By Chris Faulkner Beacon Sports

The tightly contested Sport Compact class at 34 Raceway finished with a dead heat after the feature race on Championship Night Saturday, Aug. 27.

Tim Schnathorst, the points leader going into the championship night, finished fifth, two spots behind Larry Miller. Both Burlington drivers finished with 297 points.

But Schnathorst was awarded the track title based on his winning three features compared to no victories for Miller out of the eight-race season.

Chad Krogmeier of Burlington won the Stock Car class. Cody Wehrle of Burlington won the 305 Winged Sprints. Austen Becerra of Carthage, Ill., won the Modifieds class. Sean Wyatt of Danville took the Sport Mods title. Brian Tipps of Wapello won the Mini Hauler class. Jeff Guengerich of Washington claimed the Late Models crown.

“We both fought hard,” Schnathorst said of his and Miller's season-long battle.

Schnathorst finished a solid fifth but had to battle from behind to force the tie.

“Larry made me work for it for sure,” Schnathorst said.

He said he struggled the entire season: “It was a new car, I was fighting issues and trying to make all the races.”

Winged sprints – 1. Cody Wehrle, Burlington 323, 2. Daniel Bergquist, Burlington 280, 3. Nick Guernsey, Burlington 274, 4. Nathan Murders, Burlington 271, 5. Chase Richards, Burlington 270, 6. J.J. Beaver, Knoxville 266, 7. Blaine Jamison, Mediapolis 258, 8. McCain Richards, Burlington 247, 9. Noah Samuel, Burlington 244, 10. Aaron Ferch, Kirkwood, Ill. 207.

Sport Compact – 1. Tim Schnathorst, Burlington 297, 2. Larry Miller, Burlington 297, 3. Noah Kayser, Burlington 284, 4. Justin Stevenson, Burlington 277, 5. Wayne Chamblee, Burlington 256, 6. Chadrick Edward Poland, Burlington 255, 7. Shane Vancil, Salem 198, 8. T.J. Weyls, Burlington 132, 9. Caleb Giese, Morning Sun 130,10. Jason Ash, Burlington 120.

Modifieds – 1. Austen Becerra, Carthage, Ill. 341, 2. Dennis LaVeine, West Burlington 310, 3. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington 303, 4. Mitch Boles, New London 290, 5. Chad Giberson, Richland 227, 6. Jarrett Brown, Ainsworth 226, 7. Kyle Madden, Oxford 164, 8. Jardin Fuller, Memphis, Mo. 161, 9. Creston Williams, Newhaul 151, 10. Cole Helmerson, New London 149,

Sport Mods – 1. Sean Wyett, Danville 328, 2. Bob Cowman, Quincy, Ill., 291, 3. Draython Schanfish, East Moline, Ill., 286, 4. Travis Hartman, Burlington 276, 5. Mitch Strayer, Davenport 178, 6. Dylan Van Wyk, Oskaloosa 140, 7. Matt Thomas, Danville 117, 8. Tom Lathrop, Ottumwa 114, 9. Adam Birck, Canton, Mo., 113, 10. A.J. Tournear, Quincy, Ill. and Tom Bowling Jr., Burlington (tie) 108.

Stock cars – 1. Chad Krogmeier, Burlington 207, 2. Kirk Knisley, Wapello 177, 3. Austin Kemper, Wapello 167, 4. Dustin Griffiths, Hedrick 112, 5. Ray Raker, Danville 95, 6. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant 75, 7. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill. 67, 8. Dustin Vis, Martelle 40, 9. Johnny Spaw, Cedar Rapids 39, 10. David Brandies, Wilton 38.

Mini Hauler – 1. Brian Tipps, Wapello 157, 2. Tucker Richardson, Morning Sun 150, 3. Tim Wagner, Wapello 149, 4. Sheldon Bracket, Burlington 140, 5. Darin Ronner, Gladstone, Ill. 133, 6. Don Wood, Wapello and Jeff Bockes, Morning Sun (tie) 130, 8. James Ruble, Morning Sun 106, 9. Jacob Ruble, Mount Pleasant 105, 10. Matt Barton, Mount Pleasant 71.

Dirt Late Models – 1. Jeff Guengerich, Washington 151, 2. Ed Hollenbeck, Burlington 127, 3. Dustin Schram, Sterlin, Ill., 107, 4. Brandon Rothzen, Gladstone, Ill., 99, 5. Nick Marolf, Moscow 78, 6. Jay Johnson, West Burlington 76, 7. C.J. Horn, Cedar Rapids 74, 8. Ray Raker, Danville 70, 9. Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson 69, 10. Tommy Elston, Keokuk 42.

By Chris Faulkner Beacon SportsThe tightly contested Sport Compact class at 34 Raceway finished with a dead heat after the feature race on Championship Night Saturday, Aug. 27.Tim Schnathorst, the points leader going into the championship night, finished fifth, two spots behind Larry Miller. Both Burlington drivers finished with 297 points.But Schnathorst was awarded the track title based on his winning three features compared to no victories for Miller out of the eight-race season.Chad Krogmeier of Burlington won the Stock Car class. Cody Wehrle of Burlington won the 305 Winged Sprints. Austen Becerra of Carthage, Ill., won the Modifieds class. Sean Wyatt of Danville took the Sport Mods title. Brian Tipps of Wapello won the Mini Hauler class. Jeff Guengerich of Washington claimed the Late Models crown.“We both fought hard,” Schnathorst said of his and Miller's season-long battle.“It was an emotional night for me.”Schnathorst finished a solid fifth but had to battle from behind to force the tie.“Larry made me work for it for sure,” Schnathorst said.He said he struggled the entire season: “It was a new car, I was fighting issues and trying to make all the races.”The Top 10Winged sprints – 1. Cody Wehrle, Burlington 323, 2. Daniel Bergquist, Burlington 280, 3. Nick Guernsey, Burlington 274, 4. Nathan Murders, Burlington 271, 5. Chase Richards, Burlington 270, 6. J.J. Beaver, Knoxville 266, 7. Blaine Jamison, Mediapolis 258, 8. McCain Richards, Burlington 247, 9. Noah Samuel, Burlington 244, 10. Aaron Ferch, Kirkwood, Ill. 207.Sport Compact – 1. Tim Schnathorst, Burlington 297, 2. Larry Miller, Burlington 297, 3. Noah Kayser, Burlington 284, 4. Justin Stevenson, Burlington 277, 5. Wayne Chamblee, Burlington 256, 6. Chadrick Edward Poland, Burlington 255, 7. Shane Vancil, Salem 198, 8. T.J. Weyls, Burlington 132, 9. Caleb Giese, Morning Sun 130,10. Jason Ash, Burlington 120.Modifieds – 1. Austen Becerra, Carthage, Ill. 341, 2. Dennis LaVeine, West Burlington 310, 3. Bill Roberts Jr., Burlington 303, 4. Mitch Boles, New London 290, 5. Chad Giberson, Richland 227, 6. Jarrett Brown, Ainsworth 226, 7. Kyle Madden, Oxford 164, 8. Jardin Fuller, Memphis, Mo. 161, 9. Creston Williams, Newhaul 151, 10. Cole Helmerson, New London 149,Sport Mods – 1. Sean Wyett, Danville 328, 2. Bob Cowman, Quincy, Ill., 291, 3. Draython Schanfish, East Moline, Ill., 286, 4. Travis Hartman, Burlington 276, 5. Mitch Strayer, Davenport 178, 6. Dylan Van Wyk, Oskaloosa 140, 7. Matt Thomas, Danville 117, 8. Tom Lathrop, Ottumwa 114, 9. Adam Birck, Canton, Mo., 113, 10. A.J. Tournear, Quincy, Ill. and Tom Bowling Jr., Burlington (tie) 108.Stock cars – 1. Chad Krogmeier, Burlington 207, 2. Kirk Knisley, Wapello 177, 3. Austin Kemper, Wapello 167, 4. Dustin Griffiths, Hedrick 112, 5. Ray Raker, Danville 95, 6. Jason Cook, Mount Pleasant 75, 7. Abe Huls, Carthage, Ill. 67, 8. Dustin Vis, Martelle 40, 9. Johnny Spaw, Cedar Rapids 39, 10. David Brandies, Wilton 38.Mini Hauler – 1. Brian Tipps, Wapello 157, 2. Tucker Richardson, Morning Sun 150, 3. Tim Wagner, Wapello 149, 4. Sheldon Bracket, Burlington 140, 5. Darin Ronner, Gladstone, Ill. 133, 6. Don Wood, Wapello and Jeff Bockes, Morning Sun (tie) 130, 8. James Ruble, Morning Sun 106, 9. Jacob Ruble, Mount Pleasant 105, 10. Matt Barton, Mount Pleasant 71.Dirt Late Models – 1. Jeff Guengerich, Washington 151, 2. Ed Hollenbeck, Burlington 127, 3. Dustin Schram, Sterlin, Ill., 107, 4. Brandon Rothzen, Gladstone, Ill., 99, 5. Nick Marolf, Moscow 78, 6. Jay Johnson, West Burlington 76, 7. C.J. Horn, Cedar Rapids 74, 8. Ray Raker, Danville 70, 9. Jeremy Pundt, Donnellson 69, 10. Tommy Elston, Keokuk 42.

