A look back at some of the stories that were big news throughout 2023 in the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun newspaper.
January Lisbon, Mount Vernon and numerous other fire departments worked to fight a rural fire in Mechanicsville during the blizzard in early Christmas. Crews fought the weather almost as much as the fire.
The Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center started adult programming, including a guest speaker program in early January.
Buildings along Hwy. 1 behind the First on First building were demolished Thursday, Jan. 5.
The council continued discussions on the Shane Amundson property that was denied by Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission due to ongoing concerns.
Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center had large attendance during the winter breaks from area schools, with more than 493 people visiting Jan. 2.
Alger’s Pizza Palace went up for sale in mid-January.
The City of Lisbon continued discussion on the Lisbon History Center wall and removing lead paint from it.
Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service sought aid from the cities of Mount Vernon and Lisbon to help fund additional paramedics. The department has seen increased ambulance calls over the past several years, nearly doubling in five years.
The Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Cadets program also has given high school youth opportunities to explore careers in health services.
February King Chapel was listed as an endangered building by Preservation Iowa as the college investigated grant opportunities to make repairs to the historic building that was damaged during the August 2020 derecho. Repairs are still being investigated at this point.
Mount Vernon’s levy rate increased for the first time in more than 25 years to $13.15 per $1,000, up from the $12.99 per $1,000.
Fred Lehman celebrated his 100th birthday with the members of Bauman’s Coffee Club Thursday, Jan. 26.
Saint Paul Lutheran Church offers childcare on early out school days as a solution for childcare issues in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon communities.
Southeast Linn Community Center Food pantry saw an increase of 30 percent in usage in 2022, due to reduction of SNAP benefits and the end of the emergency declaration in fall 2022.
Lisbon’s Booster Club provided a $25,000 donation to help purchase new band uniforms for the Lisbon Band. It was the first time for a non-athletic purchase by the Booster Club.
Infrastructure improvements began for Lynch Ford-Chevrolet, as they work at bringing electric vehicles to the community. Several electric chargers are being installed at the dealership this year to allow the dealership to be a Model E certified dealership.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Sun newspaper earned five Better Newspaper Contest Awards in 2022.
Lori Boren was hired as assistant city administrator and Leigh Bradbury as city planner for the city of Mount Vernon.
Lisbon’s first semester will end with the winter break moving forward.
The Mount Vernon speech team had a record nine large group All-State speech nominations, including 33 total students (20 of them dual nominees). Lisbon had a group mime that was named to All-State in 2023.
Parking fines were increased for Mount Vernon and Lisbon.
Repaving of Palisades Road was awarded, with a cost of more than $100,000 over engineer’s estimates.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theater presents “Treasure,” a history of Mount Vernon, as part of the 175 year history.
The Donut Xpress fundraiser for Mount Vernon Prom couldn’t be stopped by incomplete orders or an ice storm.
Lisbon qualified three students for the national Business Professionals of America conference.
MarchMount Vernon Community Betterment funds were formed for the city of Mount Vernon.
Students from Mount Vernon March 1 protested against proposed anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation that advanced in the statehouse.
Lisbon approves the repairs to the Lisbon History Center wall and removal of the lead paint from the brick wall in the spring.
The Bijou’s new projector arrived, and Illumination Animation’s “Super Mario Brothers Movie” was the nationwide premier to bring the theater back.
Mechanicsville and Lisbon Mount Vernon Ambulance Services were commended for lifesaving measures in March.
Fifteen students between Mount Vernon and Lisbon were named All-State Individual State Speech performers.
April Mount Vernon’s “Lend Me A Tenor” was selected to headline the International Thespian Festival June 19-23 at Indiana University.
A spring storm in Mount Vernon and Lisbon caused damage to several buildings, Kernoustie Golf Course and storage sheds, as well as the new activities park pavilion in Lisbon.
A mayoral proclamation read a statement on diversity, equity and inclusion April 3.
The pool feasibility study was presented to the Mount Vernon City council in April.
The Mount Vernon Middle school science Olympiad team placed first at state, and the high school team placed second.
Mount Vernon superintendent Greg Batenhorst announced plans to retire with the 2023-24 school year’s end.
