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SOLON– These are stressful times, and Alicia Bogard hopes people make the time to take care of themselves.
It’s hard for people to realize how deeply the events of this year have impacted them, and like never before, time to heal is needed, she said.
Bogard is hoping to provide calm in the storm with Soothe, the massage therapy studio she opened in February.
“Massage isn’t just for your muscles, it’s so therapeutic for your mind and your emotions, too,” she said. “In that space of time, you’re receiving nurturing and kindness, things that are so important for our well-being.”

OXFORD– It is doubtful any aspect of the school year is left untouched by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including the annual fall tradition of Homecoming. The student leadership council at the Clear Creek Amana (CCA) High School, in Tiffin, wrestled with how to continue the time-honored celebration while balancing health and safety concerns. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, members of the council, along with teacher and advisor Matt Trosky, presented a plan to the district’s school board of directors for approval.

NORTH LIBERTY– Johnson County has long been a bastion of the Democratic Party, with 57,631 (active and non-active) registered voters as of Sept. 1, according to the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office. In contrast, the Republican Party has 20,693 (active and non-active) registered voters in the county in its ranks.
Despite being heavily outnumbered, Johnson County Republicans took to the Coralville Reservoir and Mehaffey Bridge on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7, to show support for President Donald Trump during a “Make the Rez Great Boat Parade.”

SOLON– So far, so good for the young but already tumultuous school year.
Solon Community School District (SCSD) classes began Monday, Aug. 31, and as of Friday, Sept. 11, three positive cases among students were reported.
The district placed a COVID-19 dashboard on its website under the “District Return to Learn” menu, tracking positive tests for students and staff, as well as absenteeism and quarantine numbers.

SOLON– It’s time to adapt for the Solon United Methodist Church (SUMC).
The COVID-19 pandemic shook up an already changing cultural landscape for many churches, but provided a silver lining for the local Methodists.
The global shutdown early in 2020 allowed the SUMC to tackle a messy basement remodel and pave the way for a new Director of Christian Education.
The renewed focus on families and youth will be front and center as the church re-launches live Sunday School classes Sept. 13.