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
Barbie Johnson performs with Sugar & Spice on the Main Street stage Friday, July 18 to kick off the live entertainment for Solon Beef Days.

[Photo] Music of Beef Days

July 23, 2025
Norm ‘Squirrel’ Ziskovsky is as much a Solon Beef Days tradition as the steak he grills for the weekend’s steak sandwiches. Ziskovsky started grilling for Beef Days in 1976 has been a mainstay ever since grilling over 300 tons of meat for the hungry masses.

[Photo] A Beef Days photographic smorgasbord

July 23, 2025
Members of the Solon Spartans softball team

[Photo] Six Lady Spartans named to 2025 WaMaC East All Conference softball teams

July 23, 2025
Nolan Seagren

[Photo] Five Spartans named to 2025 WaMaC East All Conference baseball teams

July 23, 2025
Seniors Addie Miller (left) and Izzy Frees embrace with tears flowing after the final out of the Class 3A regional semifinal against archrival Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon Saturday evening.

[Photo] Lady Spartans softball handed season-ending loss by Mustangs

AJ Dolan, Intern
July 16, 2025
Senior Jackson Link had a tough start to Friday’s Class 3A Substate No. 5 first round game against the Grinnell Tigers. Link faced two batters and watched helplessly as both drilled solo homeruns just before the game was suspended for severe weather.

[Photo] Tigers bite Spartans baseball to end the season

July 16, 2025
Freshman Liv Nelson tries to tag out CCA’s Elizabeth Timmerman in game one of a varsity doubleheader Wednesday, July 2 in Solon. The Clippers swept the Lady Spartans 11-6 and 11-0.

[Photo] Lady Spartans softball fall to rival Clear Creek Amana

AJ Dolan, Intern
July 9, 2025
Senior Jackson Link delivers a pitch in the first inning of game one of a varsity doubleheader against WaMaC West rival Clear Creek Amana Thursday, July 3 at home. The Spartans split with the Clippers 9-19 and 6-3.

[Photo] Solon and Clear Creek Amana split varsity baseball doubleheader 9-19 and 6-3

Ella McEntaffer, Intern
July 9, 2025
DSC_9192

[Photo] It’s still Beef Days

July 1, 2025
Brady Wick, a sophomore, sign signals an out ending the Stormin’ Pointers’ half of the seventh inning of game two Thursday, June 26 at home after gunning down CPU’s Geovanni Perez on a dive back to second base.

Postponements, sweeping the Pointers, and postseason brackets for Spartans baseball

Chris Umscheid, Editor
July 1, 2025
Sophomore Emerson Miller delivers a pitch as CPU’s Mya Hillers leads off Wednesday, June 25 during game one of a varsity doubleheader in Solon. The Lady Spartans split with the Stormin’ Pointers, dropping game one 4-1 and coming back for a 6-5 win in the nightcap.

[Photo] Senior Night split with CPU and a 3-3 week for the Lady Spartans softball

Mike Kabela, Special to the Solon Economist
July 1, 2025
Each December the Iowa Brass, a British-style brass band, puts on a free community Christmas Concert in addition to at least three other free performances throughout the year.

[Photo] Iowa Brass – A musical treasure in Solon

Todd Bransky, Special to the Solon Economist
June 25, 2025
A junior, Mai was a starter in all 17 games this season. He scored two goals and made one assist

[Photo] Recognizing the players from Spartans boys and girls soccer teams

June 19, 2025

City to recommend approval of plans for new Jordan Creek Church

Chris Umscheid and Natalia Scales
June 18, 2025
Big Grove Solon was the destination for last year’s Big Rove bike ride. Cyclists departed Big Grove locations in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and converged in Solon for fellowship and the Trophy Dads band before riding back to their starting points. The event returns to Solon Saturday, June 21 and street closures will be in effect for the happening.

[Photo] Big Rove bicycle ride returns to Solon June 21

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 11, 2025
GS 1

[Photo] Solon’s Rose McAtee named to IGCA All-District Soccer

June 11, 2025
Liv Nelson catches a quick glance at the ball going away from Beckman’s catcher during game two of a season opening varsity doubleheader at home Tuesday, May 27. Nelson, a freshman, had one hit and one run with two RBIs in the 11-10 win.

[Photo] A 2-2 start to the softball season for the Lady Spartans

Mike Kabela, Special to the Solon Economist
June 10, 2025
Brady Wick celebrates getting the final out, via strikeout, in game two of a varsity doubleheader against Mount Vernon Wednesday, May 28, at home. The sophomore went the distance in the 5-1 win giving up two hits and one earned run with four strikeouts.

Spartans go 3-2 on the diamond this baseball season

Chris Umscheid, Editor
June 10, 2025
Solon senior Izzy Frees tees off Thursday, May 29, to start the Class 3A Girls State Golf Tournament at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course in Solon.

Izzy Frees competes in Girls 3A State Golf Tournament

Chris Umscheid, Editor
June 10, 2025
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 28, 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
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