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]
Sean Stahle (1) and Oaken Foster (21) were recognized in a pregame ceremony on Senior Night Friday, Feb. 3.

Spartans roll Hawks and Mustangs for season sweeps

Chris Umscheid
February 9, 2023
Nora Dibble

Pet supply drive to benefit Iowa City Animal Shelter

Chris Umscheid
February 2, 2023
Callie Levin battles a Marion Wolf for the ball on a rebound late in the fourth period Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Marion High School. Levin led with 16 points in a 58-49 win.

Lady Spartans tame the Wolves and roll over the Regals

Chris Umscheid
February 2, 2023
Addi Scheib practices her shooting skills prior to the start of the 2023 Optimist Club of Solon Tri-Star Basketball Contests Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Solon Community Center. For more photos, turn to page 12A.

Hot hoops fun on a cold day

Chris Umscheid
February 2, 2023
Marion’s Alex Mota (13) tries to block a layup by Sean Stahle (1) in varsity action Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Marion High School. The No.3-ranked Wolves topped the Spartans 68-58 with 11 points from Stahle.

Spartans fall to Wolves, top Regals

Chris Umscheid
February 2, 2023
The Spartans congratulate Kyler Jessup on his win by fall (in 1:56) over Mt. Vernon’s Drew Thurn Thursday, Jan. 19 on Senior Night.

Spartan wrestlers fall to rival Mustangs, place eighth at Herb Irgens Invitational

Chris Umscheid
January 26, 2023
Addison Burden flips Mount Vernon’s Gracie Pickney in a 145-pound match up Thursday, Jan. 19 on Senior Night.

Lady Spartans pin the Mustangs twice, celebrate Senior Night

Chris Umscheid
January 26, 2023
Levy chart

March bond referendum for Solon schools is green-lighted

Chris Umscheid
January 26, 2023
Charlie Karam won by technical fall (TF-1.5 5:33 (15-0)) over Vinton-Shellsburg’s Landon Osborn in the first round of the Ed Hadenfeldt Invitational Saturday, Jan. 14.

Spartan wrestlers ninth in annual Ed Hadenfeldt Tournament

Chris Umscheid
January 19, 2023
Pat Swancutt, Levi Swancutt, Colton Meade, and Kelsey Swancutt provide encouragement to Emmett Swancutt (not pictured) as he wrestles Draven Kelley (Keokuk Kids Club) during the Super Peewee portion of Solon’s Youth Wrestling Tournament Sunday, Jan. 15.

The future of wrestling in Solon takes to the mats

Chris Umscheid
January 19, 2023
Aaron Schultz uses a soft brush to scrub the gravestone of Leonard Stahle in the Oakland Cemetery west of Solon. Schultz has been volunteering his time to clean veterans’ graves and uses the same materials and techniques as are used in national cemeteries.

Editor’s picks

Chris Umscheid
January 12, 2023
Ryan Bilskie and fellow Solon High School Archery Team members take aim during a tournament Sunday, Jan. 8 at the high school.

On target

Chris Umscheid
January 12, 2023
The Lady Spartans, and fans, celebrate a 36-35 win over No.2-ranked Benton Community Friday, Jan. 6.

A big win!

Chris Umscheid
January 12, 2023
A balloon drop at high noon capped off a Noon Year’s Eve event Saturday, Dec. 31 at the Solon Public Library.

Ringing in the new year for the kiddos

Chris Umscheid
January 5, 2023
Chris Mensen, a 2005 Solon HS grad, led his Simley HS (MN) Spartans to a 2022 Class 4A State Championship.

Spartan grad leads his own Spartans to State Championship

Chris Umscheid
December 29, 2022
Amanda Stahle and Lori Stebral showcase the array of desserts available at the Solon Dollars for Scholars Gala and Auction. The annual event was held at the Celebration Barn Nov. 5 and raised over $100,000 for scholarships for Solon High School graduates going on to a college or university. Next year’s gala is set for Saturday, October 28.

