The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
All content by By Chris Umscheid [email protected]
Callie Levin, a senior, hit a career-high 40 points this past Saturday at home against Regina Catholic of Iowa City in an 84-42 non-conference win.

Career high 40 points for Callie Levin against Regals

Chris Umscheid
February 1, 2024
Jamison Grimm explains the bounce pass station to Lacey Scheib during Sunday’s Tri-Star Basketball Contests held by the Solon Optimist Club at the Community Center. Scheib won the girls ages 8-9 class.

Solon Optimists and Knights of Columbus team up for basketball fun

Chris Umscheid
February 1, 2024
Austin Knight readies for the tip off Friday, Jan. 26 at home against CPU.

Spartans stay perfect against trio of tough contenders

Chris Umscheid
February 1, 2024
Callie Levin puts up a shot from outside the arc last Tuesday against Mount Vernon. Levin sank four three-pointers and led all with 23 points, but the rival Mustangs upset No. 1 Solon 44-37.

Mt. Vernon upsets Lady Spartans in battle of No. 1 vs. No. 2

Chris Umscheid
January 25, 2024
Gehrig Turner put up Solon’s first ten points against Mount Vernon last Tuesday and led the Spartans with 15 points in a 58-45 win.

Spartans corral two herds of Mustangs

Chris Umscheid
January 25, 2024
Seniors (from left) Kyler Steapp, Lawsin Sinnwell, and Tyson Wheeler were recognized last Thursday on Senior Night.

Hawks edge out Spartans 31-28 on the mat

Chris Umscheid
January 18, 2024
Seniors (from left) Morgan Rogers, Addy Gerdes, Kendall Jensen, and Kate Richards were honored last Thursday on Senior Night.

Lady Spartan wrestlers come out on top against Hawks on Senior Night

Chris Umscheid
January 18, 2024

The Snow Men

Chris Umscheid
January 18, 2024
This building, located at 223 S. Iowa St., has served many purposes in Solon over the years including being a combination fire station and police station. Now it serves as a substation for the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office for use by deputies patrolling Solon and the northern part of Johnson County.

A commitment to the future of Solon

Chris Umscheid
January 11, 2024
William Owen is trying to start a weekly running and riding group meeting Saturday mornings and (tentatively) Tuesday evenings at the Timberdome in the SRNA. Becky Klutts joined Owen for his inaugural run this past Saturday.

Fellowship and fitness

Chris Umscheid
January 4, 2024
500 balloons dropped at noon Saturday; Dec. 30 as the Solon Public Library hosted their annual Noon Year’s Eve event at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center.

Ringing in the new year for the kiddos

Chris Umscheid
January 4, 2024

Three Spartans don City High red for winter sports

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Madelyn Elkins, a freshman, removes arrows from a target.

Spartan Archers sharpen their skills

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Bowen Brown reaches for another crayon while dad David helps him color a Santa Claus drawing Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 ahead of a visit from Mr. Claus himself.

An audience with Santa Claus

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Tyson Wheeler battles Prairie’s Marco Teel in a JV match Thursday, Dec. 7 at home.

Spartans split in home triangular, win N. Cedar’s tourney

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Austin Knight (2) readies for the tip off Friday, Dec. 8 at home against Grinnell.

Spartans improve to 2-0 with wins over Vikings and Tigers

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Anna Quillin (20) readies for the tip off Friday, Dec. 8 against Grinnell. The Lady Spartans rolled over the newest team in the WaMaC 56-21.

Lady Spartans roll over Vikettes and Tigers

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Emily Pence battles Prairie’s Alix Zahn in a JV match Thursday, Dec. 7 at home.

Lady Spartans put in a long and challenging week on the mats

Chris Umscheid
December 14, 2023
Kobi Lietz (1) drives around a Little Hawk defender Tuesday, Nov. 28 at home in a non-conference match up.

Lady Spartans roll over Little Hawks and Raiders

Chris Umscheid
December 7, 2023
Alina Steele watches as her teammates work on their robot before a tournament Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Community Center hosted by Solon Robotics.

