PAGE 12 Undefeated Solon cruises to 4-0 with shutout Victory Over Benton THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 • $1.50
Upcoming events 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.
Juvenile charged with serious injury by motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident
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2026 Solon HS Homecoming Court Solon High School announced this year’s Homec om i ng C ou r t – Queen Candidates: Aver y Babbitt, Macy Fuller, Jerzey Haluska, Jillian Janssen, Taylor Jet, and Piper Johnson, and King Candidates: Zander Bishop, Luke Deike, Grant Gordon, Kaden Hoeper, Maddox Kelley, and Tate McCollum. The King was crowned last night (Wednesday) after the Homecoming Parade and pep rally while the Queen will have her coronation tomorrow night (FriAmanda Stahle, Solon HS contributed photo day, Sept. 25) during Girls (from left) Avery Babbitt, Macy Fuller, Jerzey Haluska, Taylor Jett, Jillian Janssen, and Piper halftime of the varsity football game against Johnson. Boys (from left) Zander Bishop, Tate McCollum, Luke Deike, Kaden Hoeper, Grant Gordon, and Maddox Kelley. Fairfield.
‘Just keep praying’
Center for one month. Vincent has been receiv ing medical treatment since he was lifeflighted to the university hospital on Aug. 27 after being suddenly struck by a 17-year-old driver in Solon, who has since been identified and is now being charged with an aggravated misdemeanor and two Class D felonies in the Johnson County Juvenile Court. Outside the stadium gates, Vincent’s loved ones — who traveled from near and far to show their support — passed around candles, shared hugs and exchanged stories with one another while ref lecting on how Vincent has touched each of their lives. Roxanne Vincent, Brian’s mother, said since her son has been in the hospital, she has learned a lot about his personality and who he is at the core due to stories told by the vigil attendees. “He’s a ver y warm guy,” she said. “He’ll give you the shirt off of his back. He stands up for what IOWA CITY — On the breezy eve- he believes in, and he’s got a good ning of Sept. 15, friends, family and heart. He’s my son. I love him.” members of the Solon community Brian — who has lived in eastern gathered outside Kinnick Stadium Iowa his entire life — has recently in Iowa City for a vigil in support begun a new job working as a diesel of Brian Vincent: a Solon man who mechanic, which Roxanne said is — after being severely injured in a fitting due to his love for tinkering. hit-and-run accident — has been However, Roxanne said above all, hospitalized at the University of VIGIL | 2 Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Medical
Kristen Silver Public Information Officer Johnson County Sheriff’s Office On August 27, 2026, at 8:05 pm, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and emergency services responded to a single vehicle versus pedestrian collision in the 4200 block of 180th St. NE, Solon. Witnesses reported a vehicle struck a pedestrian walking alongside the road. The vehicle did not stop and left the accident scene. The victim, Brian Vincent, was transported by air ambulance to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics with serious, life-threatening injuries. Tuesday, September 15, 2026, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office charged a 17 year-old juvenile with Serious Injury by Motor Vehicle (Class D Felony); Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Injury (Class D Felony); and Preventing/Obstructing Prosecution (Aggravated Misdemeanor). The juvenile was transported to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center and is awaiting an initial juvenile court hearing. The case remains under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. The Iowa State Patrol, Solon Fire Department, North Liberty Fire Department, Johnson County Ambulance Service, and University of Iowa AirCare assisted with this incident. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
INSIDE
Family, friends, Solon community gathers in support of Brian Vincent Grace Escritt Solon Economist
news@soloneconomist.com
Solon Public Library News - 3 | Opinions - 4 & 5 | Fall Home - 6 & 7 |
8 | Public Notices - 9 | Sports - 11 & 12
SOLON
EC N MIST Focused on community.
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2 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
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Volume 146 I Issue 39 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
Photos by Grace Escritt | Solon Economist
Front page: Brian Vincent’s friends and family prepare to let go of a lantern in honor of him and his journey toward recovery outside of Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 15, 2026. Above: Friends, family and community supporters of Brian Vincent gather outside Kinnick Stadium in support of his recovery on Sept. 15, 2026.
VIGIL
at the vigil, Roxanne said seeing the faces of each of Brian’s loved ones warmed her heart. She said each day, Brian’s condition was Brian loves his community and cherishes all improving gradually. Although she had not the friendships he has made; those of which yet seen him on Sept. 15, she said it was her he does not take lightly, Roxanne said. understanding that Brian had said his sister’s Ref lecting on the overwhelming support name that day: a huge milestone for him. from 1
“Just keep praying,” Roxanne said. Likewise, Stephanie Glass — a friend of the family — expressed the importance of keeping hope maintaining community during this time, which was central to the vigil. “Just keep hope,” she said. “Rally around that family. Take care of them.”
Help Make a Difference – Strides for CJD Walk/Run Saturday, October 3 Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, rapidly progressive, and always fatal brain disease that currently has no treatment or cure. Saturday, October 3, a Strides for CJD 1 mile walk/5K run will be held in Solon to raise awareness and funds for the CJD Foundation. The foundation provides support to families living with CJD and also funds education, advocacy, and research into the disease. AJ Brumwell, a lifelong Solon resident, is one who benefits directly from the Brumwell
CJD Foundation. Brumwell was diagnosed in April 2024 at the age of 31 with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS), a rare genetic form of CJD. “He’s the kind of person who can pull out a movie quote for any situation, a lifelong football fan, and someone who brings humor wherever he goes,” said Hannah Grimm, his sister. “When his disease began and he could no longer work, he took his hunting/fishing passion and created a small business creating turkey calls. What started as subtle changes in his gait led to a year of doctor visits before we received answers through genetic testing. Losing mobility has been one of the hardest parts of this disease, but AJ continues
to fight with a strength that inspires all of us every day. We walk not only for him, but to raise awareness, push for research, and advocate for a future where no family has to face CJD or GSS alone.” Details The event will be held in Randall Park, 650 W. Elm St. with registration and check-in at 8 a.m., opening comments at 8:45 a.m., and the walk and run both starting at 9 a.m. To register for the event or to join Team AJ go to secure.qgiv.com/event/stridesforcjd2026/team/1031751/. For more information contact solonstrides@outlook.com
Seven Solon HS students honored for leadership
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 Economist Seven Solon High School students – Simon Einwalter, Macy Fuller, Jerzey Haluska, Piper Johnson, Tanner Kerkove, Miranda Simison, and Brady Wick, were recognized during the annual Youth Salute Program Awards Ceremony sponsored by Hills Bank and held Sunday, Sept. 13 at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City. Youth Salute is a program of the National Council on Youth Leadership (NCYL), which as a vision of making tomorrow’s world better by developing young leaders today. NCYL’s mission is to assist communities to applaud, encourage, and provide opportunities to develop these young leaders. In addition 34 seniors from the area received Local Leadership Awards including Solon’s Jerzey Haluska.
Advertising Sales Catherine Bilskie catherine.bilskie@ soloneconomist.com
Brian White contributed photo
(From left) Tanner Kerkove, Brady Wick, Simon Einwalter, Macy Fuller, and Jerzey Haluska were honored Sunday, Sept. 13 in Hills Bank’s annual Youth Salute Program awards ceremony for student leadership. Not pictured – Piper Johnson and Miranda Simison
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SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 3
SOLON PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS 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.
Library Programs You asked for it and we’re delivering! Friday, October 2, we’re introducing a new afternoon program intended for adults. Bad Art Fridays is for making art and socializing with other beginners and enthusiasts as we explore a monthly art skill and an easy art medium to make fun paintings, portraits, or other artwork. Bad Art Fridays meets the first Friday of every month at 3 p.m. This month, we're exploring using expressive pastel colors to paint pumpkins. No registration required. We’re proud to be a Library with Heart! Stop in for Blood Pressure Screenings Wednesday, October 7, from 9:30 a.m. to Noon with College of Pharmacy students from the University of Iowa to learn why regular screenings are important. Wednesday, October 9, we have another new adult program! Tech DIVE is for learning about or working with popular technologies. Whether we want to talk about a special topic in today’s tech or tech needs, or we want to deep dive using technology for specific purposes, join Victor, Adult Services Librarian, every second Friday of the month at 3 p.m. to learn more about technology. This month, we're learn-
ing the ins-and-outs of the Cricut Maker 3 brink of eviction. But Fred's luck changes cutting machine. No registration required. when he's mistaken for Bernard Greer, a missing resident at the local nursing home, and takes his place. Now Fred has warm Library Access meals in his belly and a roof over his head-as long as his look-alike Bernard never Regular Library hours are Mon- turns up. day-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Denise Simms is stuck breathing the Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed same disappointing air again and again. Sundays. Please always refer to our website A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bercalendar or call to check hours as weather nard's facility, her crumbling marriage may impact our ability to be safely open. and daughter's health concerns are sufThe Library will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 focating her joy for life. Wounded by her p.m. Friday, Sept, 25 two-faced husband, she vows never to let The Library will be closed Thursday, a man betray her again. October 8, for staff training as we attend As Fred walks in Bernard's shoes and the Iowa Library Association’s annual con- learns about his past, Denise uncovers ference. clues that threaten to reveal his identity. The Library will be closed Friday, Octo- Will she expose the truth before Fred can ber 23, for annual staff safety training. return a broken life to mint condition? Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with Crocodilopolis by John Manuel Arias. access needs. Once a powerful, cold-blooded politician in Costa Rica, Seth Oreamundo is now What’s New? living in exile in Washington, DC - and his younger brother Osario is to blame. Check out something new in adult fiction Born into a corrupt political dynasty and raised on a seemingly idyllic coffee estate, and you might discover a new favorite! the Oreamundo brothers were destined The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by for greatness. But a dark family secret and Anna Johnston. A zany case of mistaken a scandalous double crossing sent their identity allows a lonely old man one last lives into a tailspin, changing the country chance to be part of a family in this warm, forever. Osario must pay, and Seth decides the life-affirming debut novel. Frederick Fife was born with an extra only way to do so is to return home to helping of kindness in his heart. If he bor- Costa Rica and feed his brother to the rowed your car, he'd return it washed with infamous river of crocodiles from their a full tank of gas. The problem is, at age childhood. What follows is a spellbindeighty-two, there's nobody left in Fred's life ing story of revenge alternating between to borrow from, and he's broke and on the Seth's murderous plans and memories of
the brothers' upbringing. With the wisdom of biblical myth and the soapy wit of a telenovela, Crocodilopolis is a masterful interrogation of power, masculinity, destiny, and legacy from a literary star on the rise.