Hope for every student

Chris Umscheid
December 29, 2022
Addie Martinez

Being a ‘Big’ can change your life, and the life of a child

Chris Umscheid
December 29, 2022
Jake Benzing (15) led Solon with 26 points against Marion and had 15 against CCA.

Spartans sink the Clippers, fall prey to the Wolves

Chris Umscheid
December 22, 2022
Trea Eidahl, a freshman, launches the second of two free throws to tie the JV game 51-51 with 25 seconds remaining Friday, Dec. 16 at home against Marion. The JV Lady Spartans won 53-51.

Lady Spartans fall to Clippers, roll past Wolves

Chris Umscheid
December 22, 2022
Lily Smith

A love for libraries and the community

Chris Umscheid
December 22, 2022
Hailey Miller smiles as she enters the floor during pregame introductions Friday, Dec. 9 at home against CPU. A junior, Miller led all with 26 points against Vinton-Shellsburg and had an eight-point night against the Stormin’ Pointers.

Lady Spartans top Vikettes, upset Stormin’ Pointers

Chris Umscheid
December 15, 2022
Not everybody was thrilled to see Santa Claus during his recent visits to Solon. Here, Kassidy Miller, all of three years old, sought the safety and comfort of her mom’s arms rather than face the Jolly Old Elf at the Solon State Bank.

Santa Claus visits Solon

Chris Umscheid
December 15, 2022
Sean Stahle (1) meets Vinton-Shellsburg’s Cameron Dunbar at midcourt Tuesday, Dec. 6 during introductions before the varsity game. Solon won the WaMaC East vs. WaMaC West contest 62-26 with a team high 13 points from Stahle.

Spartans roll over Vikings, fall to Stormin’ Pointers

Chris Umscheid
December 15, 2022
The Iowa Brass Band, with the Solon Community Choir, hosted a Christmas Concert Sunday, Dec. 11 in the Solon Community Center auditorium.

The sounds of the season

Chris Umscheid
December 15, 2022

Petition drive underway for school bond vote

Chris Umscheid
December 15, 2022
Bowen Weary scampers for safety with dad Austin as Mrs. Claus, Renley Weary, Santa Claus, and Ellaria Weary pose for a photo Saturday, Dec. 3 during the seventh annual Christmas Tree Walk and Festival at the Solon Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. Bowen eventually joined his sisters for a Christmas portrait with the Jolly Old Elf.

Annual Christmas Tree Walk rings in the sights of the season

Chris Umscheid
December 8, 2022
Solon HS senior Ryan Bilskie tells the district’s board of education about his experiences with Kirkwood’s academy programs, and the benefits he’s gained in terms of future career goals and employability. Bilskie and freshman Tucker Spence addressed the board during the Tuesday, Nov. 15 regular meeting.

Charting their own educational paths

Chris Umscheid
December 8, 2022
Nodaway Valley’s Annika Nelson (11) fouls Mia Stahle (10) in the first period of a non-conference varsity game Nov. 26 at home.

Lady Spartans dominate Wolverines

Chris Umscheid
December 1, 2022

Free breakfast returns to Solon Schools Dec. 1

Chris Umscheid
December 1, 2022
Jason Buffington, owner of Buff’s GAMEDAY said his goal was to compliment the growing downtown business community while filling a niche with a true sports bar.

Buff’s GAMEDAY provides a unique venue to downtown Solon

Chris Umscheid
December 1, 2022
Callie Levin gets foiled in mid-air while attempting a two-point shot in the first period of a non-conference varsity game Friday, Nov. 18 at home against Class 1A Martensdale-St. Mary’s. Levin led all with 25 points in a 65-40 win.

Lady Spartans open the season with a win

Chris Umscheid
November 24, 2022
Toby Kleinsmith, Haeley Ball, and Abby Kramer (team Four Horsemen) go through inspection Thursday, Nov. 17 before competing in a robotics tournament at the Solon Community Center. Not pictured – Sophia Miles.

Robots rise up!