The rise and fall of the machines

Chris Umscheid
December 7, 2023
A young girl looks for an ornament on the Solon American Legion Auxiliary’s tree in the 2023 Christmas Tree Walk last Saturday at the United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. A scavenger hunt had participants seeking patriotic ornaments throughout the many trees on display. FOR MORE PHOTOS, TURN TO PAGE 12A.

A Christmas Kaleidoscope

Chris Umscheid
December 7, 2023
Adam Hopp (back to camera), Post Commander for Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 salutes as the Solon High School band finishes playing the National Anthem to start the annual Veterans Appreciation Program Friday, Nov. 10 in the Solon Center for the Arts.

Honoring veterans for the freedom they have secured

Chris Umscheid
November 16, 2023
Eddie Johnson (10) escapes a West Delaware player as he dashes to a touchdown Friday, Nov. 3 in a Class 3A Quarterfinal game. Solon’s 36-35 win advanced them to the Semifinals, in the UNI Dome, this Saturday night.

Spartans head for the Dome!

Chris Umscheid
November 9, 2023
Noah Kottenstette (85) celebrates as the Spartans jog to the locker room for halftime with a 43-0 lead over Fort Madison Friday, October 27 in the first round of Class 3A playoffs. Solon rolled the Bloodhounds 50-7.

Spartans roll over the Bloodhounds

Chris Umscheid
November 2, 2023
A brand new “agility” playground sits at the intersection of River Birch Run (an extension of East Main St.) and Cedar bend Drive adjacent to the pond in Windmill Estates on the northeast side of Solon. The equipment was donated to the City of Solon.

Introducing Solon’s newest playground, in Windmill Estates

Chris Umscheid
November 2, 2023
Jozie Lahr (6) slams a kill shot over Central Lee’s Taylor Jones (18) as Brynn Deike (2) and Addie Miller (12) watch in a 3A Region 8 quarterfinal match Tuesday, October 17.

Lady Spartans sweep Hawks and Tigers for shot at State Tourney

Chris Umscheid
October 26, 2023
Cole Farnsworth (14) celebrates a 22-yard touchdown pass Friday, October 20 at home against South Tama on Senior Night.

District Champions, and playoff bound!

Chris Umscheid
October 26, 2023
75 six-foot tall statues of Herky the Hawk will be distributed across the Iowa City-Coralville-North Liberty area, with the potential for four-to-five in Solon in recognition of the University of Iowa’s mascot’s birthday. In 2014 Catherine “Kit” Umscheid decorated a Herky statue for KCCK Radio and the Iowa City Jazz Festival.

Will Herky parade through Solon?

Chris Umscheid
October 26, 2023
The student section showed up in their Halloween costumes for Senior Night.

Sights of the season, a week early

Chris Umscheid
October 26, 2023
CT 52043, a Clone Trooper Shock Trooper (left) and CT 12196, a Clone Trooper, dance and give a thumbs up while handing out candy prior to the start of the second annual Bone Dash 5k and Monster Mile Saturday, October 14 at the SRNA while a fellow Clone stands ready. The Clones are members of the 501st Legion, Central Garrison, a Star Wars reenactor group based in the upper Midwest.

Bone Dash nearly doubles turnout in second year

Chris Umscheid
October 19, 2023

City acquires land for new wastewater treatment plant

Chris Umscheid
October 12, 2023

2nd annual Bone Dash 5K & Monster Mile is Saturday, October 14

Chris Umscheid
October 5, 2023
Nash Kotar (9) and Cole Carney (32) get the celebration started early as the Spartans repel a fourth-down scoring attempt in second overtime by the Benton Community Bobcats Friday, Sept. 29 on Homecoming Night. Solon outlasted Benton 16-13.

Spartan defense holds the line

Chris Umscheid
October 5, 2023
Mia Stahle and Ben Duckett were crowned the 2023 Solon High School Homecoming Royalty.

2023 Solon Homecoming Royalty crowned

Chris Umscheid
October 5, 2023
Nikki Carney, owner of The Empire Fitness & Nutrition, counts down the end of an exercise series during a free will donation workout Saturday, Sept. 23. The event, recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month, raised money for Foundation 2 Crisis Services.

