The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist

Chris Umscheid, Editor

Chris Umscheid is the editor of the Solon Economist.

All content by Chris Umscheid
(From left) Jadlyn Huynh (Agnes/Pirate 1), Abby Kramer (Pirate), Merrick Gravert (Morgan Bluebeard), Evann Freerks (Princess Maria), Natalie Arthur (Jackie Bluebeard), and MacKenna Kramer (Pirate) rehearse a scene from The Pirate Sisters and the Bounty for Bluebeard, this year’s spring play at Solon High School. The curtain goes up Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9 in the Center for the Arts.

YO HO!

Chris Umscheid, Editor
February 27, 2025

Legion Fish Fry’s start Friday, March 7

Chris Umscheid, Editor
February 26, 2025
Contributed photo

Lions, a puppy, and a mission

Chris Umscheid, Editor
February 21, 2025
Quinn Armentrout (10) gets a little help with her three-point attempt from some young fans as Assumption’s Gabby Stoffregen (1) watches with concern in Saturday’s Class 3A Region 1 Quarterfinals game in Solon. The Lady Spartans topped the Knights 51-39 to face Mt. Vernon Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the Mustangs’ stable.

[Photo] Lady Spartans prevail over Knights in 3A Regional quarterfinals

Kyle Prondzinki, For the Solon Economist
February 21, 2025
Jackson Link (35) gets a little help with a three-point shot from some enthusiastic young Spartans Friday, Feb. 7 at home against Independence. Link was among nine seniors recognized on Senior Night.

[Photo] Spartans cruise to victory on Senior Night

Kyle T. Prondzinski
February 12, 2025
Kobi Lietz, the only senior on the Lady Spartans’ roster this season, puts up a two point shot as Independence’s Addison Lange attempts to block Friday, Feb. 7 on Senior Night.

[Photo] Lietz shines on Senior Night

Kyle T. Prondzinski
February 12, 2025

Cedar Rapids man recovered from Lake Macbride Saturday morning

Emma Jane and Chris Umscheid
February 12, 2025
Brian West (145), and Brian Bierman (155) negotiate a sharp and steep downhill turn during the sixth annual Fat Tire Classic bike race at Lake Macbride State Park Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. This year’s event, raising money for the Solon Centennial Lions Club, will be held Saturday morning starting at the Lake Macbride Golf Course and winding through and around Lake Macbride State Park.

[Photo] 8th annual Lake Macbride Fat Tire Classic is Saturday

February 5, 2025

An opportunity easily overlooked

Chris Umscheid, Editor
February 5, 2025
Lucy Miller battles Mid-Prairie’s Emmerson Moore in a 135-pound semifinal match Friday, Jan. 31, in a Class 1A Regional Tournament in Solon. Miller pinned Moore in 4:37.

[Photo] Lady Spartan wrestlers take 2nd at Regional Tourney, send four to State

February 5, 2025
Maddox Kelley (11) puts up a two-point shot under pressure from CPU’s Lucas Lopata to beat the buzzer at the end of the third period Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Solon. The Spartans outlasted the Stormin’ Pointers 67-63 in double overtime with nine points from Kelley.

[Photo] Spartans prevail over rival CPU in 2 OT thriller

Jonah Frey, For the Solon Economist
February 5, 2025
Jerzey Haluska (24) battles for a rebound as CPU Stormin’ Pointers and Quinn Armentrout (10) join in the fray Tuesday, Jan. 28 at home. The Pointers outlasted the Spartans 57-53 (with ten points from Haluska) to improve to 11-5 on the season while dropping the Lady Spartans to 8-8.

[Photo] Lady Spartan hoops’ comeback attempt falls short vs CPU

Joel Kellar, Reporter
February 5, 2025
Jordan Schmidt tries to pin Beckman Catholic’s Shawn Brunsman in the 144-pound match Thursday, Jan. 30. Schmidt settled for a 16-1 technical fall in 5:37 as the Spartans dominated the Blazers 74-4 in a night of dual meets.

[Photo] Spartan boys’ wrestlers get the sweep in home quad meet

Kyle Prondzinki, For the Solon Economist
February 5, 2025
Participants in the Solon Optimist Club’s and Knights of Columbus’ annual basketball events pose with their trophies, plaques, and certificates Sunday, Jan. 26, in the gym of the Solon Community Center.

Putting their basketball skills to the test

Chris Umscheid, Editor
January 30, 2025
Sophomore Maddox Kelley (11) draws a foul from Mount Vernon sophomore Seth Rushford (33) in the second half of the varsity game Friday, Jan. 24 against Mount Vernon. The Spartans improved to 9-4 with a 58-41 upset of the Mustangs, who dipped to 11-3.

[Photo] Spartans’ hoops extends winning streak to six upsetting Mount Vernon

Joel Kellar, Reporter
January 30, 2025
Freshman Beckett Kruse (32) is fouled by Mount Vernon freshman Quinn Pershing 4) in varsity action Friday, Jan. 24. The No. 1-ranked Mustangs rolled past the Lady Spartans 57-33.

[Photo] Lady Spartans unable to knock off top-ranked Mount Vernon

Joel Kellar, Reporter
January 30, 2025
McKenna Rogers takes down Mount Vernon’s Kiersten Swart in the 110-pound match Thursday, Jan. 23 at home. Swart and Rogers battled through nearly the full three periods before Swart got the advantage over Rogers, pinning her in 5:51. Mount Vernon took the dual meet 49-27.

[Photo] Lady Spartans wrestlers fall to rival Mustangs

Joel Kellar, Reporter
January 30, 2025
Charlie Karam goes for the pin against Mount Vernon’s Chasen Caskey in the 138-pound match Thursday, Jan. 23 at home. Karam won by technical fall, 16-0, in 4:03.

[Photo] Spartan Wrestling unable to take down Mount Vernon

Joel Kellar, Reporter
January 30, 2025
A popular option for weight loss has come to Solon

A popular option for weight loss has come to Solon

Chris Umscheid, Editor
January 16, 2025
Jayden Steapp pins South Tama’s Henri Martinez-Alvarado in a 120 pound match Thursday, Jan. 9 at Marion HS. Steapp got the pin in 40 seconds.

Spartans sweep Trojans and Wolves in Marion double dual

Chris Umscheid, Editor
January 16, 2025
Olivia Bonnema looks for the pin in a 145 pound match against Marion’s Kaelynne Blood Thursday, Jan. 9 at Marion HS. Bonnema pinned Blood in 30 seconds to go 2-0 on the night.

Lady Spartans drop two on Marion’s mats

Chris Umscheid, Editor
January 16, 2025
Hugh makes a slam dunk during an adaptive basketball session Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Solon Community Center. Adaptive sports programming is becoming more popular in Solon and makes it possible for children with a variety of challenges to enjoy sports activities.

Because everybody deserves a chance to play

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 18, 2024
Tru Donovan talks with Santa Claus as Dulce (left) and Dante look on. The Donovan family was among the many who came to see Jolly old St. Nick at the Solon Fire Department last Friday evening. Mr. Kringle set aside his duties at the North Pole to help SHS seniors Rose McAtee and Ella Havlicek in their quest to raise food donations for the Solon Community Food Pantry.

A request Santa Claus couldn’t refuse

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 18, 2024
Solon Middle School 7th grade student RJ Smalley presents balloons, a T-shirt, and a small scale replica of the leg lamp from the 1983 comedy movie “A Christmas Story” to Principal Mike Herdliska as the students and staff celebrate an “Exceptional” rating from the Iowa Department of Education for the 2023-2024 school year Friday, Dec. 13.

One of the best

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 18, 2024

Solon Middle School students receive musical honors

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 18, 2024
(From left) Fr. Charles Fladung, Patti Montgomery Mullnix (President, Solon American Legion Auxiliary), Kevin Hayes, Linda Linderbaum (Secretary, Solon American Legion Auxiliary), Bill Wieland, John Donatelli, Al Wieskamp (Grand Knight, Council 12129), and Doug “Doc” Thompson pose with a $600 check the Solon Knights of Columbus presented to the Solon American Legion Auxiliary to help eastern Iowa’s veterans in need.

[Photo] City Council Highlights from Dec. 4 meeting

Solon Economist
December 11, 2024

Christmas comes early for needy veterans

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 11, 2024
The Solon United Methodist Church will host the annual Christmas Tree Walk this Saturday (Dec. 7), in the Family Life Center. This year’s event is sponsored in part by the Solon Recreation Dept. and the Solon Economic Development Group along with volunteers from the Methodist Church.

[Photo] The big event is this Saturday!

December 3, 2024
Solon cross country Coach Emy Williams embraces Sydney Dee during the award presentations at the 3A Regional Meet in October. Williams was named as one of five Class 3A At-Large Coach of Year recipients by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches.

[Photo] IATC announces Class 3A AllState girls cross country honors

December 3, 2024
The Solon United Methodist Church will host the annual Christmas Tree Walk Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Family Life Center. This year’s event is sponsored in part by the Solon Recreation Dept. and the Solon Economic Development Group along with volunteers from the Methodist Church.

[Photo] The Season is upon us

Solon Economist
November 27, 2024
The 4th annual Holiday Lights at the Lake, a mile-long display of lighted features, is now open and runs through New Years Eve at the West Overlook Campground in Iowa City to benefit The Bird House Hospice House of Johnson County.

[Photo] Lights that Give Life to Days; Local community volunteers present Holiday Lights at the Lake

Holiday Lights at the Lake Committee
November 27, 2024
Lawsin Sinnwell gets up after pinning Williamsburg’s Sawyer Kirby in a varsity 144-pound match Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at home.

[Photo] Solon Wrestling ready for another successful season under veteran leadership

Kyle Prondzinski
November 20, 2024
Kendall Jensen battles West Delaware’s Parker Robinson in a 155-pound match Thursday, Jan. 11. Robinson soured Senior Night for Jensen by pinning the Solon senior in 5:04

[Photo] Solon girls’ wrestling gears up for promising season with depth, talent, and growth

Kyle Prondzinski, Solon Economist
November 20, 2024
Austin Knight puts up two points against Marion Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at home.

[Photo] A new crop of seniors leads the way for Spartan basketball

November 20, 2024
The Lady Spartans take the floor for the second half of the Class 3A Championship Game Friday, March 1, 2024, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Solon defeated Estherville-Lincoln Central 54-47 for their first 3A State Championship, and the first since 1998 (2A).

[Photo] New team, same expectations for Lady Spartan Hoops

Joel Kellar, Solon Economist
November 20, 2024
Grace Erwin

[Photo] Grace Erwin named to IGCA volleyball teams

Solon Economist
November 20, 2024
Board Member Cassie Rochholz (at right) congratulates Megan Laing on her appointment to the Solon Community School District Board of Directors. Laing was approved by the Board on a 4-0 vote Monday night to fill the vacancy created when Jami Wolf resigned due to moving out of the district.

Megan Laing appointed to SCSD Board of Directors

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
November 20, 2024
Elaine Claude, Director of the Solon Food Pantry, organizes a shelf in the Pantry, which continues to see an increase in requests for assistance.

Filling bellies and trying to keep shelves filled

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
November 12, 2024
Maddox and Youth Services Librarian Lily watch a stop motion video featuring Play-Doh™ monsters during the weekly BAM POW afterschool get-together at the Solon Public Library last Thursday.

Making monsters and movies

Chris Umscheid, Editor
November 7, 2024
Grace Erwin named to WaMaC East First Team.

[Photo] All-Conference honors for four Lady Spartans

November 7, 2024
Solon senior Grace Hoeper (shown here in the varsity 100-yard backstroke against Iowa City West High/Liberty High) was named the Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Division Swimmer of the Year.

[Photo] Grace Hoeper named MVC Valley Div. Swimmer of the Year

Solon Economist
November 7, 2024
left: Jozie Lahr goes up for a kill attempt during a Class 3A Regional Semifinal match at home against Monticello last Thursday.

The season ends for the Lady Spartans

Chris Umscheid, Editor
October 31, 2024
Freshman Anders Holmes leads a pack of runners in the Class 3A State Qualifier Meet last Wednesday at the SRNA. Holmes’ 15th-place finish in 17:05.6

[Photo] Solon freshman phenom qualifies for State

Jonah Frey
October 31, 2024
The cast of “The Lightning Thief” rehearses a scene. The fall musical, presented by the Solon High School Drama Department, takes the stage this weekend for two shows Saturday, Nov. 2 and one Sunday, Nov. 3 and stars Brady Evers (standing) as Percy Jackson.

Catch “The Lightning Thief” this weekend!

Chris Umscheid, Editor
October 31, 2024
Halloween was the spirit theme for the Solon High School student section Friday, October 18 on Senior Night.

[Photo] Halloween comes early to Solon

October 23, 2024
Solon Senior Support is hosting a “Senior Coffee Group” Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Solon Methodist Church.

An opportunity for coffee and conversation

Chris Umscheid, Editor
October 23, 2024
With Lucas Feuerbach (72, at left), Grant Wilson (55), Teague Williams (16), Owen Grimm (50), and Jackson Feuerbach (60) doing their jobs, it’s smooth sailing for Eddie Johnson (10) as he scampers downfield against Fairfield on Senior Night. Johnson, a senior, scored three touchdowns including a 95-yard dash to score.

[Photo] Spartans find redemption on Senior Night

Kyle T. Prondzinki
October 23, 2024
Grace Erwin (4) puts the ball over in action against Mount Vernon during last Thursday’s WaMaC Tournament at Marion High School. The archrival Mustangs beat Solon 2-0.

[Photo] Lady Spartans go 2-1 in WaMaC Tournament postseason play this week

Solon Economist
October 23, 2024
The Solon High School Marching Band takes the field at Kingston Stadium in Cedar Rapids for the Iowa High School Music Association’s State Marching Band Festival hosted by Cedar Rapids Kennedy Saturday, October 12. 25 bands participated in the event including eight from the WaMaC conference.

Exploring the elements of nature musically

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
October 16, 2024
Lewis Ekroth (479) and Sam Ekroth (480), from Solon dash through an S-curve at the SRNA Saturday morning during the third annual Bone Dash. The pair finished fourth and fifth in the 1-mile run, which raised funds for the Joining Hands Support Group for pediatric rheumatology patients at the U of I Stead Family Children’s Hospital.

Dashing for Kids

Chris Umscheid, Editor
October 9, 2024
Solon senior Grace Hoeper won the varsity 100-yard backstroke last Tuesday as Iowa City High met Iowa City West High/Liberty High in the annual crosstown rivalry meet. Hoeper also won the 50-yard freestyle.

Little Hawks fall to Trojan-Bolts in crosstown rivalry meet

Chris Umscheid, Editor
October 9, 2024
Alexis Kurth, Adult Services Librarian, installs a child safety seat in the backseat of a vehicle during a car seat safety inspection event Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Solon Public Library. Kurth and former Solon staffer Cassi Elton helped participants figure out the maze of straps, buckles, and clips to ensure proper use of the seats.

Close isn’t enough, it has to be right

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
October 2, 2024
Rucking through Solon for vets

Rucking through Solon for vets

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 25, 2024
Solon senior Grace Hoeper won the varsity 200-yard IM and the 500-yard Freestyle events last Tuesday at Cedar Rapids Washington High School, easily out-pacing the field and besting the state qualifying times in both.

Hoeper smokes the field in 200 IM and 500 Freestyle but CR Wash tops City High

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
September 25, 2024
Eli Kampman (7) attempts to break up a pass intended for Mount Vernon’s Watson Krob (1) this past Friday at home on Armed Forces Night. The Spartans held off their archrivals for a 7-6 win to remain undefeated at 4-0 on the season ahead of the start of district play this week.

[Photo] Spartans survive late charge by Mustangs

September 25, 2024
The sophomore football team carries a 35’ American Flag (on loan from the Cedar Rapids Fire Department) along the sideline as pregame ceremonies for Armed Forces Night are about to get underway this past Friday during the Mount Vernon vs. Solon varsity football game.

[Photo] Armed Forces Night

September 25, 2024

A new season and a new career too?

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 19, 2024
Gable Knight (10) slams the ball back to the Vikettes in varsity action at home last Thursday.

Lady Spartans sweep Vikettes 3-0

Chris Umscheid
September 19, 2024
Mabel Kremer takes Finn for a fast ride in the gym at the Solon Community Center as the September Fun For All Night gets underway. The free monthly event gives kids an hour to burn off energy before settling in for a movie.

Bringing the fun indoors

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 18, 2024
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 for last year’s Armed Forces Night. This year active duty military personnel and veterans will be honored Friday, Sept. 20 at the Mount Vernon vs. Solon football game in Spartan Stadium.

[Photo] Solon High School hosts Armed Forces Night this Friday

September 19, 2024
Doug “Doc” Thompson and Solon Firefighter Daylan Tompkins lead the way on a 2.2-mile ruck (walk/march) through Solon last September to raise awareness of the issue of veteran suicide. The event also raised nearly $3k for Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience, an all-volunteer group who host events for veterans. This year’s event is set for Saturday, Sept. 21.

A walk to save lives

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 11, 2024

Fall is the ideal time for a furnace check up

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 11, 2024

Geothermal — a customizable alternative to high utility bills

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 11, 2024
Sophomore Maddox Kelley (4) sails toward the soft new turf after being tripped up by an Assumption defender this past Friday in the varsity season opener.

[Photo] Spartan football dominates Assumption 33-7 in season opener

Joel Kellar, Reporter
September 5, 2024
Freshman Kinley Mai and senior Sydney Dee each ran 21:16.8 with Dee being declared the third place finisher and Mai 4th in the girls race Saturday morning at the Anamosa Middle School for the Anamosa meet while the Lady Spartans edged out Washington for the team title.

[Photo] Newcomers help varsity cross teams to fast start in Anamosa

Mike Kabela
September 5, 2024
Christian Brauns, new Teen Services Librarian at the Solon Public Library, is charged with creating programming for Solon students from 6th-12th grade and curating book collections appropriate to their age groups and interests.

Making the Library a place for tweens and teens

Chris Umscheid, Editor
September 5, 2024
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