By Chris Faulkner for the Beacon

Cauy Massner grew up watching the Burlington Bees, back when they were a Minor League Baseball team in the Midwest League. Massner, a 2019 Mediapolis High School graduate, even had a couple of birthday parties at Community Field.

“I threw out the first pitch a couple of times,” said Massner before warming up to pitch for this new iteration of the Burlington Bees at Community Field.

The Bees lost MiLB status in 2020 and joined the Prospect League for the 2021 season. This brand of baseball is for college players or graduate students only, and Massner is a student at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant.

Massner went to Central College in Pella as a freshman, but three games into the spring 2020 season, COVID-19 shut down college and high school sports across the country. He transferred to IWU, and because of the lost season due to COVID-19, he’s taking an extra year of eligibility.

Massner will start his senior year academically this fall but can still pitch in the spring 2024 season for the Tigers. But, this summer, a local Prospect League team has been a blessing for area athletes, such as Massner, who might not have been drafted or signed by Major League Baseball to play in the minor leagues.

“Everybody here has been recruited to play,” Massner said.

Jack Gray, Burlington Notre Dame graduate, and former Bees player is the pitching coach for the Bees and saw Massner as a good fit.

“It’s kinda cool to actually be able to play for real, to put on the uniform,” Massner said.

Although the league consists of college players, there’s a wide range of skill levels.

“There are kids from every level: DIII, DII, Juco, Division I. It’s a lot of fun,” Massner said. “I’m playing with and against some really good kids.”

Making it to the minor leagues is the next goal and, ultimately, the big leagues.

“It’s a process,” Massner said. “This is a good first step.”

This summer, he’s spending his college break “working on some things, getting ready for next spring,” he said.

Massner pitched July 11 against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. Although he took the loss in the 5-1 game, he went a full seven innings and scattered eight hits. That dropped him to 0-2 on the season.

Massner was a multi-sport athlete at Mediapolis, participating in baseball, football, wrestling, and track. So, why did baseball win out?

“It’s always the sport I loved from a young age,” Massner said. “It always stayed that way, and I stuck with it. It’s got me to where I am now.”

Has there been one coach from whom he’s learned a lot?

“It’s a collective pool,” Massner said. “Everybody I’ve met along the way has given me some sort of knowledge. The game of baseball is a super in-depth sport. You can make it super simple, but there’s also a lot of detail that goes into the stuff, to prepare and obviously play the game.”

Baseball has become more complex ever since noted baseball writer Bill James came out with his baseball abstract over 40 years ago, making analytics more and more common in the sport.

“It’s super interesting to learn about,” Massner said. “There’s definitely a place for it in baseball, and it helps you.”

But, Massner said, “Numbers aren’t everything. There’s a little bit of the old school and new school coming together.”

One of the biggest changes by those following the analytical side of the game is the “shift,” in which defenders move all over the diamond, depending on the hitter’s tendencies. It irks many traditionalists.

“I’m pro shift,” he said. “I think there’s a place for it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1658625654067.jpeg" alt="Cauy Massner pitches in a recent game for the Burlington Bees at Community Field. The Mediapolis High School graduate played for Iowa Wesleyan University in the spring but was chosen to play in the Prospect League, the new league for the former Midwest League team. (Photo courtesy of Steve Cirinna/The Burlington Bees.)" />
 <figcaption>Cauy Massner pitches in a recent game for the Burlington Bees at Community Field. The Mediapolis High School graduate played for Iowa Wesleyan University in the spring but was chosen to play in the Prospect League, the new league for the former Midwest League team. (Photo courtesy of Steve Cirinna/The Burlington Bees.)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris Faulkner for the BeaconCauy Massner grew up watching the Burlington Bees, back when they were a Minor League Baseball team in the Midwest League. Massner, a 2019 Mediapolis High School graduate, even had a couple of birthday parties at Community Field.“I threw out the first pitch a couple of times,” said Massner before warming up to pitch for this new iteration of the Burlington Bees at Community Field.The Bees lost MiLB status in 2020 and joined the Prospect League for the 2021 season. This brand of baseball is for college players or graduate students only, and Massner is a student at Iowa Wesleyan University in Mount Pleasant.Massner went to Central College in Pella as a freshman, but three games into the spring 2020 season, COVID-19 shut down college and high school sports across the country. He transferred to IWU, and because of the lost season due to COVID-19, he’s taking an extra year of eligibility.Massner will start his senior year academically this fall but can still pitch in the spring 2024 season for the Tigers. But, this summer, a local Prospect League team has been a blessing for area athletes, such as Massner, who might not have been drafted or signed by Major League Baseball to play in the minor leagues.“Everybody here has been recruited to play,” Massner said.Jack Gray, Burlington Notre Dame graduate, and former Bees player is the pitching coach for the Bees and saw Massner as a good fit.“It’s kinda cool to actually be able to play for real, to put on the uniform,” Massner said.Although the league consists of college players, there’s a wide range of skill levels.“There are kids from every level: DIII, DII, Juco, Division I. It’s a lot of fun,” Massner said. “I’m playing with and against some really good kids.”Making it to the minor leagues is the next goal and, ultimately, the big leagues.“It’s a process,” Massner said. “This is a good first step.”This summer, he’s spending his college break “working on some things, getting ready for next spring,” he said.Massner pitched July 11 against the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. Although he took the loss in the 5-1 game, he went a full seven innings and scattered eight hits. That dropped him to 0-2 on the season.Massner was a multi-sport athlete at Mediapolis, participating in baseball, football, wrestling, and track. So, why did baseball win out?“It’s always the sport I loved from a young age,” Massner said. “It always stayed that way, and I stuck with it. It’s got me to where I am now.”Has there been one coach from whom he’s learned a lot?“It’s a collective pool,” Massner said. “Everybody I’ve met along the way has given me some sort of knowledge. The game of baseball is a super in-depth sport. You can make it super simple, but there’s also a lot of detail that goes into the stuff, to prepare and obviously play the game.”Baseball has become more complex ever since noted baseball writer Bill James came out with his baseball abstract over 40 years ago, making analytics more and more common in the sport.“It’s super interesting to learn about,” Massner said. “There’s definitely a place for it in baseball, and it helps you.”But, Massner said, “Numbers aren’t everything. There’s a little bit of the old school and new school coming together.”One of the biggest changes by those following the analytical side of the game is the “shift,” in which defenders move all over the diamond, depending on the hitter’s tendencies. It irks many traditionalists.So, what does Massner think?“I’m pro shift,” he said. “I think there’s a place for it.”

Mepo grad’s baseball dream came true

Last year, heavy construction equipment tore down the former Caston’s Shoe Store at 818 Maple Street.

Now, hope is growing from that same spot.&nbsp;

The City Hope Foundation — a charity dedicated to helping anyone in need, will house its new headquarters and food pantry in a 3,000-square-foot building currently being built on the site in Burlington.

City Hope Foundation executive director Matt Shinn said the extra space for The Cupboard food pantry will help the foundation meet a growing need.&nbsp;

Pantry coordinator Angie Brown said The Cupboard, located at 914 Maple St., serves about 30 to 35 families per week. A few weeks ago, The Cupboard broke a record by helping 107 families in a single week.

“One issue right now, we can’t get enough food in The Cupboard to feed that many people,” Shinn said.

City Hope has been operating out of the Maple Leaf Center next door to the pantry. They will be reopening the building for youth activities in September. At that time, Shinn and Brown planned on moving into the new building, with about two-thirds of the structure allocated for the food pantry.

Once the food pantry is operational in the new building, it will be open five days a week instead of three.&nbsp;

Brown will be hosting basic cooking classes for those with little to no kitchen experience, which she has done in the past.&nbsp;

“We’ve started out by teaching how to cook in a Crockpot, and everyone got to take home a Crockpot,” Brown said.&nbsp;

“We were finding that people were intimidated by things like making rice, making pasta. They would look at that as the hurdle.”

City Hope was designed as a multi-faceted organization to address&nbsp;poverty and includes a 12-week financial literacy course and life training course. Those classes, which have been taught in the Maple Leaf Center, will be moved to the classrooms in the new headquarters building.

Brown and Shinn agree that City Hope should feel like a community destination, without the stigma many associates with food pantries.&nbsp;

Brown said the pantry operated in Danville for 20 years, which made it hard to access for many people. More availability has shed a light on more needs.

“There’s no shame here. We’ve all needed a hand at one point or another,” Shinn said.

Brown said she is looking forward to sitting on a bench outside the new City Hope building just so she can talk to people. As she noted, it’s not a place to be hidden — it’s a place to be celebrated.

“We want this to be a community food pantry,” she said.

The completion of the City Hope building in August will just be the start. Shinn said the foundation owns two lots behind the Maple Leaf Center that will likely be turned into an indoor gymnasium.&nbsp;

In addition, the house behind the new headquarters building is being turned into an art studio called The Creator Studio, and a woodworking shop will be housed in the garage behind the house. Woodworking courses will be taught in the shop.

Both additions are meant to go beyond meeting the basic needs provided by a food pantry.

“We want this to be a bright place,” Brown said, “We want people to feel loved.”&nbsp;

City Hope recently opened another food pantry in Fort Madison and will likely expand into Mount Pleasant after receiving a generous donation that is to be used to purchase a building. Shinn said that although City Hope was made possible by Harmony Bible Church, the foundation is a separate entity from the church.

City Hope is non-denominational, and Shinn has been meeting with local church leaders weekly. The focus will always be the same — relationship development, youth, work-life, and neighborhood development.

