Solon Economist — 1.30.25

winning streak to six

Putting their basketball skills to the test

Solon Optimists and Knights of Columbus hold annual hoops contests

SOLON — With the varsity basketball seasons rushing headlong toward the postseason, the next generation of Spartans and Lady Spartans put their skills to the test in the Solon Optimist Club’s and Knights of Columbus’ annual basketball contests Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Solon Community Center.

For the Optimists, it was their TriStar basketball competition, a 50+ year tradition in the community for kids to dribble, shoot, and pass in an effort to win a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place plaque. In addition, the overall boy and girl winners received a certificate and $20 gift card to Scheel’s.

Karen McFarland-Miller, President of the Optimists Club of Solon, explained the Optimist Club of Solon is focused on the youth in the community.

“That is what all of the money we raise goes toward, it goes back to the kids in the community in various ways.”

The Solon club is unique in the scope of the Junior Optimists International (JOI) members across multiple grade levels in the Solon schools. “We have the Alpha Club at the Solon Interme -

SIS Alpha Club to hold ‘Souper Bowl of Caring’ food drive

SOLON — The Solon Intermediate School (SIS) Alpha Club, sponsored by Mrs. Smantha Russell (McAtee) and Mrs. Wendy Wheeler, are continuing their tradition of service with their participation in the 35th Anniversary of Tackle Hungers Service Project, to "Be A Game Changer." This aligns with the happenings of the Super Bowl. Students are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items, or money, that are then donated to the Solon Food Pantry. The club has collaborated with the Pantry for the last two years with our Junior Optimist Club to host a food drive.

"What if every person at SIS, and within the community donates just $1.00 of 1 can of food to ensure no one

diate School (SIS), we have the Junior Optimists at the Middle School, and we have the Octagon at the High School,” she said.

The club will host their annual Easter

Egg Hunt on the soccer field at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area Saturday, April 19 (the day before Easter).

goes without soup in their bowl?" asked Russell.

This year’s drive will take place at Solon Intermediate School from Monday February 3-Friday Feb. 7. Students can bring non-perishable items or money to their classroom teacher. If community members want to participate, they can drop off items at the Solon Intermediate School Front Office.

The proceeds will be donated to the Solon Food Pantry, located at the Solon United Methodist Church. Alpha Club

Members (4th and 5th grade students) get to take a trip to deliver the items and learn about what the pantry does and how it makes such a positive impact in our community.

In the past two years the club has collected over 1,800 pounds of food, 2,844 items, and $300.00.

“Our goal is to beat our last two years goals combined this year!” Russell said. “With the community's help, we know we can make a difference, taking time to think of and care for others within our community!”

February Solon Senior Advocates News

A group of folks gather every Wednesday at the Methodist Church with people from many different areas for a social get-together that includes a meal, bingo and cards, plus lively conversations. For those unable to attend this gathering the same meal shared by the in-house is delivered to homes throughout the area by a group of faithful volunteers. These deliveries are offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday to anyone within a five miles radius of Solon on hard surface roads only. Meals can also be picked up at the church. This could be a treat for a family member, or a friend to have someone coming to their door with a hearty greeting and meal! Each meal is $5.00, paid monthly.

Solon Senior Support February News

Solon Senior Support is a non-profit volunteer group helping Solon-area senior citizens. Please call Jill Weetman at 319-6242773 for questions or information.

NEW! Cards and Bingo Fridays at 12:30 p.m. starting February 7

We’ll break for coffee and a snack around 2:00 p.m. Interested? Email Jill at solonseniors@ gmail.com or call 319-624-2772. Feel free to leave a message.

COLLEGE

NEWS

UW-Stevens Point undergraduate students honored for scholastic achievement

STEVENS POINT, WI — The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored

See the menu in this edition of the Solon Economist.

For more info and to enroll please call 319624-2251 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10 -11:00 am.

Restaurant Runs

Thursday, Feb. 2o – Eastwood’s, Solon. 12:00 Noon, personal cars. Sign-up sheet Wednesdays at Senior Dining or call 319-4308655.

***Solon pictorial history book Solon Snapshots is now on sale at the Solon Public Library for $35***

Senior Coffee now on Thursdays Stop by for FREE coffee/tea/hot chocolate and treats, meet new people, and enjoy great conversation! Thursdays, 9-11:00 a.m. at the Solon United Methodist Church. Need a ride? Call Jill at 319-624-2773.

Solon Senior Transport

Winter is here! Let our volunteer drivers transport you to and from medical-related appointments. An enrollment form and a detailed brochure will be sent upon request. Once enrolled, the senior may call for a ride to a specific appointment. Requests for rides should be scheduled several days prior to the appointment date. All volunteer drivers are self-insured. Call Cindy Jensen at 319-360-3279.

THANK YOU to our Volunteer Drivers! Blaze Rosene, Brian Broderick, Cindy Jensen

more than 2,600 undergraduate students, including Aleena Klawiter (Honors) of Ely, for attaining high grade point averages during the fall semester of the 20234-2025 academic year.

Solon Senior Transport – Provides volunteer transportation for seniors to medical appointments. For information and to enroll please call Cindy Jensen at 319-3603279.

Senior Advocates Board

Art Tellin 319-626-2816, Sandy Hanson 319-4308655, Barry Byrne 319-354-8757, Cindy Jensen 319-360-3279, Larry Brecht 319-624-2925, Ivan Hasselbusch 319-670-9105, Phyllis Fiala 319-3317447, and Mark Hollinrake 319-551-2811.

(coordinator), Jill Mack, Jill Weetman, John Jensen, Larry Brecht, Lois VanWinkle, and Tom Kane

Solon Senior Support brings the Library to you!

Did you know that Solon Senior Support volunteers will deliver books and materials to your home and pick them up when you are done using them? Call the Library at 319-624-2678 for more information or to set up a delivery.

Influenza is here: Five ways to protect yourself

• Get your influenza vaccine. If over age 65, get the high-dose version.

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoid others who are sick.

• Wear a mask when in crowds.

Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90-4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75-3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50-3.74.

IHSAA and IGHSAU approve soccer changes for 2025

BOONE — The boards of the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) have approved (through joint approvals) a number of changes for soccer to take effect in the upcoming 2025 regular season and postseason.

Overtime and Draws – No overtime will be permitted for any regular season match at any level. Regular season matches tied at the end of regulation will result in a draw.

• Exception: Regular season bracketed tournaments that require a team to advance to the next round. In this case, teams proceed directly to penalty kicks from the mark to determine which team advances to the next round of the tournament.

• Postseason matches are unchanged in overtime policy. Postseason will feature two sudden victory overtimes and penalty kicks to determine the winner. The first overtime of 10 minutes, followed by a second overtime of 10 minutes, then penalty kicks if the match is still tied after both overtimes.

Continuous Clock – If a team is ahead by ten goals in the first half of a match, there will be a continuous clock until either the score falls under ten goals or halftime arrives. This is a change from having regular stoppage time kept regardless of the score in the first half.

• NOTE: The ten-goal margin of victory remains. If the ten-goal margin occurs in the first half, the match will conclude at halftime. If the ten-goal margin occurs anytime during the second half, the match ends at that point.

Weather Delay Guidance – If there is a weather delay during a postseason match, no match may be started or restarted any time after three hours past the original start time.

• Example: A match scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. may not start/resume after 10:00 p.m.

• Teams may mutually agree to end the match if there is a team leading during this delay. Rule 7-1-3 of the NFHS Soccer Rulebook allows officials and teams to end the match in the second half if there is a team leading. This provision provides officials and tournament hosts a timeline for teams to delay or start.

Five-Minute Sit Out for a Yellow Card – The Iowa adaptation of players sitting out

five minutes after receiving a yellow card is now eliminated and the NFHS rule will be applied.

• NFHS Rule 12-8 Penalty: A cautioned player shall leave the field and may be replaced. Should a team with a cautioned player elect to play shorthanded, the cautioned player may not re-enter nor be replaced until the next substitution opportunity.

IHSAA Approvals

In addition to the joint regulations, the IHSAA soccer advisory committee recommended four items which were approved by the IHSAA’s Board of Control in the fall. These will also go into effect starting with spring 2025 for boys’ soccer.

• Schools are permitted to play 17 matches per level. This replaces the policy of 15 dates which may include two tournaments. This is now the same as the IGHSAU.

• All varsity matches are required to be played with two 40-minute halves.

* Note: The ten-goal margin of victory policy is still in place. If the ten-goal margin occurs in the first half, the game is to conclude at the conclusion of the first half. If the tengoal margin occurs anytime during the second half, the game is to be concluded at that point.

• The maximum amount of halves a player can play in one day is four. This replaces the policy allowing a maximum of six halves in a day.

• The maximum amount of halves a team can play in one day is four. This replaces the policy allowing a maximum of xix halves per day.