Working out, remembering loved ones, and helping others

Chris Umscheid
September 28, 2023
Yasmine Sell (9) makes a dig against Marion.

Lady Spartans fall prey to the Wolves

Chris Umscheid
September 28, 2023
Brotherhood: veterans Jason Rekers (at left) and John Proe visit before the start of a 2.2-mile ruck (walk/march) through Solon Saturday, Sept. 23. The event raised nearly $3,000 for Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience while raising awareness of veteran suicide.

Ruck march for veterans raises awareness of veteran suicide

Chris Umscheid
September 28, 2023
Grace Hoeper won the varsity 500-yard freestyle (shown here) Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Cedar Rapids Washington. Hoeper also won the 200-IM and anchored the winning 200 freestyle relay.

Little Hawks swimmers notch first dual meet win of the season

Chris Umscheid
September 21, 2023
Kaleb Behrends (66) and Carter Grimm (65) clear the way for Eddie Johnson (10) Friday, Sept. 15 at Mount Vernon’s historic 1st St. Field in the annual rivalry battle on the gridiron.

Spartans spoil Mustangs’ farewell to 1st St.

Chris Umscheid
September 21, 2023

Ruck (walk) for vets

Chris Umscheid
September 14, 2023
Denny Hansen, U.S. Army veteran, retired firefighter, and Sgt. at Arms for the American Legion Stinocher Post 460 folds a large American flag with help from sophomore football players Nicholas Gerdin (22), Tripp Johnson (14), and Caden Bails (26) . The sophomore team (JV) carried the flag onto the track for the pregame ceremonies on Armed Forces Night Friday, Sept. 8.

Saluting patriots

Chris Umscheid
September 14, 2023
Austin Knight (17), Ty Bell (8), Nash Kotar (9), and Milo Ashbacker (20) celebrate their 41-6 win over Central Clinton-DeWitt Friday, Sept. 8 at home on Armed Forces Night.

Spartans foil the Sabers

Chris Umscheid
September 14, 2023
Brynn Deike (2) and Britta Elijah (1) make a block attempt Tuesday, August 29 against West Branch in a home varsity quad with the Bears, West Liberty Comets, and Clear Creek Amana.

Lady Spartans open ’23 season 5-3

Chris Umscheid
September 7, 2023
Simon Einwalter (48) and Elliot Sutton (63) clear a path for Connor Dunn (35) after taking the ball from quarterback Maddox Kelley (31) in the freshman game Friday, Sept. 1 at home against Clear Creek Amana. The frosh sank the Clippers 24-10.

Spartans sink the ‘Boats’

Chris Umscheid
September 7, 2023
The house at 111 N. Dubuque St. has been purchased by the City of Solon. City Administrator Cami Rasmussen reports it will be a rental property pending finalization of plans for the area.

Solon city happenings

Chris Umscheid
September 7, 2023
Grace Hoeper powers her way to the win in the varsity 200-yard freestyle Tuesday, August 22 in City High’s season opening meet at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. Hoeper won the event in 1:53.43 and won the 100-yard butterfly in 27.58 seconds.

Little Hawks open swimming and diving season at CR Kennedy

Chris Umscheid
August 31, 2023
This designer’s rendering shows what the proposed community playground for Shueyville will look like. All God’s Children and the Shueyville United Methodist Church are attempting to raise $300,000 for the project, which will be open to the community and surrounding area.

A playground for all

Chris Umscheid
August 31, 2023
Haley Wall (shown here with her nine-week-old son) has opened Craft Salon + Spa at 300 East Main St., Suite 100 (at the corner of Hwy. 1 and Main St.).

A new space to find your style

Chris Umscheid
August 24, 2023
Passing a school bus with the stop sign(s) out and red lights flashing can have serious consequences ranging from hefty fines to injury or death of a child.

It’s not a suggestion, it’s the law

Chris Umscheid
August 24, 2023
Simon Einwalter (48, at right) and an unidentified Spartan stop a Monticello Panther in his tracks Friday, August 18 during a freshman scrimmage game in Spartan Stadium.