“We want the churches to come together and be one and address the needs of our community,” Shinn said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1658507340786.jpeg" alt="Angie Brown, coordinator of The Cupboard food pantry, and Matt Shinn, executive director of the City Hope Foundation, stand in the entrance to a new headquarters and food pantry set to be finished in August. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>Angie Brown, coordinator of The Cupboard food pantry, and Matt Shinn, executive director of the City Hope Foundation, stand in the entrance to a new headquarters and food pantry set to be finished in August. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffLast year, heavy construction equipment tore down the former Caston’s Shoe Store at 818 Maple Street.Now, hope is growing from that same spot.&nbsp;The City Hope Foundation — a charity dedicated to helping anyone in need, will house its new headquarters and food pantry in a 3,000-square-foot building currently being built on the site in Burlington.City Hope Foundation executive director Matt Shinn said the extra space for The Cupboard food pantry will help the foundation meet a growing need.&nbsp;Pantry coordinator Angie Brown said The Cupboard, located at 914 Maple St., serves about 30 to 35 families per week. A few weeks ago, The Cupboard broke a record by helping 107 families in a single week.“One issue right now, we can’t get enough food in The Cupboard to feed that many people,” Shinn said.City Hope has been operating out of the Maple Leaf Center next door to the pantry. They will be reopening the building for youth activities in September. At that time, Shinn and Brown planned on moving into the new building, with about two-thirds of the structure allocated for the food pantry.Once the food pantry is operational in the new building, it will be open five days a week instead of three.&nbsp;Brown will be hosting basic cooking classes for those with little to no kitchen experience, which she has done in the past.&nbsp;“We’ve started out by teaching how to cook in a Crockpot, and everyone got to take home a Crockpot,” Brown said.&nbsp;“We were finding that people were intimidated by things like making rice, making pasta. They would look at that as the hurdle.”City Hope was designed as a multi-faceted organization to address&nbsp;poverty and includes a 12-week financial literacy course and life training course. Those classes, which have been taught in the Maple Leaf Center, will be moved to the classrooms in the new headquarters building.Brown and Shinn agree that City Hope should feel like a community destination, without the stigma many associates with food pantries.&nbsp;Brown said the pantry operated in Danville for 20 years, which made it hard to access for many people. More availability has shed a light on more needs.“There’s no shame here. We’ve all needed a hand at one point or another,” Shinn said.Brown said she is looking forward to sitting on a bench outside the new City Hope building just so she can talk to people. As she noted, it’s not a place to be hidden — it’s a place to be celebrated.“We want this to be a community food pantry,” she said.Further expansionThe completion of the City Hope building in August will just be the start. Shinn said the foundation owns two lots behind the Maple Leaf Center that will likely be turned into an indoor gymnasium.&nbsp;In addition, the house behind the new headquarters building is being turned into an art studio called The Creator Studio, and a woodworking shop will be housed in the garage behind the house. Woodworking courses will be taught in the shop.Both additions are meant to go beyond meeting the basic needs provided by a food pantry.“We want this to be a bright place,” Brown said, “We want people to feel loved.”&nbsp;City Hope recently opened another food pantry in Fort Madison and will likely expand into Mount Pleasant after receiving a generous donation that is to be used to purchase a building. Shinn said that although City Hope was made possible by Harmony Bible Church, the foundation is a separate entity from the church.City Hope is non-denominational, and Shinn has been meeting with local church leaders weekly. The focus will always be the same — relationship development, youth, work-life, and neighborhood development.“We want the churches to come together and be one and address the needs of our community,” Shinn said.

Building Hope

Players Workshop will kick off its 90th year with the popular musical “Mamma Mia!” Audition dates have been set for Sunday, July 31 through Tuesday, August 2 at 7 p.m, at the Workshop at 1431 Grove St., Burlington.

“Mamma Mia” is a romantic comedy about a mother, and a daughter, and their differing views on life told through the songs of the pop group ABBA. The directors are looking for people ages 15-70 to fill thirteen principal roles (6 female and 7 male) and a mixed ensemble of twelve or more people. While no special preparation is required to audition, tryouts will include readings, songs, and choreography from the play, all of which will be provided by the directors. Auditionees need not bring anything except their talent.&nbsp; For more information, contact the director, Matt Poling, at 319-750-0334 or matsmp1981@mediacombb.net, or the producer, Robbin Poling, at 319-750-1724 or <a href="mailto:4polings@mchsi.com">4polings@mchsi.com</a>. Information is also available at <a href="http://www.playersworkshoptheater.com/">www.playersworkshoptheater.com</a> and on the workshop's Facebook page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1658436053877.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Players Workshop will kick off its 90th year with the popular musical “Mamma Mia!” Audition dates have been set for Sunday, July 31 through Tuesday, August 2 at 7 p.m, at the Workshop at 1431 Grove St., Burlington. “Mamma Mia” is a romantic comedy about a mother, and a daughter, and their differing views on life told through the songs of the pop group ABBA. The directors are looking for people ages 15-70 to fill thirteen principal roles (6 female and 7 male) and a mixed ensemble of twelve or more people. While no special preparation is required to audition, tryouts will include readings, songs, and choreography from the play, all of which will be provided by the directors. Auditionees need not bring anything except their talent.&nbsp; For more information, contact the director, Matt Poling, at 319-750-0334 or matsmp1981@mediacombb.net, or the producer, Robbin Poling, at 319-750-1724 or <a href="mailto:4polings@mchsi.com">4polings@mchsi.com</a>. Information is also available at <a href="http://www.playersworkshoptheater.com/">www.playersworkshoptheater.com</a> and on the workshop's Facebook page.

Players Workshop Holding Open Auditions for Fall Musical

The Snake Alley Festival of Film returns to the Burlington Capitol Theater for its 10th anniversary. Featuring over 130 award-winning short films and 10 short screenplay finalists from around the world, SNAFF 2022 is bigger than ever. Films range from 1-35 minutes across several genres including animation, drama, comedy, music video, sci-fi/fantasy, horror, and documentary.&nbsp; New to SNAFF 2022 is a family-friendly block of films featuring 11 age-appropriate shorts, including several films made by and starring children in the lead roles. The Family-Friendly Shorts block plays Sunday, July 21 at 11 a.m. and is free for kids 12 and under with a paid adult. On Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m., writer/director/producer Scott Beck joins us for a career-spanning discussion hosted by Justin Beahm of Reverend Entertainment. Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods burst onto the Hollywood scene with Paramount Pictures’ “A Quiet Place,” based on their original screenplay. For “A Quiet Place,” Beck &amp; Woods were nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards and the Writers Guild of America Awards. Next up for Beck &amp; Woods is Sony Pictures’ sci-fi thriller “65” with Academy Award® nominee Adam Driver starring along with Ariana Greenblatt and Chloe Coleman. Also on deck for the duo is “The Boogeyman,” based on Stephen King's iconic short story of the same name. They wrote the screenplay and serve as Executive Producers on the film.

The Snake Alley Festival of Film returns to the Burlington Capitol Theater for its 10th anniversary. Featuring over 130 award-winning short films and 10 short screenplay finalists from around the world, SNAFF 2022 is bigger than ever. Films range from 1-35 minutes across several genres including animation, drama, comedy, music video, sci-fi/fantasy, horror, and documentary.&nbsp; New to SNAFF 2022 is a family-friendly block of films featuring 11 age-appropriate shorts, including several films made by and starring children in the lead roles. The Family-Friendly Shorts block plays Sunday, July 21 at 11 a.m. and is free for kids 12 and under with a paid adult. On Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m., writer/director/producer Scott Beck joins us for a career-spanning discussion hosted by Justin Beahm of Reverend Entertainment. Filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods burst onto the Hollywood scene with Paramount Pictures’ “A Quiet Place,” based on their original screenplay. For “A Quiet Place,” Beck &amp; Woods were nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 2019 Critics’ Choice Awards and the Writers Guild of America Awards. Next up for Beck &amp; Woods is Sony Pictures’ sci-fi thriller “65” with Academy Award® nominee Adam Driver starring along with Ariana Greenblatt and Chloe Coleman. Also on deck for the duo is “The Boogeyman,” based on Stephen King's iconic short story of the same name. They wrote the screenplay and serve as Executive Producers on the film.

SNAFF Returns to the Capitol July 21-24

Rita Hartman for The Beacon

I don’t know a great deal about wine and wine lingo mostly goes over my head. But by trying different wines, I have learned what I like. And that’s a simple place to start for anyone interested in learning about wine. I’ve visited wineries in my travels and discovered some very good wines by doing a wine tasting.

Recently, I heard about Press House winery in Nauvoo and decided to check it out. It’s located a couple miles southeast of Nauvoo on North Country Road 800.

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and aside from another couple sitting outside on the patio overlooking the vineyard, we were the only customers. Two staff members greeted us as we came in and asked if this was our first visit and if we’d like to do a wine tasting for $5 per person. They were friendly and explained that the vineyard has been in the family for over one hundred years, but had only sold grapes to other wineries until 2017 when they began making and selling wine. I was impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm for wine and their history.

The wine tasting included ten samples and began with dry white wine and concluded with sweet red wine and wine slush. And although I prefer dry red, I found all the selections to be quite good, which I’ve only experienced once before when visiting a few Willamette Valley wineries in Oregon, which is known for great wine.

The Press House wines were very reasonably priced with many under $15. I highly recommend the Razz raspberry wine. It’s crisp, sweet, and loaded with raspberry flavor. If you’re not a wine lover, you might like the slushes instead. They are a blend of wine and fruit juices and are perfect for a warm summer day.

Press House winery is a fun destination stop for girlfriends or couples outings and bachelorette parties and is close enough to Nauvoo to include other stops like the Fudge Factory shop, Hotel Nauvoo restaurant, and other sight seeing in Nauvoo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1658249480986.jpeg" alt="Press House Winery is a family-owned winery located a couple miles southeast of Nauvoo. (Photo from www.presshousewinery.com)" />
 <figcaption>Press House Winery is a family-owned winery located a couple miles southeast of Nauvoo. (Photo from www.presshousewinery.com)</figcaption>
 </figure>Rita Hartman for The BeaconI don’t know a great deal about wine and wine lingo mostly goes over my head. But by trying different wines, I have learned what I like. And that’s a simple place to start for anyone interested in learning about wine. I’ve visited wineries in my travels and discovered some very good wines by doing a wine tasting.Recently, I heard about Press House winery in Nauvoo and decided to check it out. It’s located a couple miles southeast of Nauvoo on North Country Road 800.It was a sunny Saturday afternoon and aside from another couple sitting outside on the patio overlooking the vineyard, we were the only customers. Two staff members greeted us as we came in and asked if this was our first visit and if we’d like to do a wine tasting for $5 per person. They were friendly and explained that the vineyard has been in the family for over one hundred years, but had only sold grapes to other wineries until 2017 when they began making and selling wine. I was impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm for wine and their history.The wine tasting included ten samples and began with dry white wine and concluded with sweet red wine and wine slush. And although I prefer dry red, I found all the selections to be quite good, which I’ve only experienced once before when visiting a few Willamette Valley wineries in Oregon, which is known for great wine.The Press House wines were very reasonably priced with many under $15. I highly recommend the Razz raspberry wine. It’s crisp, sweet, and loaded with raspberry flavor. If you’re not a wine lover, you might like the slushes instead. They are a blend of wine and fruit juices and are perfect for a warm summer day.Press House winery is a fun destination stop for girlfriends or couples outings and bachelorette parties and is close enough to Nauvoo to include other stops like the Fudge Factory shop, Hotel Nauvoo restaurant, and other sight seeing in Nauvoo.