Volume 145 I Issue 5

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

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Reporter Intern Joel Kellar

Production Manager Heidi Owen heidi.owen@dailyiowan.com

Business Manager Debbie Plath debra.plath@dailyiowan.com

Official Newspaper: Solon, Johnson County, Solon Community School District, Solon Tri-Township Emergency Response Solon Economist USPS #500860 Copyright © 2024 by Student Publications, Inc. is published weekly by Student Publications, 100 Adler Journalism Building, Room El31, Iowa City, IA 52242. Call 319-6242233 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Iowa City, IA, and additional mailing 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 2025 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.

Larry William Ciha, born on April 15, 1940, to Wesley and Lois (Longerbeam) Ciha in Solon, IA, passed away on January 18, 2025, in Brainerd, MN.

Larry was a farmer for over 20 years in Solon, IA, owning Ciha Farms. He married his wife, Corleen Pickering, on May 12, 1962, and in 1984, they moved to Hackensack, MN, where Larry later acted as the mayor for 25 years. He also mowed grass as a hobby. Larry enjoyed being on the river, fishing, tubing, being on the pontoon, playing horseshoes, and wildlife, especially raccoons.

Larry is survived by his wife, Corleen; sons, Scott (Ruth) and Michael (Marcie); grandchildren, Vanessa Huwe, Harper Ciha, Victoria Ciha, Cristina Snodgrass; and great-grandchildren, Ripley Huwe and Theodore Snodgrass.

Phelps

Leonard Arthur “Lenny” Phelps Jr., 83, of Solon, passed away suddenly, Thursday, January 23, 2025. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 PM, Friday, January 31, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Solon. A celebration of life will be held from 3-6 PM following Mass at the Ava Centre, 100 Cedar Street, Solon, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to RV Care-A-Vanners or Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity.

Leonard was born on April 11, 1941, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Leonard Sr. and Mary Leona (Finnegan) Phelps. He graduated from West Branch High School in 1959. Leonard was united in marriage to JoAnn Donohue on August 29, 1964, at St. Bridgett’s, Nolan Settlement. He was an electrician for over 25 years with Shay Electric, retiring in 2005. Leonard was active in slow pitch softball, enjoyed downhill skiing, fishing, hunting, camping, and the last two years mushroom hunting in his track wheelchair.

After retirement Leonard and JoAnn loved taking their camper to different Habitat for Humanity sites across the United States as part of the Habitat RV CareA-Vanners program.

Leonard is survived by his wife, JoAnn; two children, Kelly (Scott) Breese, and Keith (Lisa) Phelps of Solon, IA; and two grandchildren, Nicole Breese and Emma Phelps; brother-in-law, Gene Mathias; and many extended families.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Marilyn Mathes and Roberta (Jim) Parker. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. lensingfuneral.com

The large glass display case at the Solon Public Library has housed a multitude of items that are unique, educational, inspirational, and just plain fun! Alexis Kurth, former adult services librarian, filled the display as a last official act of service at the Library and you don’t want to miss it. Over the past five years Alexis collected all of the bookmarks and items that were inadvertently left behind in Library books as they were returned. These traditional bookmarks and not-so-traditional items make for a great discussion, when you didn’t have a bookmark handy what did you make use of? What is the most obscure item you’ve ever had to use to mark your place in a book? During your next visit to the Library take a look at the “Museum of Forgotten Bookmarks” and you just might find something you’ve left behind.

Library Events

Register to join us on Saturday! Teens and young adults are invited to Auto Repair 101 Saturday, February 1, at 12:30 p.m. We’ll learn from guest speaker, Charlie Christie, the basics of what’s under the hood, common car problems, and basic maintenance. Participants will leave with a better understanding of their car and gain confidence at the mechanics. Space is limited so head to our website calendar to register or call the library.

Take a chance and try something new in February! Blind Date with a Book aims to break the habit of judging books by their covers or titles and encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. You could discover a hidden gem and explore literature you might not have come across otherwise. Books are selected by library staff, wrapped in plain paper to conceal what’s inside, and a few clues are added to pique your interest. Books will be available for 3rd graders and up in February.

We’re sharing stories, songs, and games all about shapes and shadows at February Storytimes. Join us on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 for weekly Storytime, and Saturday, February 8, at 10:30 a.m. for our monthly Saturday Storytime.

February’s Fun For All Night is Saturday, February 8, at the Solon Community Center. Join us at 6:00 p.m. for gym games, and stick around for the movie, Migration [PG] at 7:00p.m. with popcorn! This free night of allages fun is perfect for busting the cabin fever! Fun For All Night is provided in partnership with Solon Public Library and Solon Recreation.

The Fourth Annual “Put A Bid On It” Art Auction hosted by the Solon Public Library Foundation opens Monday, February 24. Bid high and bid often at the Foundation’s silent art auction. With generous donations from local artists and art collectors the meeting room and display case will be bursting with art pieces. All proceeds will help to fund the replacement of the meeting room dividing wall. Bidding closes at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 15. Thank you for supporting the Foundation and Library!

Library Access

Regular Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays. Please always refer to our website calendar or call to check hours as winter weather may impact our ability to be safely open.

Don’t forget, the digital library is always available! Find an eBook, eAudiobook, magazines and more with Bridges, or with the Libby app on your favorite smart device. You can even stream classic films, discover new favorites, and more with Kanopy on your favorite smart device.

Everyone is welcome at the Library and our programs. Please contact us with access needs.

What’s New?

Cabinet of Curiosities by Aaron Mahnke. From the creator of the long-running, smash-hit podcast Aaron Mahnke's Cabinet of Curiosities comes the book--a riveting look inside some of history's strangest stories. Learn the fascinating tale of where the invention of the croissant actually happened and relive the adventures of a dog that stowed away and went to war. Along the way, readers will pass through an unfamiliar American state, watch Abraham Lincoln's son be rescued by someone surprising, and learn how too many crash landings inspired one pilot to leave the airline industry and shift his thirst for flight to new heights.

For the first time ever, Aaron Mahnke has gathered scores of his favorites into print and curated them--along with some fresh oddities--into a beautiful, topical collection for devoted followers and new fans alike.

How We Heal by La June Montgomery Tabron. From a vivid portrait of her childhood in 1960s Detroit to her leadership of one of the world's largest philanthropic institutions, La June shares her full-circle, American story--a coming-of-age journey where she gains a first-

hand understanding of how systemic racism prevents our children and communities from thriving and learns about the transformative role healing can play in helping all of us transcend the legacy of racial inequity.

As she rises to her position as the first female and first African American leader of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, La June experiences the healing power of sharing and listening with empathy. And with the help of mentors and colleagues, she refines the message that will guide the foundation's mission for years to come: Healing can begin only with truth-telling.

Empowered by the mission set forth by its founder to support children and families "without regard to sex, race, creed, or nationality," the foundation explores a racial healing framework that transforms communities and individuals around the world--from small rural towns and big cities across the United States, including La June's own beloved Detroit, to Mexico, Haiti, and beyond. This book serves as a testament to the power of transformation and a blueprint for how each of us, no matter who we are or how we lead, can use racial healing to bridge the empathy deficits in our communities.

How We Heal illuminates a path that all of us can follow--from trust to empathy, from understanding to repair--one conversation and one connection at a time.

Meet Me at the Library by Shamichael Hallman. America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together--to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas?

Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong, inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve. Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society. Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships.

Drawing from his experience at the Memphis Public Library and his extensive research and interviews across the country, Hallman presents a rich argument for seeing libraries as one of the nation's greatest assets. He includes examples from libraries large and small-such as the Iowa's North Liberty Library's Lighthouse in the Library program to bring people together to discuss important topics in a safe and supportive space, to Cambridge Cooks, an initiative of the Cambridge MA Public Library that fosters social connection by bringing people together over shared interest in food.

As an institution that is increasingly under attack for creating a place where diverse audiences can see themselves, public libraries are under more scrutiny than ever. Meet Me at the Library offers us a revealing look at one of our most important civic institutions and the social and civic impact they must play if we are to heal our divided nation.

OPINIONS

If wishes were horses beggars would ride

Food for Thought

Milli Gilbaugh

That phrase first appeared in John Ray's collection of English proverbs in 1670 and applies to the very human trait of wanting things we are not able or sincere enough to strive for. As children we may have wanted to be like Superman or Wonder Woman but were unable because of the possibility being beyond human grasp no matter how hard we try. As adults we may aspire to exceptional athletic ability, which is possible for most of us, but only if we are willing to put in the hard work and self-discipline to achieve it. Too often, we still apply that childish faith in wishful thinking to things that depend on our own efforts and not on the magic of wishes.

Things such as those rather over-enthusiastic New Year resolutions you made. Did you really expect to lose forty pounds in four months, pay off that scary credit card balance or raise that C in chemistry to an A by mid-term? If so, you may be feeling a bit guilty about now, about having done little or nothing toward the self-improvements you vowed to tackle. If so, chances are that you made one of several mistakes when you made those lofty promises.