Schnathorst claims track title; Points race ends in a tie

By Beacon Staff Five Burlington men were sentenced to decades in prison for conspiring to distribute drugs in the Burlington area.&nbsp; The men, who were involved in a large-scale drug operation, were arrested after the seizure of 362 pounds of methamphetamine during an Arizona traffic stop in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp; Those who were sentenced are: • Rudolph Sinclair Allen, 37, who was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Clyde Macks Stewart, Jr., 51, was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Demetrius Antre Goudy, 42, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Gregory Jermain Johnson, 36, was sentenced to approximately 14 years (169 months) of imprisonment and five years of supervised release; • Brian Keith Davis, Jr., 42, was sentenced to 10.5 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Gregory Johnson, Rudolph Allen, and Marcus Johnson, 46, of Burlington, were the “middlemen” who received large quantities of ice methamphetamine. The meth was received by Kendric Centrall Childs, 35, of Burlington, who served as the main drug source, along with another individual.&nbsp; Gregory Johnson, Allen, and Marcus Johnson either sold quantities of ice methamphetamine themselves or provided it to lower-level dealers such as Goudy, Stewart, and Davis for distribution. Court documents further show that Julie Mason, 54 of Burlington, was one of the drug couriers for the group. On Jan. 24, 2020, Mason was stopped in Arizona while transporting approximately 362 pounds of ice methamphetamine. Mason admitted the ice methamphetamine was bound for Burlington. The traffic stop was the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s largest single seizure of ice methamphetamine at the time. Mason, Childs, and Marcus Johnson have all pled guilty to drug conspiracy charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on a later date. Mason was previously found guilty of Possession of Drugs for Sale and Transport Drugs for Sale following a jury trial in Arizona and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in the Arizona Department of Corrections. The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff Five Burlington men were sentenced to decades in prison for conspiring to distribute drugs in the Burlington area.&nbsp; The men, who were involved in a large-scale drug operation, were arrested after the seizure of 362 pounds of methamphetamine during an Arizona traffic stop in 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp; Those who were sentenced are: • Rudolph Sinclair Allen, 37, who was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Clyde Macks Stewart, Jr., 51, was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Demetrius Antre Goudy, 42, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. • Gregory Jermain Johnson, 36, was sentenced to approximately 14 years (169 months) of imprisonment and five years of supervised release; • Brian Keith Davis, Jr., 42, was sentenced to 10.5 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Gregory Johnson, Rudolph Allen, and Marcus Johnson, 46, of Burlington, were the “middlemen” who received large quantities of ice methamphetamine. The meth was received by Kendric Centrall Childs, 35, of Burlington, who served as the main drug source, along with another individual.&nbsp; Gregory Johnson, Allen, and Marcus Johnson either sold quantities of ice methamphetamine themselves or provided it to lower-level dealers such as Goudy, Stewart, and Davis for distribution. Court documents further show that Julie Mason, 54 of Burlington, was one of the drug couriers for the group. On Jan. 24, 2020, Mason was stopped in Arizona while transporting approximately 362 pounds of ice methamphetamine. Mason admitted the ice methamphetamine was bound for Burlington. The traffic stop was the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s largest single seizure of ice methamphetamine at the time. Mason, Childs, and Marcus Johnson have all pled guilty to drug conspiracy charges and are scheduled to be sentenced on a later date. Mason was previously found guilty of Possession of Drugs for Sale and Transport Drugs for Sale following a jury trial in Arizona and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in the Arizona Department of Corrections. The Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force investigated the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burlington men sentenced to prison for large-scale drug operation

Chris Faulkner for The Burlington Beacon

Burlington and West Burlington/Notre Dame's high school's football teams took advantage of The Turf for their pre-season scrimmage last Friday night. Severe weather threatened the area, forcing the teams to go inside.

On Friday, Aug. 26, though, it's for real. The Grayhounds travel to Case Field in Washington to play the Demons in a non-district game. The freshman game is at 5 p.m., with the varsity following at about 7:30 p.m. West Burlington/Notre Dame hosts Mid-Prairie Wellman for its non-district opener. The varsity-only game starts at 7 p.m.

BHS coach Jim Krekel knows Washington's pedigree. The Demons have always been a top two or three team in Class 3A.

“This game is a huge challenge against a team of tradition and history and will be well-coached,” Krekel said.

The Grayhounds won 39-18 in last year's opener.

“We have a lot of work to do in all aspects, as is typical opening a season,” Krekel said.

“We're working hard on gaining confidence, so playing is a reflection of those accomplishments.”

Burlington is coming off a 7-3 season. Krekel is in his third as head coach but has been coaching football for 36 years now.