A final tune-up

Chris Umscheid
August 24, 2023
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was placed on a pole in front of Mushroom Park last month and is in-service and available for use by the public. AEDs greatly increase the chances of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest when used within the first few minutes.

A chance to save a life

Chris Umscheid
August 17, 2023
A dinosaur bearing the signatures of students and teachers stands proud in the early evening sunlight behind the Solon Public Library Thursday, August 3 during the second annual Dinosaurs at Dusk event showcasing Jack Neuzil’s hand-crafted dinosaurs.

The Jurassic Age comes alive in Solon

Chris Umscheid
August 10, 2023
Jim Steinbrech pilots a vintage Oliver tractor pulling the Knights of Columbus’ rolling basketball shooting contest through downtown Solon during the 50th annual Beef Days Parade Saturday, July 22.

Looking back at Beef Days, and looking ahead

Chris Umscheid
August 3, 2023

City update

Chris Umscheid
August 3, 2023
Public Works Director Scott Kleppe and City Administrator Cami Rasmussen gave an update on city projects during Senior Dining Wednesday, June 28 at the Solon Methodist Church.

Don’t settle for ‘good’

Chris Umscheid
July 6, 2023
Amalie Millerd, new 8th grade science teacher at the Solon Middle School, gives an enthusiastic thumbs up while helping with the Camp Invention open house Friday, June 30 at the Solon Intermediate School.

Invention Camp unleashes creativity while learning about STEM

Chris Umscheid
July 6, 2023
Don Ellis (standing) visits with Art Tellin and Pat Ikan during an open house Saturday, June 24 at the Solon Public Library in honor of Ellis being named the 2023 Solon Senior Citizen of the Year.

Honoring Don Ellis

Chris Umscheid
June 29, 2023
Golfers in their carts await the start of the fifth annual American Legion of Iowa Foundation Golf Tournament at Saddleback Ridge Monday, June 19. The event raises money for the Foundation, which goes to veterans affairs and local organizations.

Hitting the links for a good cause

Chris Umscheid
June 22, 2023
Members of American Legion Stinocher Post 460 salute as the first flag to be retired is placed on the burn rack Wednesday, June 14 during a Flag Retirement Ceremony on Flag Day.

Retiring Old Glory with all due respect

Chris Umscheid
June 22, 2023
Fire Chief Bob Siddell (center) leads a ribbon cutting Sunday, June 11 during the Solon Tri-Township Fire Department’s open house and dedication ceremony at the new fire station.

It’s been needed for a long time

Chris Umscheid
June 15, 2023
American Legion Post 460’s Color Guard fires a three-shot volley to salute America’s war dead during the annual Memorial Day service Monday, May 29 at the Solon Veterans Memorial. For more photos from the event, turn to page 12A.

Remembering the fallen

Chris Umscheid
June 1, 2023
Larry Meister (at left) presented the 2023 Solon Senior Citizen of the Year award to Don Ellis at the May 17 City Council meeting. Ellis will also be honored at an open house next month.

Don Ellis named Solon Senior Citizen of the Year

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Tyler Bell delivers a pitch Tuesday, May 16 at home against Muscatine. The Muskies beat the Spartans 5-3.

A tough start for Spartan baseball

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Seniors Morgan Link (34), Hannah Vance (22 JV), Liona Roca (21), Maria Milliman (14), Izzy Paisley (12), Alex Paisley (0), Evan Ulch (3 JV), and Georgia Havlicek (9) were honored on Senior Night, Wednesday, May 17, after their 3-1 Class 1A Regional Quarterfinal win over the Bombers from Ballard.

Shooting down the Bombers

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Andrew Baumgartner does a fist pump after receiving his diploma from Solon High School Principal Zach Wigle. For more photos, turn to page 15A.

Graduation Day

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Elizabeth “Biz” Petrie reacts when she sees her name embroidered on a blanket made and donated by Solon Intermediate School (SIS) 4th graders. The students also raised $400 for her through blanket sales to help with her ongoing medical expenses.