neering), Mark Dyken (Medicine, Doctor of Medicine), Emily Eilers (Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice), Lukas Erickson (Social Studies Education, Bachelor of Arts/History, Bachelor of Arts), Christopher Ev a n s (E nt r epr eneu r i a l Management, Certificate/Bachelor of Liberal Studies, Bachelor of Liberal Studies), Jacob Feuerbach (Iowa MBA program, Iowa MBA program with Distinction), Sophia Gardner (Biology, Biology with Distinction), Maria Gertsma (Speech and Hearing Science, Bachelor of Arts), Morgan Hebert (Law, Law with Distinction), Paige Hess (Sport and Recreation Management, Bachelor of Science), Brandon Hoit (Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration), Isabelle Howsare (Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bachelor of Science), Kayla Kemp (Counselor Education, Doctor of Philosophy), Cayden Knipper (Risk Management and Insurance, Bachelor of Business Administration/Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration/Public Health-Undergraduate, Certificate), MaKinley Levin (Psychology, Bachelor of Arts), David Marty (Enterprise Leadership, Bache-
Johannes (Human Physiology, Bachelor of Science), Jensyn Jones (Criminology, Law, and Justice, Bachelor of Arts), Alana Just (Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science), Elizabeth Kacena (Cinema, Bachelor of Arts), Sydney Lowe (Accounting, Bachelor of Business Administration), Mallory Shin (Neuroscience, Doctor of Philosophy), Yutao Su (Medicine, Doctor of Medicine), Aidan Terrill (Business Analytics and Information Systems, Bachelor of Business Administration/Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration), and Kent Zdan (Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of Science Engineering)
Under Story by Chloe Benjamin. At the edge of the world, biologist Laurel Salter is hiding from everything she's ever known. For ten hours a day, six days per week, she works as a dishwasher at McMurdo Station, an isolated research base in Antarctica. She tells no one that before she arrived, she was a renowned young scientist with a promising career and a family. But even in this remote outpost, Laurel can't escape her past. When a strange light appears across the ice--and draws a group of physicists to McMurdo--her former husband, Eli, won't be far behind. Laurel is captivated by the Arc: its surreal glow; the way it seems almost alive. And though Eli is reluctant to test her wildest theory, Laurel is convinced that the Arc leads down a rabbit hole and into a world they can barely imagine. Can she persuade him to risk everything to fix the burden that hangs between them--to turn back the clock and live their story a second time? A breathless page-turner and a love letter to our planet, Under Story grapples with the great questions of our time: human hubris, the precarity of the natural world, and the mysterious webs of consciousness that bind us. A modern epic of science and soul, of bravery and redemption, it offers a vision of the future that demands we reckon with what we owe to one another, and to the earth itself.
COLLEGE NEWS University of Iowa spring grads The following area students graduated from the University of Iowa this spring. The summer grads list will be released in the next week or so. Ely – Natalie Brown (Business Analytics, Master of Science), Molly Crumbo (Criminology, Law, and Justice, Bachelor of Arts), Madeline Ellsworth (Computer Science, Bachelor of Arts), Jeffrey Hamilton (Leadership, Certificate/Iowa MBA Program, Iowa MBA Program with Distinction/Financial Decision Making, Certificate), Caitlyn Hanna (Counselor Education, Master of Arts), and Bella Reiseck (Art Education, Bachelor of Arts/Art, Bachelor of Arts) Solon – Karly Benzing (Speech Language Pathology, Master of Science), Madeline Berst (Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery), Nicole Breese (Human Toxicology, Doctor of Philosophy), Kaleb Burkum (Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engineering), Francis Burns (Enterprise Leadership, Bachelor of Arts), Meaghan Cone (Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Engi-
lor of Arts), Camryn McIlravy (Speech and Hearing Science, Speech and Hearing Science with Highest Distinction), Ethan McLaughlin (Cinema, Bachelor of Arts), Addison McQuinn (Enterprise Leadership, Bachelor of Arts), Samuel Melloy (Enterprise Leadership, Bachelor of Arts), Elias Miller (Enterprise Leadership, Enterprise Leadership with Distinction), Jessie Newbanks (Biology, Bachelor of Science), Parker Pentico (Exercise Science, Bachelor of Science), Jacob Quillin (Finance, Bachelor of Business Administration), Serenity Taha (Nuclear Medicine Technology), Nuclear Medicine Technology with Distinction), Paige Wilkinson (Book Arts, Master of Fine Arts), Rodney Wittich (Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science), and Kynsee Yirkovsky (Resilience and Trauma-Informed Perspectives, Certificate/ Psychology, Bachelor of Arts) Swisher/Shueyville – Ty Dinusson (Economics, Bachelor of Business Administration), Megan Fear (Speech Language Pathology, Master of Science), Jared Hargrafen (Marketing, Marketing with Highest Distinction), Lily
Upper Iowa University announces Spring 2026 graduates FAYETTE — Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its March and May 2026 graduates. Tory Hackert of Solon Kailee Pfeiferling of Solon Drew Wieneke of Ely
Iowa students invited to participate in Poetry Out Loud Humanities Iowa and UI Office of Community Engagement Announce 2026-27 Poetry Out Loud
“Poetry Out Loud inspires students to explore poetry while developing skills that serve them in the classroom and beyond,” said Leslie Finer, Director of Arts & Humanities at the University of Iowa Office of Community Engagement. “We encourage Iowa educators and Grace Altenhofen community organizations to join us in Communications & Grants Director bringing this transformative experience Humanities Iowa to students across the state.” During the 2026-27 academic year, IOWA CITY — This school year, schools are invited to hold classroom Humanities Iowa and the University of and school-wide competitions, with winIowa Office of Community Engagement ning students advancing to Iowa’s state invite Iowa high school students to par- competition on February 28, 2027. The ticipate in Poetry Out Loud, a dynamic state champion will then advance to the poetry recitation competition designed to national finals in Washington, D.C., on improve public speaking skills, build con- April 27-28, 2027, where $50,000 in fidence, and teach students about literary awards and school stipends will be dishistory and contemporary life. tributed to national winners.
Beginning this year, Humanities Iowa is partnering with the University of Iowa Office of Community Engagement to administer the Poetry Out Loud program in Iowa. The Iowa Poetry Out Loud registration deadline is December 1, 2026. Participating schools and organizations must register through Humanities Iowa to take part in the official Iowa Poetry Out Loud program. Participating teachers and organizations have access to free, standards-based curriculum materials, including an online poetry anthology, teacher resources and videos about the art of poetry recitation, at PoetryOutLoud.org. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.6 million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud. The program is an initiative
of the National Endowment for the Arts and is managed in partnership with Mid Atlantic Arts. To register in Iowa, visit humanitiesiowa.org/poetry-out-loud.
For more information, please contact: Leslie Finer University of Iowa Office of Community Engagement 319.335.1618 leslie-finer@uiowa.edu Grace Altenhofen Humanities Iowa 515.412.4430 grace-altenhofen@uiowa.edu
OPINIONS
4 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
Interior decorating
Food for Thought Milli Gilbaugh After my older sister married, my two younger sisters and I enjoyed having rooms of our own. Mine was big and breezy, cool on most summer nights. It was furnished with the set of furniture my parents bought when they were first married. A double bed, chest of drawers and vanity dresser with a large mirror and four small drawers. As I became more and more interested in art, and as it became evident that I was a ‘saver and a ‘packrat’, it was soon clear that I would make good use of an old roll-top desk that Mother wanted to depose from the downstairs study that she hoped to turn into a sewing room. My room had always been wallpapered and had linoleum on the floor and I was at the age where I wanted to personalize it by ‘decorating’ it in my own way. I couldn’t do anything about the linoleum, but I managed to change everything else. I began by painting the walls a soft, medium blue. It had taken quite a lot of convincing to get permission to paint over the wallpaper – and I had to enlist the help of the man at the paint store to assure Mother that it was possible with the new latex paints. I was tired of the pink water lilies on yellow all over my walls (I do believe it was designed as paper for a bathroom) and wanted a more sophisticated look. I spent several days on a ladder trying to execute a straight line between wall and ceiling, and several more days crawling around on the floor trying to avoid getting paint on the wide baseboard, which was stained and varnished and part of the original, pristine woodwork. Painting any of the fine woodwork in that house was definitely not an option. There were three doors and two windows to paint around, and it was slow, tedious work. I painted from after breakfast until time to get ready to work at the golf course (unless, of course, there was mowing to be done.) I had a brown plastic table radio my dad had picked up at a sale. For company, I tuned in my radio to whatever would come in clearly and listened to disc-jockeys and soap operas and news programs. To this day, whenever I open a can of paint, I can hear the soap operas and the disc-jockeys’ patter in my head and feel the linoleum under my legs as I scooted along the baseboard with my paint brush. When the walls were finished, I realized that I should have chosen a much lighter shade of blue. The room looked dark – but somehow cooling on a summer day. I decided I must have white curtains and a white bedspread and white doilies on the dressers. That should lighten things up and, maybe, I should bring in a bright color for accent. The brightest color I can think of is red. I had not given a thought to how patriotic this color scheme would be. I bought several yards of red fabric to make a slipcover for an old over-stuffed chair Mother said I could have. I found it easier to reupholster the chair than to make slipcovers that would fit smoothly and not slide around. Mother thought I was ruining the chair by yanking off all the old upholstery, but it turned out quite professional looking. The walnut-veneer furniture looked wonderful with a coat of pale blue paint. I should have painted it white, but it was cheaper to mix the remainder of the paint from the walls with a half can of white paint Mother had left after painting the ceiling in her sewing room. I was lucky, indeed, that there was enough of that mixture to do the job, for it would have been impossible to match. the furniture looked better after it was painted. I regret painting the beautiful oak desk and matching chair that might have been valuable collector’s items. Mother made white nylon curtains in her new sewing room. They were fluffy and frilly and crisscrossed over the twin windows. Tied back with wide, red satin ribbons, they fluttered coolly in the afternoon breeze. We will just ignore the linoleum – there was no way I could get permission to paint that!