Include the Press House Winery in your next day trip

&nbsp;As of July 6, Keystone Products, Inc. is known as Keystone Home. In the coming months, they will be launching new branding and completing a large renovation of their current location.

Keystone Products has been a cornerstone of the community for over 70 years. The business was opened in 1954 by the Hoffman Family and in September of 2021, it was purchased by Brad and Heather Lange.

“We wanted to honor and respect the reputation and legacy of the business that the Hoffman family has built, while also putting our own signature on the business. That’s how we decided to change the name of Keystone Products to Keystone Home,” stated Heather Lange. “Going forward, Keystone Home will shift from being a retail, hardware store to southeast Iowa’s largest kitchen, bath, interior design, and recreation showroom.”

“We plan to continue to provide the same high quality, individualized service that Keystone has been known for, but adjust the business to the changing needs of our customers and community,” Lange said.

Keystone plans to have a reveal and open house in the fall when their renovation is complete.

Keystone Home will remain open during the renovations. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A temporary entrance is available to the east side of the parking lot facing Mount Pleasant Street. For more information and renovation progress, follow Keystone Home on Facebook and Instagram.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1657825730176.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;As of July 6, Keystone Products, Inc. is known as Keystone Home. In the coming months, they will be launching new branding and completing a large renovation of their current location.Keystone Products has been a cornerstone of the community for over 70 years. The business was opened in 1954 by the Hoffman Family and in September of 2021, it was purchased by Brad and Heather Lange.“We wanted to honor and respect the reputation and legacy of the business that the Hoffman family has built, while also putting our own signature on the business. That’s how we decided to change the name of Keystone Products to Keystone Home,” stated Heather Lange. “Going forward, Keystone Home will shift from being a retail, hardware store to southeast Iowa’s largest kitchen, bath, interior design, and recreation showroom.”“We plan to continue to provide the same high quality, individualized service that Keystone has been known for, but adjust the business to the changing needs of our customers and community,” Lange said.Keystone plans to have a reveal and open house in the fall when their renovation is complete.Keystone Home will remain open during the renovations. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. A temporary entrance is available to the east side of the parking lot facing Mount Pleasant Street. For more information and renovation progress, follow Keystone Home on Facebook and Instagram.

New Owners, New Look – Same Commitment to Service

Players Workshop is pleased to announce a five-show season for 2022-23, celebrating the Workshop’s 90th year.&nbsp;

- The season opens with the musical-comedy "Mamma Mia!," about free spirit, Donna, and her soon-to-be-married daughter, Sophie, as told through the songs of the pop group ABBA.&nbsp; Music &amp; lyrics are by Bjorn Ulvaeus &amp; Benny Andersson, and the book is by Catherine Johnson. The show will run Sept. 23-25, Sept 30-Oct. 2, and Oct. 6-9, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).&nbsp; All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.)&nbsp;

- "Lost (and Found) in IKEA," a comedy-drama by Gary Ray Stapp, is about two lonely IKEA shoppers whose quest for love is given a boost by a couple of helpful ghosts and various eccentric customers. Performances are set for Dec. 2-4 &amp; 8-11, 2022. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)&nbsp;

- Sandra Fenichel Asher’s "Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes" is a comedy-drama in which a woman who thinks her life is finally “in order” is forced to confront her choices.&nbsp; The show runs from Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 2-5, 2023. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)

- "Murder by the Book," a mystery/thriller by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King, will be presented March 24-26, March 30-31, and April 1-2, 2023. A thriller writer indulges in nasty word duels with his estranged wife until she shoots him—but is he really dead? (Presented by arrangement with Concord Publishing.)&nbsp;

- Closing the season is "Ripcord," a comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire, which will be presented in Reader’s Theater Format. Two women forced to room together in a senior living facility engage in a game of “one-upmanship,” each trying to get the other to leave. It runs April 28-30 and May 4-7, 2023. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)&nbsp;

All performances will be held at Players Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington.&nbsp; Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. Season tickets go on sale in August.&nbsp; Anyone currently not a season ticket holder may contact Jean Ballinger at 319-759-3617 or email jean@myiowacpa.com​ for information on how to acquire them. ​

For more information, go to <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playersworkshoptheatre.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cc468c10df63d4c42287008d9a2f7866c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637720006255302558%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ZrY68VzVZFAqf7hyxdK4m7eJ0vOM7gKgLXxfbmfBZ0U%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.playersworkshoptheatre.com</a> or check the Workshop's Facebook page. Players Workshop is a 501(c)3 organization.

Players Workshop is pleased to announce a five-show season for 2022-23, celebrating the Workshop’s 90th year.&nbsp;- The season opens with the musical-comedy "Mamma Mia!," about free spirit, Donna, and her soon-to-be-married daughter, Sophie, as told through the songs of the pop group ABBA.&nbsp; Music &amp; lyrics are by Bjorn Ulvaeus &amp; Benny Andersson, and the book is by Catherine Johnson. The show will run Sept. 23-25, Sept 30-Oct. 2, and Oct. 6-9, 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).&nbsp; All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.)&nbsp;- "Lost (and Found) in IKEA," a comedy-drama by Gary Ray Stapp, is about two lonely IKEA shoppers whose quest for love is given a boost by a couple of helpful ghosts and various eccentric customers. Performances are set for Dec. 2-4 &amp; 8-11, 2022. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)&nbsp;- Sandra Fenichel Asher’s "Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes" is a comedy-drama in which a woman who thinks her life is finally “in order” is forced to confront her choices.&nbsp; The show runs from Jan. 27-29 and Feb. 2-5, 2023. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)- "Murder by the Book," a mystery/thriller by Duncan Greenwood and Robert King, will be presented March 24-26, March 30-31, and April 1-2, 2023. A thriller writer indulges in nasty word duels with his estranged wife until she shoots him—but is he really dead? (Presented by arrangement with Concord Publishing.)&nbsp;- Closing the season is "Ripcord," a comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire, which will be presented in Reader’s Theater Format. Two women forced to room together in a senior living facility engage in a game of “one-upmanship,” each trying to get the other to leave. It runs April 28-30 and May 4-7, 2023. (Presented by arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.)&nbsp;All performances will be held at Players Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington.&nbsp; Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. Season tickets go on sale in August.&nbsp; Anyone currently not a season ticket holder may contact Jean Ballinger at 319-759-3617 or email jean@myiowacpa.com​ for information on how to acquire them. ​For more information, go to <a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.playersworkshoptheatre.com%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7Cc468c10df63d4c42287008d9a2f7866c%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637720006255302558%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=ZrY68VzVZFAqf7hyxdK4m7eJ0vOM7gKgLXxfbmfBZ0U%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.playersworkshoptheatre.com</a> or check the Workshop's Facebook page. Players Workshop is a 501(c)3 organization.

Players Workshop Announces Season for 2022-23, Celebrates 90th Year

On July 16, the new mental health national hotline 988 will go live. This easy-to-remember number provides Americans with mental health resources by replacing the 10-digit number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, established in 2005. The previous Lifeline phone number, 1–800–273–8255 (1–800–273-TALK), remains active even after the launch of the new three-digit phone number and will always be available to people in crisis.

The hotline is free, confidential, and can refer people who require assistance but don’t know where to turn. Callers will be connected to one of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers across the United States, with calls routed to the nearest center based on area code. Friends and family can also use the 988 number to assist those experiencing mental health issues. 988 will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached via phone, text, or chat.

Most of 988’s funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The American Rescue Plan will provide nearly $105 million in grant funding for its creation and operation.

On July 16, the new mental health national hotline 988 will go live. This easy-to-remember number provides Americans with mental health resources by replacing the 10-digit number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, established in 2005. The previous Lifeline phone number, 1–800–273–8255 (1–800–273-TALK), remains active even after the launch of the new three-digit phone number and will always be available to people in crisis.The hotline is free, confidential, and can refer people who require assistance but don’t know where to turn. Callers will be connected to one of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers across the United States, with calls routed to the nearest center based on area code. Friends and family can also use the 988 number to assist those experiencing mental health issues. 988 will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached via phone, text, or chat.Most of 988’s funding comes from the American Rescue Plan, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The American Rescue Plan will provide nearly $105 million in grant funding for its creation and operation.

The New 988 Mental Health Hotline Will Launch on July 16

After competing in Miss Iowa competitions since 2019, Burlington native and resident Olivia Keller will be hanging up her sash when her time as Miss Scott County is complete on Aug. 20.

But she was able to make a splash before leaving. Keller, who is also a former Miss Great River, placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Iowa pageant on June 10 and 11.

“It was pretty exciting for me because I didn’t even make the finals last year,” Keller said.

Ever the competitor, Keller didn’t want a repeat of that performance. So she learned to sing Mozart’s Queen of the Night Aria – in German. Singing opera is Keller’s specialty, and she rehearsed with the other Miss Iowa contestants until 11 p.m. the nights before her performance.

“This year looked quite a bit different than last year. Last year we had a lot of COVID restrictions,” she said. “This year, we had princess camp and got to meet the princesses, and we had rehearsals every day.”

Now that Miss Iowa is over, Keller is back in Burlington, focusing on her latest service project called “Spread the Love.” It’s a combination canned food drive and literacy drive, designed to collect food and books for children. She’s looking to set up drop-off points soon.

“I just need some help from local businesses,” she said.

Keller shined her local fame on her “Project Kindness” initiative two years ago, teaming with local businesses to provide books and winter clothing donations for children. She re-launched it last year to coincide with her reign as Miss Scott County.

Keller was raised by a single mother and understands how times can get tough. She found out a lot of other locals possess the same understanding.

“I was really shocked last year by all the donations,” she said.

Keller, 25, didn’t expect another reign as a pageant queen before becoming Miss Scott County. But then the rules changed, and the age limit was pushed up a year. She has dreamed of being a pageant queen since she was a little girl and will continue to work with the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program.