No Mow May was allowed to move forward in Mount Vernon this year, with limited enforcement.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group director Joe Jennison was recognized as a tenured executive with the Main Street Iowa Development Awards.
MayRev. Dr. Richard Thomas passed away in April 2023. His impact to Mount Vernon included at Cornell College and getting the Cornell College campus on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Mount Vernon Middle School’s 5K raised more than $6,000 this year.
Sarah Fitzgerald was named the first artist-in-residence for the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council.
Fred Taylor, 101, walked the stage at Cornell’s graduation May 14.
Nick Macke, Ralph Cortez and Esteban Gutierrez took oaths of office as new members of the Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department.
The Mount Vernon city council turned down the Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission denying a certificate of appropriateness for Shane Amundson’s windows at his property 4-1, with Debra Herrmann providing the no vote.
Chalk the Walk was held May 6-7 in uptown Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Police Department stations renovations for phase 1 were on track for completion in winter 2023.
Lisbon approved the expansion of Lisbon Early Childcare Center to a second location, Lisbon Early Childcare Center West, located at Budget Blinds location.
Memorial Day activities were celebrated in Lisbon and Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon fourth graders release book on the businesses and history of Mount Vernon.
Lisbon graduated 43 students, while Mount Vernon graduated 113.
The Mount Vernon Marching Mustangs prepare to make the trek to Washington, D.C., to participate in a parade over Memorial Day weekend.
Lisbon sends the new career technical education and weight room wings out for bid.
JuneMembers of the Mount Vernon Fire Department battled a structure fire Friday, May 26, in Mount Vernon. The home was a complete loss, and the owner and his pet dog were able to escape harm, but a pet cat died due to smoke inhalation.
Family Dollar/Dollar Tree announced plans to open a store in Lisbon by holidays 2023.
Les and Katrina Garner were honored by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. They helped establish community funds for the City of Mount Vernon and Cornell College to help for the future.
Alger’s Pizza’s last day was Sunday, June 4.
Dave Van Metre passed away in late May, and his impact was noted with many different contributions in the Mount Vernon and Cornell communities for all his philanthropic work.
Jim Wallace and Terry Durgin, two long time volunteers with the Lisbon-Mount Vernon Ambulance Service, retired from the service at the end of May, a combined 53 years of service between the duo.
The Mount Vernon city council started work on a policy to show support for LGBQTIA+ citizens and issues in the community.
A lemonade stand in Lisbon raised $1,600 for the Lisbon Fire Department after they responded to a garage fire at a home in Lisbon Wednesday, May 31.
Lisbon approved a $5.9 million bid with Peak Construction for the career technical education wing and new weight room for the school.
A new art piece was installed in the Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center. It was designed by Christine Rebhuhn, a New York artist who grew up in the Mount Vernon communities.
The Lions Club held a medal hunt this summer in replacement of the annual golf tournament for the club.
No parking zones were established in the Stonebrook subdivision ahead of the Martha Parsons Family Activity Complex opening.
Dr. Lori Merlak announced intent to resign from the Mount Vernon School Board in August 2023.
JulyLisbon United Methodist Church changed affiliations and name to Living Hope Global Methodist Church.
The Mount Vernon Boy Scout Troop celebrated 100 years in Mount Vernon during Heritage Days.
City administrator Chris Nosbisch listed large projects on the horizon for the city of Mount Vernon for the next five years.
Vandalism hit the First Street Community Center stage over the July 4 weekend, with a fire extinguisher sprayed across the theatre space and sound boards, ahead of the MVLCT presentation of Peter and the Starcatcher.
Mount Vernon Alumni Association communications director Kathy Staskal retired after 18 years on the job. Staskal was the communications director since the group’s inception in 2005.
Vicki Fisher was welcomed as the new pastor for the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church.
AugustMost Rev. Thomas R Zinkula, of Mount Vernon, was named the archbishop for Dubuque Archdiocese.
Plantiful Pantry opened in uptown Mount Vernon.
The Mount Vernon City Council approved a policy to allow flags flown in support of 11 different causes throughout the year. Those include Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Pride Month, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Native American Heritage Month, and National Veterans and Military Families months.