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GUEST OPINION
One in four pregnancies ends in loss. Why are so many Iowa families still grieving in silence? Robin Boudreau
No Foot Too Small believes healing begins when families know they are seen, supported, and Angels are remembered. Whether through rememAs October marks Pregnancy & Infant brance events, peer support, hospital Loss Awareness Month, No Foot Too partnerships, workplace education or Small is encouraging Iowans to start a simply creating spaces where families conversation that touches thousands of can share their stories without judgfamilies each year, but is too often expe- ment, the organization is helping replace rienced in silence. silence with compassion. Across Iowa, thousands of families are painting nurseries, sharing pregChanging the Standard of nancy announcements, choosing baby Care I From the Hospital to the names, and imagining the day they'll Workplace finally bring their baby home. Most of us celebrate those milestones Imagine experiencing the worst day of together. But for many families, that your life while hearing newborn babies story changes unexpectedly. One in crying in the r four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, room next door. stillbirth, or infant loss. For many families, that's exactly what Instead of bringing home a newborn, happens. parents leave the hospital carrying only Traditional maternity units are a memory box, a blanket, or tiny foot- designed for celebration, not grief. prints that become some of the only That's why No Foot Too Small parttangible reminders their baby was here. ners with hospitals to create Birthing It's a reality that touches families in & Bereavement Suites. Hospital-based every Iowa community, yet pregnancy spaces designed specifically for families and infant loss remains one of the least who know they will not be taking their talked-about experiences parents can baby home. face. These thoughtfully designed suites Behind every statistic is a child who provide: was deeply loved and a family whose Privacy and peace away from tradistory deserves to be seen. tional maternity units Families, healthcare professionTime and space for parents and loved als, and advocates are beginning to ones to hold, bond with, and remember speak more openly about pregnancy their baby and infant loss, replacing silence with Compassionate, trauma-informed understanding and reminding grieving care that honors every life while supparents they are not alone. porting families through profound grief Among those leading that effort is A comforting environment where parIowa-based nonprofit No Foot Too ents, siblings, grandparents, and loved Small. ones can gather, create memories, and Founded in 2013 by Robin and Ryan begin healing together Boudreau, No Foot Too Small is building For many families, the time they a community where no family experi- spend with their baby after birth ences pregnancy or infant loss alone. becomes some of the most meaningful Through remembrance events, family moments they will ever have together. programs, education, advocacy, and "They're not just hospital rooms," said partnerships with hospitals, the orga- Robin Boudreau, Co-Founder and CEO nization is creating a future where every of No Foot Too Small. "They're sacred family feels supported, understood, and spaces where families can hold their connected. baby, introduce grandparents and sib“Our mission is simple but powerful,” lings, create memories, and say goodbye said Robin Boudreau, Co-Founder and in their own way. Those moments matCEO of No Foot Too Small. “We cele- ter, and every family deserves the time brate angels, unite families, and build and space to have them." Birthing & Bereavement Suites because While Birthing & Bereavement Suites every family's story matters and every have become more common in parts baby deserves to be celebrated. Since of Europe and Australia, they remain 2013, thousands of Iowa families have exceptionally rare in the United States. found connection, remembrance, No Foot Too Small is helping lead a and community through No Foot Too movement to change that through Small's programs and partnerships.” partnerships with healthcare systems committed to compassionate bereavement care. More Than a Moment I Co-Founder and CEO No Foot Too Small
A Lifetime of Love
When that future changes unexpectedly, the grief is just as real, even if the rest of the world never had the chance to meet their baby. That's why acknowledging loss matters. It becomes part of their story forever. Yet many parents say they felt isolated after their loss because people around them were uncomfortable talking about it. Most people want to help. They search for the right words. They worry they'll say the wrong thing. So they say nothing. For grieving parents, that silence can feel as painful as the loss itself. Communities often acknowledged births, but not losses.
Current hospital partners include: University of Iowa Health Care – Iowa City, Iowa Nebraska Medicine – Omaha, Nebraska MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center – Dubuque, Iowa Genesis East Medical Center – Davenport, Iowa
ment care, regardless of where they live. Recognizing that healing continues well beyond the hospital, No Foot Too Small is also working to equip employers, community leaders, and organizations with the knowledge and tools to better support families returning to everyday life after pregnancy or infant loss. Through education, awareness, and compassionate workplace conversations, the organization hopes to create communities where no parent has to navigate grief in silence, whether in a hospital room, at home, or back at work.
Finding Hope Together Throughout the year, No Foot Too Small brings communities together through events like Angels in the Outfield, regional golf tournaments, Blooms & Butterflies, Wave of Light, and the organization's Annual Gala. Beyond these signature events, the organization also hosts 106 in-person and virtual support groups each year, creating safe spaces where families can connect with others who understand the journey of pregnancy and infant loss. While these events and support programs raise critical resources for families and hospital partnerships, their greater purpose is to remind grieving parents that they are part of a community that remembers, honors, and walks beside them—long after the loss..
A Conversation Worth Having Pregnancy and infant loss doesn't only happen to "someone else." It happens in neighborhoods across Iowa. It happens to young parents. To experienced parents. To military families. To teachers. To nurses. To farmers. To business owners. To families in every corner of our state. Changing the conversation begins with each of us. By acknowledging loss. By remembering every baby. By supporting grieving families. And by creating communities where no parent has to suffer in silence. Because every baby's life matters. Every family's story matters. And every Iowa family deserves compassion, support, and hope.
Pregnancy & Infant Loss by the Numbers 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Every year, thousands of Iowa families experience the loss of a baby. Pregnancy and infant loss can have lasting emotional, physical, and mental health impacts on parents and families. Research shows that compassionate bereavement care, including time with a baby, memory-making opportunities, and specialized support can significantly influence long-term healing.
Additional partnerships are currently in development as the organization expands this model of care throughout Iowa and beyond. The organization's Family Perspective long-term vision is for every family experiencing pregnancy or infant loss to “After losing our first baby at nine have access to compassionate bereave- weeks in March of 2024, we found out
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just before Thanksgiving of that year we were expecting, again. It was exciting but coupled with anxiety. The first trimester was a rollercoaster, but things began to smooth out into the 2nd trimester. Until, just three days after a doctor's appointment where everything “sounded perfect,” we received the worst news that the baby's heart was no longer beating. So instead of an August birthday, we met our baby— a boy — at 22 weeks on Monday, March 31, 2025, delivered stillborn. We named him Eli, meaning “ascended,” to remind us that he's safe and secure in heaven. Nothing could
When retirements play hide-and-seek with tax money Stray Thoughts
Randy Evans Iowa Freedom of Information Council
OPINIONS
Succession planning and public celebration typically accompany executive retirements. They provide for an orderly leadership transition and public acknowledgment of a job well done. So, two simple questions arise whenever top government employees leave their jobs in hastily announced retirements — and receive more than the customary coffee-and-cookies goingaway reception in return for signing customized contracts containing waivers, releases and promises not to criticize. What exactly are we paying for?
And why? The recent “retirements” of David Dostal, the Cedar Rapids police chief, and Scott Ourth, Polk County’s director of general services, illustrate why these questions and answers are important. Dostal, 57, who was paid about $190,000 annually, announced earlier this month he is retiring, effective January 1, after serving as chief for the past two and a half years. He has been a police officer in Cedar Rapids for nearly 35 years. When Dostal became chief in 2024, Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell praised his advancement through the ranks of the police department, his selection over top national police leaders and his commitment to leading with integrity. Nothing said then suggested any doubts about his qualifications or ability to oversee the department. But these facts do: Although his retirement does not take effect until January 1, Dostal’s last day of work will be October 1. From October 2 through December 31, he will be on paid administrative leave and will continue receiving city health insurance. Within 10 days after his retirement date, Dostal will receive a lump-sum severance payment of $191,096 — equal to six months’ salary plus his accrued, unused time off. While Dostal’s departure is portrayed as a voluntary retirement, he was handed a copy of the retirement agreement on September 1 and was given 21 days to accept or reject it. In addition, the agreement binds both Dostal and city officials from making any “derogatory, disparaging, or negative remarks … likely to cause harm to the reputation,
September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in Johnson County
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 5
change the devastation of that day, but the care and comfort provided to us in the Birthing and Bereavement Suite in Davenport made the worst few days of our lives a little more survivable. After this experience, we learned about all of No Foot Too Small's efforts in addition to building Bereavement suites; and last year we participated in the Gala for the first time, just seven months removed from losing Eli. We are grateful every day for the gift NFTS has given us by being a place in the world where we just get to be Eli's mom and dad.” - 2026 NFTS Gala Feature Family, Steve & Tara
About No Foot Too Small No Foot Too Small is an Iowa-based nonprofit organization dedicated to Celebrating Angels, Uniting Families, and Building Birthing & Bereavement Suites. Through compassionate family support, hospital partnerships, remembrance events, and community education, the organization is transforming the standard of care for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss while ensuring no family journeys through loss alone.
business, or interests of the other.” Does that sound like a typical retirement arrangement? Meanwhile, in Des Moines, Scott Ourth, 67, a former Warren County state legislator, has been employed by Polk County for four years. His annual salary was $158,700. His retirement took effect September 22, although his last day at the office was weeks earlier, on July 31. Ourth’s retirement was sweetened by payment of six months’ salary for what the county called a “department head benefit,” plus a $2,000 payout for sick leave. He also will have county-paid health insurance for 12 months after retirement. As with Dostal, Ourth and Polk County agreed in writing “not to make any public statements which materially disparage the other party” unless required by court order. Those arrangements deserve scrutiny in light of two additional facts not mentioned in the retirement agreement: Ourth is the subject of two sexual-harassment lawsuits filed against Polk County by two female county employees. And his deputy, Thomas Alessio, was fired by Polk County earlier this summer over unspecified “inappropriate behaviors and conduct.” Alessio, unlike Ourth, received no compensation on his way out the door beyond his earned wages. Make no mistake, like private employees, public servants should get paid what they earned, including retirement payments calculated under established rules and policies. But when a government employee leaves with tens of thousands of dollars in additional taxpayer-funded compensation for unexplained reasons — particularly after only a few years in their current position — it is appropriate to ask why. That question becomes even more important when the agreement restricts what the former employee and employer can say about each other. At that point, a retirement package stops being merely a personnel matter and becomes a public accountability issue. If the departing executive receives compensation beyond what was earned on the job, the public deserves to know the circumstances and rationale for the agreement, including the reasons for any mutual promises to say only good things about one another. Not every detail of a government employee’s life should become public. But the justification for spending public money should not be hidden behind the words “personnel matter” or a ginned-up excuse of retirement. Normal retirement benefits are earned as part of longterm compensation and retention plans. A lucrative settlement negotiated outside programs available to all employees is different. The public deserves enough information to determine whether the additional payments represent a legitimate obligation or an extraordinary exercise of administrative discretion. City and county governments are not private corporations. Their money belongs to the public, and their leaders and employees are entrusted with the public’s confidence. Taxpayers are rightly uncomfortable with the idea their tax money might be used to purchase silence about the circumstances surrounding any public employee’s departure, especially when the employee is a highly compensated leader who leaves precipitously. The public should not have to wonder whether a large
payment was made because an employee was exceptionally valuable, because the government exposed itself to legal liability, because elected officials made a mistake, or because those in charge simply wanted a controversy to go away quietly. “Personnel matter” should not become a magic phrase that turns government expenditures into private secrets and public doubt.