Chris Umscheid
November 24, 2022
Air Force and Iowa Air National Guard veteran Dan Dall and American Legion Stinocher Post 460 Commander Adam Hopp salute during the playing of Taps during the annual Veterans Appreciation program Friday, Nov. 11 at the Solon High School.

Honoring all who have served

Chris Umscheid
November 17, 2022
Vlad (Jakob Bovenmyer) and Dmitry (Brady Evers) lift up Anya (Kerrigan Lyons) during a dress rehearsal for Anastasia.

Anastasia

Chris Umscheid
November 10, 2022
Melissa Ressler

Letters From the War

Chris Umscheid
November 10, 2022
Landon Shive (5) comforts Adam Smith (60) as the final minutes of the 2022 varsity football season come to a rain-soaked end in Mount Vernon. The Mustangs took their second win of the season over the Spartans 17-0 in a Class 3A Quarterfinal Nov. 4.

A soggy and sad end

Chris Umscheid
November 10, 2022

Push for a new community center gains support

Chris Umscheid
November 3, 2022
The sideline erupts as Brayden Ruskey scores a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of a 3A first round match up against West Delaware October 28 at home. Ruskey’s score made it 41-12 and Solon went on to win 42-18 to advance to the second round.

Spartans shut down Hawks in 3A first round

Chris Umscheid
November 3, 2022
Tiffany Halverson and LeAnn Hugeback (at right) look through Tiffany’s genealogy research after a brief ceremony honoring Joseph Kahout, a Civil War veteran buried in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Solon. Joseph’s sister is Tiffany’s 3rd great grandmother.

A quest to honor a veteran

Chris Umscheid
November 3, 2022
A young quarterback takes the snap on the final night of the Solon Parks & Recreation Dept. flag football season Monday, October 17 at the SRNA.

Final plays

Chris Umscheid
November 3, 2022
Kylee Flynn (6) and Izzy Frees (11) react as Yasmine Sell (5) makes a kill in the second set against Albia Wednesday, October 19 in a 3A Regional semifinal. The Lady Spartans went on to sweep the Blue Demons 3-0 to advance to the Regional final with a trip to the State Tournament on the line.

Lady Spartans sweep Blue Demons

Chris Umscheid
October 27, 2022
Zoey Struzynksi (left) and Ivy Elsasser handed out candy for the Solon Learning Academy.

Trunk or Treat brings Halloween joy to the SRNA

Chris Umscheid
October 27, 2022
The seniors pose for a group photo after wiping out Grinnell 51-7 on Senior Night, clenching the 3A District 5 Championship, and putting up their fifth-consecutive win.

District Champs!

Chris Umscheid
October 20, 2022
Kennedey Whitford makes a dig Monday, October 17 in a class 3A regional quarterfinal match against Williamsburg.

Lady Spartans sweep Raiders

Chris Umscheid
October 20, 2022
Superintendent Davis Eidahl provides an overview of the district’s facilities, needs, and possible projects that could be funded through a bond referendum next spring. Eidahl made his comments during a stakeholders meeting.

Bond vote likely next spring

Chris Umscheid
October 20, 2022
Mik Langenberg, Kylee Flynn, Delaney Bombei, Sophia Hoeper, and Brianna Kerkove were recognized Tuesday, October 4 on Senior Night.

Plenty to smile about on Senior Night for the Lady Spartans

Chris Umscheid
October 13, 2022
A young boy is applauded as he nears the finish line of the first Bone Dash 5k and Monster Mile event Saturday, October 8 at the SRNA. The event was a fundraiser for the Joining Hands Support Group for pediatric rheumatology patients at the University of Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Running for kids

Chris Umscheid
October 13, 2022
Grace Hoeper watches anxiously as City High teammate Saorise Miller swims the third leg of the varsity 200-yard freestyle relay Tuesday, Sept. 27 against Iowa City West High/Liberty High. Hoeper swam the fourth leg for a 2nd place finish in 1:46.62. The Solon sophomore won the 200 freestyle and 100 backstroke.