It is wise to make only one firm resolution that you have a chance of achieving. Resolving to correct all your weaknesses and misdemeanors in one gigantic campaign is not only futile, but foolish.

The only exception to this might possibly be a few things that can be resolved by a single effort rather than sustained action. Those might be such things as promising yourself to return that over-due library book, return the sweater you borrowed from your cousin, throw out the dead plant you forgot to water or write a thank-you note – a tactful one – to the aunt who sent you that ugly ceramic coffee mug, without hurting her feelings. If you resolved to grow three inches taller by March, or to not lose your temper no matter what, you probably set yourself up for failure.

We often get discouraged and sometimes embarrassed by failure to fulfill those resolutions – especially if we tell someone about them. Whoever you tell, make it someone that you trust to keep it to themselves and who is understanding and forgiving. Whatever you do, do not post it on any of those chat sites or other places on your computer. Not even in an e-mail. Even if nobody but you ever sees it, you don't want it popping up at an inconvenient time, unexpectedly somewhere in your future.

Most of the things people resolve to change about themselves are things that others have come to accept as part of their personality and character. Unless friends have told you that you need to change, they probably like you just the way you are. It's even possible that they consider what you think is a fault to be part of your charm. On the other hand, don't make any resolutions based solely on the insistence of others. If their suggestion goes against your own evaluation, ignore it. If it isn't a problem to you, then the problem is theirs and they are the one who needs to make a change.

The most important thing you can do is to learn to forgive yourself. You're not perfect, you have had unique experiences and other influences that strongly affect your attitudes and actions. Trust your instincts, analyze your reasons for being the person you are. If you don't feel good about the changes you think would make you happier, your life easier and your future sunnier, then maybe those changes are not such a good idea. Your so-called faults may be assets in the long run, so give them a chance to prove their worth. If you don't want to admit defeat, remember that you can still start over. It's never too late to “pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again.”

There is one sure way to avoid agonizing over any doubts or lapses regarding those annual resolutions. Don't make them in the first place. If the improvements seem important and doable, you can still keep working on your problem areas without making any pressure-producing resolutions. If you can't pass them up all together, then give yourself an out and rephrase and down-size resolutions to promises to TRY.

IPIB needs to stand firm for transparency

Gov. Terry Branstad was frustrated eight years ago with what he believed was the inability of officials to tell the public why a government employee was fired or resigned under pressure

When the Legislature convened in 2017, he shepherded through the Legislature important new language in the public records law. It brought needed transparency and accountability to state and local government. No longer would “no comment” be an acceptable response when a journalist or interested citizen asked why the school superintendent, or a local police officer, or some other government employee was pushed out.

But a case now pending before the Iowa Public Information Board has the potential to reinforce Branstad’s and the Legislature’s wisdom — or to weaken this important tool.

Stray Thoughts

This case involves a Mahaska County deputy sheriff, Jesse Sanders, who resigned last May 29. At the time, Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem would only say Sanders resigned effective immediately. It was under determined prodding by Kyle Ocker, editor of the Oskaloosa Herald, that the sheriff has provided more details.

But the disclosures do not go far enough. More transparency is needed.

This case is not about idle curiosity. This case has everything to do with the need for the public to be able to monitor the administration of justice in their communities and evaluate whether a law enforcement officer has abused his position of trust.

This also is a case about whether the sheriff, the top law officer in Mahaska County, has been more focused on avoiding disclosures that might embarrass his department and has been less focused on maintaining the community’s confidence in his department and his leadership.

Many details in government employees’ personnel files — evaluations, disciplinary records, home addresses, for example — are treated as confidential by Iowa law. But the 2017 legislative change requires employers to make public what the law calls “the documented reasons and rationale” for a firing, a resignation in lieu of termination, or the demotion of a state or local government employee.

The Iowa Public Information Board, a state agency that is an arbiter of compliance, said this about “documented reasons and rationale” after the 2017 change took effect: “In order to meet the new requirement … government bodies must say which law, rule, or policy, if any, they believe the employee violated and provide at least one sentence about the behavior or incident that triggered the action. The explanation should include details, such as the date(s) of alleged behavior, location, and how it was discovered.”

That did not occur in the Mahaska County case — until Ocker began prodding for what led to the deputy’s departure. What he has learned so far is troubling. But more questions persist, and the IPIB needs to ensure the disclosures do not end now.

In response to Ocker’s request for public records, the sheriff first disclosed that he informed Sanders he “became aware of a citizen complaint regarding your on-duty activity.” An investigation found Sanders had violated multiple Iowa laws and internal Mahaska

County government policies, the sheriff said in a statement.

Ocker continued to push for more details, believing the information provided did not satisfy the IPIB’s 2018 advisory opinion. But the sheriff resisted, telling the IPIB he had disclosed all that was required. The additional details Ocker sought were protected from release, the sheriff said, by what is known in Iowa law as the “peace officer bill of rights.”

In an effort to resolve Ocker’s complaint with the IPIB, the sheriff finally revised his public statement about Sanders last week and said of the deputy, “The nature of this complaint was that you were involved in a 3 1/2 year ongoing personal relationship with a citizen while on duty in Mahaska County.”

The sheriff released a summary of the laws and policies Sanders allegedly violated. Those include dereliction of duty, dishonesty, immoral conduct or insubordination, absence from duty without permission, and taking from the sheriff’s office lost-and-found property, stolen property or property being held as evidence.

One of Ocker’s reporters interviewed me in my role as executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for better government transparency and accountability. I said people in Mahaska County should not be kept in the dark about how this deputy’s “personal relationship” could be carried out during the officer’s on-duty hours for more than three years without the sheriff’s knowledge.

Did the deputy’s “on-duty activity” with this unnamed person delay the deputy’s response time to emergency calls? Did the deputy engage in any other improper conduct while on duty? And how did this “activity” finally come to light?

The details provided thus far by Mahaska County remain too vague and insufficient to meet the expectations Governor Branstad and the Legislature wrote into the public records law. It is time for the IPIB to fully enforce its own advisory opinion on this important statute.

Ocker told the IPIB last week the term “personal relationship” is overly broad and ambiguous. He offered a couple of hypotheticals to illustrate the imprecise nature of the phrase. An on-duty personal relationship could include having regular conversations in the squad car with a family friend, or it might involve sexual encounters in the squad car while on duty and providing the sexual partner with some form of preferential treatment.

Ocker added: “This disclosure also contains no details regarding the alleged violation of the sheriff’s office policy regarding employees of the office utilizing lost, found or stolen property in possession of the office for their own use, including property held for evidentiary purposes.”

The Legislature and Governor Branstad made important strides eight years ago in providing needed transparency and accountability. But the IPIB now needs to ensure the outcome of this Mahaska County complaint puts into action the concepts lawmakers and the governor established in 2017.

Randy Evans can be reached at DMRevans2810@gmail.com.

Q: What’s your take on the first week of the new Trump administration?

A: On January 20, President Trump was sworn into office, becoming only the second U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms. With his historic comeback victory, voters delivered a clear mandate to the White House and Congress. President Trump led

on a commonsense agenda to restore law and order, secure our borders and fix the damage the Biden administration did to the economy through inflationary spending. In addition, the Biden administration rewired sectors of the economy with government mandates and regulatory overreach to push its climate agenda that weakened U.S. energy security and raised

the cost of living for Americans. President Trump wasted no time to signal his administration would work to unleash America’s natural resources to strengthen U.S. energy and national security.

On his very first day in office, President Trump delivered on promises to secure the border and restore energy dominance. For example, he reversed President Biden’s immigration policies that allowed more than 10 million people to enter the country without our permission in the past four years. President Trump signed executive orders that declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border enabling the administration to continue construction on the border wall; resume a policy that requires people seeking asylum to wait in Mexico while an immigration judge considers their case; enforce the DNA Fingerprint Act (a policy I pushed during the Biden administration) to curb human trafficking and help law enforcement track down violent criminals; trim the refugee resettlement program; prevent the entry of illegal

The Driscoll Dispatch

Senator Dawn Driscoll

We have officially wrapped up our second week of the legislative session, and already things are in full swing! Despite this week being short due to our observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we were extremely busy with subcommittee and committee meetings, as well as our annual Future Farmers of America (FFA) Legislative Symposium. I’m excited to have another week under my belt, and I’m looking forward to what the next few months have in store.

SSB 1018

At the forefront of my week was Senate Study Bill (SSB) 1018, which is a bill I filed and am particularly passionate about. This bill requires county supervisors be elected from single-member, equal-population districts in counties with populations of 125,000 or more (or are home to one of Iowa’s public universities). This bill also requires these same counties to fill vacancies on their board of supervisors by special

border crossings; and direct the Secretary of State to look into designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which has oversight and legislative jurisdiction over the nation’s immigration laws, I’m focused on working with this administration to help turn President Trump’s promises to secure the border and stop the flow of illegal immigration into policy realities.