cancers, with a five-year survival rate of just 50 percent,” said Patient Advocate Bridget Toomey. “Because of the location of the ovaries in the body, most ovarian cancers are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease. Additionally, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, as a pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer.” The American Cancer Society estimates 21,010 cases Bridget Toomey of ovarian cancer will be newly diagnosed in 2026 and Special to the Solon Economist 12,450 individuals will die from the disease nationwide, including 180 new cases and 120 deaths in Iowa. The The Johnson County Board of Supervisors have offi- designation of September as Ovarian Cancer Month cially designated September 2026 as National Ovarian will help raise awareness of the disease. Symptoms of Cancer Awareness Month in Johnson County. Receiving ovarian cancer can be subtle or vague, and can include the proclamation is Patient Advocate Bridget Toomey the following: who lost her mother from ovarian, researchers Kristi • Bloating Thiel, PhD, and Danielle Uhl, PhD, Gynecologic Oncol• Pelvic or abdominal pain ogy Fellow Katherine Sawaya with Johnson County • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly Board of Supervisors, V Fixmer-Oraiz, Rod Sullivan, •Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass, and Mandi Remington. These symptoms can be associated with several com“Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among mon conditions but if you experience these as new or women in Iowa and is the deadliest of the gynecologic they are unusual for you, visit your doctor.
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6 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
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Will you be warm? Or scrambling for heat? Now is the perfect time to ensure your furnace is ready for winter
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Signs and symptoms of CO poisoning
and experts suggest changing the filter during the heating season if it becomes This is also an ideal time to replace the clogged to keep the furnace running at batteries and test your CO detectors. Or, CO enters the body through breathing. peak efficiency. if you don’t have one, this is the time to CO poisoning can be confused with flu A technician will inspect the heat Chris Umscheid get one. CO is colorless and odorless, and symptoms, food poisoning, and other exchanger for any cracks, check gas conSolon Economist early signs of exposure can be mistaken illnesses. Symptoms include shortness nections for leaks, clean the burners and chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com for the flu. According to the National Fire of breath, nausea, dizziness, light-head- combustion components (a blue flame Protection Association (NFPA) 82,245 edness, and/or headaches. High levels indicates complete or “clean” combustion Fall has arrived and with the leaves CO incidents required a fire department of CO in the blood stream (CO attaches and is ideal. A yellow/orange flame (like changing colors and days getting shorter response in 2023 while the U.S. Cen- to oxygen-carrying red blood cells with a match or candle) indicates incomplete comes the reminder that mild days and ter for Disease Control (CDC) reported great ease) can be fatal with death possi- combustion), lubricate the motors and cool nights will soon be replaced by 101,847 emergency department visits, ble within minutes. bearings, and test the safety controls and cold days and even colder nights. For 14,365 hospitalizations, and 430 deaths shutoffs. those who rely on a furnace to heat their during the same year. A little care throughout the year and Other furnace maintenance homes, this is the time to make sure it’s preventive maintenance before the first considerations ready to keep you comfortable and safe. cold spell of the season can provide peace CO safety tips from the NFPA A gas burning furnace operates on The furnace’s internals should be of mind and a comfy home and lessen the a simple concept – ignite gas (natural • CO alarms should be installed in a cen- inspected by a trained technician, how- chances of huddling under piles of blangas or LPG) in a burner producing reg- tral location outside each sleeping area ever homeowners can and should replace kets waiting for a technician on a freezing ulated flames, use a heat exchanger to and on every level of the house. Experts the furnace filter, at least every year, cold night. warm up cold air that has been drawn recommend interconnected detectors – into the furnace, and use a motor to blow when one activates, all activate. the warm air throughout the house until • Follow the manufacturer’s instructhe temperature set on a thermostat is tions for placement and mounting height. reached. • Choose an alarm with the label of a Preventive maintenance starts outside recognized testing laboratory (such as the furnace with ensuring f lamma- Underwriters Laboratory (UL)). ble materials are kept clear, including • Test CO alarms monthly and replace flammable liquids, which may produce according to the manufacturer’s instrucfumes and vapors that could find the tions. pilot light (constant flame) and set off • If the trouble signal sounds, check for an explosion. In general, there should be low batteries and replace if needed. at least three feet of clear space around • If the CO alarm sounds, evacuate a furnace (and/or gas water heater). It immediately and call 9-1-1 from a safe also includes making sure the registers (fresh air) location. Ensure everybody in (vents in floors and walls) are clean and the house is accounted for. not blocked. Blocked cold air returns • Do not warm up a vehicle or run any may cause the furnace to work harder gas-powered device inside a garage (even while blocked heat registers can lead to if the door is open). excessive heat build up within the fur• During and after a snowstorm, make nace. sure the vents for the dryer, furnace, Exhaust generated by the burning stove, and fireplace aren’t blocked by snow gas is removed from the house either and/or ice buildup. through an exterior vent or out through • Generators should only be used in a a chimney. If the exhaust vent is blocked well-ventilated location outside and away deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas can from windows. build up inside the house putting all • Gas or charcoal grills can also produce occupants at grave risk. CO and should only be used outside.
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FALL HOME
What to do with all those leaves Solonites have multiple options Chris Umscheid Solon Economist
chris.umscheid@soloneconomist.com
Soon all of those green leaves will turn yellow, red, or orange, and then brown, and then drop to cover yards. But what then? Rake them into a pile and burn them? Rake them to the curb and let the city suck ‘em up into a truck? Ignore them and let the wind redistribute them to your neighbor’s yard? Mow them into mulch? For those inclined to enjoy the time-honored tradition of burning leaves, the City of Solon allows open burning of leaves and yard waste Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from October 1 through Nov. 25, and again in the spring from April 1 through May 25. However, burning is not allowed in any curb and gutter in Solon, nor any paved or surfaced street or alley. For those concerned with creating air pollution through the incineration of their leaves, yard waste can be set out with the weekly garbage and recycling, however stickers ($1.25/sticker/bag) must be applied. Residents who pay a water bill in the City of Solon are able to dispose of yard waste behind the Public Works building (1031 Stinocher St.), where it will be turned into compost. The City requests citizens follow the signs for where to dispose of their yard waste and reminds those taking their leaves and yard waste to not leave bags there, and to only dump them in the area clearly marked for leaves or yard waste. If you just want to rake them to the curb and let the City deal with them, leaf pickup is on Mondays in October and November. The City requests the leaves be at the curb by 7:30 a.m. On a related note, if you have a pile of branches from
fall tree trimming, the City will haul it away the first Monday of each month, April through November. Residents should neatly place the brush and branches alongside the curb by 7:30 a.m. Please note, the city will not pick up branches more than eight inches in diameter, nor longer than 15’. The City will only take twigs and branches, no grass clippings, stumps, garden waste, rocks, sod, leaves (see above for the City’s leaf sucking service), bushes, or lumber. Johnson County Refuse will pick up all types of yard waste (leaves, sod, grass clippings, bushes, and garden waste) if there is a YARD WASTE sticker (available for $1.25 each) on each bag (up to 39-gallon capacity) with a 40-pound limit. Johnson County Refuse will pick up the bags Fridays with the regular garbage collection. But, I don’t want to do any of that, what then? If none of the above options appeal to you, and you wish to turn a blind eye to the blanket of leaves, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has your back with an ecological excuse. According to the NWF, conservationists claim leaf blowers, trucks, and bags of leaves going to landfills are all harmful to the environment and rob your garden of nutrients while destroying wildlife habitat. Editor’s note: Your neighbor may be a good guy, but might be less than impressed with your environmental savvy, especially after raking YOUR leaves out of his yard. The NWF recommends letting the leaves alone, saying leaves form a natural mulch, which helps suppress weeds and fertilizes the soil as they decompose. Also, various creatures depend on leaves for food, shelter, and nesting material. This reporter has watched a squirrel raiding a leaf pile and then scurrying to his home in a neighbor’s eaves, evidently using the leaves as insulation and bedding for a comfy nest. In addition the NWF says many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves. The NWF’s recommendations are as follows: • Let leaves stay where they fall (you can mulch them with a mower). • Rake leaves off of your lawn but use them as mulch in garden beds. For a finer-textured mulch, shred them first. • Let leaf piles decompose. The resulting leaf mold can be used as a soil amendment to improve structure
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 7
and water retention. • Make your own compost by combining fallen leaves with grass clippings. Keep this moist and well mixed for a nutrient-rich compost for your garden next spring. • Share them with your neighbors – not by letting the wind relocate them, but by offering them for use as noted above. • Build a brush shelter with branches, sticks, stems, and leaves for native wildlife to occupy.
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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.
Across
No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays
SEPTEMBER MENU • • 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
F U on community. S
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Down
1 URL starter 2 Asian sea currently undergoing replenishment efforts
3 Civil rights icon Parks 4 Shift the gears of, in a way ... or a hint to this puzzle’s Across clues 5 ID in some data breaches 6 Elite H.S. class covering the Constitution 7 Visionary … or what you’ll need to return to when solving this puzzle’s Down clues 8 Loads 9 Babe in the Hundred Acre Wood 10 One advocated for by the National Prison Project 11 Whittled (down) 12 Biblical mount 13 It’s worth remembering! 18 “No idea” 23 Distinctive expression ... or a hint to this puzzle’s Across clues 25 Feature of San Francisco’s Lombard Street 26 Mole, e.g. 27 Firm 28 Like many cricket fields 30 Plan to contribute to, for short 31 One of 1,909 for Willie Mays, for short 34 “___ the Explorer” 35 Some distance away 36 Declare 38 “Oh no! A mouse!” 39 What the second number indicates in men’s jeans sizes 41 Univ. with an annual Mystery Hunt 42 Eager response to “Wanna join?” 44 Goes nuts for 46 Around 47 Garden-variety 48 Wasn’t paying attention 50 Lauder of cosmetics 52 Designer Cassini 54 “I don’t really care / If ya think I’m strange / I ___ gonna change”: Joan Jett 55 N.F.L. commentator Collinsworth 56 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, e.g. 59 Letter after chi 60 The “S” of E.S.T.: Abbr.