The Grayhounds return three players who received post-season honors and all are seniors: center/defensive end Julian Perez-Hall was a second-team all-stater last year as well as earning all-district honors. Fullback/linebacker Nolan Simpson and tight end/safety Alex Fawcett both earned second-team all-district honors for Class 4A, District 5.

Linemen returning are Xzavion Baker, Trent Huffman, John Schuelka, Gunner Short, and Caleb Zaugg.

Also back are fullbacks Noah Nixon and Phil Phillips, wingback Owen Baker, and tight end Deshawn Conard.

Gabe Robinson will be the starting quarterback.

Not only is Krekel a BHS alumnus but so are assistant coaches Charlie Walsh, Adam Glasgow, Josh Osborn, Sean Coleman, and Jordan Webb.

WB/ND coach Joe Bowman is concerned right off the bat with low numbers. Just under 30 players suit up in all four grades. The program dropped the freshman/sophomore schedule.

“We cannot afford any injuries or setbacks if we hope to compete against a very challenging schedule,” Bowman said.

Mid-Prairie is a very physical team, according to Bowman, and Golden Hawks won 55-13 against WB/ND in last year's opener. 

“They will come off the football hard and keep coming all game," he said. “It is very hard to simulate in practice.”

The Falcons hope to challenge with a veteran running attack, led by Travain Donaldson, Hayden Vandenberg, and Jack Riley. But Bowman said the Falcons can throw the ball if that's available.

The returning regulars along with the aforementioned trio are Isaiah Fenton, Brady Heuvelmann, Carsen Jones, C.J. Mutchler, Pierce Westerbeck, Dylan Kipp, Jordan Nupp, and Caden Schwenker.

WB/ND also has some promising newcomers in Quincy Collins, C.J. Davis, Levi Fletcher-Bates, Emry Watson, Regan Van Niewaal, Gedi Boal, and Matthew Booten.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1661271061183.jpeg" alt="West Burlington/Notre Dame defender Isaiah Fenton tries to bring down Burlington High School's Caden Schisel, with Falcon Hayden Vandenberg ready for the hit as well. BHS opens the season Friday, Aug. 26 at Washington, and the Falcons will host Mid-Prairie. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>West Burlington/Notre Dame defender Isaiah Fenton tries to bring down Burlington High School's Caden Schisel, with Falcon Hayden Vandenberg ready for the hit as well. BHS opens the season Friday, Aug. 26 at Washington, and the Falcons will host Mid-Prairie. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>Chris Faulkner for The Burlington BeaconBurlington and West Burlington/Notre Dame's high school's football teams took advantage of The Turf for their pre-season scrimmage last Friday night. Severe weather threatened the area, forcing the teams to go inside.On Friday, Aug. 26, though, it's for real. The Grayhounds travel to Case Field in Washington to play the Demons in a non-district game. The freshman game is at 5 p.m., with the varsity following at about 7:30 p.m. West Burlington/Notre Dame hosts Mid-Prairie Wellman for its non-district opener. The varsity-only game starts at 7 p.m.BHS coach Jim Krekel knows Washington's pedigree. The Demons have always been a top two or three team in Class 3A.“This game is a huge challenge against a team of tradition and history and will be well-coached,” Krekel said.The Grayhounds won 39-18 in last year's opener.“We have a lot of work to do in all aspects, as is typical opening a season,” Krekel said.“We're working hard on gaining confidence, so playing is a reflection of those accomplishments.”Burlington is coming off a 7-3 season. Krekel is in his third as head coach but has been coaching football for 36 years now.The Grayhounds return three players who received post-season honors and all are seniors: center/defensive end Julian Perez-Hall was a second-team all-stater last year as well as earning all-district honors. Fullback/linebacker Nolan Simpson and tight end/safety Alex Fawcett both earned second-team all-district honors for Class 4A, District 5.Linemen returning are Xzavion Baker, Trent Huffman, John Schuelka, Gunner Short, and Caleb Zaugg.Also back are fullbacks Noah Nixon and Phil Phillips, wingback Owen Baker, and tight end Deshawn Conard.Gabe Robinson will be the starting quarterback.Not only is Krekel a BHS alumnus but so are assistant coaches Charlie Walsh, Adam Glasgow, Josh Osborn, Sean Coleman, and Jordan Webb.Falcons short on numbersWB/ND coach Joe Bowman is concerned right off the bat with low numbers. Just under 30 players suit up in all four grades. The program dropped the freshman/sophomore schedule.“We cannot afford any injuries or setbacks if we hope to compete against a very challenging schedule,” Bowman said.Mid-Prairie is a very physical team, according to Bowman, and Golden Hawks won 55-13 against WB/ND in last year's opener. “They will come off the football hard and keep coming all game," he said. “It is very hard to simulate in practice.”The Falcons hope to challenge with a veteran running attack, led by Travain Donaldson, Hayden Vandenberg, and Jack Riley. But Bowman said the Falcons can throw the ball if that's available.The returning regulars along with the aforementioned trio are Isaiah Fenton, Brady Heuvelmann, Carsen Jones, C.J. Mutchler, Pierce Westerbeck, Dylan Kipp, Jordan Nupp, and Caden Schwenker.WB/ND also has some promising newcomers in Quincy Collins, C.J. Davis, Levi Fletcher-Bates, Emry Watson, Regan Van Niewaal, Gedi Boal, and Matthew Booten.

Local teams kick off football season with non-district games

By Chris Faulkner for The Beacon

It’s a familiar sight in a football game: coaches on the sidelines using headsets to talk to coaches in the press box. But there’s Emily Hill, the first-year girls swim coach for Burlington High School, sporting a headset as well. 

The members of her swim team during a pre-season practice session, all of whom are wearing matching Bluetooth headsets while swimming in the pool. It’s not new for Burlington’s Y and club teams, which have used them for two to three years, but Coach Hill said she doesn’t know any high schools that use the technology. 

“It’s definitely a game changer,” Hill said. “If you’ve been around swimming, people are yelling, it’s loud. As a coach, you don’t have to wait for them to get to the edge of the pool. I can instantly tell them, ‘Make this adjustment,’ (or) ‘I see this or that,’ work them through their stroke changes.” 

The swimmers can even have music piped in during their workouts. Obviously, they can’t be used during a meet, but Hill said some places allow you to use them during warmups before a meet. 

“It’s more vibration-based,” Hill said of the technology. “It actually goes on your temple. They hear me better in the water than if you were to put a set on and walk around.” 

Junior Korina Sears is starting her second year with the Grayhounds. 

“I like that you can easily communicate in the water, so we know what we’re going to do next,” Sears said. “So we don’t have to pause and talk through what you’re doing. It’s a better experience.”

