tagging and the research findings it yields can be found at this link as well.
Photos by Grace Escritt | Solon Economist
Top: Having just gathered all necessary data, Chelsea Cozad gives a close-up of the monarch’s tag before letting it go at Cedar River Crossing Thursday, Sept. 10. Left to right:Volunteer Karlie Lawler holds a female monarch after catching it within the prairie at Cedar River Crossing. This butterfly has a top wing length of 51 mm. Before heading out to catch monarchs, Chelsea Cozad explains migration patterns to volunteers. Chelsea Cozad points in the direction of a monarch at Cedar River Crossing Thursday, Sept. 10.