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
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IowaPublicNotices.com THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FORMAL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 10, 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 5:30 p.m. Members present: Jon Green, Lisa Green-Douglass, Mandi Remington, and Rod Sullivan. Members absent: V Fixmer-Oraiz. Green sought and received unanimous consent for approval of the agenda as presented. Public Comment – Nancy Bird, Mackenzie DeRoo, Cady Gerlach, and Tom Martinez of Greater Iowa City, Inc. provided a brief update about their organization’s economic development and public policy initiatives including the digital infrastructure workgroup, County strategic plan implementation, and the Welcoming America Initiative. Motion by Sullivan, second by Remington, to approve the following consent agenda items: 1. The claims on the Johnson County Auditor’s Claim Register for September 10, 2026, in the amount of $1,799,956.39: Adams Multimedia IA................. $469.57 Advantage Medical Co................$597.50 Aero Rental Inc............................ $33.00 Aging Services Inc..................... $502.00 Aia Corporation.........................$1429.89 Airgas USA................................. $265.97 Alosa Health, Inc...................... $1804.39 Amazon Capital Services........... $296.67 Amer Lung Assn Up Midw......... $300.00 Amster Corp............................... $700.00 AT&T Mobility............................. $946.59 Aureon Communication............$2529.74 Axiom Consultants ................. $8550.00 Bean And Bean........................... $750.00 Bentley Funeral Home................ $475.00 Berry Dunn Mcneil Parker ........$9415.00 Big Bro Big Sis JC.................... $4443.06 Bike Library............................ $13750.00 Billion Of Iowa City.....................$693.18 Bluepath Finance FC................. $3455.65 Bo-James................................. $1400.00 Brown West Branch Ford ...........$874.50 Cary Downes.............................. $400.00 Central Petroleum Equip............ $949.47 Charlies Welding Inc.................... $32.20 Charm-Tex Inc.............................$651.36 Cierra Hoffman............................$193.75 City Of Iowa City-Acc Rec........... $111.04 Cmty Crisis Svcs.................. $144353.29 Concord Technologies................$411.45 Consumers Cooperative.........$66319.74 Coralville Housing Group........... $591.00 Cott Systems............................ $2405.00 Crediblemind Inc.................... $18000.00 Custom Hose & Supplies........... $325.58 Cyndi Woods.............................. $400.00 Cynthia J Grabow..................... $1700.00 David Mellecker.......................... $590.00 David Wilford............................. $269.00 Deery Bro Ford Lincoln...............$173.72 DKC Real Estate ........................ $700.00 Dream City................................. $225.00 Eagle View Properties ............... $500.00 E Cent IA Council Of Gov........ $10000.00 Eastern Iowa Tire Inc..................$134.40 Ecolab..........................................$109.32 Eide Bailly Llp.........................$40000.00 Emerson Point Apts................. $1350.00 EO Johnson Busns Tech............$1104.04 Green Styl Erosn & Lwn............. $900.00 Guardian Alliance Tech.............. $423.00 Guardian Fleet Safety, ..............$2613.70 Hammes Homestead & Con......$1140.20 Hansch ...................................... $700.00 Harden Bros. Propane.................. $59.68 Harry Ehrmsen........................... $400.00 Hawk Area Cmty Act Prog......... $750.00 Hayek Moreland Smith Bergus...$251.90 Heartland Shredding.................. $332.25 Henry County Sheriff Dept.... $22945.00 Henry Schein Inc........................ $898.82 Holiday Mhp .............................. $485.00 Hollywood Graphics....................$195.00 Hospers & Brother Printer......... $202.97 Hy-Vee Inc.................................. $234.00 Idmelon Technologies Inc........ $6026.40 Intl Rescue Committee.......... $10354.57 IA County Sheriff Office........... $1350.00 IA State Assn Assess................$1275.00 IA Travel Indust Ptrs................ $1030.00 ISU Exten & Outrch JC............... $250.00 Jasro .......................................... $700.00 Jefferson County....................... $396.50 Jefferson Point Apts.................. $700.00 Jennifer Miller...............................$13.00 John Vanrybroek........................ $539.50 Johnson County........................$2815.77 JC Historical Society................. $536.00 Jon Trouten...................................$15.35 Joshua Busard.............................. $17.02 Jz Orchard Holdings ................. $800.00 Kaiden Ray................................. $250.00 Kim Pearson..................................$15.75 Kristal Wenger............................$427.88 Kristen Silver................................. $41.12 Lensing Funeral Svc................. $2200.00 Lexipol ....................................$25474.78 Lexisnexis.................................$1134.00 Lighting Up Language............ $18500.00 Linder Tire Service Inc............. $1385.42 Linn County.............................. $5328.33 Little Angels LC.......................... $500.00 Little Clippers CDC..................... $500.00 Ll Pelling Co. .......................$830000.82 Lon Tinkey Apts......................... $850.00 Lynette Jacoby............................. $50.96 M & A Properties....................... $700.00 M&K Qty Truck Sales............. $12004.59 Mail Services ........................ $39028.79 Melanie B King........................... $700.00 Menards - Iowa City................... $602.56 Mgam Property ......................... $850.00 Michael David Madsen............... $700.00 Midamerican Energy.................. $478.09 Midwestone Bank................... $26931.63 Muscatine County Auditor..... $19250.00 Mutual Wheel Company............. $391.64 Napa Auto Parts.......................... $418.12 Nidey Erdahl Meier Araguas...... $483.60 NMS Labs................................... $264.00 Older IA Legislature .................. $250.00 One Property Mgmt................... $750.00 Origin Design Co...................... $4418.25 Ottsen Oil Co.............................. $940.34 Open Heartland........................ $2786.47 P & K Midwest Inc..................... $1817.65
PUBLIC NOTICES
Pestpros..................................... $400.00 Peyton Ann Connolly................. $600.00 Pigott Inc................................ $10553.24 Professional Office Svcs................$7.36 Pye Barker Fire & Safety ........... $369.95 Pyramid Services ........................ $26.37 Quadient Finance USA................$251.93 Raj Patel......................................$100.00 Rapids Reproductions............... $500.32 Robert Hall................................. $400.00 Robert W Davison...................... $875.20 Sean Bateman.............................. $55.00 South Slope Coop...................... $996.86 2. The minutes of the Formal Meeting for September 3, 2026. 3. Payroll authorizations submitted by department heads and elected officials. 4. Consider application for alcohol license for Traveling Tapster for an event at the Celebration Farm. 5. Consider Change Order No. 1 with Spratt Builders in the amount of $1,391.00 for the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Dairy Barn Visitor Center remodel. Approved unanimously. PROCLAMATION NO. 09-10-26-01 PREPAREDNESS MONTH SEPTEMBER 2026 Summary: September is recognized as Preparedness Month, a reminder for residents, businesses, and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies and Johnson County residents may face a variety of hazards and the County's JoCo Ready app brings important public-safety resources together in one place, including emergency notifications, weather information, road conditions, Alert Iowa, Project Lifesaver, and a PulsePoint AED locator. Board action: Proclaim the month of September 2026 as Preparedness Month in Johnson County, and encourage all residents, businesses, organizations, schools, and community partners to take action to strengthen our collective preparedness and resilience. Motion by Remington, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Proclamation No. 09-10-26-01. Approved unanimously. Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Travis Beckman spoke. Convened a public hearing at 5:48 p.m. on Zoning Application REZ26000005 of Todd Scott on behalf of River Products Company Inc., requesting rezoning of 4.4 acres from ML – Light Industrial to MH - Heavy Industrial. The property is located at 3194 Charbon Road SE, in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 35, Township 80 North, Range 7 West of the 5th P.M. in Union Township, Johnson County, Iowa. County Planning, Development, and Sustainability (PDS) Planner Joseph Wilensky reviewed the application. Lacey Stutzman of MMS Consultants, Inc. was present to answer questions. No one from the public spoke. Public hearing closed at 5:56 p.m. Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to waive the requirement of three considerations before approving an ordinance amending the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance, Zoning Application REZ26000005 of Todd Scott on behalf of River Products Company Inc. Roll call: Aye: Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan; absent: Fixmer-Oraiz. Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the proposed ordinance associated with Zoning Application REZ26-000005 of Todd Scott on behalf of River Products Company Inc. on first and second consideration. Roll call: Aye: Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan; absent: Fixmer-Oraiz. Convened a public hearing at 5:58 p.m. on Zoning Application REZ26000004 of Taylor Getting, requesting rezoning of 1.70 acres from A-Agricultural to R-Residential. The property is located at 1784 255th St NW, in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 10, Township 80 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M. in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Iowa. County PDS Assistant Planner Jess Brooks reviewed the application. Lacey Stutzman of MMS Consultants, Inc. was present to answer questions. No one from the public spoke. Public hearing closed at 6:01 p.m. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Remington, to waive the requirement of three considerations before approving an ordinance amending the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance, Application REZ26-000004 of Taylor Getting. Roll call: Aye: Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan; absent: Fixmer-Oraiz. Motion by Remington, second by Green-Douglass, to approve the proposed ordinance associated with Zoning Application Zoning Application REZ26000004 of Taylor Getting on first and second consideration. Roll call: Aye: Green, Green-Douglass, Remington, Sullivan; absent: Fixmer-Oraiz. Convened a public hearing at 6:02 p.m. on Subdivision Application SD26000011 of Taylor Getting, requesting preliminary & final plat approval of Sandy Hills Subdivision. The property is located at 1784 255th St NW, in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 10, Township 80 North, Range 8 West of the 5th P.M. in Oxford Township, Johnson County, Iowa. County PDS Assistant Planner Jess Brooks reviewed the application. Lacey Stutzman of MMS Consultants, Inc. was present to answer questions. No one from the public spoke. Public hearing closed at 6:05 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 09-10-26-01 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT AND SUBDIVIDER'S AGREEMENT OF SANDY HILLS SUBDIVISION, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA Summary: Application SD26-000011 for approval of the preliminary and final plat of Sandy Hills Subdivision, Johnson County, Iowa was filed and the County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended its approval. Board action: Approve the plat; authorize the chairperson to sign the plat and associated documents; record the following documents: A. Resolution & Documents: Owners Acknowledgement of Consent and Dedication, Attorney’s Title Opinion, Certificate of County Auditor, Certificate of County Treasurer, Subdivider’s Agreement, Fence Agreement, Consent of Mortgag-