BHS has 16 girls on the roster, and the school shares with Fort Madison High School and Danville as well. Next year, Mount Pleasant will join the mix.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1661188360879.jpeg" alt="Burlington High School swimmer Lainey Guyton starts the backstroke during a pre-season practice session Monday at the Grayhounds' pool. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>Burlington High School swimmer Lainey Guyton starts the backstroke during a pre-season practice session Monday at the Grayhounds' pool. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris Faulkner for The Beacon It’s a familiar sight in a football game: coaches on the sidelines using headsets to talk to coaches in the press box. But there’s Emily Hill, the first-year girls swim coach for Burlington High School, sporting a headset as well. Who would she be talking to? The members of her swim team during a pre-season practice session, all of whom are wearing matching Bluetooth headsets while swimming in the pool. It’s not new for Burlington’s Y and club teams, which have used them for two to three years, but Coach Hill said she doesn’t know any high schools that use the technology. “It’s definitely a game changer,” Hill said. “If you’ve been around swimming, people are yelling, it’s loud. As a coach, you don’t have to wait for them to get to the edge of the pool. I can instantly tell them, ‘Make this adjustment,’ (or) ‘I see this or that,’ work them through their stroke changes.” The swimmers can even have music piped in during their workouts. Obviously, they can’t be used during a meet, but Hill said some places allow you to use them during warmups before a meet. “It’s more vibration-based,” Hill said of the technology. “It actually goes on your temple. They hear me better in the water than if you were to put a set on and walk around.” Junior Korina Sears is starting her second year with the Grayhounds. “I like that you can easily communicate in the water, so we know what we’re going to do next,” Sears said. “So we don’t have to pause and talk through what you’re doing. It’s a better experience.”BHS has 16 girls on the roster, and the school shares with Fort Madison High School and Danville as well. Next year, Mount Pleasant will join the mix.

Bluetooth headsets are a first for swim team

With a microphone in her
hand, the West Burlington 14-year-old has become a common sight at events
around Burlington. She has sung regularly at the Jefferson Street Farmers
Market, crooned at A Very Vintage Market, and performed an energetic version of
the National Anthem at National Night Out. 

Now she’s had the opportunity to sing at the Iowa State
Fair. 

“Ruby has always been singing since she could talk,” said her mother,
Jessica Orr. 

A few years ago, Orr unveiled her voice in a talent show in Des
Moines County. She found she was a natural and kept singing. 

Orr qualified for
the Iowa State Fair with her performance at the Bill Riley Talent Show at the
Des Moines County Fair last month. She made her debut at the Jefferson Street
Farmers Market in early June, using a microphone held together by duct tape.


“I’ve been singing the National Anthem here and there, but other than that,
it’s my first time doing it,” Ruby said after singing a few songs at the
market. 

Up until this past summer, Orr’s specialty was the National Anthem. But
as she grew more comfortable on stage, she wanted to express her individuality
and started singing other songs. 

“She wanted to start singing from her heart,”
Jessica Orr said.

 Jessica said Ruby’s father has a bit of talent for music, but
she has none. She considers herself tone-deaf, which makes it hard for her to critique Ruby's performance. All she can do is watch, cheer, and offer
support. 

“I’m absolutely zero help when it comes to the singing,” Jessica said.

Jessica can get a little
emotional when she watches Ruby sing. Ruby weighed three pounds at birth, and
her lungs were smaller than they should have been. She and her twin brother
were born prematurely. 

But standing in front of thousands of people in the
Iowa State Fair Crowd this weekend, her lungs filled with air and exhaled musical melody. While she didn't advance to the finals this year, she’s automatically qualified for next year's talent show at the state fair.

And she will be
singing for years to come. 

“I’m ready for this,” Ruby said about competing in
the state fair.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1661106088795.jpeg" alt="Ruby Orr, 14, of West Burlington, holds the trophy she won as a competitor in the Bill Riley Talent Show at the Des Moines County Fair. The honor led to her competing at the Iowa State fair in Des Moines. (Photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Ruby Orr, 14, of West Burlington, holds the trophy she won as a competitor in the Bill Riley Talent Show at the Des Moines County Fair. The honor led to her competing at the Iowa State fair in Des Moines. (Photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon StaffRuby Orr might just be a superstar. With a microphone in her
hand, the West Burlington 14-year-old has become a common sight at events
around Burlington. She has sung regularly at the Jefferson Street Farmers
Market, crooned at A Very Vintage Market, and performed an energetic version of
the National Anthem at National Night Out. Now she’s had the opportunity to sing at the Iowa State
Fair. “Ruby has always been singing since she could talk,” said her mother,
Jessica Orr. A few years ago, Orr unveiled her voice in a talent show in Des
Moines County. She found she was a natural and kept singing. Orr qualified for
the Iowa State Fair with her performance at the Bill Riley Talent Show at the
Des Moines County Fair last month. She made her debut at the Jefferson Street
Farmers Market in early June, using a microphone held together by duct tape.
“I’ve been singing the National Anthem here and there, but other than that,
it’s my first time doing it,” Ruby said after singing a few songs at the
market. Up until this past summer, Orr’s specialty was the National Anthem. But
as she grew more comfortable on stage, she wanted to express her individuality
and started singing other songs. “She wanted to start singing from her heart,”
Jessica Orr said. Jessica said Ruby’s father has a bit of talent for music, but
she has none. She considers herself tone-deaf, which makes it hard for her to critique Ruby's performance. All she can do is watch, cheer, and offer
support. “I’m absolutely zero help when it comes to the singing,” Jessica said.Jessica can get a little
emotional when she watches Ruby sing. Ruby weighed three pounds at birth, and
her lungs were smaller than they should have been. She and her twin brother
were born prematurely. But standing in front of thousands of people in the
Iowa State Fair Crowd this weekend, her lungs filled with air and exhaled musical melody. While she didn't advance to the finals this year, she’s automatically qualified for next year's talent show at the state fair.And she will be
singing for years to come. “I’m ready for this,” Ruby said about competing in
the state fair.

Orr's voice soars at Iowa State Fair

William Smith Community Editor

After 15 years as director of the Burlington Public Library, Rhonda Frevert is leaving Burlington. She will be moving at the end of the month to work in the Des Moines Public Library. 

“It’s a hard place to leave. We have such a great time at the library,” Frevert said. Rhonda will be joining her husband Steve Frevert, the former executive director of Downtown Partners in Burlington. She presented her final annual library report during the Burlington City Council meeting Monday night, Aug. 15. 

“I’m just in awe of everything you and your staff do. I will miss you,” councilwoman Lynda Graham-Murray said during the meeting. 

Mayor Jon Billups also made sure to let Frevert know how valuable she has been to the community. 

“This is a labor of love for you, and it comes across every time you make a presentation,” Billups said. “You’ve made progress when they’ve taken money away… You have made a huge stamp on this community. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to follow you.” 

Rhonda just celebrated her 20th year at the library (15 years as director) and had the unique experience of working at the library when it was still located in the now Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. 

“The old building, when I first started here, there was just a couple of computers jammed into a corner. The teen area was under the stairs,” Frevert said. “There was always a waiting list for the computers.”

 The library had a single meeting room on the top floor back then, but it was a shared space that included Rhonda’s office and the desk of another employee. Quarters were tight in every corner of the building. But the old library was unique. And gorgeous. 

“I loved that I got to work in that building, It’s a beautiful building,” Frevert said. 