Trojan-Bolts sink the Little Hawks

Chris Umscheid
October 6, 2022
The Spartan Marching Band rallied the crowd along the parade route Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Highlights from Homecoming 2022

Chris Umscheid
October 6, 2022
Grace Fiala looks lovingly at her grandpa Terry before the 2022 Homecoming game Friday, Sept. 30. Terry Fiala was named Honorary Captain for the game.

Terry Fiala named Honorary Captain for Homecoming

Chris Umscheid
October 6, 2022
MJ Haege makes a catch during an intersquad scrimmage and practice session of the Kingfisher Lacrosse Club recently at the SRNA.

Solon is ‘the hub’ for lacrosse in the Corridor

Chris Umscheid
October 6, 2022
The varsity Spartans storm the field to take on the Washington (Iowa) Demons for the Homecoming game Friday, Sept. 30. Solon picked up their third consecutive win with a 44-0 shutout, the third of the season.

Spartans subdue the Demons in Homecoming win

Chris Umscheid
October 6, 2022
Bone Dash logo

Bone Dash to debut at the SRNA October 8

Chris Umscheid
September 29, 2022
Sophia Hoeper (10), Grace Erwin (4), Mik Langenberg (1), Kylee Klynn, Kennedey Whitford (2), Brianna Kerkove (7), Brynn Deike (12), and Delaney Bombei (9) take the floor before tangling with the Marion Wolves Tuesday, Sept. 20.

Lady Spartans fall 3-0 to the Wolves

Chris Umscheid
September 29, 2022
The historic St. Mary’s Catholic Literary and Social Club is now home to The Literary Hotel, shops, and apartments. Built in 1915, it sat vacant for approximately 15 years before undergoing two years of renovation work and is now open for business.

There’s room at the inn

Chris Umscheid
September 29, 2022
Delaney Bombei puts up one of her team high ten kills against Williamsburg. The Lady Spartans swept the Raiders 3-0.

Lady Spartans sweep Raiders

Chris Umscheid
September 22, 2022
Sandy Hanson celebrated her 88th birthday with friends and family Sunday, Sept. 18 at the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460.

One of Solon’s leading ladies turns 88

Chris Umscheid
September 22, 2022
Victorious Spartans run off the field Friday, Sept. 16 after snapping a two-game losing streak with a 35-10 win over Assumption Catholic (Davenport) at home.

25-10 victory for Solon

Chris Umscheid
September 22, 2022
Cade Schmidt (left) and Jacob Cecil battle for the ball Thursday, Sept. 8 during youth soccer at the SRNA.

Parks and Recreation Dept. launches youth soccer program

Chris Umscheid
September 15, 2022
Brayden Moore (25) and Austin Bell (44) try to keep a Williamsburg Raider out of the end zone Friday, Sept. 9 in Williamsburg. The Raiders handed the Spartans their second loss of the season.

Raiders hand Spartans a setback

Chris Umscheid and Chris Umscheid
September 15, 2022
KCRG TV 9’s latest CityCAM sits high atop the intersection of E. Main and Market St. (Hwy. 1), and is ideally located to capture spectacular sunsets in the western sky as well as monitoring weather conditions.

An eye in the sky

Chris Umscheid
September 15, 2022
The varsity Spartans storm onto the field Friday, Sept. 2 for the annual rivalry game against Mount Vernon. Solon had won the contest for 19 consecutive years but were denied their 20th victory as the Mustangs prevailed 17-14.

Mustangs end Spartans’ 19-year win streak

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022

First steps are the next steps for Solon’s senior/community center committee

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 and Mount Vernon American Legion Hahn Howard Post 480 members present the colors ahead of the annual rivalry game between the Spartans and Mustangs Friday, Sept. 2 in Solon.

Brothers in Arms

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022
Solon Assisted Living, located on the campus of the Solon Retirement Village, provides the right amount of care for each individual with the ability to address future needs should they arise.

Quality care tailored to the individual

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022
A pair of Spartans deftly move the Mustangs’ Brogan Meyer away from quarterback Conlan Poynton Friday, Sept. 2 in the freshman game. Mount Vernon won the game 53-13.