ee to Subdivision of Sandy Hills Subdivision, Johnson County, Iowa, Temporary Septic Easement Agreement for the Benefit of Sandy Hills Subdivision, Johnson County Iowa, Declaration of Covenant for Access Easement for the Benefit of Sandy Hills Subdivision, Johnson County Iowa, Resolution Affirming the Stability of the Road System; B. Subdivision Plat (5). Motion by Sullivan, second by Remington, to approve Resolution No. 0910-26-01. Approved unanimously. Convened a public hearing at 6:05 p.m. on Future Land Use Map Amendment Application FLA26-000001 of James Arkema, requesting re-designation of approximately 4.591 acres from Agricultural to Commercial. The property is located at 5359 Highway 6 NE, in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 79 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M. in Scott Township, Johnson County, Iowa. County PDS Planner Joseph Wilensky reviewed the application. Applicants James and Lynette Arkema were present to answer questions. No one from the public spoke. Public hearing closed at 6:22 p.m. RESOLUTION NO. 09-10-26-02 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE REQUEST SUBMITTED BY JAMES ARKEMA TO AMEND THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY 2018 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS AMENDED Summary: James Arkema has filed application FLA26-000001 requesting to change the Future Land Use Category of approximately 4.591 acre for the property located at 5359 Highway 6 NE, in the NE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 79 North, Range 5 West of the 5th P.M. in Scott Township (commonly known as PPNs 09-34-402-001 at the time of this approval), from Agricultural to Commercial and the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend the approval of the request. Board action: Approve the amendment; Designate the future land use of the property described in the request to Commercial from Agricultural; Direct the PDS Director to update the Future Land Use Map accordingly. Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Resolution No. 09-10-26-02. Approved unanimously. Motion by Green-Douglass, second by Remington, to approve the new Johnson County Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, as contained in the agenda packet of this meeting, effective September 10, 20206. Approved unanimously. Motion by Sullivan, second by Remington, to approve the proposal from Silktide Ltd, Austin, TX, for software subscription to assist with website ADA compliance, in the amount of $12,133.80. Approved unanimously. Motion by Remington, second by Green-Douglass, to approve all 2026 tax year applications for Homestead Tax Credits, Military Exemptions, and 65+ Homestead Exemptions, as recommended by Iowa City Assessor Brad Comer. Approved unanimously. Motion by Remington, second by Sullivan, to approve all 2026 tax year applications for Homestead Tax Credits, Military Exemptions, and 65+ Homestead Exemptions, as recommended by Johnson County Assessor Tom Van Buer. Approved unanimously. Motion by Sullivan, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Supplemental Agreement for Additional Services #01 for Standard Professional Services Agreement with Snyder & Associates, Inc., Ankeny, for Pipeline Inspection Services for proposed Natural Gas Pipeline in Johnson County, Iowa; Utilities Commission Docket No. P-0877. Approved unanimously. Motion by Remington, second by Green-Douglass, to approve Amendment No. 2 to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Subrecipient Agreement with the University of Iowa - College of Nursing, Iowa City, for Johnson County Doula Program Outreach in an amount of $15,000. Approved unanimously. Motion by Sullivan, second by Remington, to approve the Behavioral Health – Administrative Services Organization Agreement between the Office of the Johnson County Attorney and Iowa Primary Care Association, Des Moines, for Criminal Mental Health Court. Approved unanimously. Adjourned at 6:30 p.m. /s/Jon Green, Chair, Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Attest: /s/Julie Persons, Johnson County Auditor On the 17th 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 17, 2026. Published in the Solon Economist September 24, 2026.
NOTICE OF VOTING EQUIPMENT PUBLIC TEST
To the voters of Johnson County: The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Public testing of the county voting equipment to be used in this election will commence at the Auditor’s Office, 913 S. Dubuque St. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and continue until completion. Any person who wishes to observe the testing may contact the Auditor’s Office at: 319-356-6004, or elections@johnsoncountyiowa.gov This notice is given pursuant to Chapter 52 of the Code of Iowa, as amended. /s/ Julie Persons
Johnson County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Published in the Solon Economist September 24, 2026.
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 9
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SCONOMIST OLON E
NEWS
10 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
City Council considers request for Solon to be the starting point for 2027 core4 cycling and running event Grace Escritt Solon Economist
news@soloneconomist.com
On Sept. 16, the Solon City Council considered a proposal to serve as the starting location for the 2027 core4 cycling as well as running races. As detailed by race director Alex Buhmeyer, core4 is an annual, multi-surface running as well as riding event that takes place in and around Iowa City. He said within its five years of being held, core4 has grown to become “the largest competitive cycling event” in Iowa. “Showcasing Iowa is something that we really, absolutely love doing…we really love showing off our state and really making sure people understand that it’s a beautiful place, and [we] do want to host people from all over,” Buhmeyer said. Although core4 takes place in Iowa, riders come from all over the United States to participate. Buhmeyer said in 2025, riders from over 30 states traveled to participate, though most riders were from the Midwest. Cami Rasmussen, city administrator, said in previous years, a couple of core4 routes have run through Solon. For the 2027 event, which is set to be held on Aug. 21, core4 is interested in having Solon serve as the host. The week prior to the Sept. 16 meeting, Buhmeyer
met with the Solon Public Works Department to discuss the logistics of setting up and tearing down for the event. Taking each of these factors into consideration, Buhmeyer said safety is core4’s top priority, which it ensures through an ongoing partnership with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, ambulance service and emergency management. “We have a really great team of individuals and really make sure that things are safe on route and the venue,” he said. In addition, core4 receives additional support from 11 different sources within the county, including the city of Solon. Although the main event would take place on Aug. 21, there would also be a “primer” the day before consisting of music, a free ride, a run, and ultimately an opportunity for the core4 community to celebrate. Buhmeyer anticipates his team would need two days — Aug. 18 and 19 — for staging and setting up the arch, tents, inflatables and other infrastructure. All takedown would be done the following Sunday, Aug. 22. Buhmeyer said in recent years, the event has averaged an attendance between 2,000 and 3,000 people including athletes, their families, workers, vendors and spectators. However, he expects 2027 to have a larger turnout than ever seen before with a potential attendance of around 5,000 people per day.
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
Each year, youth categories are also included within the cycling routes to encourage younger individuals to participate. Buhmeyer also said core4 seeks to give back to bike-centric non-profits in the area. For 2027, Buhmeyer said core4 is hoping to host these primer events and the start of the cycling race on Main St. in Solon due to its aesthetically pleasing view and plethora of small businesses. Registration opens in Nov. and stays open up until the event. Taking all of Buhmeyer’s pre-planning into consideration, Tim Gordon — council member — mentioned it seems like with the current plan, parking availability in Solon would be immensely low. Buhmeyer suggested additional parking on adjacent streets and other nearby lots could be options, although core4 would need to work out specific details with the city. Rasmussen said another thing to be considered is how alcohol will be handled as well as how to ensure business openings are not covered or blocked. This way, these businesses will get more — not less — visitors due to the crowd drawn in for the event. The council also voiced concerns that using too many food trucks or outside vendors would detract attention away from these Solon businesses, which Buhmeyer said core4 will ensure to be mindful of moving forward. Before the council’s next meeting on October 7, Buhmeyer will be working to find answers to some of these council questions and creating a map demonstrating where he foresees things being placed. More discussion and concrete decisions will be made at this next meeting. For more information about core4, visit https://www. core4.bike/.
School Board approves eighth grade athletic policy Consistent with new Iowa law, Solon eighth graders may be allowed to participate in high school sports under certain conditions
that.” In addition to saying a student may be considered for participation in limited circumstances, the policy stresses the student in question must meet all “locally established eligibility requirements” and physical examination requirements. The student will be assessed on academic, physical and social levels. The amended policy states the middle school athletic level is typically the most appropriate for eighth grade students to participate at. Pulling a student up to participate at the high school level will require permission from a parent or guardian, and a student may not participate in the same sport at the middle and high school level at the same time. Reflecting on these amendments, Adam Haluska — board member — said there are instances in which “special talents” have come through the Solon school district. He expressed the district must consider what is in the best interest of students like these and allow coaches to help those students reach their full potential. “I feel like we’ve got to trust our coaches,” he said. Cassie Rochholz — board member — said she liked the changes Brown made to the policy’s language and appreciated the extensive amount of thought and research that went into crafting it. However, she said this is not a policy she can support. “This isn’t a policy I can get behind, because I look at the other students,” she said. “Not the star athlete that’s coming through, [but] the other ones that have worked their freshman, junior and senior year to have a spot on the team, and then they’re getting bumped out by the eighth grader. I’m looking at the opportunities your kids already have access to. I’m looking at this as a whole.” In response to Rochholz’s concern that this allowance
may result in opportunities being taken away from older students, Haluska said that during baseball and softball season, eighth graders are already participating at the high school level, which he said he considered when determining his perspective on the new policy. Aside from this, Rochholz also said she does not want eighth graders to become subject to pressures associated with high school sports. “I come with the utmost admiration of our coaches, our administration and what they put together, because I think it’s really, really good work, and yet at the end of the day, my conscience says I still don’t feel this is right for an eighth grader,” she said. Rounding out the discussion, Megan Laing — board member — said she is in favor of the policy amendments, though she acknowledges allowing eighth graders to participate at the high school level will be “unicorn,” or rare, situations. “I’m very much in favor of the changes Tim has proposed in order to find a better balance of protecting high school participation for as long as possible in addition to providing opportunities for maybe an eighth grader that doesn’t have anyone to wrestle at that weight,” she said, giving an example. Following discussion, the board unanimously approved to amend the policy with Brown’s changes. It then voted 4-1 to approve the second reading of — and therefore pass — the policy, which Rochholz voted against. Brown explained although this policy is now in effect, it is up to Superintendent Davis Eidahl and Casey Hack — the district’s athletic director — to determine the specific procedures and regulations associated with administering this new policy. The next regular school board meeting will be held Thursday, October 15.
