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Solon Economist

Downtown Vision

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:15am
A deeper look at Solon’s downtown

SOLON– A pedestrian mall and a bed and breakfast district could be part of the future for downtown Solon.
Both were presented conceptually Dec. 20 as Solon City Council members mulled the findings of a downtown visioning project recently completed by MSA Professional Services, the same consulting firm which assisted with the city’s comprehensive plan update in 2015.
Council members did not extensively discuss the results, but were expected to prepare comments prior to accepting the document at a future meeting.


“Famous” Kettle-Fried Chicken Dinner

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:17am
Sons of the American Legion host annual Chicken Dinner Saturday, Feb. 3

SOLON– The Solon Sons of the American Legion will host their annual “Famous” Kettle-Fried Chicken Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Solon Legion. The menu includes all-you-can-eat, delicious kettle-fried chicken, cheesy potatoes, oven-baked beans, bread, dessert and drinks. The meal will be served from 5-7:30 p.m., with take-out available. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children under 6 eat free. Proceeds benefit Solon community and veterans projects.


Christmas tree pick-up Friday, Jan. 12

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:18am

SOLON– Johnson County Refuse will be picking up Christmas trees on Friday, Jan. 12. Please place on the curb near your garbage and recycling.


Optimist Club basketball contests

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:19am
At old middle school gym Jan. 28

SOLON– The Optimist Club of Solon will host its annual Basketball Contests Sunday, Jan. 28, at the former Solon Middle School (Iowa Street) gymnasium. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the contests start at 1 p.m. Contests will include dribbling, passing and shooting for boys and girls ages 8 through 13. First, second and third place awards will be given to each age group and to overall boys’ and girls’ champion. Contestants will need to bring their own basketball.


Senior Conversations Jan. 19

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:20am
to include exercise techniques

SOLON– The Friday, Jan. 19, Senior Conversations will involve senior exercise techniques. Carol Tobias, who held weekly Tuesday morning sessions at Our Lord’s Church and St. Mary Catholic Church, will bring her regimen to the Solon Public Library at 9 a.m. explaining ways to hedge against osteoporosis, high blood pressure and other health-related issues. There is no fee, and no registration necessary– just come and join us in this healthy, low-impact exercise.


Solon Parks and Rec. needs you

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:21am
Solon Parks and Recreation Board seeking new member

SOLON– Live in the city limits of Solon and would like to be involved in the policy-making for equipment use, maintenance, and conduct of the parks, playgrounds, and programs sponsored by the city? Become a commission member. More information is on the city website (solon-iowa.com, under “Government” and “boards and commissions”), as well as the application (under “How do I ?” and “apply for”). If you have questions, call or text Mike Reeve at 319-594-1978 or email him at mike-reeve@solon-iowa.com.


Women’s Club application deadline Feb. 1

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:22am

SOLON– The GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club sponsors scholarships and music campships with a Feb. 1 deadline each year.
Scholarship packets are available at the Solon Middle and High School guidance counselor’s office or through the music instructors. These scholarships are sponsored by the GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club.
Email requests to Karen Martinek at karengfwc@gmail.com or Eileen Hageman at eileen.hageman@gmail.com. All applications must be postmarked on or before Feb. 1.
• GFWC/Iowa Solon Women’s Club Scholarships


Changing lives

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:28am
Solon grad changing lives of individuals with autism in Utah

AMES– Autism is a neurologic condition that makes it difficult for individuals to communicate, form relationships with others, and use language and abstract concepts.
Through music therapy, individuals with autism can overcome the challenges they face everyday. While a student at Solon High School, Rachel Kucera found it to be her passion when her grandfather was in a nursing home.
He wasn’t able to speak but Kucera saw first hand how music therapy could spark his inner life. From that moment on, Kucera knew her passion.


Hometown News by Lenna See

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/11/2018 - 10:31am

Solon News

Laurie Broghammer and Annelee Machacek visited with Matthew, Elizabeth and Annette McCue, of New York, at the home of Matthew’s parents, Mike and Kathy McCue, in North Liberty on Thursday evening, Dec. 21. Laurie was Matthew’s nanny when he was a baby.

Leo and Elaine Shima were Christmas Eve supper guests of Kevin, Sherri and Allen Shima.

Kevin, Sherri and Allen Shima were Sunday morning, Dec. 24, breakfast guests of Leo and Elaine Shima.


Welcome Hoover Trail

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 9:25pm
Phase 1 & II construction bids received by county conservation board

SOLON– The Hoover Trail is on its way, but how will the City of Solon move bicyclists through town?
Answers will be forthcoming, but a glimpse into the future was offered at a Dec. 20 Solon City Council meeting.
City Engineer Dave Schechinger’s preliminary trail plan addressed how to link the Hoover Trail, the Iowa River Corridor Trail and Sutliff Road with businesses and services in Solon, as well as how the Hoover Trail might exit town to the southeast.


Liz Kroul Wins Award for Personal Excellence

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 9:29pm

Liz Kroul, of Mount Vernon, and a 66 year member of the Solon Women’s Club received the General Federation of Women’s Clubs’ “Jennie Award” for personal excellence as shown by a club member’s contributions to her club, community and family. This award was presented by GFWC/Iowa State President, Betty Wade of Cedar Rapids, at the Solon Women’s Club Holiday Party on Dec. 14 held at the Solon Palmer House Stable. Kroul was selected as the Iowa State and Mississippi Valley Region recipient for the 2016-2018 Administration. (contributed photo)


The Buy Nothing project

Submitted by admin on Thu, 01/04/2018 - 9:32pm
Facebook group builds community relations through gifting economy

By Cale Stelken
Solon Economist
NORTH LIBERTY– In a season characterized by stores packed with shoppers eager to buy that perfect gift for their loved one, a local Facebook group puts a fresh spin on gift giving.
“It’s a hyper-local gifting economy,” explained Melissa Chagala, a North Liberty resident and administrator for the North Liberty/Solon chapter of the Buy Nothing project.