Q: What was the first piece of legislation Congress sent to the president’s desk?

A: To kick off the 119th Congress, I’m happy to report legislation I co-led with Sen. Joni Ernst for nearly 10 years was included in the first bill sent to President Trump. Our bill is named after a young Iowan from Council Bluffs who was killed in 2016 by an illegal immigrant who was driving drunk. Sarah Root lost her life just 16 hours after graduating with honors from Bellevue University. The driver was released on bail and never seen again, evading justice. Our bill would

election, while all other counties must fill the vacancy by appointment. SSB 1018 gives a voice to the people of Iowa, especially those in rural communities whose voices can be overpowered by massive amounts of student populations. Given that I live in rural Iowa myself, I recognize the importance of rural representation. Our votes and our voices matter, and I believe SSB 1018 captures exactly this sentiment. The bill advanced through Tuesday’s subcommittee and the Local Government Committee meeting on Wednesday.

FFA Legislative Symposium

Wednesday (Jan. 22) was one of my favorite days of the legislative session: the FFA Legislative Symposium. This was the 40th year of the Symposium, and I was so grateful to be a part of this important tradition for yet another year! Alongside Representatives Heather Hora and Judd Lawler, I had the opportunity to meet with FFA chapters from Highland, MidPrairie, HLV, Lone Tree, West Branch, CCA, English Valley, Iowa Valley, and Williamsburg high schools. We discussed various parts of the legislative process and how students can get politically involved at the high school level, as well as relevant legislation for this session. Hands-free driving and cell phone

Gov. Reynolds introduces bill to restrict cell phones in school, prioritizing learning and mental health

DES MOINES— Governor Kim Reynolds released a bill Friday, Jan. 24, to restrict students’ cell phone use during instructional time. The bill establishes a floor, or a minimum standard, that all Iowa school districts will be required to adopt by July 1, 2025.

“Cell phones are not only a distraction but a deterrent to development in the classroom,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Seven in 10 high school teachers say smartphones are a major problem and 80 percent of Gen Z students spend over six hours per day on their phone. Let’s return the classroom to a place for learning, growth, and connection to give students their best chance at success.”

The Iowa Department of Education will provide sample policies with room for potential common-sense exemptions. In partnership with the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Education will also provide guidance and support for schools that need to update their school safety plans.

“I appreciate Governor Reynolds' commitment to support schools protecting the instructional time and keeping such time free from distractions,” Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts said. “While cell phones are a part of our daily lives, they are also a distraction when used at the wrong time or place. In schools, a commonsense approach to limit their use will keep students more engaged and teachers even more effective in the classroom of every school district. In Des Moines, we are seeing some positive results from a pilot program limiting cell phone

regulation were especially prominent areas of interest!

We also talked about various agricultural issues that students were concerned about. We concluded our discussion by emphasizing the importance of community involvement and I was especially impressed with the passion and care for their communities these students exhibited in our meeting. I know the future of Iowa, and the future of Iowa’s agricultural industry, is incredibly bright. To top off our day, the students and I traversed to the dome of the Capitol building for some views of Des Moines, then stopped by Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer’s office before the students headed home. It was an honor and a privilege to spend time with these FFA members!

Finally, with subcommittee and committee meetings starting to pick up, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns you might have regarding legislation. My door is always open.

Senator Driscoll (District 46, including Big Grove Twp., Swisher, and Shueyville) serves as the Chair of the Agriculture Committee and also serves on the Commerce, Local Government, State Government, Ways and Means, and Workforce Committees.

usage at Hoover High School that gives us hope that this can make a positive difference in Iowa schools.”

"The recent implementation of our cell phone policy is having a significant positive impact on our students' mental health, engagement in the classroom, academic performance, and connections with one another,” Ottumwa Community Schools Superintendent Michael McGrory said. “If adopted into law, Governor Reynolds' proposed cell phone bill would undoubtedly benefit students across Iowa."

The legislation also requires “effects of social media” training for 6th-8th grade students.

require that illegal immigrants who kill or commit serious bodily injury to another person are detained and prosecuted. The Senate approved Sarah’s Law as an amendment to legislation named after Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student killed in Georgia last year by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. Previous to her murder, her killer had been arrested for shoplifting but then released. The Laken Riley Act will require U.S. immigration officials to detain illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes, including robbery, theft and assaulting a police officer. As an original co-sponsor of these bills, I’m glad to help restore law and order on our streets and deliver justice to victims of crime.

As Senate President pro tempore, I signed the bill on Capitol Hill before sending it to the president’s desk for his signature. The American people deserve and expect nothing less. If illegal immigrants hurt or kill someone in America, the federal government must prioritize their detention, prosecution and deportation. It’s common sense.

SPORTS

Spartans’ hoops extends winning streak to six upsetting Mount Vernon

SOLON — The Spartans were down two points heading into the fourth quarter of a tightly contested game against tenth-ranked Mount Vernon. Nolan Seagren attempted a three to open the quarter by taking the lead, but he could not connect. Caleb Bock was there, ready to attack the offensive glass. He outmuscled multiple Mustangs in the paint for the rebound and jumped back up with a vengeance. Bock kissed the ball off the glass and tied the game up for the Spartans.

But he was not done just yet.

Bock grabbed another rebound – this time on the defense – and hit the outlet pass to start the Spartan transition offense. Grant Gordon received the pass cleanly and saw nothing but open court the rest of the way. A Mustang defender nearly caught up to Gordon, but he was able to finish the layup through contact and earned a trip to the free throw line for an old-fashioned three-point play.

From there the Spartans controlled the game, putting up 27 points in the fourth quarter to upset their northern rivals, 58-41. A 12-0 run to start the fourth was the exclamation point for a massive turnaround by the Spartans who were down nine at halftime.

“The message at half was we had to be more aggressive. Offensively and defensively," said head coach Jared Galpin, “We were more reactionary than being the aggressive team and it showed."

Bock took that message to heart and turned around what had been a frustrating game for him up to that point. Bock, and the rest of the Spartan offense, had trouble moving the ball cleanly in the first half. Bock issued three turnovers in the game, all coming before the break. However, he flipped his stat line around by attacking the boards and getting second chance point opportunities. Bock finished one rebound shy of a double-double with nine rebound and ten points.

“Caleb’s always cool, calm and collected,” said Galpin, “you rarely get to see any kind of emotion on his face."

The other stone-cold hoopers that led the Spartans to the massive victory were Gordon and Maddux Kelley. Gordon finished with a team-high 16 points and added three steals.

The sophomore has carved out a massive role with the Spartans and against the Mustangs, he was who was leaned upon by the Spartan offense all game.

Kelley also scored in double figures with 11 points on the night. He added a three pointer in the third quarter that brought the Spartans within one possession for the first time since around the 5:00 mark in the second quarter.

“They’re playing like seasoned players. Grant’s grown in every game as the year has gone on and [Kelley] does so much for us,” said Galpin, “he's so valuable defensively, his energy, his speed, his shots. He makes a lot of plays for us. They don’t look like sophomores: they look like varsity basketball players.”

The win over the Mustangs kept the Spartan winning streak alive, improving it to six in a row. Spartan basketball is getting hot at the right time as we near the end of January.

Solon 67 Independence 51

The Spartans opened the week on the road in Independence Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Caleb Bock led all with 24 points with a dozen from Isiah Zoske and 11 by Jackson Link.

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, Jan. 31 – At Marion, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 – At Regina Catholic, Iowa City, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4 – HOME vs. West Delaware, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7 – HOME vs. Independence, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11 – At Vinton-Shellsburg, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 13 – At West Branch, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 20 – HOME vs. Washington, 7:00 p.m.

Postseason

Monday, Feb. 24 – 3A Substate First Round

Thursday, Feb. 27 – 3A Substate

Monday, March 3 – 3A Substate Finals

Monday, March 10-Friday, March 14 – 2025 State Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines

Below: Senior Karsyn Regennitter and sophomore Maddox Kelley (11) react as Mount Vernon junior Kellen Haverback (11) plows into them with an offensive foul in the first half of the varsity game Friday, Jan. 24 against Mount Vernon. The Spartans improved to 9-4 with a 58-41 upset of the

who dipped to 11-3.

GIRLS' WRESTLING

Lady Spartans fall to rival Mustangs

Joel Kellar Solon Economist

SOLON — The Solon girls wrestling star, Kara VeDepo, ran into a Mount Vernon freshman that was hungry to prove herself inside the circle during the senior night meet for Solon. VeDepo worked methodically through the first period. She landed a takedown early in the period and was on the fringe of a pin through the final 30 seconds. The whistle saved the struggling Mustang, Kate Martin, and gave her a chance to breathe before round two.