which it collaborates with clients to identify small changes that can be made to help prevent falls, such as by placing rug grippers or installing handrails — although the solutions are endless. Following these home safety visits, all installations, additions and other solutions are provided for no cost. Solon Senior Support program In addition to conducting the home safety visits, Solon teaches older adults simple ways Senior Support has provided outdoor cleaning and transportation services as well as opportunities for older adults to prevent falls and improve the to stay active; both socially and physically. safety of their homes to remain “We just try to identify needs in the community for older independent adults and then come up with either programs or activities to help [fulfill] those needs,” Weetman said. Grace Escritt One of its newest services, however, is the Safe at Home Solon Economist program, which gives attendees an overview of general news@soloneconomist.com safety measures they should implement in their homes to promote safe, independent living. This new program was In line with September being Healthy Aging and Fall made possible due to a $3,600 grant from the Community Prevention Month, Solon Senior Support held a program Foundation of Johnson County and a $2,500 grant from at the Solon Fire Department on Sept. 15, which taught AARP’s Community Challenge Grant Program. elderly Solon residents simple ways to improve home safety “AARP is here to ensure that folks of all abilities and ages and prevent falls so they can continue to live on their own. are able to stay in their homes as they age, remain a part The non-profit, which was founded in 2018 by Jill of their vibrant communities, and to live a full life,” said Weetman, uses community support to promote the inde- Robert Lyons, outreach Manager for AARP. pendence and health of older adults in the Solon area. Most According to the slideshow presented at the Safe at Home frequently, the organization conducts home safety visits in program, only 10% of homes within the United States are
properly equipped to accommodate all the needs of older adults. Likewise, falls are the most frequent cause of injury among older adults. However, over 75% of adults over the age of 50 desire to live and age in their own homes. This juxtaposition led to the acknowledgement of a need for this program. During her time as a paramedic, Evelyn “Lou” Wolfe — who is now retired and works with Solon Senior Support — said she found most of what she responded to in terms of falls to be preventable. However, preventing injuries from falls requires education, which is one reason she is passionate about this program. “I think people want to be safe,” she said. “They just might not realize some of the small things that we can do to make a difference.” As the program wrapped up, guests were provided with an AARP HomeFit Guide as well as an opportunity to sign up for a free home safety visit. Reflecting on all the information provided, Wolfe and Weetman said simple ways adults can improve safety in their homes is by taking their time and asking for help when needed, respectively. “We would love to come and assist anyone that is interested,” Wolfe said. “We can do as little or as much as they want.” For more information about Solon Senior Support, visit https://www.solonseniorsupport.org/.
Grace Escritt Solon Economist
news@soloneconomist.com
At its Sept. 17 meeting, the Solon Community School District’s Board of Education passed an amended version of its policy 504.06, which states eighth graders may — under certain conditions — be allowed to participate in athletics at the high school level. At its last regular meeting on August 20, the board decided to temporarily delay action on the policy in the interest of conducting more research and receiving further guidance regarding how to proceed. Over the past month, Dr. Tim Brown — vice president of the board — has been working to amend the policy’s language. The updated policy was reviewed by the board at the Sept. 17 meeting. According to the amended policy, eighth graders may — “only in limited circumstances when it is determined to be in the best interests of the student and the district” — be considered for participation in high school athletics. A student may be considered if they demonstrate the maturity and readiness necessary to compete at the high school level or if participation is necessary to maintain a viable program. “We’re not looking at bringing every eighth grader up to play every sport,” Brown said. “We’re still committed to the middle school model of sports, but there are exceptions to
Safe at Home
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
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.
NEWS/SPORTS
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 w ith your name, address and contact info. If you do not have access to email call 319-624-2386 ext. 2208 and leave us a message with your name, address and a good contact phone number.
SOLON ECONOMIST | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | 11
Foreman pleads not guilty to sex charges Solon Economist IOWA CITY — Joel Foreman, a former Solon High School vocal music teacher, pled not guilty to five charges related to illegal sexual behavior last week. Foreman, age 43 of Mount Vernon, who resigned from the Solon Community School District in November 2022, was arrested in late August on two counts of Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree (Class C Felony) and three counts of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee (Class
SWIMMING
D Felony) stemming from alleged incidents with Solon HS students from 2009-2020 during his employment with the district. Foreman posted a $35,000 surety bond and will go to trial in Johnson County in early January. If convicted a Class C Felony includes imprisonment for up to ten years and fines up to $13,660. Class D Felonies carry a sentence of two-to-five years and mandatory fines up to $10,245 according to IACourts.org.
VOLLEYBALL
Swimming across school lines Volleyball recap A trio of Lady Spartans make a splash with the Little Hawks Megan Heine For the Solon Economist news@soloneconomist.com
They wear Solon orange at school. They wear City High red in the pool. But for these girls, being part of the City High swim team has created a community that stretches beyond school boundaries. At 6 am, while many of her Solon classmates are still asleep, senior Madelyn Elkins is already in the pool at City High. She makes the 25-minute drive to practice twice a week, then heads back to Solon in time for her 8:30 am classes. Elkins doesn’t attend City High. Neither do two other of her teammates, Avery Feuerbach and Irelynd Hagarty. But inside the pool, those school lines become less important as the swimmers work toward the same goals. Solon doesn’t have its own girls swimming program, so Solon students have the opportunity to compete for City High. For Elkins and sophomore Feuerbach, that means leaving their house in Solon before school and spending their mornings with teammates who they don’t see in the classroom. “The biggest worry about starting City High swimming was not being able to find friends or find community,” Elkin said. “The opposite happened.” Instead of feeling like an outsider, Elkins found a group of teammates who made her feel included. Feuerbach notes that being part of a team outside of her school has also been an experience unlike other high school sports. “If I could describe this team dynamic in one word, it would be different,” Feuerbach said. That difference, however, is part of what makes the experience meaningful. While some athletes spend their entire school day with the same classmates who become their teammates after school, the Solon swimmers have a different experience. They aren’t with their City High teammates all day, making the time they do spend together feel more intentional. “I can’t get sick of them because it’s completely different,” Feuerbach said. “I’m not with them all day but it’s honestly really awesome.” The extra drive to Mercer Aquatic Center in Iowa City doesn’t bother her either. For her, the early-morning commute means more time with the team. The swimmers’ shared experiences extend beyond the time they spend between the lanes. Morning practices, competitions, relays and conversations after practice have helped create relationships between athletes who otherwise might not have crossed paths during the school day. That sense of connection doesn’t happen by accident. Head Coach Mandi Kowal has made the atmosphere surrounding the team one of the foundations of the program. “If the atmosphere is there, everything else will fall in line,” Kowal said. For Kowal, creating that atmosphere starts with making sure athletes enjoy being part of the team. She understands that swimming is only one part of her athletes’ lives. Her swimmers have school, families and responsibilities outside of the pool. Her goal is to create an environment where they can come to practice, work hard and leave feeling supported. After practices, the team circles up for a conversation. Kowal asks the swimmers what went well and what they felt good about during the workout. About eight of the 20 swimmers volunteered to answer and often, their answers aren’t about themselves, but lifting up their
teammates. Those moments reflect what Kowal wants the team to be: a place where athletes are focused not only on their own improvement, but on helping the people around them improve too. That philosophy also carries into competition. Kowal doesn’t want athletes to feel locked into one event or role. Lineups change based on the opponent and what she has seen from the team during the week. For Kowal, winning meets isn’t the only measure of a successful season. After strong meets, she sends the school administration each swimmer’s individual results, highlighting the progress athletes made from one meet to the next. Her focus on improvement and atmosphere has helped create a team where athletes from different schools can work toward the same goal. Kowal’s connection to Solon extends beyond the swimmers on her roster. She runs a youth run club in Solon and attends the Solon homecoming parade each year, giving her a connection to the community where a few of her athletes spend their lives outside of the pool For the Solon swimmers, that connection between communities is part of what makes the City High team unique. They may spend their school days surrounded by classmates who don’t swim for City High, but when they return to the pool they become part of the same group. Elkins notes that it feels good to be part of a close team all working towards the same goal. These Solon Little Hawks feel that the team has become more than just a place to compete. It has become another community to call their own. The City High Little Hawks are currently 3-1 in their season and took 2nd place behind Iowa City West at the Little Hawk invite this past Saturday, Sept 19. Little Hawk invitational results 50 freestyle – 4 Maeve Waas 25.37, 9 MADELYN ELKINS 26.85. 13 Adel Cilek 27.84 200 freestyle relay – 4 IC City High 1:47.02, 8 IC City High 1:54.39 400 freestyle relay – 2 IC City High 3:51.05, 4 IC City High 4:17.27 200 medley relay – 3 IC City High 1:55.63, 9 IC City High 2:15.71 100 freestyle – 6 Helena Mundisev 57.58, 8 ELKINS 1:00.65, 12 Mirian Karbling-Kruth 1:03.41 200 freestyle – 2 Mundisev 2:00.16, 13 Karbling-Kruth 2:17.90, 14 Vidya Kumar 2:25.98 500 freestyle – 2 Ava Remme 5:32.34, 10 Kumar 6:27.21, 11 AVERY FEUERBACH 6:29.71 100 backstroke – 1 Waas 59.33, 8 Brooke Kehres 1:14.85, 10 FEUERBACH 1:17.39 100 breaststroke – 4 Louisa Berry-Stoelzle 1:16.26, 13 Lydia Brown 1:27.79, 15 Vivian Gustafson 1:31.09 100 butterfly – 6 Clara Solt Espinosa 1:06.20, 14 Kameron Krupa 1:21.24, 15 Halle Schweitzer 1:25.67 200 individual medley – 3 Remme 2:20.67, 7 Berry-Stoelzle 2:31.96, 14 Schweitzer 2:49.87 Team scores – 1 Iowa City West High 476, 2 Iowa City High 315, 3 Bettendorf 299, 4 Pleasant Valley 217, 5 Burlington 187, 6 Prairie, Cedar Rapids 171, 7 Tipton 132, 8 North Scott 53 Mississippi Valley Conference standings Conf. Overall Iowa City West High 4-0 11-0 Cedar Falls 3-0 18-4 Linn-Mar 2-0 13-8 Iowa City High 3-1 9-2 Wahlert Catholic 3-1 16-6 Waterloo United 2-1 9-1 CR Kennedy 1-2 6-4 Dubuque Senior 1-2 9-12 CR Washington 1-3 1-4 Dubuque Hempstead 0-4 6-7 CR Jefferson 0-3 1-9
Megan Heine is a Junior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Megan is a student in the Prep Sports Report class.