The current Burlington Public Library was built in 2006 – roughly four years after Frevert started at the library. Kay Weiss was the library director at the time, and Frevert helped her and other staff through the transition, moving massive amounts of material from one building to another. Weiss retired shortly after the new library opened, and Frevert became director, helping foster the library’s growth. 

Library usage started to skyrocket with the more accessible building, and the number of programs and events expanded exponentially. Frevert said there were 144 programs in June and July – everything from the “Specifically for Seniors” presentations to zoo animals and genealogy workshops. 

The summer reading program has been a staple of the library since it was located in the previous building, The Burlington Public Library is in the process of becoming the second library in the state to be sensory-inclusive, making it more comfortable for those with autism, dementia, PTSD, and similar conditions. 

“We already have some sensory kits that people can come and ask for and have a positive experience at the library,” Frevert said. It’s one of many ongoing projects that Frevert hates to leave, even though she knows they will be in good hands. 

“I’m really excited about the future of the library,” Frevert said. 

A native of Rockford, Ill., Frevert had previously worked in the genealogy department at Newberry Library in Chicago — an independent research library specializing in the humanities. Before that, Frevert worked for a few years as the director of the Beloit Historical Society in Wisconsin. 

“It was a very small staff there, so we got to do everything: planning events, leading school tours,” Frevert said. She was able to indulge her passion for history and discovered a deep interest in genealogy as well. She ended up teaching a genealogy course for eight weeks. 

“It was so interesting and something I really enjoyed,” Frevert said. In the summer of 2002, Frevert took the job as head of reference materials for the Burlington Public Library. She and her family were looking for a change of pace. 

“I loved living in the city,” she said. “But we wanted to buy a house and wanted something a little more affordable. We didn’t want to live in a third-floor walk-up anymore. It was a lifestyle choice.” 

Two years later, in 2004, the ground was broken on the current Burlington Public Library. Two years after that, the building was complete. For Frevert, that building has been home. After her presentation during Monday’s council meeting, Frevert left the podium to a standing ovation from the council. 

“I will miss the people that I’ve gotten to work with all over the years. Board of Trustee members, the Friends of the Library group, the Community Foundation,” she said. “After 20 years, there’s a lot of people I have gotten to know. We have our regulars, and you get to know them by name. You get invested in them.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1661037919618.jpeg" alt="During her 15 years as director of the Burlington Public Library, Rhonda Frevert has left her mark on the job. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>During her 15 years as director of the Burlington Public Library, Rhonda Frevert has left her mark on the job. (William Smith/The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>William Smith Community EditorAfter 15 years as director of the Burlington Public Library, Rhonda Frevert is leaving Burlington. She will be moving at the end of the month to work in the Des Moines Public Library. “It’s a hard place to leave. We have such a great time at the library,” Frevert said. Rhonda will be joining her husband Steve Frevert, the former executive director of Downtown Partners in Burlington. She presented her final annual library report during the Burlington City Council meeting Monday night, Aug. 15. “I’m just in awe of everything you and your staff do. I will miss you,” councilwoman Lynda Graham-Murray said during the meeting. Mayor Jon Billups also made sure to let Frevert know how valuable she has been to the community. “This is a labor of love for you, and it comes across every time you make a presentation,” Billups said. “You’ve made progress when they’ve taken money away… You have made a huge stamp on this community. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to follow you.” Rhonda just celebrated her 20th year at the library (15 years as director) and had the unique experience of working at the library when it was still located in the now Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. “The old building, when I first started here, there was just a couple of computers jammed into a corner. The teen area was under the stairs,” Frevert said. “There was always a waiting list for the computers.” The library had a single meeting room on the top floor back then, but it was a shared space that included Rhonda’s office and the desk of another employee. Quarters were tight in every corner of the building. But the old library was unique. And gorgeous. “I loved that I got to work in that building, It’s a beautiful building,” Frevert said. The current Burlington Public Library was built in 2006 – roughly four years after Frevert started at the library. Kay Weiss was the library director at the time, and Frevert helped her and other staff through the transition, moving massive amounts of material from one building to another. Weiss retired shortly after the new library opened, and Frevert became director, helping foster the library’s growth. Library usage started to skyrocket with the more accessible building, and the number of programs and events expanded exponentially. Frevert said there were 144 programs in June and July – everything from the “Specifically for Seniors” presentations to zoo animals and genealogy workshops. The summer reading program has been a staple of the library since it was located in the previous building, The Burlington Public Library is in the process of becoming the second library in the state to be sensory-inclusive, making it more comfortable for those with autism, dementia, PTSD, and similar conditions. “We already have some sensory kits that people can come and ask for and have a positive experience at the library,” Frevert said. It’s one of many ongoing projects that Frevert hates to leave, even though she knows they will be in good hands. “I’m really excited about the future of the library,” Frevert said. A native of Rockford, Ill., Frevert had previously worked in the genealogy department at Newberry Library in Chicago — an independent research library specializing in the humanities. Before that, Frevert worked for a few years as the director of the Beloit Historical Society in Wisconsin. “It was a very small staff there, so we got to do everything: planning events, leading school tours,” Frevert said. She was able to indulge her passion for history and discovered a deep interest in genealogy as well. She ended up teaching a genealogy course for eight weeks. “It was so interesting and something I really enjoyed,” Frevert said. In the summer of 2002, Frevert took the job as head of reference materials for the Burlington Public Library. She and her family were looking for a change of pace. “I loved living in the city,” she said. “But we wanted to buy a house and wanted something a little more affordable. We didn’t want to live in a third-floor walk-up anymore. It was a lifestyle choice.” Two years later, in 2004, the ground was broken on the current Burlington Public Library. Two years after that, the building was complete. For Frevert, that building has been home. After her presentation during Monday’s council meeting, Frevert left the podium to a standing ovation from the council. “I will miss the people that I’ve gotten to work with all over the years. Board of Trustee members, the Friends of the Library group, the Community Foundation,” she said. “After 20 years, there’s a lot of people I have gotten to know. We have our regulars, and you get to know them by name. You get invested in them.”

Frevert says goodbye to Burlington library

A $35,000 grant from Amerigroup Iowa, a leading managed care provider, will support children and their families as well as medical providers and clinic staff at Community Health Centers of Southeastern Iowa, Inc. (CHC/SEIA) in West Burlington, one of the largest pediatric providers in Des Moines County.

Amerigroup&nbsp;Iowa is working in partnership with Reach Out and Read (ROR), an early health literacy intervention program that takes place in primary care clinics that serve diverse children across the country. The program expansion will serve children and their families in Des Moines County at an estimated 3,000 well-child visits annually, which will include the distribution of 3,000 high-quality, age and primary-language-appropriate books. “Increased well-child visit attendance and increased developmental assessment improves the early detection, referral, and treatment of developmental delay in young children,” said Jeffrey Jones, Amerigroup Iowa President. “Enhanced compliance with well-child visit attendance is vital for the health of the child, ensuring appropriate access to immunizations, and developmental screenings. Our local provider community will find Reach Out and Read to be a useful, efficient intervention that streamlines their clinical practices, and Amerigroup is proud to expand this program in West Burlington.” The grant will support both CHC/SEIA West Burlington Pediatrics (1223 South Gear Ave.) and CHC/SEIA West Burlington Medical Clinic (1706 West Agency Rd.), where 70% of visiting families are on Medicaid. “I am excited about the partnerships and integrating the ROR program as part of our pediatric annual wellness visits,” said Antonio Flores, CHC/SEIA CEO. "This is an invigorating program that will make a long-lasting impact on the lives of our patients and communities.” “Consistently reinforcing the importance of reading and positive bonding between caregiver and child will result in long-standing positive benefits throughout our community,” said Dr. Patrick Williams, pediatrics specialist in West Burlington, who currently practices at CHC/SEIA. “Our providers and I are grateful to be able to participate with the Reach Out and Read Program.” In Iowa, ROR’s first program launched in 1998 at Blank's Children's Hospital, distributing 3,551 books within the first year. Since then, ROR Iowa has grown to 100 active programs serving 80,912 children, distributed 57,201 books, and worked with 548 providers across the state. “We are excited to serve children and families with the Reach Out and Read early literacy program through the Community Health Centers of SE Iowa,” said Molly Topf, ROR Iowa Executive Director. “We appreciate the dedication of the medical providers and staff in working to make a healthy and life-long impact with their guidance on the importance of reading to support a love of reading and readiness for school with the children and families in their community.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660671513855.jpeg" alt="A grant from Amerigroup Iowa will support an annual distribution of 3,000 books to Des Moines County children as part of their well-child visits through the Reach Out and Read program. Pictured, left to right, are CEO of CHS/SEIA Antonio Flores, Pediatrician Dr. Williams, ROR Iowa Executive Director Molly Topf, Amerigroup Iowa President Jeffrey Jones, and Clinic Manager Jenny Wood. (Photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>A grant from Amerigroup Iowa will support an annual distribution of 3,000 books to Des Moines County children as part of their well-child visits through the Reach Out and Read program. Pictured, left to right, are CEO of CHS/SEIA Antonio Flores, Pediatrician Dr. Williams, ROR Iowa Executive Director Molly Topf, Amerigroup Iowa President Jeffrey Jones, and Clinic Manager Jenny Wood. (Photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>A $35,000 grant from Amerigroup Iowa, a leading managed care provider, will support children and their families as well as medical providers and clinic staff at Community Health Centers of Southeastern Iowa, Inc. (CHC/SEIA) in West Burlington, one of the largest pediatric providers in Des Moines County. Amerigroup&nbsp;Iowa is working in partnership with Reach Out and Read (ROR), an early health literacy intervention program that takes place in primary care clinics that serve diverse children across the country. The program expansion will serve children and their families in Des Moines County at an estimated 3,000 well-child visits annually, which will include the distribution of 3,000 high-quality, age and primary-language-appropriate books. “Increased well-child visit attendance and increased developmental assessment improves the early detection, referral, and treatment of developmental delay in young children,” said Jeffrey Jones, Amerigroup Iowa President. “Enhanced compliance with well-child visit attendance is vital for the health of the child, ensuring appropriate access to immunizations, and developmental screenings. Our local provider community will find Reach Out and Read to be a useful, efficient intervention that streamlines their clinical practices, and Amerigroup is proud to expand this program in West Burlington.” The grant will support both CHC/SEIA West Burlington Pediatrics (1223 South Gear Ave.) and CHC/SEIA West Burlington Medical Clinic (1706 West Agency Rd.), where 70% of visiting families are on Medicaid. “I am excited about the partnerships and integrating the ROR program as part of our pediatric annual wellness visits,” said Antonio Flores, CHC/SEIA CEO. "This is an invigorating program that will make a long-lasting impact on the lives of our patients and communities.” “Consistently reinforcing the importance of reading and positive bonding between caregiver and child will result in long-standing positive benefits throughout our community,” said Dr. Patrick Williams, pediatrics specialist in West Burlington, who currently practices at CHC/SEIA. “Our providers and I are grateful to be able to participate with the Reach Out and Read Program.” In Iowa, ROR’s first program launched in 1998 at Blank's Children's Hospital, distributing 3,551 books within the first year. Since then, ROR Iowa has grown to 100 active programs serving 80,912 children, distributed 57,201 books, and worked with 548 providers across the state. “We are excited to serve children and families with the Reach Out and Read early literacy program through the Community Health Centers of SE Iowa,” said Molly Topf, ROR Iowa Executive Director. “We appreciate the dedication of the medical providers and staff in working to make a healthy and life-long impact with their guidance on the importance of reading to support a love of reading and readiness for school with the children and families in their community.”

Reach Out and Read and Amerigroup Iowa Expand Child Literacy Program

Law enforcement in Des Moines County will be getting
new active shooter gear soon. The Burlington City Council approved the spending
of up to $20,363 from a JAG grant (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant) during the council meeting Monday, Aug. 1. That money will be used for
the purchase of active shooter response equipment accessible to city and county
law enforcement. 

Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney told the council
that just over $18,000 of that is enough to purchase three active shooter
response kits, which comes to just over $6,000 per kit. According to Denney,
the active shooter response kits include ballistic armor, medical trauma
equipment, helmets, communication technology, nylon belts, thigh holsters, a
ballistic shield, and halogen tools. 

In other business, the council passed eight resolutions.
Those include: 

• A resolution approving nuisance abatements for
various properties. 

• A resolution approving purchase of a 2022 Elgin
Pelican NP Street Sweeper for the Public Works Department. 

• A resolution approving final acceptance and release
of retention monies for the Locust Sewer Separation Project. 

• A resolution approving final acceptance, final
payment, and release of retention monies for the 2020 Flood Mitigation Project
Phase VI. 

• A resolution approving an agreement with Impact 7G,
Inc. for historical reconnaissance services associated with the Madison Avenue
and Ninth Street Resurfacing Project. 

• A resolution approving the distribution plan for
American Rescue Plan Act Funding of $15,000 for the Burlington Police Department’s
Watchguard Storage System Improvements. 

• A resolution approving required local match of
$40,000 for high quality jobs program to Western Smokehouse and Meat Market,
LLC.

Law enforcement in Des Moines County will be getting
new active shooter gear soon. The Burlington City Council approved the spending
of up to $20,363 from a JAG grant (Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance
Grant) during the council meeting Monday, Aug. 1. That money will be used for
the purchase of active shooter response equipment accessible to city and county
law enforcement. Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney told the council
that just over $18,000 of that is enough to purchase three active shooter
response kits, which comes to just over $6,000 per kit. According to Denney,
the active shooter response kits include ballistic armor, medical trauma
equipment, helmets, communication technology, nylon belts, thigh holsters, a
ballistic shield, and halogen tools. In other business, the council passed eight resolutions.
Those include: • A resolution approving nuisance abatements for
various properties. • A resolution approving purchase of a 2022 Elgin
Pelican NP Street Sweeper for the Public Works Department. • A resolution approving final acceptance and release
of retention monies for the Locust Sewer Separation Project. • A resolution approving final acceptance, final
payment, and release of retention monies for the 2020 Flood Mitigation Project
Phase VI. • A resolution approving an agreement with Impact 7G,
Inc. for historical reconnaissance services associated with the Madison Avenue
and Ninth Street Resurfacing Project. • A resolution approving the distribution plan for
American Rescue Plan Act Funding of $15,000 for the Burlington Police Department’s
Watchguard Storage System Improvements. • A resolution approving required local match of
$40,000 for high quality jobs program to Western Smokehouse and Meat Market,
LLC.

Police Getting Active Shooter Equipment

By Beacon Staff For the past few years, Burlington Community Development and Parks Director Eric Tysland and city staff have worked toward building a new playground in Dankwardt Park. The current playground has been in the park for roughly 40 years and is long overdue for an update. “We continue to see degradation. We are past the point it needs to be updated,” Tysland said.&nbsp; Tysland has far more than a simple update in mind. During the city council work session Monday, July 25, he presented a handicap-accessible, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant playground that would appeal to all children. “We need to have something significant there. A playground people will go to,” Tysland said. The total cost for the project comes to $1.9 million – about $900,000 more than the original estimate at the beginning of the year. “I know that’s a big number for people to look at,” Tysland said. “We looked at other communities to see what they’re doing with their playgrounds, and it’s not out of line for communities our size. But it is an ambitious goal to meet.” A good chunk of that financial goal has already been met, Tysland said – roughly $650,000. Now that he has a price tag and a design for the playground, the fundraising campaign begins. “We want it. Let’s figure out to get it done,” Mayor Jon Billups said during the work session. “I know families that drive to Ottumwa and drive to Keokuk every other weekend to use their playgrounds.” Tysland said the plan is to open the playground next summer, though some equipment may come later, depending on how fundraising efforts go. “I love the plan. I love that it’s inclusive,” said Burlington City Council member Lynda-Graham Murray. A city poll asking Burlington residents what they would like to see in a new playground revealed that 87 percent desired a rubber/synthetic surface. “It’s something we don’t have in any of our playgrounds,” Tysland said. The safe playing surface will be a prominent feature of the new Dankwardt Park playground. Measuring 6,500 square feet, the playground will include a wheelchair-inclusive spinner, wheelchair-inclusive swings, a tire swing, musical instruments, rocks for climbing, swinging benches for parents, and a double tower structure that reaches into the trees. The city hired Confluence, an architecture and urban design firm out of Cedar Rapids, to design the playground. “We want to bring the playground up into the trees. Kind of that tree house effect. There’s a lot of unique opportunities for play in this tower,” Tysland said. Tysland said beloved aspects of the old playground will be incorporated into the new one. The west side of the playground will be designated as a play area for toddlers between the ages of 2 and 5. The area will also be festooned with benches for parents, and a landscaped berm will surround part of the playground to encourage children to stay in the play area. New parking closer to the playground will be added at some point, and new pathways will link the bathrooms, skate park, and shelter houses. There will also be bike racks and water fountains. Tysland said the playground will offer a challenging and imaginative experience. The layout will allow individuals of all ages and abilities to explore, have fun, interact, and enjoy the park like never before. Now that the fundraising campaign has begun, Tysland and city staff are looking for creative ways to raise money – the first being an open house at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Burlington Public Library. “We need people to give us ideas on fundraising activities and grant resources,” said city manager Chad Bird.&nbsp; Tysland said the price of the playground will go up by 5 percent after the first of the year. “We would like to build it all at once, but may have to install concrete first and then the playground equipment,” Tysland said, depending on fundraising. “It isn’t ideal, but maybe something we have to examine.” City councilman Robert Critser said he’s excited about the new playground and would like to see the community get behind it. “I am the generation that used that playground. My mom used to take me and my brother. We’re due for another one. It is a destination park. It’s something we should raise money for,” Critser said. “That’s the benefit of new equipment. It will bring people to Burlington.” The money procured so far comes from local foundations dollars and the city and consists of $200,000 in American Rescue Act funds, $150,000 from Burlington’s local option sales tax, $150,000 from the Starker Fund, a $100,000 grant from the Wellmark Foundation, $20,000 from the Murray Foundation, $20,000 from the Great River Bridge Race, and $2,500 from Community Foundation DMC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660247564941.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660247580471.jpeg" alt="A proposed new playground at Dankwardt Park in Burlington will feature a wheelchair-inclusive spinner, wheelchair-inclusive swings, a tire swing, musical instruments, and rocks for climbing." />
 <figcaption>A proposed new playground at Dankwardt Park in Burlington will feature a wheelchair-inclusive spinner, wheelchair-inclusive swings, a tire swing, musical instruments, and rocks for climbing.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff For the past few years, Burlington Community Development and Parks Director Eric Tysland and city staff have worked toward building a new playground in Dankwardt Park. The current playground has been in the park for roughly 40 years and is long overdue for an update. “We continue to see degradation. We are past the point it needs to be updated,” Tysland said.&nbsp; Tysland has far more than a simple update in mind. During the city council work session Monday, July 25, he presented a handicap-accessible, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant playground that would appeal to all children. “We need to have something significant there. A playground people will go to,” Tysland said. The total cost for the project comes to $1.9 million – about $900,000 more than the original estimate at the beginning of the year. “I know that’s a big number for people to look at,” Tysland said. “We looked at other communities to see what they’re doing with their playgrounds, and it’s not out of line for communities our size. But it is an ambitious goal to meet.” A good chunk of that financial goal has already been met, Tysland said – roughly $650,000. Now that he has a price tag and a design for the playground, the fundraising campaign begins. “We want it. Let’s figure out to get it done,” Mayor Jon Billups said during the work session. “I know families that drive to Ottumwa and drive to Keokuk every other weekend to use their playgrounds.” Tysland said the plan is to open the playground next summer, though some equipment may come later, depending on how fundraising efforts go. “I love the plan. I love that it’s inclusive,” said Burlington City Council member Lynda-Graham Murray. A city poll asking Burlington residents what they would like to see in a new playground revealed that 87 percent desired a rubber/synthetic surface. “It’s something we don’t have in any of our playgrounds,” Tysland said. The safe playing surface will be a prominent feature of the new Dankwardt Park playground. Measuring 6,500 square feet, the playground will include a wheelchair-inclusive spinner, wheelchair-inclusive swings, a tire swing, musical instruments, rocks for climbing, swinging benches for parents, and a double tower structure that reaches into the trees. The city hired Confluence, an architecture and urban design firm out of Cedar Rapids, to design the playground. “We want to bring the playground up into the trees. Kind of that tree house effect. There’s a lot of unique opportunities for play in this tower,” Tysland said. Tysland said beloved aspects of the old playground will be incorporated into the new one. The west side of the playground will be designated as a play area for toddlers between the ages of 2 and 5. The area will also be festooned with benches for parents, and a landscaped berm will surround part of the playground to encourage children to stay in the play area. New parking closer to the playground will be added at some point, and new pathways will link the bathrooms, skate park, and shelter houses. There will also be bike racks and water fountains. Tysland said the playground will offer a challenging and imaginative experience. The layout will allow individuals of all ages and abilities to explore, have fun, interact, and enjoy the park like never before. Now that the fundraising campaign has begun, Tysland and city staff are looking for creative ways to raise money – the first being an open house at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Burlington Public Library. “We need people to give us ideas on fundraising activities and grant resources,” said city manager Chad Bird.&nbsp; Tysland said the price of the playground will go up by 5 percent after the first of the year. “We would like to build it all at once, but may have to install concrete first and then the playground equipment,” Tysland said, depending on fundraising. “It isn’t ideal, but maybe something we have to examine.” City councilman Robert Critser said he’s excited about the new playground and would like to see the community get behind it. “I am the generation that used that playground. My mom used to take me and my brother. We’re due for another one. It is a destination park. It’s something we should raise money for,” Critser said. “That’s the benefit of new equipment. It will bring people to Burlington.” The money procured so far comes from local foundations dollars and the city and consists of $200,000 in American Rescue Act funds, $150,000 from Burlington’s local option sales tax, $150,000 from the Starker Fund, a $100,000 grant from the Wellmark Foundation, $20,000 from the Murray Foundation, $20,000 from the Great River Bridge Race, and $2,500 from Community Foundation DMC.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A New Playground– For Everyone