Keller plans on using the scholarship money she has earned from Miss Iowa to attend Western Illinois University and major in music therapy and vocal performance.

“I will help out at local competitions and in the Miss Burlington program. I would love to be a part of that,” she said. “I’ve grown so much. My speaking skills, my confidence, my walk, and how I present myself as a woman. I really couldn’t be more grateful for what the organization has done for me.”

Those interested in donating to Project Spread the Love or providing a venue to drop off items can contact Keller through Facebook at “Miss Scott County 2021, Olivia Keller,” call her at 319-768-9974, or send monetary donations to the project to P.O. Box 853, Burlington, Iowa, 52601.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1657209034164.jpeg" alt="Olivia Keller, the current Miss Scott County, placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Iowa pageant held in June. (Submitted photo)" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Keller, the current Miss Scott County, placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Iowa pageant held in June. (Submitted photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffAfter competing in Miss Iowa competitions since 2019, Burlington native and resident Olivia Keller will be hanging up her sash when her time as Miss Scott County is complete on Aug. 20.But she was able to make a splash before leaving. Keller, who is also a former Miss Great River, placed fourth runner-up in the Miss Iowa pageant on June 10 and 11.“It was pretty exciting for me because I didn’t even make the finals last year,” Keller said.Ever the competitor, Keller didn’t want a repeat of that performance. So she learned to sing Mozart’s Queen of the Night Aria – in German. Singing opera is Keller’s specialty, and she rehearsed with the other Miss Iowa contestants until 11 p.m. the nights before her performance.“This year looked quite a bit different than last year. Last year we had a lot of COVID restrictions,” she said. “This year, we had princess camp and got to meet the princesses, and we had rehearsals every day.”Now that Miss Iowa is over, Keller is back in Burlington, focusing on her latest service project called “Spread the Love.” It’s a combination canned food drive and literacy drive, designed to collect food and books for children. She’s looking to set up drop-off points soon.“I just need some help from local businesses,” she said.Keller shined her local fame on her “Project Kindness” initiative two years ago, teaming with local businesses to provide books and winter clothing donations for children. She re-launched it last year to coincide with her reign as Miss Scott County.Keller was raised by a single mother and understands how times can get tough. She found out a lot of other locals possess the same understanding.“I was really shocked last year by all the donations,” she said.Keller, 25, didn’t expect another reign as a pageant queen before becoming Miss Scott County. But then the rules changed, and the age limit was pushed up a year. She has dreamed of being a pageant queen since she was a little girl and will continue to work with the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program.Keller plans on using the scholarship money she has earned from Miss Iowa to attend Western Illinois University and major in music therapy and vocal performance.“I will help out at local competitions and in the Miss Burlington program. I would love to be a part of that,” she said. “I’ve grown so much. My speaking skills, my confidence, my walk, and how I present myself as a woman. I really couldn’t be more grateful for what the organization has done for me.”Those interested in donating to Project Spread the Love or providing a venue to drop off items can contact Keller through Facebook at “Miss Scott County 2021, Olivia Keller,” call her at 319-768-9974, or send monetary donations to the project to P.O. Box 853, Burlington, Iowa, 52601.

Keller Named Fourth Runner-up in Miss Iowa Competition

By Beacon Staff The tentative plan by Transitions DMC President Craig Fenton to purchase the Lincolnville Motel and turn it into 32 apartments to house the homeless and financially disadvantaged is on hold for now. The sale and rezoning of the motel from commercial to residential was contingent upon a National Housing Trust Fund grant to pay for most of the purchase. Fenton said he chose not to file the application for the grant due to concerns that not everything in the application was properly in place. The plan to convert the Lincolnville emerged just a few months ago, with a total purchase and renovation cost between $2.7 million and $3 million. Fenton is currently pursuing other, less competitive grants. “The application is mostly complete and will work for about any grant that has similar type of reason to exist,” Fenton said. “To put together a project like this in 90 days was overly ambitious, but it was worth a shot.” Fenton is leading a committee comprised of officials and representatives from Burlington and Des Moines County to address Burlington’s homeless population. The committee will continue to explore ideas to help house that homeless population, which could include tiny houses, a renovation project into an apartment building elsewhere, or possibly even the Lincolnville again. Fenton said a tentative offer from Transitions DMC had been accepted to purchase the Lincolnville Motel for $575,00, but that was contingent on the grant. Fenton said the motel could still be on the market by the time another project is formed, in which case it could be an option again. But not the only option. “The idea is not to pin everything on that one project,” Fenton said. Whatever form the project takes on, Fenton wants to stress that the apartments or homes wouldn’t be just for the homeless. They would be for anyone living under a certain income level. Fenton said he did not communicate that information clearly enough for the Lincolnville project. “We have more than 34 people who need that assistance. They are not all homeless. Some of them are barely hanging on. They can barely pay the taxes on their home,” he said. Fenton’s mission to provide stable housing for the homeless hasn’t changed. It’s just going to take more time, and maybe another location.&nbsp; More than a dozen residents who live around the Lincolnville spoke out against the plan to convert the motel into apartments during a zoning commission meeting on June 21. A petition against the project had garnered 115 signatures from residents and businesses in the neighborhood. “It needs to be done the correct way, with people welcoming it into their neighborhood, rather than feeling like they’re having something shoved down their throats. That was never our intention,” Fenton said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff The tentative plan by Transitions DMC President Craig Fenton to purchase the Lincolnville Motel and turn it into 32 apartments to house the homeless and financially disadvantaged is on hold for now. The sale and rezoning of the motel from commercial to residential was contingent upon a National Housing Trust Fund grant to pay for most of the purchase. Fenton said he chose not to file the application for the grant due to concerns that not everything in the application was properly in place. The plan to convert the Lincolnville emerged just a few months ago, with a total purchase and renovation cost between $2.7 million and $3 million. Fenton is currently pursuing other, less competitive grants. “The application is mostly complete and will work for about any grant that has similar type of reason to exist,” Fenton said. “To put together a project like this in 90 days was overly ambitious, but it was worth a shot.” Fenton is leading a committee comprised of officials and representatives from Burlington and Des Moines County to address Burlington’s homeless population. The committee will continue to explore ideas to help house that homeless population, which could include tiny houses, a renovation project into an apartment building elsewhere, or possibly even the Lincolnville again. Fenton said a tentative offer from Transitions DMC had been accepted to purchase the Lincolnville Motel for $575,00, but that was contingent on the grant. Fenton said the motel could still be on the market by the time another project is formed, in which case it could be an option again. But not the only option. “The idea is not to pin everything on that one project,” Fenton said. Whatever form the project takes on, Fenton wants to stress that the apartments or homes wouldn’t be just for the homeless. They would be for anyone living under a certain income level. Fenton said he did not communicate that information clearly enough for the Lincolnville project. “We have more than 34 people who need that assistance. They are not all homeless. Some of them are barely hanging on. They can barely pay the taxes on their home,” he said. Fenton’s mission to provide stable housing for the homeless hasn’t changed. It’s just going to take more time, and maybe another location.&nbsp; More than a dozen residents who live around the Lincolnville spoke out against the plan to convert the motel into apartments during a zoning commission meeting on June 21. A petition against the project had garnered 115 signatures from residents and businesses in the neighborhood. “It needs to be done the correct way, with people welcoming it into their neighborhood, rather than feeling like they’re having something shoved down their throats. That was never our intention,” Fenton said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Plan To Convert Lincolnville Into Apartments On Hold

