Solon Economist

SOLON– It doesn’t take much to build a seasonal tradition; just some graham crackers, fluffy white frosting and a few well-placed candies.
Children and their families gathered at the Solon Public Library Nov. 17 to decorate take-home gingerbread houses, just one of the seasonal offerings the library serves up from year to year. The library provides the pre-fabbed graham cracker huts, frosting and candy items, while the kids provide the creative design. Youth Services Librarian Carey Major said the activity has been a library favorite since at least 2009.

SOLON– Preparations are in the works for a project that will have a big impact on Solon High School in the fall of 2015, and it’s not an auditorium.
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is scheduled to open in Johnson County next fall, and Solon school staff is working to develop a plan for the long-range partnership.

SOLON– Still looking for that perfect Spartan gift? By popular demand, the Solon Athletic Boosters are offering more opportunities to shop our holiday inventory. Come shop for colorful sweatshirts, digital camo hats, state championship volleyball T-shirts, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers and other Spartan clothing. The Booster shop will be open Friday, Dec. 19, in the Solon High School commons during the boys’ basketball game against West Delaware. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Hawkins at 319-331-0758.

SOLON– Tradition matters in Spartan athletics.
Travis “TJ” Bevans knows it first hand from his time on the wrestling mat in the uniform of a Solon Spartan, as well as from his eight years as an assistant coach for the wrestling program.
When Brooks McLaren stepped down earlier this year, Bevans knew it time to step up.
“I felt it was time to step up and give it a shot,” he said. Bevans graduated from Solon in 2002 and has been a part of the community since 1995. “I know the tradition, the history, my brother wrestled here, too.”

ANAMOSA– Solon could not stop the Anamosa Raiders.
The boys varsity basketball team suffered its first loss of the season, 81-56, Friday on the road at Anamosa.
“We did not stay committed and focused on our game plan,” said Solon head coach Jason Pershing. “We lost our discipline on defense and had to fight back from an early deficit.”
Anamosa had four players in double-figures, but also went to the foul line 28 times, connecting on 21 attempts. Solon was called for 28 fouls, and three players– Dylan Doyle, Brandan Childs and Jacob Coons– fouled out of the game.