Spartan freshmen fall 53-13 to Mustangs

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022

Six wins in one week for Lady Spartans

Chris Umscheid
September 8, 2022

Comets fizzle as Spartans roll 42-0

Chris Umscheid
September 1, 2022
A small group discusses the possibility of a senior citizens center for Solon during a Friday, August 26 meeting at the Solon Public Library.

A senior center for Solon?

Chris Umscheid
September 1, 2022
Becky Hall

Expanding for a healthier and happier you

Chris Umscheid
September 1, 2022
Deputy Mark Moses and Sheriff Brad Kunkel talk outside the Solon High School. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its partnership with all of the school districts in the county to improve safety and response to critical incidents. For Moses and Kunkel, school safety is personal. Moses is a 1999 Solon grad while Kunkel is a Solon resident. Many of the staff have kids in schools served by the Sheriff’s Office as well.

Preparing for the worst

Chris Umscheid
August 25, 2022
Brett White takes the ball from quarterback Blake Timmons Friday, August 19 during a home scrimmage against Linn-Mar.

A big test before the season kicks off

Chris Umscheid
August 25, 2022
The Solon Area Community Foundation provides donations to projects across a wide spectrum of groups and organizations, and also provides funds to the City. LEFT: An example is the $25,000 the Foundation provided for construction of the Solon Public Library. RIGHT: The Solon Area Community Foundation has committed $30,000 toward construction of the new fire station, which is nearing completion.

The best-kept secret in Solon

Chris Umscheid
August 25, 2022
Pickleball paddles and a ball sit at the junction of basketball and pickleball courts in the Solon United Methodist Church’s Family Life Center. New permanent floor markings were recently installed providing for three pickleball courts plus a volleyball and basketball court.

Pickleball opportunities expand in Solon

Chris Umscheid
August 18, 2022
Coach Mikayla Long meets with her players between matches during an evening of scrimmages with West Branch Sunday, August 7. Long, a Solon alum, is in her first year as the head coach after previously serving as an assistant.

Led by one of their own

Chris Umscheid
August 18, 2022
Jack Neuzil tells how he made wooden dinosaurs and traveled to area schools during a Thursday, August 11 “Dinosaurs at Dusk” event at the Solon Public Library.

The Dinosaur Man

Chris Umscheid
August 18, 2022
Quarterback Blake Timmons reads the West Liberty Comets’ defense as he takes the snap while Michael Pipolo moves in behind him and senior Landon Hummel provides protection.

They’re hungry to get back to the UNI-Dome

Chris Umscheid
August 18, 2022
Natalie Feuerbach makes a bump Sunday, August 6 during Solon Parks and Recreation Dept. sand volleyball league play at the Solon Recreation and Nature Area.

Sand volleyball is underway in Solon

Chris Umscheid
August 11, 2022
Audrey takes payment for a dozen ears of locally grown sweet corn as Kyle Stahle (at left) looks on. Kyle, his family, and friends grew sweet corn for the first time this year after Dean Rebel announced he wouldn’t be planting any this season. They’ve been selling the corn for a few weeks now in front of the Dairy Queen.

In a sweet spot for sweet corn

Chris Umscheid
August 11, 2022
Grant (front) and Collin Bumsted run in the Be a Hunger Hero 5k race Saturday, August 6 on the Solon Recreation and Nature Area’s trails. Grant was third overall in 20:46.03 while Collin was fourth in 20:50.49.

Running to feed hungry kids

Chris Umscheid
August 11, 2022
Julia Steinbrech (left) and Rose McAtee hold their trophies from the Market Beef Show Wednesday, July 27 at the Johnson County Fair. Julia is a member of the Graham Champions 4-H club while Rose is a member of Macbride’s Pride 4-H club.

Local 4-H clubs collect trophies and ribbons at the Fair

Chris Umscheid
August 4, 2022
The Dynamic Duo

How are we doing?