William Smith The Burlington Beacon After seven years of trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing stray cats around Burlington, the charity and feline advocate organization A Street Cat With No Desire has dissolved. The three remaining core members of the group – Nathalie Girod, Robin Schneiderman, and Janine Walsh – said they just don’t have the volunteers needed to trap enough cats. The final cat was taken to the veterinarian Thursday, June 30. “I’m sad about it. I think we’re all remorseful,” Walsh said. The organization has trapped and neutered at least 600 cats over the past seven years, and it’s a lot more work than most realize. Communicating with cat caretakers, planning and following through with trapping, maintaining a limited vet schedule, and coordinating volunteers to transport to and from the vet – all played a factor in the decision to dissolve. Girod, who lives in Des Moines now, said roughly 200 cats were neutered, spayed, and vaccinated last year. “We felt so happy to have done something good for this planet and these animals,” Girod said. Humble Beginnings Girod founded the organization with Lanie Fritz, and at first, they weren’t sure what the mission of the group was – they just knew they wanted to help cats. Their mission started with a single cat colony. A Burlington woman had posted on Facebook about a cat colony that was getting out of control, and she needed help. Girod and Fritz took the job. “We just couldn’t help ourselves. Animals suffering is not something I could support,” Girod said. “We knew something had to be done.”&nbsp; &nbsp; They started out taking half a dozen cats to the Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation in Fairfield. “We were clueless. We didn’t even know how to work a live trap. We were just two ladies concerned with the welfare of these cats,” Girod said. Scientific studies demonstrate that trapping, neutering, and returning the felines improves the health and lives of feral cats and their relationships with the people who live near them. It also lowers the cat population, preventing cruelty, starvation, homelessness, and the spread of disease. Regular trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing decreases the size of colonies over time, which doesn’t happen if a cat is caught and euthanized. Girod said killing a cat creates a vacuum effect, allowing another cat to simply take its place in the colony and start breeding. Nothing is solved. A cat that has been neutered and returned, however, will defend that territory against possible replacements, and there’s no risk of breeding. The cat’s ear is tipped (a corner is cut out of the top), indicating to animal control officers that the cat is spayed or neutered and should be left alone. Evolving Street Cat Walsh joined the organization in 2017, and Schneiderman started a year later in 2018. Girod credits both ladies for pushing the group forward – Walsh for organizing the group into a 501(c) 3, and Schneiderman for developing the much-needed traps. The organization was funded strictly by donations. “We had a big meeting and a lot of people came to that, but that was the end of a lot of people coming,” Walsh said. Walsh said there has always been a lot of interest in the group, but finding volunteers who have the time to trap feral cats is nearly impossible. Schneiderman has been bitten several times and recalls spending four or five hours trapping one cat – only for the cat to never show up. “We have a permit from the city to do live captures,” Schneiderman said. But she can’t just leave the trap and go home. She has to be around the trap the entire time, often hiding behind a house or some greenery so they won’t see her. Since the organization utilizes out-of-town veterinarians, the lack of a facility to house the cats as they recover is a big hindrance. “When you trap a cat, you can’t keep it. It’s a wild cat,” Schneiderman said. Schneiderman had been using her garage but doesn’t believe that is humane enough. She said it’s not fair to the cat. “You’re traumatizing them in some way,” she said. “This year, we had not to do that. So we have been trapping around their homes, or we can have them pick up the strays if they aren’t too feral.” Hoping for the Future Running the organization became increasingly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Girod has since moved to Des Moines. She has still been working with Street Cat on vet appointments and other organizational details, but only Schneiderman and Walsh are around for trapping. At this point, they’re overwhelmed. But they hope they’ve made a difference. Both Schneiderman and Walsh have several feline additions to their family thanks to the organization.&nbsp; Now they would love to see another group of volunteers make a difference by creating a similar group. “It’s sad when anything comes to an end. We’re not saying it’s the end of trap, neuter, and release in Burlington,” Schneiderman said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1657046686343.jpeg" alt="The last two active, local members of A Street Cat With No Desire -- Robin Schneiderman (left) and Janine Walsh (right). (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>The last two active, local members of A Street Cat With No Desire -- Robin Schneiderman (left) and Janine Walsh (right). (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>William Smith The Burlington Beacon After seven years of trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing stray cats around Burlington, the charity and feline advocate organization A Street Cat With No Desire has dissolved. The three remaining core members of the group – Nathalie Girod, Robin Schneiderman, and Janine Walsh – said they just don’t have the volunteers needed to trap enough cats. The final cat was taken to the veterinarian Thursday, June 30. “I’m sad about it. I think we’re all remorseful,” Walsh said. The organization has trapped and neutered at least 600 cats over the past seven years, and it’s a lot more work than most realize. Communicating with cat caretakers, planning and following through with trapping, maintaining a limited vet schedule, and coordinating volunteers to transport to and from the vet – all played a factor in the decision to dissolve. Girod, who lives in Des Moines now, said roughly 200 cats were neutered, spayed, and vaccinated last year. “We felt so happy to have done something good for this planet and these animals,” Girod said. Humble Beginnings Girod founded the organization with Lanie Fritz, and at first, they weren’t sure what the mission of the group was – they just knew they wanted to help cats. Their mission started with a single cat colony. A Burlington woman had posted on Facebook about a cat colony that was getting out of control, and she needed help. Girod and Fritz took the job. “We just couldn’t help ourselves. Animals suffering is not something I could support,” Girod said. “We knew something had to be done.”&nbsp; &nbsp; They started out taking half a dozen cats to the Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation in Fairfield. “We were clueless. We didn’t even know how to work a live trap. We were just two ladies concerned with the welfare of these cats,” Girod said. Scientific studies demonstrate that trapping, neutering, and returning the felines improves the health and lives of feral cats and their relationships with the people who live near them. It also lowers the cat population, preventing cruelty, starvation, homelessness, and the spread of disease. Regular trapping, neutering, vaccinating, and releasing decreases the size of colonies over time, which doesn’t happen if a cat is caught and euthanized. Girod said killing a cat creates a vacuum effect, allowing another cat to simply take its place in the colony and start breeding. Nothing is solved. A cat that has been neutered and returned, however, will defend that territory against possible replacements, and there’s no risk of breeding. The cat’s ear is tipped (a corner is cut out of the top), indicating to animal control officers that the cat is spayed or neutered and should be left alone. Evolving Street Cat Walsh joined the organization in 2017, and Schneiderman started a year later in 2018. Girod credits both ladies for pushing the group forward – Walsh for organizing the group into a 501(c) 3, and Schneiderman for developing the much-needed traps. The organization was funded strictly by donations. “We had a big meeting and a lot of people came to that, but that was the end of a lot of people coming,” Walsh said. Walsh said there has always been a lot of interest in the group, but finding volunteers who have the time to trap feral cats is nearly impossible. Schneiderman has been bitten several times and recalls spending four or five hours trapping one cat – only for the cat to never show up. “We have a permit from the city to do live captures,” Schneiderman said. But she can’t just leave the trap and go home. She has to be around the trap the entire time, often hiding behind a house or some greenery so they won’t see her. Since the organization utilizes out-of-town veterinarians, the lack of a facility to house the cats as they recover is a big hindrance. “When you trap a cat, you can’t keep it. It’s a wild cat,” Schneiderman said. Schneiderman had been using her garage but doesn’t believe that is humane enough. She said it’s not fair to the cat. “You’re traumatizing them in some way,” she said. “This year, we had not to do that. So we have been trapping around their homes, or we can have them pick up the strays if they aren’t too feral.” Hoping for the Future Running the organization became increasingly difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Girod has since moved to Des Moines. She has still been working with Street Cat on vet appointments and other organizational details, but only Schneiderman and Walsh are around for trapping. At this point, they’re overwhelmed. But they hope they’ve made a difference. Both Schneiderman and Walsh have several feline additions to their family thanks to the organization.&nbsp; Now they would love to see another group of volunteers make a difference by creating a similar group. “It’s sad when anything comes to an end. We’re not saying it’s the end of trap, neuter, and release in Burlington,” Schneiderman said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1657046810440.jpeg" alt="A Street Cat With No Desire member Robin Schneiderman works a booth at the Burlington Pride in the Park event Saturday, June 25. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>A Street Cat With No Desire member Robin Schneiderman works a booth at the Burlington Pride in the Park event Saturday, June 25. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>

Street Cat With No Desire Dissolves, Leaves Legacy of Helping Felines

By William Smith Community Editor

During the 30-hour search for Rickey Kammerer on June 21 and June 22, Yarmouth Fire Chief John Crouch and Burlington/Yarmouth firefighter Luke Griffis (Crouch’s son-in-law) never left the scene.

Crouch recalls getting about a half-an-hour of sleep in the back of an ambulance. Griffis barely got any more.

Neither was going to stop searching the wreckage of the grain silo collapse at the Agri-Way Grain Elevator in Yarmouth — not until they found Rickey.

“We were going into this with the mindset that we weren’t going to stop until we found him, or until the scene became too unstable to be safe,” Griffis said.

It was a rescue scene unlike any the two veteran firefighters had encountered before. In fact, it was unlike anything any of the firefighters had seen.&nbsp;

The urban search and rescue team of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Task Force 1, was on the scene within an hour of being requested. Griffis said it was a record-breaking response time for the team.

“It usually takes 2 or 3 hours. You have to request them through the emergency management agency after you’ve exhausted all your resources, and they have to go through the governor,” Griffis said.

Due to the precarious nature of the scene&nbsp;&nbsp;— with one collapsed silo threatening to take down the others —&nbsp;&nbsp;Iowa Task Force 1 sought guidance from another rescue team in Wisconsin that had dealt with a similar situation. All they could offer was encouragement.

“They (the task force team out of Wisconsin) said to be careful, that it was a no-win situation,” Griffis said.

Iowa Task Force 1 had never dealt with anything like this accident before, and they specialize in those kinds of rescue&nbsp;operations. Task force members almost always like to stabilize the scene before rescue workers are put at risk, but there was no way to stabilize the tons of concrete and metal.

The wreckage shifted a total of 8 inches during the search effort, closely monitored by a surveying device from the Des Moines County Secondary Roads department and the task force itself.&nbsp;

“We had people like Travis Sours and multiple other people just watching the facility for safety issues,” Crouch said.&nbsp;

Within an hour of the accident, fire departments around the area had responded to the scene or took over fire duties for other departments so they could assist as well.&nbsp;

Griffis estimates about 80 emergency personnel were there. He counts 35 responding agencies, including excavation companies.

But there was no way to count everybody. Local construction companies showed up, ready to lend their equipment.&nbsp;

Volunteers came with armloads of food and bottled water — so much that some of the firefighter’s spouses and families started a makeshift auxiliary group for the scene just to manage it all. Local stores donated supplies as well.&nbsp;

“There were just pallets and pallets of water and drinks, four or five tables full of food, and it was stacked high. There were three cattle troughs they put bottled water and ice in,” Griffis said.

Crouch had no idea the donations had come in so quickly.&nbsp;

He was making plans to have food purchased at a grocery store until he looked inside the fire department. Then he had to kindly ask volunteers to stop bringing supplies.

“It was like, ‘jeepers!’ We sent water home with every fire department,” Crouch said.

Griffis said anything they needed arrived nearly as soon as Des Moines County Emergency Management Coordinator Gina Hardin called for it.&nbsp;

He credited her as the best emergency management coordinator in the state and said she was vital to the effort.

“Gina was able to get us anything. The joke is, if you need a purple elephant, Gina will get it to you,” Griffis said.

The work was slow and deliberate, and vibrations of vehicles and machinery would cause the wreckage to shift.&nbsp;

Crouch said most of the debris was cleared using hand tools that cut through rebar and concrete.&nbsp;

Louisa County Millwright used a crane and workers to attach cables to the top of a grain storage bin, eventually tipping it over so rescuers could access the scene.

The heat index reached 104 degrees that day (June 21), and firefighters rotated in 10-minute shifts. Full turnout gear was discouraged.

“Every department that showed up, we had them take their thermal layers out to help reduce the heat,” Griffis said. “Our only requirement was long pants, steel toes, and eye protection.”&nbsp;

Search dogs found several points of interest during the search, and crews worked outside the scene into the interior, ensuring escape routes if anything were to collapse.

Later that night, as tower lights were put up and the search continued, a thunderstorm with possible 60 mph winds approached.&nbsp;

“The storm dissipated,” Griffis said. “We barely had to stop.”&nbsp;

About a week prior to the accident, a yellow Labrador retriever showed up in town. Neither Crouch nor Griffis had ever seen the pooch before.

Neither of them gave it much thought until the dog showed up again in the wake of the accident. Kammerer’s family was on site for the entire 30-hour operation, spending hours in a grassy area just outside the caution tape.

The dog approached them, then lay beside them, as if he knew he was needed.

“That dog laid with the family and laid with the daughter for hours at a time,” Griffis said.

The dog became kind of a mascot for the rescuers and for Kammerer’s family. Griffis said he was remarkably well trained — shaking hands-on command — and could seemingly sense when someone was troubled. That included the firefighters, who found solace in petting the pooch.

“Animals fix everything,” Griffis said.

