Solon Economist

SOLON– Lake Macbride State Park will host a volunteer event on Wednesday, July 29, from 5-9 p.m. The project will involve repairing and clearing brush from the stone steps that lead to the Lake Macbride dam. Those interested in donating their time should meet at the Lake Macbride Fisheries parking lot at 5 p.m. Participants should bring work clothes, gloves and insect repellant. For more information on volunteering, contact AmeriCorps interpretive naturalist Nate Steele at the Lake Macbride Park Office, 319-624-2200.

SOLON– All students entering grades 2-8 interested in football are encouraged to attend the Solon Youth Football Camp Aug. 3-6. Cost of the program is $50. Grades 2-5 will attend 9-10:30 a.m. and grades 6-8 will attend from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Campers can expect to learn and apply fundamental skills applicable to football. In addition, campers will play lead up games and compete in various competitions.
Coaches will spend a great deal of time teaching fundamental techniques essential to player development.

SHUEYVILLE– When Connie Semotan reopened her Shueyville barber shop in March, a lot of her clients were walk-ins, and many would tell her stories about a great gal that used to cut hair at that very same location years ago.
When she heard these stories, Semotan would smile and laugh as her customers would slowly realize that that same great gal was standing right in front of them.
“I get all kinds of people who just come in and ask, ‘are you my Connie?’” Semotan said. “The response has just been so fun.”

SOLON– Seeing is believing.
Add Johnson County to the areas in Iowa with uncommon reports of sandhill crane reproduction. An adult pair has seen regularly on a wetland near Solon. A couple times this spring and summer, drivers braked to avoid windshield roadkill and allow the lean, reddish brown bird the right of way across the two-lane highway.
About that time, passersby witnessed a ‘courtship dance,’ indicating these 4-foot tall birds were intent on sticking around. Now, a darker brown colt, feeding with them, seals the deal.

SOLON– Solon baseball coach Keith McSweeney is hoping some home cooking will help move the Spartans through the first round of the Class 3A baseball playoffs Friday.
“I believe we are playing our best baseball right now, but we’re really banged up,” McSweeney said. “We’ve had guys step up to fill the void left by injuries, and we will need those key contributions if we hope to advance against a good Marion team this Friday.”
The Spartans host Marion in a Class 3A semifinal beginning at 7 p.m. Solon also hosts the regional final Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m.