After a scare in the second period, VeDepo tried to put away Martin to start the third period by cradling Martin’s head and legs to achieve a takedown and build a comfortable lead on the mat. But the young freshman was not ready to give up just yet. Martin gained control of VeDepo’s arms late in the mat and flipped her for a reversal and an eventual near fall. The Mustang bench almost flowing into the circle, sensing a huge comeback, upset win. Up only one point in the final seconds, VeDepo squirmed around keeping her back off the floor and saving her one-point win.

“Kara did a great job gutting it out,” said Lady Spartan head coach Jacob Munson, “she did a good job holding Kate off in her late charge and got a big win for us.” The hard-fought battle that put the Lady Spartans on the ropes was a summary of the dual up to the very end. Solon had to earn every point they could but were unable to get the upset victory at home. Mount Vernon won 49-27, with five wins coming from falls. McKenna Rogers battled Kiersten Swart in a heavily anticipated match between returning placers at the state meet. Rogers got on the board first with a takedown late in the first period and a reversal by snatching Swart’s ankles to stay in control. However, the final minute belonged to Swart. The Mustang turned a takedown into a pin to end the match with only nine seconds left in the final period.

“We get to see Kiersten again, so we’ve got some more opportunities,” said Munson, “I thought McKenna’s

Lady Spartans unable to knock off top-ranked Mount Vernon

SOLON — After a first half where points were hard to come by the Lady Spartans looked to their senior leader to awaken the offense. Kobie Lietz found her touch out of the break and scored two quick baskets on the top-ranked 3A Mount Vernon Mustangs. A travel by the Mustangs provided a rare opportunity for the Lady Spartans to build a run and bring the Mustang lead down to single digits.

The ball crossed the halfcourt line in the hands of Delany Durr and head coach Jamie Smith yelled out, “give the ball to Kobie!”

Sure enough, Beckett Kruse found Lietz in the post and with a nice entry pass and post move to the right, Lietz threw the ball through the twine for her sixth point in the first three minutes of the half. The Lietz-led run did not last, the Mustangs found their groove and took the game back over, draining multiple three-pointers down the stretch to suck the life out of the Lady Spartans.

Solon fell 33-57 against the visiting Mustangs.

“Their defense was really, really good,” said Smith, “I don’t know if it can get much better.”

The Mustang defense shut down the Lady Spartans to only ten points in the first half. Jerzey Haluska and Lietz led the team with three points each going into the locker room. The offense was consistently denied the lane and struggled to find space against the tight Mustang defense.

“We played scared the first half, we didn’t move the ball and kind of shelled up,” said Smith, “they took us out of

everything we wanted to do.”

The Lady Spartans were able to turn it around in the second half offensively. A 23-point second half gave the team life. However, Mount Vernon answered nearly every Lady Spartan point immediately. Four of the Mustang starters scored in double figures. The smaller Lady Spartan guards provided much of the defensive effort. Quinn Armentrout and Lietz led the team in rebounding. Armentrout with six and Lietz with five.

“I don’t know if I want that stat every night, right?” said Smith, “But they’re good athletes so they want to go get them all.”

Delaney Durr knocked down a couple of threes in a late attempt to shrink the Mustang lead which gave her a teamhigh ten points in the loss.

Solon 76 Independence 34

The Lady Spartans opened the week on the road in Independence, hammering the 7-7 Mustangs 76-34 with five players in double digits led by Kobi Lietz with a game high 17 points. Beckett Kruse produced 16 with 14 from Delainey Durr, 12 by Quinn Armentrout, and 11 from Laney Johnson.

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, Jan. 31, At Marion HS, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1, At Regina Catholic, Iowa City, 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, HOME vs. West Delaware, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7, HOME vs. Independence, 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, At Vinton-Shellsburg, 6:00 p.m.

Postseason

Saturday, Feb. 15 – 3A Regional Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Feb. 19 – 3A Regional Semifinals

Saturday, Feb. 22 – 3A Reginal Championships

Monday, March 3-Saturday, March 8 – 2025 State Tournament, Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines

effort and, for the most part, execution was pretty good. Sometimes we’re going to win those battles and sometimes we don’t. Tonight, we came up just short.” Solon had an early lead in the dual, up 18-6 after the first four matches. However, the Lady Spartan run ended, and the Mustangs took over winning six straight – two by forfeit – to secure a commanding lead.

Tess Richards, Alannah Mahoney, and Miller all provided a fall for the Lady Spartans. All three ended their match in the first period and energized the Solon bench and fans.

“It’s a little different vibe than the boys side as far as energy and volume,” said Munson, “we just embrace that as a program.”

The five seniors – Olivia Bonnema, Makayla Keller, Lucy Miller, Ella Sheeley, and VeDepo – were celebrated before the meet as part of the senior night celebrations.

“They’ve really led our program this year. The positive culture and work ethic that they have helped lead and establish in our room has been second to none in our program,” said Munson, “We just really want to thank them for what they’ve contributed to our program and hopefully they’ve got a little more wrestling to do the next few weeks.”

Upcoming Schedule

Friday, Jan. 31 – State Qualifying meet at Solon HS, 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 6 – State Tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville

Friday, Feb. 7 – State Tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville

Spartan Wrestling unable to take down Mount Vernon

SOLON — Down 24-20, the Solon Spartan wrestling team looked upon Lucas Feuerbach to grab the lead back in the 215-pound match against rival Mount Vernon. Feuerbach entered the circle ranked third in class 2A in Iowa. He stepped into the circle, and a new energy took over the gym at Solon High School.

Feuerbach took the Mustangs’ Kael Riniker down to the mat 20 seconds into the bout. As they hit the floor, Feuerbach was ready to deliver the finishing blow. The crowd intensified as Riniker’s back shoulder was forced closer and closer to the ground by Feuerbach. Centimeters before the fall was completed, Riniker wormed his way out of Feuerbach’s grasp.

Moments later the bout flipped. The formerly-defeated Mustang bench was now howling, Riniker had snagged the reversal. Mere seconds ticked off the clock and Feuerbach was back up on his two feet for the easy escape. Just as quickly as Feuerbach escaped, he grabbed Riniker’s right leg and drove him to the ground, rotating on top of him and forcing Riniker onto his back for a fall and brought the Solon faithful to their feet.

"You don’t take those things for granted, but that’s the kind of thing you expect from a kid like Lucas,” said Solon head coach Aaron Hadenfeldt, “He doesn’t force anything, just goes out and wrestles his match. And if he does that, he’s going to win a heck of a lot of his matches.”

Despite the big win at 215, the Spartans fell to the Mustangs 38-32.

Connor Dunn does all he can to avoid getting pinned by Mount Vernon’s Mikey Ryan in the 150-pound match Thursday, Jan. 23 at home. Ryan won by technical fall, 17-1, in 1:29 and the Mustangs took the WaMaC East rivalry dual meet 38-32.

Jake Haugse, ranked eighth in 2A, made quick work of Solon’s Joshua Vazquez-Neri in the final bout to clinch the Mustang victory. The Spartans had four falls, including Feuerbach’s electric battle. Jayden Steapp led off for the Spartans in the first match of the night taking down Jake Shady in 58 seconds to put Solon on the board first. Jackson Feuerbach notched his fall in a long battle, but finishing the job with 32 seconds left in the final period. Anderson Osgood achieved his fall 11 seconds into the second period at the 106-weight class.

"No matter what the situation is, we’re telling our guys go out and give it your best effort. That's what this work is all about," said Hadenfeldt.

Grant Wilson had a tough battle against the number two wrestler at heavyweight in 2A, Ethan Wood. Wilson lost 12-3 but stuck in the battle through all three periods. The 144 weight class featured a top ten matchup between Solon’s Jordan Schmidt and Mount Vernon’s Jace Jasper. Schmidt lost but avoided the pin as well. Evan Gleason also outlasted what looked like a potential pin early on as he battled multiple bloody noses throughout the bout. While taking the loss, these Spartans saved a team point each match, helping Solon stay within reach until the very end.

“If you’re able to put maximum effort onto a wrestling mat you’ll be fine most of the time,” said Hadenfeldt.

The senior night battle did not go the Spartans way, but the festivities pregame still held strong meaning for a big senior class. Hadenfeldt thanked the senior group and left them with a message before the meet.

“It’s a big deal, so go out and have some fun,” recalled Hadenfeldt, “Whatever happens, happens, but go give your best effort and we can live with that.”

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, Jan. 30 – Home quad meet, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1 – WaMaC Tourney at Benton Community HS, 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Dual Team Regional Meets

Saturday, Feb. 8 – 2025 IHSAA State Dual Tournament

Saturday, Feb. 15 – Class 2A District 12 Meet at Williamsburg HS, 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 22 – 2025 IHSAA State Traditional (individual) Wrestling Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines

Spartans make a statement in home JV wrestling tournament

Botsford, Burk, Dunn, O’Neill, Beck, Bell, and Johnson crowned champions

Solon Economist

SOLON — 29 teams were represented Monday, Jan. 20 as Solon hosted its boys junior varsity (JV) invitational.