Crouch and Griffis figured the dog must have been dumped, and the firefighters weren’t about to leave him behind. After checking the dog for a microchip to make sure the owner couldn’t be found, he was adopted by the Danville fire chief.

The firefighters are still recovering from the operation, especially mentally.&nbsp;

Crouch said he hasn’t had time to process the events, but he will. Counseling sessions were made available during critical debriefings.

As difficult as that 30 hours were, Crouch and Griffis said it would have been much harder without the full-throated support of their fellow firefighters and the community.

Some of the construction companies lost equipment, but they didn’t complain. They didn’t ask for money. They told Crouch that they would be available anytime they were needed.

It’s an attitude the entire town carried. The entire county.&nbsp;

Fire departments from Illinois and across Iowa offered their support. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks called to offer anything that was needed.&nbsp;

“It wasn’t just southeast Iowa. It was a statewide response,” Griffis said.

Crouch wants to thank everyone, including a few specific people.

“I would just like to thank Gina Hardin, Hanna Siegworth, and my daughter Jamie,” Crouch said.

Griffis has pages of notes he went through to write the report for the accident, and in those notes are the names of all the responding agencies and volunteers. They have all earned the gratitude of a community.

They are Yarmouth Fire, Mediapolis Fire, Mediapolis Community Ambulance, Danville Fire, Burlington Tech Rescue, ALS Ambulance, West Burlington Fire, Mount Union Fire, Olds Fire, Wapello Fire, Wapello Ambulance, Denmark Fire, Des Moines County CERT, Cedar Rapids Iowa Task Force 1, Des Moines County Sheriff, Wayland Fire, Winfield Fire, Mount Pleasant Fire, New London Fire, Crawfordsville Fire, Washington Fire, Ainsworth Fire, Morning Sun Fire, Oakville Fire, Brewer Wrecking Service, Newberry Towing, Des Moines County Emergency Management, DESCOM, Louisa County Millwright, Fye Excavating, Four Seasons Excavating, Des Moines County Secondary Roads MABAS No. 62, New London Utilities, and the National Weather Service.

Rickey Ryan Kammerer, 30, passed away June 21, 2022, in Yarmouth. A Celebration of Life will start at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at 301 South Maple Lot 9, Winfield. The Snyder &amp; Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun is caring for the family. A memorial has been established at the funeral home in memory of Rickey. Donations may also be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/rickey-kammerer-memorial-fund">https://www.gofundme.com/f/rickey-kammerer-memorial-fund</a>. Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.

He was born Dec. 16, 1991, in Muscatine, to Adam Kammerer and Tammy Estabrook Spencer.

Rickey married the love of his life, Megga Brown Kammerer, on Oct. 31, 2020, in Winfield. Rickey was a devoted father to his daughter, Remedy LouAnn Jo Kammerer.

Rickey got his GED in 2013. He worked several jobs to support his wife and daughter. Rickey was a devoted husband and father. Rickey was loved by many and he impacted the lives of those he met.

Rickey loved to spend time with family and friends, camping, fishing, smoking, and loving life. Rickey was a huge St. Louis Cardinals and Oregon Ducks fan. He never missed a game. Rickey collected Coca Cola memorabilia.

Rickey is survived by his wife, Megga Kammerer (Winfield); his daughter, Remedy Kammerer (Winfield); his dad, Tom Jones (Morning Sun); his mom, Tammy Spencer (Morning Sun); bonus parents, Russ and Karol Adamson (Mediapolis); his father-in-law, Jerry Brown (Winfield); his brothers, Travis Jones (Morning Sun), Andrew Estabrook (Ottumwa), Ryan Adamson (Indianola), Riley Kammerer (Morning Sun), Leroy Kammerer (Morning Sun) and Justin; his sisters, Tara Jones (Connor Stratton) (Winfield), Sonya Jones (Morning Sun), Cassie Adamson (Zach Waddell) (Indianola), Jessi Lanfranco (Mt. Pleasant) and Cheyenne Kammerer (Morning Sun); his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Heather Cupps (Winfield); his grandmother, Debra Watson (Mama) (Mt. Pleasant); grandparents, Gerald (Papi) and Dianne Kammerer (Morning Sun); grandparents, Jim and Judy Strasser (Morning Sun); his fur baby son, Hunter James; his lifelong buddy; special friends, Brendan Stillwell and Carly Hodges (Winfield), Jessica Hoots and Bugg (Burlington), Jontue Wonders (Ft. Dodge), Jessica and Stephen Robertson (Morning Sun), Daryl Bryant (Morning Sun) and Nathan Geise and family; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family and friends.

Rickey was proceeded in death by his son, Bayne Ryan Kammerer; his brother, Christopher; his mother-in-law, Jackie Cupps; grandfather, Roger Estabrook; grandfather, Richard Jones; great-aunt and -uncle, Dretha and Wade Watson; niece, Kiley Bugg-Broadway; and childhood friend, Travis Stewart.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1656806751970.jpeg" alt="Citizens and emergency responders never stopped searching for a man trapped in a grain bin in Yarmouth. (Photo submitted by Barbara Kerr)" />
 <figcaption>Citizens and emergency responders never stopped searching for a man trapped in a grain bin in Yarmouth. (Photo submitted by Barbara Kerr)</figcaption>
 </figure>By William Smith Community EditorDuring the 30-hour search for Rickey Kammerer on June 21 and June 22, Yarmouth Fire Chief John Crouch and Burlington/Yarmouth firefighter Luke Griffis (Crouch’s son-in-law) never left the scene.Crouch recalls getting about a half-an-hour of sleep in the back of an ambulance. Griffis barely got any more.Neither was going to stop searching the wreckage of the grain silo collapse at the Agri-Way Grain Elevator in Yarmouth — not until they found Rickey.“We were going into this with the mindset that we weren’t going to stop until we found him, or until the scene became too unstable to be safe,” Griffis said.It was a rescue scene unlike any the two veteran firefighters had encountered before. In fact, it was unlike anything any of the firefighters had seen.&nbsp;The urban search and rescue team of Cedar Rapids, Iowa Task Force 1, was on the scene within an hour of being requested. Griffis said it was a record-breaking response time for the team.“It usually takes 2 or 3 hours. You have to request them through the emergency management agency after you’ve exhausted all your resources, and they have to go through the governor,” Griffis said.A deliberate searchDue to the precarious nature of the scene&nbsp;&nbsp;— with one collapsed silo threatening to take down the others —&nbsp;&nbsp;Iowa Task Force 1 sought guidance from another rescue team in Wisconsin that had dealt with a similar situation. All they could offer was encouragement.“They (the task force team out of Wisconsin) said to be careful, that it was a no-win situation,” Griffis said.Iowa Task Force 1 had never dealt with anything like this accident before, and they specialize in those kinds of rescue&nbsp;operations. Task force members almost always like to stabilize the scene before rescue workers are put at risk, but there was no way to stabilize the tons of concrete and metal.The wreckage shifted a total of 8 inches during the search effort, closely monitored by a surveying device from the Des Moines County Secondary Roads department and the task force itself.&nbsp;“We had people like Travis Sours and multiple other people just watching the facility for safety issues,” Crouch said.&nbsp;Within an hour of the accident, fire departments around the area had responded to the scene or took over fire duties for other departments so they could assist as well.&nbsp;Griffis estimates about 80 emergency personnel were there. He counts 35 responding agencies, including excavation companies.But there was no way to count everybody. Local construction companies showed up, ready to lend their equipment.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1656807931537.jpeg" alt="Crews worked through the night on the search effort. (Photo submitted by Barbara Kerr)" />
 <figcaption>Crews worked through the night on the search effort. (Photo submitted by Barbara Kerr)</figcaption>
 </figure>Volunteers came with armloads of food and bottled water — so much that some of the firefighter’s spouses and families started a makeshift auxiliary group for the scene just to manage it all. Local stores donated supplies as well.&nbsp;“There were just pallets and pallets of water and drinks, four or five tables full of food, and it was stacked high. There were three cattle troughs they put bottled water and ice in,” Griffis said.Crouch had no idea the donations had come in so quickly.&nbsp;He was making plans to have food purchased at a grocery store until he looked inside the fire department. Then he had to kindly ask volunteers to stop bringing supplies.“It was like, ‘jeepers!’ We sent water home with every fire department,” Crouch said.Griffis said anything they needed arrived nearly as soon as Des Moines County Emergency Management Coordinator Gina Hardin called for it.&nbsp;He credited her as the best emergency management coordinator in the state and said she was vital to the effort.“Gina was able to get us anything. The joke is, if you need a purple elephant, Gina will get it to you,” Griffis said.The work was slow and deliberate, and vibrations of vehicles and machinery would cause the wreckage to shift.&nbsp;Crouch said most of the debris was cleared using hand tools that cut through rebar and concrete.&nbsp;Louisa County Millwright used a crane and workers to attach cables to the top of a grain storage bin, eventually tipping it over so rescuers could access the scene.The heat index reached 104 degrees that day (June 21), and firefighters rotated in 10-minute shifts. Full turnout gear was discouraged.“Every department that showed up, we had them take their thermal layers out to help reduce the heat,” Griffis said. “Our only requirement was long pants, steel toes, and eye protection.”&nbsp;Search dogs found several points of interest during the search, and crews worked outside the scene into the interior, ensuring escape routes if anything were to collapse.Later that night, as tower lights were put up and the search continued, a thunderstorm with possible 60 mph winds approached.&nbsp;“The storm dissipated,” Griffis said. “We barely had to stop.”&nbsp;The mysterious dogAbout a week prior to the accident, a yellow Labrador retriever showed up in town. Neither Crouch nor Griffis had ever seen the pooch before.Neither of them gave it much thought until the dog showed up again in the wake of the accident. Kammerer’s family was on site for the entire 30-hour operation, spending hours in a grassy area just outside the caution tape.The dog approached them, then lay beside them, as if he knew he was needed.“That dog laid with the family and laid with the daughter for hours at a time,” Griffis said.The dog became kind of a mascot for the rescuers and for Kammerer’s family. Griffis said he was remarkably well trained — shaking hands-on command — and could seemingly sense when someone was troubled. That included the firefighters, who found solace in petting the pooch.“Animals fix everything,” Griffis said.Crouch and Griffis figured the dog must have been dumped, and the firefighters weren’t about to leave him behind. After checking the dog for a microchip to make sure the owner couldn’t be found, he was adopted by the Danville fire chief.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1656806947922.jpeg" alt="Yarmouth Community Methodist Church sits in the shadow of the Agri-way grain storage facility, the site of a tragic accident that claimed the life of Rickey Ryan Kammerer. (Photo courtesy of Keith Turrill)" />
 <figcaption>Yarmouth Community Methodist Church sits in the shadow of the Agri-way grain storage facility, the site of a tragic accident that claimed the life of Rickey Ryan Kammerer. (Photo courtesy of Keith Turrill)</figcaption>
 </figure>Expressing gratitudeThe firefighters are still recovering from the operation, especially mentally.&nbsp;Crouch said he hasn’t had time to process the events, but he will. Counseling sessions were made available during critical debriefings.As difficult as that 30 hours were, Crouch and Griffis said it would have been much harder without the full-throated support of their fellow firefighters and the community.Some of the construction companies lost equipment, but they didn’t complain. They didn’t ask for money. They told Crouch that they would be available anytime they were needed.It’s an attitude the entire town carried. The entire county.&nbsp;Fire departments from Illinois and across Iowa offered their support. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks called to offer anything that was needed.&nbsp;“It wasn’t just southeast Iowa. It was a statewide response,” Griffis said.Crouch wants to thank everyone, including a few specific people.“I would just like to thank Gina Hardin, Hanna Siegworth, and my daughter Jamie,” Crouch said.Griffis has pages of notes he went through to write the report for the accident, and in those notes are the names of all the responding agencies and volunteers. They have all earned the gratitude of a community.They are Yarmouth Fire, Mediapolis Fire, Mediapolis Community Ambulance, Danville Fire, Burlington Tech Rescue, ALS Ambulance, West Burlington Fire, Mount Union Fire, Olds Fire, Wapello Fire, Wapello Ambulance, Denmark Fire, Des Moines County CERT, Cedar Rapids Iowa Task Force 1, Des Moines County Sheriff, Wayland Fire, Winfield Fire, Mount Pleasant Fire, New London Fire, Crawfordsville Fire, Washington Fire, Ainsworth Fire, Morning Sun Fire, Oakville Fire, Brewer Wrecking Service, Newberry Towing, Des Moines County Emergency Management, DESCOM, Louisa County Millwright, Fye Excavating, Four Seasons Excavating, Des Moines County Secondary Roads MABAS No. 62, New London Utilities, and the National Weather Service.Obituary for Rickey Ryan Kammerer<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1656807529107.jpeg" alt="Rickey Ryan Kammerer" />
 <figcaption>Rickey Ryan Kammerer</figcaption>
 </figure>Rickey Ryan Kammerer, 30, passed away June 21, 2022, in Yarmouth. A Celebration of Life will start at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at 301 South Maple Lot 9, Winfield. The Snyder &amp; Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Morning Sun is caring for the family. A memorial has been established at the funeral home in memory of Rickey. Donations may also be made at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/rickey-kammerer-memorial-fund">https://www.gofundme.com/f/rickey-kammerer-memorial-fund</a>. Online condolences may be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.He was born Dec. 16, 1991, in Muscatine, to Adam Kammerer and Tammy Estabrook Spencer.Rickey married the love of his life, Megga Brown Kammerer, on Oct. 31, 2020, in Winfield. Rickey was a devoted father to his daughter, Remedy LouAnn Jo Kammerer.Rickey got his GED in 2013. He worked several jobs to support his wife and daughter. Rickey was a devoted husband and father. Rickey was loved by many and he impacted the lives of those he met.Rickey loved to spend time with family and friends, camping, fishing, smoking, and loving life. Rickey was a huge St. Louis Cardinals and Oregon Ducks fan. He never missed a game. Rickey collected Coca Cola memorabilia.Rickey is survived by his wife, Megga Kammerer (Winfield); his daughter, Remedy Kammerer (Winfield); his dad, Tom Jones (Morning Sun); his mom, Tammy Spencer (Morning Sun); bonus parents, Russ and Karol Adamson (Mediapolis); his father-in-law, Jerry Brown (Winfield); his brothers, Travis Jones (Morning Sun), Andrew Estabrook (Ottumwa), Ryan Adamson (Indianola), Riley Kammerer (Morning Sun), Leroy Kammerer (Morning Sun) and Justin; his sisters, Tara Jones (Connor Stratton) (Winfield), Sonya Jones (Morning Sun), Cassie Adamson (Zach Waddell) (Indianola), Jessi Lanfranco (Mt. Pleasant) and Cheyenne Kammerer (Morning Sun); his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Heather Cupps (Winfield); his grandmother, Debra Watson (Mama) (Mt. Pleasant); grandparents, Gerald (Papi) and Dianne Kammerer (Morning Sun); grandparents, Jim and Judy Strasser (Morning Sun); his fur baby son, Hunter James; his lifelong buddy; special friends, Brendan Stillwell and Carly Hodges (Winfield), Jessica Hoots and Bugg (Burlington), Jontue Wonders (Ft. Dodge), Jessica and Stephen Robertson (Morning Sun), Daryl Bryant (Morning Sun) and Nathan Geise and family; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family and friends.Rickey was proceeded in death by his son, Bayne Ryan Kammerer; his brother, Christopher; his mother-in-law, Jackie Cupps; grandfather, Roger Estabrook; grandfather, Richard Jones; great-aunt and -uncle, Dretha and Wade Watson; niece, Kiley Bugg-Broadway; and childhood friend, Travis Stewart.

