Archive - Apr 30, 2013

SOLON– Do you love ice cream? Or any of Schwann’s other great products? Solon Spotlight is sponsoring a Schwann’s fundraiser to help raise dollars to support the performing arts in Solon. Solon middle and high school music students will be around asking for your help. To help, just order some of Schwann’s delicious and convenient items from any student, and then pick up your order at the high school on May 15. Spotlight will receive a percentage of every Schwann’s order placed for this fundraiser. You can also place an order online at www.schwanns.com.

JOHNSON COUNTY–Certain Johnson County officials hope $3.3 million in reductions to the design for a proposed justice center will be enough to swing public sentiment in their favor.
In the November 2012 general election, a $46.8 million bond issue for the project was defeated, receiving only 56 percent voter approval when 60 percent was required. Proponents went back to the drawing board almost immediately to revise the plan for a combined jail and improved Johnson County courthouse, and get it back in front of the public as soon as they thought feasible.

Audrey Jean B arta, 85, of Solon, died at Hallmark Care Center, Mount Vernon, Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
Visitation was April 25 at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Burial was in Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert A. Barta of Solon; son, Jeff (Doreen) Barta of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Nancy (Mark) Menefee of Branson West, Mo.; grandchildren, John Metz, Bradley Metz and Jami (Josh) Wingert; great-grandchildren, Andrew Wingert, Taylor Metz and Sydney Metz; and many nieces and nephews.

Louise McKinnie, 83, Gladstone, Mo., died April 26, 2013. She was born in Bodeau, Ark., to Gussie and Grace Jinks on Dec. 1, 1929. She lived in Gladstone, Mo., for 55 years and was a member of Englewood Baptist Church. Louise was preceded in death by her son, Rick McKinnie. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dean; children Larry of Holt, Mo., and Gary (Lori) McKinnie of Solon; many loving grandchildren including Alison McKinnie; great-grandchildren as well as sisters, Doris Rushing and Lawanda Langley of Conway, Ark.

Darrell Wallace, 74, of North Liberty and formerly of Oxford, died Sunday, April 21, 2013, at home surrounded by his family.
Funeral Mass was celebrated April 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford with the Rev. Edmond Dunn officiating. Burial was at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Cosgrove. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Darrell’s name.