Jeshua Botsford (JV 15), Jackson Burk (JV 30), Connor Dunn (JV 31), Drew O’Neill (JV 41), Parker Beck (JV 45), Jackson Bell (JV 48), and Tripp Johnson (JV 55) were all crowned champions.

Botsford took a 10-8 decision from Columbus/ WMU’s Dante Orozco in the first round, won a 2-0 decision from West Liberty’s Jonathan Juarez in the second round, and won 13-6 over Monticello’s Cooper Ehrisman in round three.

Burk won by technical fall, 16-0, in round one against Iowa Valley’s Derek Sherman, took a 1-6 major decision from Marion’s Jayden Cox in round two, and won 2-1 in the third round against Alburnett’s James Hamilton.

Dunn pinned Davenport West’s Karsten Studer in 2:14 in the first round, Columbus Catholic’s Brady

Schuman in 1:19 in the second round, and City High’s Carlos Chinol in 2:54 in the third round.

O’Neill won by tech fall, 17-1, against City High’s Muhamad Bikwesi in the first round, took a 10-1 major decision from West Liberty’s Augie Kress in the second round, and pinned Benton Community’s Jackson Silhanek in 42 seconds in the third round.

Beck pinned Davenport West’s Josiah Mendoza in 45 seconds in the first round, won an 8-1 decision over Mount Vernon’s Andrew Weber in the second round, and pinned Clinton’s Wyatt Grahm in 46 seconds in the third round.

Bell pinned Muscatine’s Wesley Simon in 2:44 in round one, Clinton’s Zeke Zuidema in 48 seconds in the second round, and Monticello’s Brody Scott in 2:48 in the third round.

Johnson won by tech fall, 16-0, over Mediapolis’ Michael Rolling in round one, won by tech fall, 20-0, over Monticello’s tony Lagunes in the second round, and pinned Muscatine’s Logan Hoover in 47 seconds in the third round.

2nd Place – Joshua Vazquez-Neri (JV 3), Carter Brock (JV 12), Wyatt Cronan (JV 20), Sawyer Hancox (JV 28), Colin Dunn (JV 33), Owen Ulch (JV 36), Eli Cash (JV 39), and Logan Rudish (JV 40) 4th Place – Tate Rudish (JV 26) and Reece Rochholz (JV 51)

GIRLS' WRESTLING

Lady Spartan wrestlers sixth at WaMaC Tourney

VeDepo takes Conference Championship at 105 lbs.

Solon Economist

MOUNT VERNON — The varsity Lady Spartans finished sixth in team points (133.0) at the 2025 WaMaC Girls Conference Wrestling Tournament Friday, Jan. 24 at Mount Vernon High School. South Tama County took the Conference Championship with 260.5 points with Vinton-Shellsburg the runner up at 173.5 and the host Mustangs third with 157.5. Kara VeDepo was Solon’s only Champion taking the crown at 105 pounds. After a first round bye VeDepo dispatched Benton Community’s Maria Davis by pinning her in 40 seconds. VeDepo then took a 12-3 major decision from Marion’s Wynter Morgan in the semifinals before pinning South Tama’s Jayva Gomez in 1:09 for the championship, improving to 33-3 in the process ahead of the 1A District Meet Friday (Jan. 31) at Solon.

2nd Place – McKenna Rogers (110 lbs.) and Olivia Bonnema (140)

4th Place – Lucy Miller (135)

5th Place – Jadlyn Huynh (115), Alannah Mahoney (125), and Alexis Anderson (130) 6th Place – Haiden Wolfe (235) 7th Place – Hailey Anderson (100) and Adlie Miller (190)

Did not place – Peyton Gordon (120)

Point-Urbana, 65.0. 11, Grinnell, 39.5. 12, Clear Creek Amana (CCA), 33.0. Team Scores

1, South Tama County, 260.5. 2, Vinton-Shellsburg, 173.5. 3, Mount Vernon, 157.5. 4, Independence, 154.5. 5, Williamsburg, 137.5. 6, Solon, 133.0. 7, West Delaware, 127.0. 8, Benton Community, 117.5. 9, Marion, 74.0. 10,

Lady Spartans compete in WaMaC JV Girls Wrestling Tournament

Keller and Sheeley take first place

Solon Economist

MOUNT VERNON — Solon’s junior varsity (JV) girls competed in the WaMaC Tournament Friday, Jan. 24 at Mount Vernon High School with Makayla Keller and Ella Sheeley taking first place at JV-4 and JV-6. Keller opened by pinning Clear Creek Amana’s (CCA) Terann Gerdts in 42 seconds then pinned Benton Community’s Madelyn Kenny in 1:57 before pinning Marion’s Charlee McCurdy in 1:34.

Sheeley pinned CCA’s Tabitha Eggleston in 3:25 and won a 7-2 decision over Independence’s Adison Clayton in the second round before taking a 7-0 decision from Benton’s Marissa Nolte.

2nd Place – Sophia Barry (JV-5) and Evie Gasser (JV-7)

3rd Place – Layla Knazze (JV-1) 4th Place – Rylee Worrell (JV-3)

Solon’s Kara VeDepo in contention for Ms. Wrestler of the Year

Voting open now through Sunday, Feb. 9

Solon Economist

Fareway Stores, Inc., IAwrestle, and Iowa Corn present the Dan Gable Ms. and Mr. Wrestler of the Year awards in coordination with the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA).

The IWCOA accepted nominations from high school coaches for student-athletes in each of the three state wrestling classes for the men (1A, 2A, and 3A) and two classes for the women’s award (1A and 2A) regardless of their year in school and weight class. A committee selected by the IWCOA recently provided IAwrestle with a list of 15 finalist candidates for public input.

Solon senior Kara VeDepo is a Class 1A contender.

Fans can vote once per list at Facebook.com/IAwrestle for their favorite wrestler in each category now through Sunday, Feb. 9, when the list will be narrowed to the top-seven. The next round of voting, from Monday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 23, will determine the top-three finalists, with the winner announced at the banquet on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.

The fan vote will count as ONE vote toward the IWCOA’s committee votes in EACH round. For example, Wrestler A received enough fan votes to place second in the poll, but that does not guarantee them to move on to the next round. IWCOA has selected 12 coaches and officials to serve on the committee. The fan vote is the 13th vote.

Dan Gable, Mark Ironside, and Alex Marinelli will be our special guests handing out awards.

The two runner-up students in each class will each receive finalist award plaques. A duplicate Wrestler of the Year trophy and duplicate Wrestler of the Year runner-up plaques will be provided to each high school where finalists attend for permanent placement in the high school trophy case.

Lady Spartans tie with Mt. Vernon in home Corridor Duals

Prairie reigns 3-0, Solon goes 1-1 with win over City High

Solon Economist

SOLON — Prairie High School (Cedar Rapids) swept Solon’s Girls Corridor Wrestling Duals Monday, Jan. 20 at the Solon Middle School. The Prairie Hawks went 3-0 on the day with wins over Clear Creek Amana (CCA) (68-0), Mount Vernon (53-21), and Liberty High School (North Liberty) (50-22).

Liberty High took second place at 2-1 with wins over Iowa City High (45-36) and Solon (42-39).

The Lady Spartans and Mount Vernon tied for fourth at 1-1 with the Mustangs defeating CCA (57-6) while Solon defeated City High’s Little Hawks 48-36. The Little Hawks were 1-2 on the day with a win over CCA (82-0) while the Clippers went 0-3.

Liberty High 42 Solon 39

Kara VeDepo (105) took a 7-6 decision from Taylor Cavanh, McKenna Rogers (110) pinned Evalynn Karam in 1:31, Alannah Mahoney (125) pinned Elyse Caviel in 3:07, Alexis Anderson (130) won a hard fought battle by pinning Harper Johnson in 5:50, Lucianna “Lucy” Miller (135) pinned Maserno Masanka in 1:43, Olivia Bonnema (140) pinned Acasia Lukalaba Ndomba in 1:25, and Haiden Wolfe (235) pinned Abigail Carr in 4:42.

Solon 48 City High 36

Wolfe (235) pinned Georgia Fiegel after a tough battle in 5:41, VeDepo (105) pinned Cooper Hamilton in :51, Rogers (110) pinned Amelia Terrill in 1:20, Mahoney (125) pinned Paige Dixon in 1:10, Makayla Keller (130) only needed 45 seconds to pin Vivienne Heller, Alexis Anderson (135) won by forfeit, Miller (140) outlasted Nina Peterson with a win by fall in 5:30, and Bonnema pinned Izzy Brown in 3:53.

Spartans sixth at Herb Irgens Invitational

Lucas Feuerbach goes 4-0 to win at 215 pounds

Solon Economist

IDA GROVE — OABCIG (Odebolt, Arthur, Battle Creek, and Ida Grove) High School hosted its annual Herb Irgens wrestling invitational Friday and Saturday, Jan. 24 and 25 with the Spartans placing sixth out of 26 teams represented with 145.0 team points.