Courage in the Face of Tragedy

Stacey Abell The Burlington Beacon Continuing their long-standing support of military members and families, the Burlington Bees will hold a Military Appreciation Night at Community Field on Saturday, July 2. AMVETS Post 29 is sponsoring this event and will have a table inside the gate. The game against the Clinton LumberKings will begin at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.

Currently serving military members, their spouses, and their children will receive free admission with military I.D. at the entry gate. Veterans and deployed families will receive free admission to the honor system.

“We feel it is extremely important to honor our military and veterans through a night focused on their commitment and sacrifice protecting our country,” said Jill Mason, assistant general manager.

The fun continues on July 3 with a patriotic celebration of America’s independence. The Bees face the LumberKings again at 6:30 p.m. S.O.F.T. (Supporting Our Families &amp; Troops) will have a table set up inside the gate to visit with military families and fans. The Bees have partnered with S.O.F.T. for many years to raise awareness of the needs of military families. A post-game fireworks show will close out the evening.

“Saturday’s Military Appreciation Night is our way of showing our gratitude to all of the men and women in uniform, veterans for their service, and all the families that support their loved ones serving,” said Jill Mason, assistant general manager. “Our hope is that those in the military feel supported by our community and are able to relax and enjoy an evening watching America’s favorite pastime.”

If anyone has a loved one deployed, please let S.O.F.T. know (319-752-4201) if you’d like a care package sent to them.

Stacey Abell The Burlington Beacon Continuing their long-standing support of military members and families, the Burlington Bees will hold a Military Appreciation Night at Community Field on Saturday, July 2. AMVETS Post 29 is sponsoring this event and will have a table inside the gate. The game against the Clinton LumberKings will begin at 6:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.Currently serving military members, their spouses, and their children will receive free admission with military I.D. at the entry gate. Veterans and deployed families will receive free admission to the honor system.“We feel it is extremely important to honor our military and veterans through a night focused on their commitment and sacrifice protecting our country,” said Jill Mason, assistant general manager.The fun continues on July 3 with a patriotic celebration of America’s independence. The Bees face the LumberKings again at 6:30 p.m. S.O.F.T. (Supporting Our Families &amp; Troops) will have a table set up inside the gate to visit with military families and fans. The Bees have partnered with S.O.F.T. for many years to raise awareness of the needs of military families. A post-game fireworks show will close out the evening.“Saturday’s Military Appreciation Night is our way of showing our gratitude to all of the men and women in uniform, veterans for their service, and all the families that support their loved ones serving,” said Jill Mason, assistant general manager. “Our hope is that those in the military feel supported by our community and are able to relax and enjoy an evening watching America’s favorite pastime.”If anyone has a loved one deployed, please let S.O.F.T. know (319-752-4201) if you’d like a care package sent to them.

Bees to Honor Military Past & Present This Weekend

By Beacon Staff There’s no doubt about it – the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Broadway Street in West Burlington is going to be explosive Monday. West Burlington city councilman and event organizer Andy Crowner compared the event to a John Mellencamp music video. “It’s just a good time, celebrating our country. Good food and fun,” he said. As usual, the celebration will last the entire day, filling Broadway Street with vendor booths, games, inflatables, live music, a dunk tank, water fights, and a worship service among other things. As is the tradition, the celebration will end with a fireworks display starting at 10:01 p.m. Crowner said the closer you are to the fireworks, the better. “I don’t know how many people have watched the fireworks from Broadway Street, but if you haven’t, you should. It’s pretty cool,” he said. New to this year’s celebration is “The Little Squirts Waterfights” from noon to 3 p.m. “The fire department is going to have some small hoses,” he said.&nbsp; The celebration will kick off with a pancake breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. at the West Burlington Fire Department. The Relay for Life Craft and Vendor Show will start at 7 a.m., and bicycle races will begin at 9 a.m. at Westland Mall. Registration begins at 8 a.m. There will be a praise service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. As the praise service ends, the inflatables, dunk tank, and kids games will begin at 11:30 a.m. The Cruise Day Display (featuring classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles) will start at 10 a.m. and bingo will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside West Burlington City Hall. The River City Baggers Bag Tournament will start at noon, and the Kid’s Parade is set for 3:45 pm., traveling from Huston Street from Ramsey Street to Broadway Street. The annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 4 p.m. and will travel down Huston Street from Westland Mall. The Broadway Bullfrog Race will start at 7 p.m. (followed by a bullfrog sale), and the raffle drawing will be at 8 p.m.&nbsp; The Music There will be live music throughout the day from the Deery Brothers Stage, starting at 11:30 a.m. with Sean Kistler. The It’s Electric Entertainment Kids Talent Show starts at 1:30 p.m.&nbsp; More live music will return in the evening, with Jarrod Hogan and South 55 taking the stage at 5 p.m.&nbsp;Chicago’s hottest dance party band, First Dance, will headline the night of entertainment at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/7/1656696846099.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff There’s no doubt about it – the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Broadway Street in West Burlington is going to be explosive Monday. West Burlington city councilman and event organizer Andy Crowner compared the event to a John Mellencamp music video. “It’s just a good time, celebrating our country. Good food and fun,” he said. As usual, the celebration will last the entire day, filling Broadway Street with vendor booths, games, inflatables, live music, a dunk tank, water fights, and a worship service among other things. As is the tradition, the celebration will end with a fireworks display starting at 10:01 p.m. Crowner said the closer you are to the fireworks, the better. “I don’t know how many people have watched the fireworks from Broadway Street, but if you haven’t, you should. It’s pretty cool,” he said. New to this year’s celebration is “The Little Squirts Waterfights” from noon to 3 p.m. “The fire department is going to have some small hoses,” he said.&nbsp; The celebration will kick off with a pancake breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. at the West Burlington Fire Department. The Relay for Life Craft and Vendor Show will start at 7 a.m., and bicycle races will begin at 9 a.m. at Westland Mall. Registration begins at 8 a.m. There will be a praise service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. As the praise service ends, the inflatables, dunk tank, and kids games will begin at 11:30 a.m. The Cruise Day Display (featuring classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles) will start at 10 a.m. and bingo will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. inside West Burlington City Hall. The River City Baggers Bag Tournament will start at noon, and the Kid’s Parade is set for 3:45 pm., traveling from Huston Street from Ramsey Street to Broadway Street. The annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 4 p.m. and will travel down Huston Street from Westland Mall. The Broadway Bullfrog Race will start at 7 p.m. (followed by a bullfrog sale), and the raffle drawing will be at 8 p.m.&nbsp; The Music There will be live music throughout the day from the Deery Brothers Stage, starting at 11:30 a.m. with Sean Kistler. The It’s Electric Entertainment Kids Talent Show starts at 1:30 p.m.&nbsp; More live music will return in the evening, with Jarrod Hogan and South 55 taking the stage at 5 p.m.&nbsp;Chicago’s hottest dance party band, First Dance, will headline the night of entertainment at 8:30 p.m.&nbsp; &nbsp;