A blanket for Biz

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Kendall Jensen leaps over Wahlert’s catcher just ahead of the ball Tuesday, May 16 at home in a preseason scrimmage between the Lady Spartans and Golden Eagles.

Lady Spartans and Golden Eagles tangle in preseason scrimmage

Chris Umscheid
May 25, 2023
Friends and well-wishers line Main St. as 1st Sgt. Travis Ehlinger and Sgt. 1st Class Cory Wolf come home Friday, May 12 after a ten-month deployment to Poland with the Iowa Army National Guard’s 209th Medical Company. For more photos, turn to page 20A.

Solon salutes her sons

Chris Umscheid
May 18, 2023
Solon firefighter's helmet and turnout coat

A Solon tradition continues in a new venue

Chris Umscheid
May 18, 2023
Jack Kramer (from Cedar Rapids) goes over the top of the Iowa Army National Guard’s inflatable obstacle course Saturday, May 13 during the Solon American Legion’s Salute to the Troops event.

A Salute to the Troops

Chris Umscheid
May 18, 2023
Mayor Steve Stange (at left) and William Gorman (representing the Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging Policy Board) pose with the official proclamation declaring May to be Older Americans Month in Solon.

May is Older Americans Month

Chris Umscheid
May 11, 2023
The Solon Community School District, like many districts around the region and across the state, needs more bus drivers and is offering incentives to retain current drivers and recruit new ones.

Solon schools need more drivers for the Spartans’ chariots

Chris Umscheid
May 4, 2023
Eli Freerks (16) passes the ball with a high kick Tuesday, April 25 at home against West Delaware. Freerks, a junior, scored twice in a 6-0 shutout and scored two more in a 4-3 double overtime win at home against Vinton-Shellsburg.

Spartans shut out Hawks, get past Vikings

Chris Umscheid
May 4, 2023

SCSD Board approves bond projects timeline

Chris Umscheid
May 4, 2023
Elena Swan (11) takes a shot at West Delaware’s goal Tuesday, April 25 at home. The Lady Spartans shut out the Hawks 11-0 in the first half.

Lady Spartans shell Hawks, fall to Vikettes

Chris Umscheid
May 4, 2023
One of the first groups to tackle the 2023 Spartan Dash leaves the starting line in front of the Timber Dome at the SRNA Saturday, April 22. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lakeview Elementary and Solon Intermediate School PTOs. For more photos, turn to page 8A.

Spartan Dash 2023

Chris Umscheid
April 27, 2023
Lilly Houtakker, shown here teeing off at Saddleback Ridge, won twice last week, first at Williamsburg and then at home, and both with 40.

Lady Spartans beat S. Tama and set school record

Chris Umscheid
April 20, 2023
Asst. Chief Scott Wolfe watches as firefighters put the finishing touches on their brand new heavy rescue truck. Solon volunteer firefighters met Saturday morning to install shelving and brackets, and transfer equipment from the previous Rescue 138 (at left).

A big, rollin’ toolbox

Chris Umscheid
April 20, 2023
Young apricot trees were blooming recently in Toni Russo’s yard in Solon. Russo hopes to preserve “Old Solon’s” horticultural heritage by finding new homes for roughly a dozen such trees.

Natural history

Chris Umscheid
April 20, 2023
Eli Freerks (16) drives the ball downfield late in the second half of a varsity match against the Marion Wolves Friday, April 14 in Marion’s new stadium.

Spartans fall to Mount Vernon and Marion

Chris Umscheid
April 20, 2023
Keegan Conway (11) draws a foul by Maquoketa’s Spencer Martin Thursday, April 6 in Solon. Conway was awarded a PK and scored on a put back after his initial kick bounced off the Cardinals’ keeper. Solon won the match 6-0.

Spartans shut out Cardinals 6-0

Chris Umscheid
April 13, 2023

Sirens to be tested Friday at 10:00 a.m.

Chris Umscheid
April 13, 2023
Children scramble to scoop up plastic eggs containing candy during the Solon Optimist Club’s annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 8 at the SRNA. For more photos, see page 12A.