Don Bosco won the tournament with 237.0 points followed by Sergeant Bluff-Luton (184.5) and Jesup (183.5).

Lucas Feuerbach improved to 33-3 as he went 4-0 to claim the 215-pound championship. Feuerbach received a first round bye then pinned South Central Calhoun’s Maximus Hardy in 28 seconds in the second round.

Little Hawk bowlers fall to Prairie Hawks

Solon Economist

CEDAR RAPIDS — The City High Little Hawks fell 3,219-2,975 to Prairie, Cedar Rapids Friday, January 24 at Cedar Creek Lanes in Cedar Rapids. Solon senior Carson Reid and junior Trendon Walker are bowling for City High this season.

Walker bowled 434 with 386 for Reid. The Little Hawks fell to 1-6 on the season as the Prairie Hawks remained undefeated at 9-0.

GIRLS' SWIMMING

Feuerbach pinned Jesup’s Drew Munson in 1:19 in the quarterfinals and Woodbury Central’s Carter Wright (1:14) in the semis and won an 11-4 decision over Don Bosco’s Kyler Sallis in the 1st Place match.

3rd Place - Jayden Steapp (120 lbs., 22-12 record) and Grant Wilson (285, 31-6)

4th Place - Carson Kidwell (157, 31-9) and Jackson Feuerbach (175, 28-11)

5th Place – Charlie Karam (138, 27-14) and Jordan Schmidt (144, 18-9)

7th Place – Anderson Osgood (106, 24-11)

Did not place – Justin Moore (126, 20-20) and Michael Bigelow (132, 9-20)

Team Scores

Team scores — 1, Don Bosco, 237.0. 2, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, 184.5. 3, Jesup, 183.5. 4, Woodbury Central, 161.5. 5 Tonganoxie, 153.0. 6, Solon, 145.0. 7, Carroll, 121.0. 8, Sioux Center, 112.0. 9, Lawton-Bronson, 85.5. 10, Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire, 72.5. 11, Okoboji, 67.0. 12, Woodbine, 56.0. 13, West Lyon, 55.0. 14, Sibley-Ocheyedan, 52.0. 15, South Central Calhoun, 50.0. 16, OABCIG, 45.0. 17, Ridge View, 41.5. 18, Akron-Westfield, 40.5. 19, Cheokee, Washington, 36.0. 20, Pocahontas Area, 33.0. 21, Emmetsburg, 30.5. 22, Audubon, 27.0. 23, Southeast Valley, 24.5. 24, Western Christian, 16.0. 25, Kingsley-Piersen, 15.5. 26, East Sac County, 3.0.

Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, Jan. 30 – MVC Valley Divisional at Cherry Lanes (Dubuque), 10:00 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 7 – HOME vs. Xavier Catholic at Colonial Lanes (Iowa City), 3:15 p.m

Friday, Feb. 14 – At Waterloo West at Cadillac XBC (Waterloo), 3:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 18 – IHSAA Class 3A State Qualifying Meet at Colonial Lanes

Tuesday, Feb. 25 – IHSAA Class 3A Team State Meet at Cadillac XBC (Waterloo)

Wednesday, Feb. 26 – IHSAA Class 3A Individual State Meet at Cadillac XBC (Waterloo)

Iowa Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet to move to Iowa City this fall

Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union

WEST DES MOINES — The Board of Directors of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) approved the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center as the new home of the Iowa Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet beginning in the fall of 2025 through the 2028 State Meet.

“We are excited to have the University of Iowa’s Campus Recreation and Wellness Center hosting the Girls State Swimming and Diving Championships,” said IGHSAU Executive Director Erin Gerlich. “Iowa City, Coralville and the Iowa City Sports Commission provide outstanding support for all the state events they host for us. They will paint the town pink for our swimmers and divers next November.”

The Iowa Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC) opened in 2010. The natatorium has hosted numerous national meets, including the 2015 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, USA Diving Regionals, and the IHSAA Boys State Swimming Meet.

“We are so excited to be joining Mayor Bruce Teague and Associate Director of Aquatics Emily Downes in welcoming the IGHSAU to Iowa City for the annual Swimming & Diving Championships,” said Iowa City Area Sports Commission Sports Development Manager Kylee Walker. “Emily and I are both proud Iowa girls so it’s especially meaningful to be tasked with helping to organize these annual state championship experiences. We know firsthand how meaningful these moments were in our lives so it’s a special opportunity to serve. It is an opportunity we don’t take for granted.”

The IGHSAU State Swimming and Diving Meet has been held at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA the last 21 years.

“While we are thrilled about moving the State Meet to Iowa City, this is a bittersweet day because Marshalltown has been an outstanding State Meet host for 21 years,” said Gerlich. “We are grateful for all of the hard work that the Marshalltown Y staff and its many volunteers have provided throughout the years.”

The 2025 Girls State Swimming and Diving Meet will be held November 14 & 15.

SOLON SENIORS

A Big Thank You to our sponsors and donors for their support in Senior Dining’s mission to serve the Solon Community, and especially to those who support Senior Dining by attending the lunches or receive home deliveries.

Reminders

Bad weather closings – Senior Dining will notify our clients by phone of cancellations. No meals Tuesdays and Thursdays Bingo Wednesdays AM/PM Cards Wednesdays PM

DINING •••••••••••••••••••••

Home Deliveries

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday within a 5-mile radius, on hard surface roads only. Call 319-624-2251 for information.

In-House Dining

Solon Methodist Church, Wednesdays only at 11:30 a.m.

Meals cost $5.00 and are provided by the Solon Retirement Village Kitchen. Reservations for dine-in are required by calling 319-624-2251 Mondays between 10-11:00 a.m.

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS••• • • •

Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Birthdays celebration/

CALENDAR & PUZZLES

pharmacy speaker

Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Happy Valentines Day/ sponsored meal – SRV Foundation Monday, Feb. 17 – CLOSED for President’s Day

Wednesday, Feb. 19 – Sponsored meal –Wehrheim Wednesday, Feb. 26 – City Representative

FEBRUARY MENU • • •••••••••

Monday, Feb. 3

Creamy Sausage Gnocchi

Green & Gold Beans

Garlic Toast

Hot Chocolate Mousse

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Birthdays/Pharmacy speaker

Sesame Chicken

Fried Rice

Oriental Slaw Breadstick

Friday, Feb. 7

Pub Battered Fish Macaroni & Cheese

Buttered Peas

Cherry Poke Cake

Thank you Solon Senior Dining volunteers! “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.”

SCHOOL BREAKFAST

The Solon Community School District is an equal opportunity provider. Menus will vary to accommodate the Federal Nutrition Guidelines. Please understand that menus are subject to change as needed. Please check your lunch account balances, purchases, and deposits online at solon.total.k12.com.

Nutrition office: 319-624-3401, Ext. 1120 or bwest@solon.k12.ia.us.

Student breakfast is FREE again this year

The Solon Community School District (SCSD) is once again able to offer free breakfast to students for the academic year. Becky West, Nutrition Director, explained the Nutritional Department’s financial situation, based on standard practice and guidance from the state, makes it possible to offer this important service to the students.

“I believe that eating breakfast fuels the kids and teaches them how to eat a healthy breakfast to start your day,” said West.

SCHOOL LUNCH

For information on the free and reduced program, and an application, go to www.solon.

k12.ia.us/page/nutritionprogram and scroll down to Nutrition Documents & Links.

STUDENT LUNCH PRICES

High School - $2.70

Middle School - $2.60

SIS/Lakeview - $2.55

Reduced - $.40

Adult/Guest lunch: $4.70

Thursday, Jan. 30

MS/HS Alt: Taco Bake

Nacho Supreme with Fixings

Refried Beans, Bosco Stick

Kiwi, Mixed Fruit (MS/HS)

Friday, Jan. 31

MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight

Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Adult/Guest breakfast: $1.75

Thursday, Jan. 30

Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Muffin

CC French Toast w/Sausage Links or Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown

Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk

Friday, Jan. 31

Muffin Top (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts Fruit, Juice Crackers & Milk

Monday, Feb. 3

Waffles & Bacon (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Strawberry Boli

Breakfast Taco & Cini Mini Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Tuesday, Feb. 4 Pumpkin/Banana Bread (LV/ SIS)

Ranch Potato Wedges

Grape Tomatoes

Peaches, Sunflower Seeds (HS)

Monday, Feb. 3

MS/HS Alt: Crispito Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Marinara

Garlic Knot, Steamed Cauliflower (MS/HS), Fava Crisps

Tossed Salad & Ranch

Cantaloupe, Choodle Cookie

Tuesday, Feb. 4

MS/HS Alt: Pizza Crunchers Popcorn Chicken, Mashed

Potatoes

Sweet Corn, Gravy, Broccoli Fruit Salad

Strawberry Yogurt (MS/HS)

Dinner Roll (MS/HS)