West Burlington Fourth of July Will Be a Blast

Chris Faulkner for The Beacon The late auto racer Brent Slocum had a lot of children, even if only one was biological.

That's because Slocum, who drove&nbsp;Late Models,&nbsp;had an infectious personality.

“He loved the fans, especially kids,” said friend Brad Lange,&nbsp;who serves as vice president of the Brent&nbsp;Slocum Foundation. Jennifer Bailey, Slocum's sister, is president.

“After every race, there'd be a line of kids to talk to Brent," Lange said.

But Slocum, who had been racing for 11 years, died in a freak accident June 11, 2005, while working in the pits at 34 Raceway. He left behind a wife and three-month-old daughter.

In his memory, 34 Raceway holds the annual Slocum 50, usually in April, but it was postponed this year until Saturday, July 2, because of inclement weather.

The only year the race didn't run was 2020, when large group events were shut down that April because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A scholarship fund was set up the first year after Slocum's death, and in 2011, the Brent Slocum Foundation was organized.

“It took us a couple of years to get our feet under us,” Lange said.

The foundation and 34 Raceway pay out $10,555 to the Late Model feature winner. Classes set to run are Super Late Model – Lucas Oil MLRA, 305 winged sprint and stock cars.

Pits open for the 14th&nbsp;annual event at 3 p.m., the grandstands open at 4 p.m., and hot laps start at 6:15 p.m., with racing to follow. Grandstand prices are $25 for adults, $23 for students or seniors, and free for children 10 and younger with a paid adult admission.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/6/1656634156928.jpeg" alt="The annual Slocum 50 will be held on Saturday, July 2. (Brett Slocum Foundation Facebook photo)" />
 <figcaption>The annual Slocum 50 will be held on Saturday, July 2. (Brett Slocum Foundation Facebook photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Chris Faulkner for The Beacon The late auto racer Brent Slocum had a lot of children, even if only one was biological.That's because Slocum, who drove&nbsp;Late Models,&nbsp;had an infectious personality.“He loved the fans, especially kids,” said friend Brad Lange,&nbsp;who serves as vice president of the Brent&nbsp;Slocum Foundation. Jennifer Bailey, Slocum's sister, is president.“After every race, there'd be a line of kids to talk to Brent," Lange said.But Slocum, who had been racing for 11 years, died in a freak accident June 11, 2005, while working in the pits at 34 Raceway. He left behind a wife and three-month-old daughter.In his memory, 34 Raceway holds the annual Slocum 50, usually in April, but it was postponed this year until Saturday, July 2, because of inclement weather.The only year the race didn't run was 2020, when large group events were shut down that April because of the COVID-19 pandemic.A scholarship fund was set up the first year after Slocum's death, and in 2011, the Brent Slocum Foundation was organized.“It took us a couple of years to get our feet under us,” Lange said.The foundation and 34 Raceway pay out $10,555 to the Late Model feature winner. Classes set to run are Super Late Model – Lucas Oil MLRA, 305 winged sprint and stock cars.Pits open for the 14th&nbsp;annual event at 3 p.m., the grandstands open at 4 p.m., and hot laps start at 6:15 p.m., with racing to follow. Grandstand prices are $25 for adults, $23 for students or seniors, and free for children 10 and younger with a paid adult admission.

Slocum's Legacy Lives On

Twelve years ago, the Burlington Lightscape Project — a board of community volunteers who want to highlight Burlington’s architecture by literally shining light on it — lit up the St. John’s Catholic Church steeple to make it stand out against the starry sky.

It was the beginning of a much larger project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2016, the Lightscape Project helped light nine other Burlington structures: Christ Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, Majestic Estates (formerly St. Paul’s German Methodist Episcopal Church), First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, First Congregational Church, the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Burlington Northern Locomotive on Main Street.

Since its inception, board members have talked about lighting up the Great River Bridge. By this fall, that should happen.&nbsp;

Energyficient — a Burlington-based lighting distributor that specializes in large-scale lighting projects —&nbsp;&nbsp;has awarded the installation contract for the Great River Bridge to Frank Millard and Co.&nbsp;

By William SmithTwelve years ago, the Burlington Lightscape Project — a board of community volunteers who want to highlight Burlington’s architecture by literally shining light on it — lit up the St. John’s Catholic Church steeple to make it stand out against the starry sky.It was the beginning of a much larger project.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 2016, the Lightscape Project helped light nine other Burlington structures: Christ Episcopal Church, United Church of Christ, Majestic Estates (formerly St. Paul’s German Methodist Episcopal Church), First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, First Congregational Church, the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Burlington Northern Locomotive on Main Street.Since its inception, board members have talked about lighting up the Great River Bridge. By this fall, that should happen.&nbsp;Energyficient — a Burlington-based lighting distributor that specializes in large-scale lighting projects —&nbsp;&nbsp;has awarded the installation contract for the Great River Bridge to Frank Millard and Co.&nbsp;Materials are expected to arrive at the end of the summer.“The construction plans are done at this stage,” said board member Chad Palmer, who is Energyficient president and CEO.&nbsp;“The light fixtures should show up in early August, and installation will depend on the weather. That’s where it gets fuzzy. If everything goes our way, we should be putting the fixtures in late August.”Palmer has been the driving force for the project since the start of the Lightscape Project.&nbsp;His father, who was the city electrician, made it a pet project to light up the bridge before he retired.He said most of the lights&nbsp;aimed at the bridge tower haven’t been operational in roughly five years.“It (the new lighting) will be very uniform, and it will be much brighter. It will be about twice as bright, which will be hard for folks to remember because it hasn’t been that bright in well over 10 years,”&nbsp;&nbsp;he said, noting that the cables of the bridge will be illuminated as well.Snake AlleyIn addition to lighting up the Great River Bridge, the Lightscape Project also plans to light up Snake Alley around roughly the same time.It’s a tricky process, but Palmer knows exactly how he’s going to do it. Once the project is past the design phase, it too will be bid out later in the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;It will be illuminated from dusk to dawn.“I’m going to illuminate those trees. They will be interesting all year long, whether they have leaves, or snow, or no leaves,” Palmer said. “The spotlights on the alley will be accentuating the alley itself.”&nbsp;Currently, the alley has no lighting to speak of. Six poles will be equipped with LED spotlights shining down, but at eye level, those poles will have antique lanterns hanging from them. Palmer said that should match the historic nature of the landmark.Palmer said he got the idea for how to light the alley after he used his expertise to highlight the waterfall at Bracewell Stadium with light.“It will look very periodic. It should fit,” he said.&nbsp;The Lights&nbsp;As can be observed in the bridge diagram, which Palmer based on specifications he obtained from the city, the lights will be placed along the base of the bridge, shining upward at a specific angle to light every inch of the center tower.Palmer said it will be brighter than even he expected.“Everything will be brighter than I anticipated because they painted the tower white. We didn’t know they were going to do that. They did that a couple of years ago,” Palmer said.There will be nine types of LED lights of varying size and intensity, depending on their placement on the bridge. If he had started the project 10 years ago, his lighting options would have been much more limited. LED technology has advanced significantly since then.“The new design takes into consideration how greatly the tower will be lit, how uniformly it will be lit, and how much spill light there is,” Palmer said. “A lot of people would like to see the night sky stay dark. So we didn’t want to add to the light pollution in the sky any more than we had to.”The lights will be wirelessly connected to each other, and will automatically dim to 10 percent of power at 10 p.m. during the week, and at 11 p.m. on the weekends. The city will also have manual control of the lights.FundraisingThe two projects are being funded through a $500,000 fund that has been raised by the Lightscape Project board of directors over the last decade.But they’re still going to need more money to maintain the lighting system, which is expected to last at least 30 years.“After we are all gone, these lights will be maintained,” said board member Gretchen Miller.Right now, the board has roughly $40,000 in an endowment fund established by the Community Foundation of Des Moines County in 2016.That money will be used to maintain the lighting on all the church temples as well as the Great River Bridge and Snake Alley.&nbsp;“Our endowment fund currently has $40,000, and needs to grow to $200,000 to produce funds for all future maintenance costs,” Miller said. “It will ensure the illumination of the lightscape of Burlington for many years to come.”The Burlington Lightscape Project board of directors is currently raising money to grow that endowment fund, and donations are tax-deductible.To donate, make your check payable to the Burlington/West Burlington Area Development Foundation, designated for Burlington Lightscape, 610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa.