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
The Lady Spartans swarm Keegan Kleppe (18) after she scored the winning run in a 3A Regional Championship against Center Point-Urbana. Laeni Hinkle drove in Kleppe in the bottom of the 7th inning breaking a 3-3 tie and sending Solon to the State Tournament for the first time since 2016.

[Photo] Solid defense and a pair of seasoned seniors to drive Lady Spartans’ quest to return to Fort Dodge

Solon Economist
May 21, 2025
Maddox Kelley, a freshman last season, makes a tag at second base in game one of a home doubleheader against Independence Thursday, May 23, 2024. Kelley returns to the line-up as an infielder and pitcher with a .333 batting average with ten doubles, one home run, and 14 stolen bases.

[Photo] Experience on the mound and a good nucleus to lead Spartans

Solon Economist
May 21, 2025
The Solon Mariachi Band returns to the Music on Main Street concert series Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. on the Mainstreet stage in downtown Solon. This year’s concerts begin with a Memorial Day morning concert of patriotic music by Iowa Brass Monday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m.

[Photo] Music on Mainstreet is back for another season

May 21, 2025
Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 member Bill Meyer salutes during the 2024 Memorial Day ceremony at the all veterans memorial site in Solon.

[Photo] Public and veterans invited to Memorial Day services

Denny Hansen, Sgt. at Arms, American Legion Stinocher Post 460
May 21, 2025
Solon’s Gene Greazel was among nearly 90 local veterans who spent last Wednesday touring war memorials in Washington, D.C. on the 55th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. The flight returned to the Eastern Iowa Airport (Cedar Rapids) around 10:00 p.m. where the veterans were greeted by family, friends, and hundreds of supporters.

A full day

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
May 21, 2025
Olivia Bonnema’s Oxford cap signals her readiness to begin a new chapter in life with Solon High School literally behind her as she heads for her seat during the processional of the 2025 Commencement ceremony Sunday, May 18, in Spartan Stadium.

‘You are standing at the edge of your future’

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
May 21, 2025
SFD

[Photo] Solon firefighters breakfast is May 25

May 14, 2025
Kobi Lietz crosses the finish line in the 800-meter sprint medley relay Thursday, May 8 in the WaMaC Super Meet at Mt. Vernon HS

[Photo] A challenging day, but with some bright spots

May 14, 2025
ucker Spence celebrates his equalizing goal with 27:30 left in the first half of a varsity match against rival Mount Vernon Saturday, May 10, as Ethan Ulch (2) congratulates him. The Spartans and Mustangs ended in a 2-2 tie.

[Photo] Spartans and Mustangs battle to a draw

May 14, 2025
Junior keeper Gable Knight punches the ball away from the goal for a save Saturday, May 10, in Solon.

[Photo] Lady Spartans knock off rival Mustangs

May 14, 2025
Senior Rose McAtee scored four goals for Solon in a 9-0 shutout of the Benton Community Bobcats Tuesday, April 28, at home.

[Photo] Lady Spartans dominate Bobcats, tie with Clippers

Solon Economist
May 6, 2025
Above: Griffin Spence (18), a freshman, threads the needle between a pair of Bobcat defenders on his way toward the goal Tuesday, April 29 at home.

[Photo] Spartans fall to Bobcats

Solon Economist
May 6, 2025
Rudy, the JCSO’s Crisis Response Canine, gets to know Guillermo Romano-Ibarra and Veronica Stafford, both of Solon, during an open house this past Saturday at the Solon substation located at 223 S. Iowa St. Rudy, the JCSO’s Crisis Response Canine, was the center of attention during an open house this past Saturday at the Solon substation located at 223 S. Iowa St.

Rudy steals the show

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
May 6, 2025
Senior Cole Carney leaves the blocks for the first leg of the sprint medley relay Tuesday, April 22 in Solon’s Denny Gruber Co-Ed Relays. Carney, junior Brady White, senior Evan Burg, and junior Eli Kampman not only won the event in 1:37.38 but also set a new meet record in the process. The previous time of 1:37.63 was set by Solon in 2023.