Edited by Will Shortz

Across

1 Targets of crunches, informally

4 “Smart” guy

8 Vibes

13 Hawaiian dish with cubed fish

15 Perceptive

16 End-of-year hope

17 Lawyers, collectively

18 Astronauts’ outpost, for short

— Elizabeth Andrew

G&G (LV) Pumpkin/Banana Bread

Egg Breakfast Bake, Dutch Waffle & Bacon

Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Egg Breakfast Bake (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Poptart

Breakfast Sandwich, Frudel Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Thursday, Feb. 6

Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Muffin

CC French Toast w/Sausage

Links or Egg Scramble w/Hash Brown

Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Friday, Feb. 7

Muffin Top (LV/SIS)

G&G Bag (LV) Oatmeal Bar

Breakfast Pizza or Cinnamon Doughnuts

Fruit, Juice, Crackers & Milk

Wednesday, Feb. 5

MS/HS Alt: Max Sticks

Saucy Bowties

Dinner Roll (SIS/MS/HS)

Green Beans & Celery Sticks

Banana Check Snack Mix (HS)

Thursday, Feb. 6

MS/HS Alt: Spicy Chicken

Sandwich

Pepperoni Stuffed Crust Pizza

Colorful Mixed Vegetable, Pepper Strips

Triple Fruit Salad

Cheez It’s

Friday, Feb. 7

MS/HS Alt: Cook’s Delight

Chicken Fillet Sandwich

Cauliflower & Cheese

Pickles, Carrots, Grapes

Baked Potato Chips SC (SIS/ MS/HS)

19 Like the last name of swimming legend

Diana Nyad

21 Original N.Y.C. subway line

22 Vampire hunter’s weapon

25 “Well, that’s just perfect”

27 Telluride maker (that’s 6,000+ miles away from Telluride)

28 Faith Hill hit with the lyric “It’s perpetual bliss”

29 Slim-fitting bottom

31 Humorist Bombeck

32 Spoiled

33 Forgo a ring, maybe

35 Fills in the gaps of, in a way

37 Futuristic zappers

39 Samira Wiley’s role on “The Handmaid’s Tale”

40 Pops

41 A thing of the passed?

42 Wetland fuel source

44 Breaking the fourth wall, say

45 Cartoon frame

47 Snarkily disparaging

48 Like a baby in need of burping

49 Dismiss abruptly

50 Dutch banking giant

51 Get to 21 first in cornhole, e.g.

52 Oscar nominee for “Carrie”

55 Peak picker-uppers, as depicted three times in this puzzle’s grid

60 “Money talks”

61 Unapproved, pharmaceutically

62 Remained home for supper

63 CBS drama with five spinoffs

64 In need of salt, say

Down

1 Home screen selection

2 Stole onstage

3 Difficult area of a jigsaw puzzle, maybe

4 Humble

5 Lane in DC?

6 Grossed-out cries

7 Given the go-ahead

8 Pizza oven residue

9 Beehive State native

10 Toys once marketed as having “Over three billion combinations, but only one solution”

11 Chess : check :: go : ____

12 Tempur-Pedic competitor

14 Early 20th-century composer who introduced the typewriter as a percussion instrument

15 Negative campaign tactic

20 Signature item

22 Prefix with any family member

23 Steady engine sound

24 Focus on making others happy

25 They might accompany SAT scores

26 Minute

30 Slangy term for an obsession with branded fashion items

32 Coffeehouse poets

34 Sweaters and such

36 401(k) alternatives

37 Short-lived fashion

38 Court-ordered delay

40 Lewis Carroll’s real last name, hence Lewis’s last name in “Jurassic Park”

43 Hamper, e.g.

45 Caesar’s first stabber

46 One living abroad

48 Bass organs

51 Something that’s often free in airports but expensive on airplanes

53 Life force

54 Köln one

56 Fast-food chain with 30,000+ locations

57 “Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity” org.

58 Gumshoe

59 Roguish

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.

Mark Roskopf, with the Solon Knights of Columbus Randall-Steinbrech Council 12129, said their Free Throw Contest is part of a nationwide event.

“We do it here at what we call our Council-level and then we go up to Districts, a State Tournament, and then in some cases, some may advance to Nationals.” Some Solonites have won at the State level in the past, Roskopf added. “We compete at each age group between 9-14 for boys and girls. We like to get the kids out and have them compete a little bit, have some fun, and it’s a nice thing to do in the winter time.”

Like the Optimists, funds raised by the Knights through various events throughout the year such as the annual Tootsie Roll drive, goes back to the community. “We help out where we can either with kids or the needy. In December, for example, the Knights made a donation to the Solon American Legion Auxiliary for veterans in need while money raised through the Tootsie Roll drive goes toward the Iowa Special Olympics and area non-profit organizations.

2025 Solon Optimist Club Tri-Star basketball winners

Boys 8-9 – 1st, Evan Volkert. 2nd, Mason Galpin. 3rd, Jack Weeks.

Overall Boys winner – Evan Volkert

Boys 10-11 – 1st, Dawson Ohloff. 2nd, Gavin Moeller. 3rd, Nico Olsem, Herb Tholen

Boys 12-13 – 1st, Elliot Daly

Girls 8-9 – 1st, Emma Sabers. 2nd, Daphne Clifford and Abagail Sabers. 3rd, Mae Daly and Avery Holtz.

Overall Girls winner – Emma Sabers

Girls 10-11 – 1st, Victoria Rolwes. 2nd, Addi Scheib

2025 Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest winners

Boys – Age 9, Jack Weeks. Age 10, Dawson Ohloff. Age 12, Elliot Daly. Girls – Age 9, Emma Sabers. Age 10, Victoria Rolwes. Age 11, Addi Scheib

Don't forget the Chickadee Check-off

Taxes are for the birds…and other vulnerable wildlife

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

We know taxes aren't a lot of fun, but there is a small thing you can do to feel better about the process. Donating to the Fish/Wildlife Fund (also known as the Chickadee Checkoff ), on line 21 of your Iowa state tax form, can help support thousands of vulnerable wildlife through research, habitat development and education.

Just over 5,300 tax payers donated generously during the 2023 tax year. These donors gave around $134,000; an almost $14,000 decrease from the year before. A huge heartfelt thanks to all of you who made a donation and a difference! We hope more donors will come onboard because it is such an easy way to donate! You can make a big difference!

The Chickadee Check-off was put on the state tax form in the early 1980s and it is one of the vital sources of funding for the

Iowa DNR's Wildlife Diversity Program. It allows Iowa tax payers to donate a portion of their state tax refund to wildlife conservation. The wildlife diversity program does not receive general state taxpayer funds and is primarily supported through the voluntary chickadee check-off and the sale of Natural Resources License Plates.

If every Iowa taxpayer gave $1 that would mean $1.6 million for wildlife!

Here are a few non-game wildlife projects that Chickadee Check-off funds helped support in 2024:

• WOOD THRUSH PROJECT

Have you ever been walking through the woods and been suddenly transfixed by an ethereal, flute-like sound? You were probably hearing the breeding song of the wood thrush! It changes a simple walk in the woods into a magical experience. Unfortunately, Wood Thrush have experienced an almost 50% decline since 1966, so in an effort to learn more about them, Iowa joined other states to band

Top left: Jack sizes up his next free throw attempt during the Knights of Columbus’ annual Free Throw Contest Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Solon Community Center. The contest was held in conjunction with the Solon Optimist Club’s annual Tri-Star basketball event.

Above: Mae readies herself for her next free throw attempt during the Knights of Columbus’ annual Free Throw Contest Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Solon Community Center. The contest was held in conjunction with the Solon Optimist Club’s annual Tri-Star basketball event.

Left: Evan dribbles at top speed around cones during the Solon Optimist Club’s annual Tri-Star basketball contests Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Solon Community Center. The event had participants dribble, pass, and shoot and was held in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus’ annual Free Throw Contest.

and radio-tag several birds. Non-game wildlife staff were able to band 34 wood thrush in Iowa and put transmitters on 28 of those. These tagged birds are being tracked by the Motus network of towers.

• Multiple Species Inventory and Monitoring Program

Every year crews of young biologists spend 6 months tromping around collecting data on the thousands of species of wildlife that call Iowa home. Since 2006, no single project has added more to our understanding of wildlife in Iowa. In 2024, the MSIM team found a fish that hadn't been seen in Iowa since the 1930s - the Starhead Topminnow! This little fish created some big excitement!

• IOWA BUMBLE BEE ATLAS

We still have so much to learn about the insects in Iowa - small in size but big in overall species number AND impact they have on all of our ecosystems. Nongame wildlife staff helped launch and collect data for the inaugural year of the Bumble Bee atlas! Iowa volunteers recorded almost 1,200 bumble bees representing ten species!

Look for the Checkoff on the Iowa State Tax Form. It's easy to do: Look for the Fish/ Wildlife Fund, line 21 on Form 1040. If you use a tax preparer, be sure and ask about the Fish/Wildlife Fund! They may overlook it.