Aliya Stork For the Solon Economist news@soloneconomist.com
Last Week: No. 3 Solon went 6-1 this week, beating No. 7 Center Point-Urbana on the road. They went 2-1 in the Clinton High School River Queen Tournament. Scarlett Ferin led the way in assists, with 48. Next week: On Sept. 22, the Lady Spartans host Marion.
“We didn’t come out focused against Wahlert and ended up dropping that game. We regrouped and ended the day with a couple of wins and will focus on Marion next." Ruben Galvan, Head Coach
Solon 3, Center Point-Urbana 2 (20-25, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 15-9) Kills – Charleigh Whitford 15, Amelia Guinn 13, Addison Walter 8, Makinley Galvan 7, Hailey Gorham 7, Harper Nicholson 4, Assists – Scarlett Ferin 25, Ava Hohn 21, Macy Fuller 1, Walter 1, Anabelle Boelkins 1, Kalynn Timmons 1, Gorham 1 Solo blocks – Galvan 2, Gorham 1 Block assists – Walter 5, Guinn 4, Nicholson 3, Whitford 2, Galvan 2 Ace serves – Boelkins 4, Walter 1, Ferin 1 Digs – Fuller 20, Timmons 14, Boelkins 13, Ferin 11, Galvan 4, Guinn 3, Gorham 3, Walter 2, Whitford 2 Solon goes 2-1 in Clinton’s River Queen Invitational Solon 2 CR Jefferson 0 (21-14, 21-12) Solon 2 Clinton 0 (21-9, 21-8) Wahlert Catholic 2 Solon 1 (21-13, 16-21, 15-11) WaMaC standings (9-20-26) Conference Clear Creek Amana 2-0 Solon 2-0 Marion 2-0 Grinnell 2-0 Mount Vernon 1-1 South Tama County 1-1 Center Point-Urbana 1-1 Benton Community 1-1 West Delaware 0-2 Independence 0-2 Williamsburg 0-2 Vinton-Shellsburg 0-2
Overall 15-3 20-4 12-7 7-6 17-5 15-6 15-7 11-8 14-4 13-6 15-8 1-18
IGHSAU Class 3A weekly rankings (9-17-26) School Record Previous week 1 Humboldt 15-0 1 2 Western Christian 7-2 2 3 Solon 18-3 3 4 Cherokee 9-3 4 5 Mount Vernon 14-4 5 6 Dike-New Hartford 8-5 6 7 Center Point-Urbana 13-6 7 8 MOC-Floyd Valley 9-3 8 9 Wilton 15-2 9 10 Roland-Story 14-3 10 11 Van Meter 11-2 11 12 Kuemper Catholic 13-2 12 13 West Delaware 9-4 13 14 Knoxville 11-4 15 15 Unity Christian 8-6 NR
Aliya Stork is a student in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Aliya is a student in the Prep Sports Report class.
SPORTS
NEWS
12 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | SOLON ECONOMIST
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS
FOOTBALL Week Five Friday, Sept. 25 HOME vs. Fairfield, 7:30 p.m. (HOMECOMING) Week Six Friday, October 2 AT Keokuk, 7:30 p.m. Week Seven Friday, October 9 AT Washington, 7:30 p.m. VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, Sept. 29 AT West Delaware, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3 Union HS Invitational, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 6 HOME vs. Independence, 7:30 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY Saturday, Sept. 26 Anamosa meet (B&G), Anamosa Middle School, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 Williamsburg Invitational (B&G), Williamsburg Rec Center, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 3 Steve Johnson Invitational (B&G), Max Championship Course (Wartburg College, Waverly), 12:10 p.m. GIRLS SWIMMING (with Iowa City High School)
Saturday, Sept. 26 Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cougar Invitational, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 HOME vs. Dubuque Senior, 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 6 At Iowa City West (Coralville Rec Center), 6 p.m. GIRLS TENNIS (with Iowa City High School)
Postseason Regional Team Meet Saturday, Sept. 26 Regional Team Meet Wednesday, Sept. 30 Regional Team Meet Saturday, October 3
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
FOOTBALL
Undefeated Solon cruises to 4-0 with shutout Victory Over Benton Ryan Paris For the Solon Economist news@soloneconomist.com
To the outside observer, the Solon Spartans’ 39-0 victory over the Benton Bobcats on Friday night looked effortless. To head coach Lucas Stanton, it could have been even better. Before Solon began scoring touchdowns at will, the defense allowed a 16-play drive that culminated in a missed field goal. “They punched us in the mouth,” Stanton said. But the Spartan offense got things on track, striking first with 2:48 remaining in the first quarter. On third-and-ten, quarterback Maddox Kelley dropped back and hit Kaden Hoeper in stride. Hoeper’s cut on his in-breaking post route carried him past a gaggle of Bobcats and in for the game’s opening score, a 20-yard touchdown pass. Then, on the first play of Benton’s second drive, Solon linebacker AJ Haege recovered a loose ball and set up Kelley and the offense at the edge of the redzone. Again, one play later, Kelley rolled out right and hit wide receiver Cody Milliman on the back shoulder. Milliman jumped straight backward, dropping his defender to the ground. He then faked left, cut right, and shook his last defender to open up a lane to the endzone. “It was kind of a scramble drill. It was supposed to just be a hitch, and then it was covered up. Then he rolled out my way, so I just kind of called for the ball,” Milliman said. After another stop on defense, Kelley and Hoeper ran back the same post-route concept they connected for the earlier touchdown on, this time resulting in a 27-yard strike. “They catch it, and they go make plays. I didn’t have to do anything,” Kelley said. In three drives, the Solon offense scored three touchdowns. Collin McKie’s 43-yard field goal sent Solon into the halftime locker room up 24-0, and the momentum carried through into the second
Class 3A District 4 standings Mount Pleasant Solon Washington Fairfield Fort Madison Keokuk
SOLONECONOMIST.COM
Season District 4-0 0-0 4-0 0-0 3-1 0-0 2-2 0-0 2-2 0-0 1-3 0-0
Class 3A District 4 scores from last week Mount Pleasant 16 Central DeWitt 14 Keokuk 54 Burlington 29 Fairfield 52 Knoxville 14 Mount Vernon 55 Fort Madison 21 Washington 17 Oskaloosa 0 *FORFEIT* Solon 39 Benton Community 0
half. As Kelley marched the Spartans down field on the opening drive of the third quarter, Benton tightened up near the goal line. On third-andgoal from the four, Kelley broke out the other, notably silent part of his
“We’re excited. I think the challenge for homecoming is, like the Mount Vernon game, it’s a game with a lot of stuff around it. But our guys have always done a really good job of just keeping the main thing the main thing.” Lucas Stanton, Head Coach
firm on their shutout. “There’s a lot of little things we gotta clean up, like wrapping up a little bit better, but we’ll get in the film and we’ll fix that,” Milliman said. The only blemish on the day for Solon was a third quarter interception, when Kelley’s pass to Paxton Holtcamp went through his hands and right to a Benton defender. In the fourth quarter when the Solon backups entered the game, they drove downfield on a nineplay, 70-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Ryder Lang’s fourth down touchdown pass to Michael Bigelow extended the Solon lead for the final time. “Obviously, when you win 39-0, that’s positive,” Stanton said.
Highlights: Maddox Kelley threw three first half touchdowns and added another on the ground in the second half. Kaden Hoeper caught his seventh and eighth touchdowns of the season. Solon’s offense is averaging 42.5 points per game while conceding just 5.25. This Week: #1 Solon (4-0) hosts the Fairfield Trojans (2-2) on Friday, September 25th, at 7:00 PM. It’s also the annual homecoming game for Solon and the first district game of the season. Ryan Paris is a senior in the University of Iowa’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Ryan is a student in the Prep Sports Report class.
game: his legs. Upon receiving the snap, Kelley ran to his right, sidestepping a heat-seeking Benton linebacker, danced back to the middle of the field, and ran into the endzone. On the other side of the ball, Solon’s defense continued to hold
Stats Passing – Maddox Kelley 10/13, 195 yards, 3 TDs, 1 interception. Ryder Laing 3/4, 52 yards, 1 TD Receiving – Kaden Hoeper 5-86, 2 TDs. Cody Milliman 2-45, 1 TD. Owen Bock 1-38. Michael Bigelow 1-27, 1 TD. Colton Sieverding 2-25. Wyatt Young 1-15. Paxton Holtkamp 1-11 Rushing – Bock 2-45, Sawyer Hancox 8-31, Jackson Burk 7-26, Bigelow 2-19, Greyson Burg 1-3, Kelley 2-(-)1 1 TD Tackles – Lucas Feuerbach 10.5, 6. Young 7.0, 6. AJ Haege 5.0, 3. James Thomsen 5.0, 2. Hoeper 4.0, 3. Foster Owens 4.0, 2. Sawyer Hansel 3.5, 2, 1.5. Bradyn Schnoor 2.5, 1. Milliman 2.0, 2, 1.0. Grant Gordon 2.0, 1. Grant Milliman 2.0, 1. Luke Devery 2.0, 0. Kelley 1.5, 1. Bock 1.0, 1. Holtkamp 1.0, 1. Rowan Ashbacker 1.0, 1. Simon Einwalter 1.0, 0. Colton Sieverding 0.5, 0. Hudson Pauley 0.5, 0 Fumble recovery – Young 1, Haege 1 Kick returns – Burk 1-44 Punt returns – Kelley 1-12, Young 1-9 Field goals – Collin McKie 1-43 Punting –McKie 1-23 PAT – McKie 4/4 2-point conversion – Kelley 1
Photos by Jessi Kelley | Special to the Solon Economist
Top: Cody Milliman, a senior, carries the shield through a tunnel of youth football players to start the varsity game against Benton Community last Friday. The Spartans shut out their fellow WaMaC foes 39-0 to remain undefeated ahead of the start of district play this week at home against Fairfield. Above: James Thomsen and Owen Bock tackle Benton Community’s Kaden Wright as Drew O’Neill moves in to assist Friday, Sept. 19 at home.