Chris Umscheid
August 4, 2022
Alex Newkirk and Molly Callinan share friendly banter Wednesday, July 27 during their performance in the Music on Main concert series.

Solon is still his home

Chris Umscheid
August 4, 2022

Sexual abuse and exploitation charges filed against former coach

Chris Umscheid
August 4, 2022
Cai Brock watches the ball after successfully swatting it with the racket Wednesday, July 20 on the final day of the Solon Recreation Department’s tennis camp.

Putting the ‘fun’ in fundamentals

Chris Umscheid
July 28, 2022
Breckon Holub nears the end of his run in the Kiddie Tractor Pull Friday, July 15 during the 2022 Solon Beef Days.

Fun and competition in abundance in the Beef Days Kid’s Corner

Chris Umscheid
July 28, 2022
The Music on Main concert series continued Wednesday, July 20 as Brock Family Music presented The Future Stars of Solon.

Future stars shine bright in Solon

Chris Umscheid
July 28, 2022
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460’s Color Guard led the 2022 Beef Days Parade Saturday, July 16.

A new route, but many old favorites in the Beef Days Parade

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
Solon firefighter Greg Morris washes the front of Engine 132 Saturday, July 16 in preparation for the annual Beef Days Parade.

Wash and go

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
The Solon Optimist Club brought back their popular Bingo games to Beef Days after a pandemic-induced hiatus.

Optimists’ Bingo returns to Beef Days

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
Adeda Knox, from Waucoma, Iowa, leads Alycia Benischek (409), Hadley Karsjens, Kali Dobesh, and Elizabeth Dobesh, all from Tiffin, to the finish line of the Solon Beef Days 1-mile run Saturday, July 16.

Beef Days 1-mile and 5k runs fill the streets

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
Cliff Maier and Glen Erenberger assemble benches while a pair of city public works employees move on to their next task while assisting in the set up for the 2022 Solon Beef Days.

Too many hours to count

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
Justin Brosh gets ready to heave a bale up over a bar during the 2022 Solon Beef Days Hay Bale Toss held Friday, July 15.

Slinging bales while the sun sets

Chris Umscheid
July 21, 2022
Varsity softball players hug and console each other after a 7-6 loss (in extra innings) to Marion in the first round of regional competition Thursday, July 7.

Heartbreak

Chris Umscheid
July 14, 2022
The Solon City Council took up the issue of an ordinance allowing ATVs and UTVs to be driven on city streets at their Wednesday, July 6 meeting. Three readings will follow with the ordinance expected to go into effect late next month.

ATV/UTV ordinance for Solon expected late next month

Chris Umscheid
July 14, 2022
Brett White (28) consoles Colin Werner after Werner struck out for the final out of a Class 3A substate quarterfinal game against Maquoketa Saturday, July 9 at home. The Cardinals defeated the Spartans 7-5. White was named to both IABaseball.com and the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 4A All-State 1st Teams.

Cardinals end Spartans’ season

Chris Umscheid
July 14, 2022
Gehrig Turner celebrates a two-run dinger in the first inning of game one against Clear Creek Amana Monday, June 27 in Tiffin. Turner hit two homers and drove in four runs in an 8-6 win.

Spartans split with CCA, fall to Marion

Chris Umscheid
July 7, 2022
Meghan O’Neill, Addison Schlote, Ava Stebral, Tiffany Primmer, Carly Ellison, and Camryn Keith were honored on Senior Night Wednesday, June 29 between games of a doubleheader against Marion.

Lady Spartans split with Wolves on Senior Night

Chris Umscheid
July 7, 2022
The sun rises behind one of 256 flags placed by the Solon Optimist Club, the Solon Centennial Lions Club, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop 120, and other volunteers for the Optimists’ Avenue of Flags program. The flags were placed at dawn and removed at dusk.

By dawn’s early light

Chris Umscheid
July 7, 2022
Chase Samek unpacks and assembles his steel guitar. Chase, the son of Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Kevin Samek, has immersed himself in performing classic country and western music.

A family tradition, sort-of

Chris Umscheid
July 7, 2022
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