The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
The community newspaper for Solon

Solon Economist
All content by Natalia Scales
(From left) Lindy and Adam Hopp, Scott Storck (President of IVOE), Denny Hansen, Paula, Nile Heefner, and Gabe Heefner gather together with the IVOE flag before taking off on their ride to Ely Saturday, August 9. The route is part of a new event series started by Gabe and Nile working with the Iowa Veterans Outdoor Experience to support and connect local veterans

Cycling with Gabe

Natalia Scales, Intern
August 20, 2025
Taylor Cavanh confidently walks her cow during the Supreme Showmanship event at the Johnson County Fair Wednesday, July 23.

[Photo] Beef judging was held Wednesday, July 23 in the Expo Center

August 6, 2025

Lake Macbride: Solon’s backyard treasure

Natalia Scales, Intern
August 6, 2025

City Council reviews Macbride Pointe water proposal amid resident concerns

Natalia Scales, Intern
July 30, 2025
Brylee Miller (left) and Mackenzie Rourke (right) pose with their horses, smiling proudly. Miller and Rourke are members of the Johnson County Horse & Pony Club.

[Photo] 2025 Johnson County Fair results photo album

July 30, 2025
Taylor Cavanh, recently crowned the 2025 Johnson County Fair Princess, smiles with one of her goats before participating in the Supreme Showmanship event Wednesday, July 23. Cavanh is a member of the Graham Champions 4-H Club.

Audrey Bulechek works to control her energetic dairy goat during the Supreme Showmanship event at the Johnson County Fair Wednesday, July 23.

Kroul Farms displays a roadside sign advertising fresh items for sale including sweet corn, tomatoes, potatoes, eggs, and more.

Kroul Farms – a long history of fresh summer produce

Natalia Scales, Intern
July 30, 2025
Maddox Stormer, of Solon, chugs along steadily as he competes in the 51–55 lb. group in the Kid’s Tractor Pull Friday, July 18, during Solon Beef Days.

[Photo] Pedaling their hearts out in Beef Days’ Kid’s Tractor Pull

July 23, 2025

Housing survey highlights affordability concerns in Solon

Natalia Scales, Intern
July 23, 2025
Mable pulls ahead to win a heat of the annual Big Wheel Races Saturday, July 19 in the Solon Beef Days Kid’s Corner.

[Photo] Scorching the pavement on a hot Saturday

July 23, 2025
Mariah gives it her best in the July 19 Beef Days Horseshoe Tournament.

[Photo] Hoping for a ringer, not a leaner at Horseshoe Tournament

July 23, 2025
Molly Shannon, a Solon favorite, performed in the beer tent Saturday, July 19 for two hours during the annual Solon Beef Days and was one of six musical acts to perform throughout the weekend.

[Photo] Music of Beef Days

July 23, 2025

From hay bales to bags, Main Street was busy during Beef Days

Natalia Scales, Intern
July 23, 2025
For the Stahle family, their annual peaches and cream sweet corn sales is a tradition and a labor of love. Check their Facebook page – Stahle’s Peaches and Cream Sweet Corn, for times they’ll be in the Dairy Queen and E’s Floral parking lot off Highway 1.

Sweet corn, sweeter tradition

Natalia Scales, Intern
July 9, 2025
Mayor Dan O’Neil makes a point during the Wednesday, June 18 regular meeting of the Solon City Council as Council Members Cole Gabriel and Steve Duncan look on.

City welcomes new Public Works Specialist, tree program blossoms with community support, & Rod Sullivan updates

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 25, 2025

Solon City and School nearing final agreement on SRNA use and utility costs

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 25, 2025

City to recommend approval of plans for new Jordan Creek Church

Chris Umscheid and Natalia Scales
June 18, 2025
Eat Shop founder Cheryl Maloney talks about how she transitioned from a career in corporate America to entrepreneurship, inspired by her great aunt’s 1930s bakery, during the “Small Town, Big Dreams” panel discussion Wednesday, June 11, at Big Grove in Solon.

‘Small Town, Big Dreams’ highlights Solon’s recipe for business success

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 18, 2025
Martin Chapa sings a classical Spanish song with confidence and emotion as Solon HS students accompany him during the Solon Mariachi Band’s performance at the Music on Main Street concert Wednesday, June 4, in downtown Solon.

Solon’s Mariachi Band opens Music on Main concert series

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 11, 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.

Big Rove bicycle ride returns to Solon June 21

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 11, 2025
Exterior bricks are cracked and the mortar meant to connect bricks is disconnecting at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Jail in Iowa City. Repairs on the 45-year old building this year will cost $3.5 million, Sheriff Brad Kunkel said at the June 4 Solon City Council meeting.

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office seeks community input ahead of 2026 jail referendum

Natalia Scales, Intern
June 11, 2025