[Photo] Spartan’s Track and Field break meet record at Denny Gruber Relays victory

Abbey Ballauer, For the Solon Economist
April 30, 2025
Layla Shipley sails over the bar in the early stages of the high jump Tuesday, April 22, in Solon’s Denny Gruber Co-Ed Relays. Shipley paced fifth in a three-way tie at 4’-8”.

[Photo] Lady Spartans shine at Denny Gruber Relays

Abbey Ballauer, For the Solon Economist
April 30, 2025
A great day to be a kid in Solon

A great day to be a kid in Solon

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
April 24, 2025

‘They’re scheming already’

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
April 24, 2025
One of the first groups to tackle the 2023 Spartan Dash leaves the starting line in front of the Timber Dome at the SRNA. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lakeview Elementary and Solon Intermediate School PTOs and will be held Saturday, April 26

[Photo] Spartan Dash 2025 is next Saturday, April 26

Nicole Rodriguez, The Spartan Dash Team
April 15, 2025
Solon golfer Sydney Dee

[Photo] Solon’s Lady Spartans will spend spring at Saddleback

Madeleine Willis, For the Solon Economist
April 3, 2025
Solon Beef Days Herky stands guard over a group of bikes during the Big Rove bike ride last July. Cyclists departed from Big Grove in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and met at Big Grove in Solon during one of several bike rides passing through the community. The Iowa Dept. of Health and Human Services says cycling and trails generate $1.4 billion for the state’s economy.

[Photo] Cycling and trails generate $1.4 billion for Iowa’s economy

March 26, 2025
Addi Greene (7), a senior this season, put up a dozen goals last season for the Lady Spartans.

[Photo] Returning experience and leadership are keys to a great season

Solon Economist
March 26, 2025
Ryan Locke (33), a junior this season, led the Spartans in goals with 11 last year.

[Photo] A new season dawns for the Spartans

Solon Economist
March 26, 2025

Coming soon — Vision Center P.C. brings comprehensive eyecare to Solon with a familiar face

Chris Umscheid, Editor
March 19, 2025
Soaring with the Eagles: A spotlight on Solon’s Eagle Scouts

Soaring with the Eagles: A spotlight on Solon’s Eagle Scouts

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
March 11, 2025
Big Grove Brewery’s Dacey Johnson, Marketing & Event Manager at Big Grove Brewery (at left) and Katie Neuzil, Store Director, Big Grove Solon, provide a little flair as they introduce Big Grove’s newest brew, Neighborhood Beer, and the chainsaw the Solon Fire Dept. was able to purchase as the first recipient of a $1k donation by Big Grove through their Neighborhood Beer Micro-Grant Program. Proceeds from every case sold will be reinvested into the Big Grove for Good Foundation, providing grants for community organizations and projects.

Big Grove Brewery launches a beer that gives back

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
March 5, 2025
Bryan Benjamin (far left) of McClure Engineering and Brad Freidhof (middle), then the Johnson County Conservation’s Program Manager, answer questions about extending the Hoover Trail to Solon during a 2015 public information gathering in the Solon City Hall. Freidhof has been named Executive Director of Johnson County Conservation succeeding the late Larry Gullett.

[Photo] Brad Freidhof named Johnson County Conservation Director, succeeding Larry Gullett

Emma Jane, For the Solon Economist
March 5, 2025
Nico Olsem (middle front), Solon Intermediate School 4th and 5th graders, and Solon Middle School 6th graders dance to the tunes spun by “DJ Curtis (SMS teacher Curtis Hendrickson)” during a mini-dance marathon last Friday afternoon. SMS students organized to raise money for two area families battling cancer. .

Happy feet and helping hands

Chris Umscheid, Solon Economist
March 5, 2025
(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 27, 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 19, 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 19, 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 19, 2024

Solon Middle School students receive musical honors

Chris Umscheid, Editor
December 19, 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 21, 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 21, 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 21, 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
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