Linn county Emergency Management took over running the sirens in Mount Vernon.
Dr. Amie Roberts was hired to be the Mount Vernon Foundation Director and Julia Andrews to lead the Mount Vernon Alumni Association.
Big’s Barbecue bought Alger’s Pizza Palace and is in the process of renovating the space for a potential late 2023/early 2024 opening. The restaurant will continue at their location on Second avenue until it opens.
The Mount Vernon City Council tabled an action on a new aquatic center, a roughly $12 million recommendation. It will be several years until the aquatic center is a reality.
Pleasant Grove Heritage Park was named an emerging site with Silos and Smokestacks.
The Sweet Factory featuring Mount Vernon Confections announced their closing in September, while Hill of A Deal announced plans to open in that space.
SeptemberThe Golden Cut opened doors on Mount Vernon’s Main Street in late August.
The Mustangs Activity Complex’s new name, the Martha Parsons Family Activities Complex, recognized their donation as well as other significant donors to the project including Armstrong Family field and Tristan Wirfs Throwing venue.
Morley celebrated their 150th anniversary.
Lisbon Marching Band finally debuted their new marching band uniforms at halftime of the Friday, Sept. 1, football game.
The last football game at the Bellamy Bowl was held Friday, Sept. 15, in uptown Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon Hall of Fame inductees for 2023 included Holly Gunn (fine arts), Jamil Farschchi (achievement), Sara Kendall (service), Mike Woods (community impact), Jeff Meeker (athletic)
The uptown streetscape study was placed out for bids.
Work began on the Business 30 and Hwy. 1 roundabout improvements in Mount Vernon.
The City of Mount Vernon approved the sale of the old fire station to Mount Vernon Brews, L.L.C.
Chris Nosbisch, Mount Vernon city administrator, was named manager of the year by Iowa City/county Management Association at their conference in Cedar Rapids.
October The Martha Parsons Family Activity Complex was dedicated and opened Thursday, Sept. 28.
Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Development Group was one of eight finalists for a GAMSA Award this year.
Lisbon alumni hall of fame inductees included Gaylord and Nola Owens (service award), Tait Stamp (service award). Dwayne and Lowell Andreas (achievement award). Steve Miller (community impact award), Howard Ciha (community impact award), Royce Alger (athletic award), Jamie Porter Lien (athletic award) and Ben Knake (athletic award). As well, past recipient Joyce Hotz was recognized at the ceremony and will be inducted into the hall of fame with her own plaque.
The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Early Childhood committee had an opportunity to receive matching grants for childcare providers through the month of October, one of 12 communities who received these grants.
Tommy Ferguson completed his Eagle Scout project in Mount Vernon.
LECC West’s soft opening went well.
The Sculpture trail art held a ribbon cutting in Mount Vernon in mid-October.
The second annual Hwy. 1 Marching Band Classic was held.
NovemberA fundraiser started to support Washington Elementary Library improvements, with a goal of raising $100,000.
Repairs are being investigated to Lisbon City Hall Wall, following damage from a storm this fall.
The Centaur, Mount Vernon High School’s yearbook, won yearbook of the year for the second year in a row.
The Mount Vernon community united behind the Kumley family, as Mason Kumley continues a battle against a rare cancer, with more than 40 people showing up for a photo in Mason United gear Sunday, Nov. 12.
The Mount Vernon fire station project received a $100,000 challenge grant for work to fix the building from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Mount Vernon turnout in the general election exceeded the 2019 and 2021 turnouts.
Lisbon approved a preservation plan for Meyers Historic District.
Dreads and Threads opened in uptown Mount Vernon.
Little Scratch Coffee opens their espresso bar.
December Enrollment is up for both Mount Vernon and Lisbon Schools for this year.
Lisbon is seeking a new library director, as Amy White announces her retirement in February 2024.
Happy Daze opens in Mount Vernon.
Trevor Baty directs the cast in a singing of a hymn during a practice of “Treasure.” The production takes the stage for Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community theatre this weekend and next weekend. Tickets are available via Mount Vernon-Lisbon Community Theatre’s website or available at the door.