Solon Optimist Club holds annual Easter Egg Hunt

Chris Umscheid
April 13, 2023
The Lady Spartans celebrate a 2-1 sudden death win in overtime over the Clear Creek Amana Clippers Thursday, April 6 at home as CCA’s Alannah McKibben (1) and Kenadi Wood (8) return to their bench.

Lady Spartans sink the Clippers

Chris Umscheid
April 13, 2023
Brodie Bohlen

Hitting the ground running

Chris Umscheid
April 6, 2023
Tucker Spence (10) battles an Independence Mustang Thursday, March 30 in Solon. Spence scored one goal in a 4-3 loss for the Spartans.

Spartans fall to Regals and Indee’s Mustangs

Chris Umscheid
April 6, 2023
Richard Miller surveys the damage to his farm on Racine Ave. after an EF-2 tornado blew through Friday, March 31. The storm destroyed a six-month-old machine shed and did other damage before continuing on into Solon.

TORNADO!

Chris Umscheid
April 6, 2023
Sean Stahle tees off in the season opening Solon Invitational Thursday, March 30 at Lake MacBride Golf Course. Stahle, a senior, is new to the squad this season and shot 87 through the 18-hole course.

Spartan golfers win Solon Invitational

Chris Umscheid
April 6, 2023
Jon Scherbring, Beth Gudenkauf, and Kelly Milbert, along with Tommy and Stephanie Dee (not pictured) have opened Ideal Decorating at 310 East Main St. In Solon.

Everything to make your house a home

Chris Umscheid
March 16, 2023
An unidentified rider, Brian West (145), and Brian Bierman (155) power their way along the path of the sixth annual Fat Tire Classic bike race at Lake MacBride State Park Saturday, Feb. 11. The event raises money for the Solon Centennial Lions Club.

Local organizations already reaping the benefits from Lions’ Fat Tire Classic

Chris Umscheid
March 16, 2023

Solon school bond vote passes

Chris Umscheid
March 16, 2023

Rollback fallout continues

Chris Umscheid
March 9, 2023
Liz King, Director of the Solon Public Library, sees libraries as a ‘community hub’ for people to meet others and learn from them while having a comfortable place to be. As the Solon community continues to grow, so too have the services offered by the library, which highlights the need for eventual expansion.

The hub of the community

Chris Umscheid and Chris Umscheid
February 23, 2023
Callie Levin lets out a victory yell after cutting a strand off the net in celebration of a 58-44 Class 3A Region 2 Final win over Mount Vernon Saturday, Feb. 18.

They’re going to State!

Chris Umscheid
February 23, 2023
Rylee Worrell battles with South Tama’s Sydney Arp during Solon’s first four-mat Girls Middle School Wrestling Tournament Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the high school. Worrell fell to Arp in 1:05 but placed second in MS Girls class 8. More photos: Page 9A.

Lady Spartans host Middle School Wrestling Tourney

Chris Umscheid
February 16, 2023
Hillary Wilson goes up for two Saturday, Feb. 11 in a Class 3A Regional quarterfinal game against Fairfield. Wilson had seven points in a 75-31 win. More photos: Page 9A.

Lady Spartans roll over Independence and Fairfield

Chris Umscheid
February 16, 2023
Grace Ehlinger hugs her mother Jessie as she is overcome with emotion as her father Sgt. 1st Class Travis Ehlinger was a surprise Zoom guest during a special Wear RED (Remember Everyone Deployed) Friday event Feb. 10 at the Solon Intermediate School.

An extra special RED Friday at the SIS

Chris Umscheid
February 16, 2023
Jordan Schmidt looks for the pin against Midland’s Shayden Hansen in a 132-pound match Thursday, Feb. 2 in the Solon Duals. Schmidt won by fall in 1:57.

Spartans go 4-0 to win home duals meet

Chris Umscheid
February 9, 2023

We need a little help

Chris Umscheid
February 9, 2023
The Lady Spartans celebrate a 50-49 win over Mount Vernon Friday, Feb. 3. It was the second win over their rival this season and sealed the WaMaC East Championship.

Lady Spartans survive Mt. Vernon in last seconds nail-biter, claim WaMaC East crown

Chris Umscheid
February 9, 2023
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