Solon Economist

12/04/2025

Gov. Reynolds orders flags at half-staff in honor and remembrance of National Guard soldier killed in Washington D.C.
DES MOINES— Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered all flags in Iowa to fly at half-staff immediately until sunset today, December 4, 2025, in honor of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia Army National Guard who was killed while serving in Washington D.C. This order is in conjunction with and is for the same length of time as a proclamation by President Donald Trump.
Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be half-staff on all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties, and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

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11/21/2025

11/21/2025

11/19/2025

SOLON TRADITION! Let me know if you would like to be included in the special edition before December 1st!

11/19/2025

This Friday is the last chance to nab a spot in the Solon Economist's jolly holiday feature. Got festive events, cheerful ads, merry coupons, or dazzling specials? Send them our way by Friday, and we'll make sure they shine in our exclusive holiday spotlight!
Contact me at: [email protected].

11/18/2025

Grassley Announces Staff Traveling Office Hours in 17 Iowa Counties
BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) staff will hold traveling office hours in 17 counties next week, from November 24 to November 26. Iowans seeking assistance with a federal agency or wishing to share their views may stop by during the scheduled hours listed below.

NOTE: Senator Grassley will not be in attendance. He will be represented by his Regional Directors, Rochelle Fuller, Jonathan Bladt and Jacob Bossman, and his Deputy State Director, Penny Vacek.

“You can’t have representative government without dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent. That’s why I’ve held meetings in all of Iowa’s 99 counties for 45 years,” Grassley said. “Because I’m not able to meet personally with each of Iowa’s over three million people, my staff holds traveling office hours to ensure Iowans’ voices are heard and their issues are addressed. I encourage any Iowan needing assistance with a federal agency to stop by and meet with my staff or contact one of my offices.”

Monday, November 24
Johnson County
9 – 10 a.m.
Johnson County Health and Human Services Building
855 South Dubuque Street
Suite 203 B/C
Iowa City
Regional Director Rochelle Fuller

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11/16/2025

New weight limit postings for bridges on F8W (Morse Rd. NE) and Rapid Creek Rd. NE
News from Johnson County

The Johnson County Secondary Roads Department completed routine bride inspections, which revealed accelerating deterioration of the substructures of three county bridges:
• I-9-4 on F8W (Morse Road, NE), approximately 400 feet west of F36 (Putnam St. NE)
• I-21-5 on Rapid Creek Road, NE, approximately 450 feet west of Elmira Rd. NE
• H-31-2 on Rapid Creek Road, NE, approximately 0.7 miles east of Hwy. 1 NE

This accelerated deterioration is due to the age of the structures and the heavier loads of modern vehicles and equipment.
Based on the bridge inspector’s findings, the Johnson County Engineer recommended, and the Board of Supervisors approved, new single-weight limit postings for each bridge:
• I-9-4 (Morse Rd. NE), 6-ton limit
• 1-21-5, Rapid Creek Rd. NE, 3-ton limit
• H-31-2, Rapid Creek Rd., 3-ton limit

Residents and travelers are asked to follow these new weight limits.
These postings are necessary to protect public safety and prevent further damage to the structures. It is unlawful to cross a bridge with a vehicle that exceeds its posted weight limit.
For questions, please contact the Johnson County Secondary Roads Department at 319-356-6046 or email [email protected].

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11/14/2025

WANTED:
YOUR pics of the Northern Lights over Solon and the surrounding area!!

As the old Janda TV commercials used to say, "Make no mistake, THIS is a big one," and yes, it was a "big one." Some weather sites are claiming the aurora borealis was visible all the way to Mexico, making Tuesday's geomagnetic storm, a big one.

So, let's see what you got!

Please send your best to [email protected] by Sunday night to run next week (out on the racks Wednesday and in mailboxes Thursday, Nov. 20).

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11/08/2025

11/06/2025