By Julie Martineau For The Burlington Beacon

These objects are probably millions of years old and did not come from the Des Moines County area, although the material that they are made of is found here in abundance.

This "feather” is thought to be made of a type of stone known as selenite and was originally collected by Charles Perkins or one of his family members during one of their many sojourns around the country.

Selenite forms when hydrous calcium sulfate-rich salt water evaporates, leaving behind different types of gypsum. In this case, the “feathers” are harder than normal selenite, which can be scratched with a fingernail.

Des Moines County is home to most of the forms of hydrous calcium sulfate, including gypsum, selenite, and anhydrite, thanks to a rather large lens of the material located just south of Mediapolis. The lens is currently being mined by the US Gypsum Company. The site was originally discovered by well drillers, who noted a zone of gypsum at greater than 100 feet, which now reaches at least a depth of 616 feet. And, tests show that the mine could go as deep as 700 feet. The mine is the deepest in Iowa and the only mine in Iowa from which Devonian gypsum is mined.

Des Moines County is not the only place in Iowa where gypsum can be found; there is a large bed located near Fort Dodge and Webster City. It can also be found all over the world, in different forms and various qualities and quantities. And while the Fort Dodge mines were discovered first, and are perhaps better known, the Sperry Mine rock is actually older, and the deposit appears to be much larger. It is estimated that the Fort Dodge site will be played out in the next 30 years or so, but the Sperry mine appears to have many decades before the mine is played out.

As for the Perkins family, we are not sure what prompted them to collect the objects, other than it was fashionable for people to collect bits of natural and ethnographic history and show them off in a "cabinet of curiosities." The Perkins family amassed quite a collection over their time, including some rare minerals and other objects. The collection came to us from the Burlington School District, which originally received the objects directly from the family.

Want to see part of the Perkins Collection? Pieces are on display at the Heritage Museum, located at 501 N. Fourth St. in Burlington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660175009987.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Don Weiss Photography" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Don Weiss Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By Julie Martineau For The Burlington BeaconThese objects are probably millions of years old and did not come from the Des Moines County area, although the material that they are made of is found here in abundance.This "feather” is thought to be made of a type of stone known as selenite and was originally collected by Charles Perkins or one of his family members during one of their many sojourns around the country.Selenite forms when hydrous calcium sulfate-rich salt water evaporates, leaving behind different types of gypsum. In this case, the “feathers” are harder than normal selenite, which can be scratched with a fingernail.Des Moines County is home to most of the forms of hydrous calcium sulfate, including gypsum, selenite, and anhydrite, thanks to a rather large lens of the material located just south of Mediapolis. The lens is currently being mined by the US Gypsum Company. The site was originally discovered by well drillers, who noted a zone of gypsum at greater than 100 feet, which now reaches at least a depth of 616 feet. And, tests show that the mine could go as deep as 700 feet. The mine is the deepest in Iowa and the only mine in Iowa from which Devonian gypsum is mined.Des Moines County is not the only place in Iowa where gypsum can be found; there is a large bed located near Fort Dodge and Webster City. It can also be found all over the world, in different forms and various qualities and quantities. And while the Fort Dodge mines were discovered first, and are perhaps better known, the Sperry Mine rock is actually older, and the deposit appears to be much larger. It is estimated that the Fort Dodge site will be played out in the next 30 years or so, but the Sperry mine appears to have many decades before the mine is played out.As for the Perkins family, we are not sure what prompted them to collect the objects, other than it was fashionable for people to collect bits of natural and ethnographic history and show them off in a "cabinet of curiosities." The Perkins family amassed quite a collection over their time, including some rare minerals and other objects. The collection came to us from the Burlington School District, which originally received the objects directly from the family.Want to see part of the Perkins Collection? Pieces are on display at the Heritage Museum, located at 501 N. Fourth St. in Burlington.

From the Archives: Selenite “Feathers”

The school year will soon be kicking off in Burlington, with the first day of school for BCSD K-12 scheduled for August 24 and Pre-K slated to begin August 31.&nbsp;

School open houses will be held on the following dates:

ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS August 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m. ALDO LEOPOLD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL August 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. EDWARD STONE MIDDLE SCHOOL August 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL August 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. VIBE VIRTUAL LEARNING PROGRAM James Madison Education Center, 2132 Madison Avenue, Burlington August 23, K-6, 4:30 to 6 p.m. August 23, Grades 7-12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

CORSE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER August 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660172007005.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The school year will soon be kicking off in Burlington, with the first day of school for BCSD K-12 scheduled for August 24 and Pre-K slated to begin August 31.&nbsp; School open houses will be held on the following dates:ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS August 23, 5 to 6:30 p.m. ALDO LEOPOLD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL August 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. EDWARD STONE MIDDLE SCHOOL August 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m.BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL August 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. VIBE VIRTUAL LEARNING PROGRAM James Madison Education Center, 2132 Madison Avenue, Burlington August 23, K-6, 4:30 to 6 p.m. August 23, Grades 7-12, 6 to 7:30 p.m.CORSE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER August 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

BCSD Back-to-School Open Houses

The Silvers Singers will begin rehearsals for their fall programs on Wednesday, Aug. 24.&nbsp; New and returning members are welcome to join, and rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in the choir room at First Methodist Church, 421 Washington St., Burlington. There are no auditions, just a love of singing! Generally, members are at least 55 years old or are a “silver singer.”&nbsp;

The Silver Singers is currently under the musical direction of Randy Lee Webster, a Burlington native, the son of the late Shirley and Mrs. Shirley Webster. Randy is a graduate of both Coe College, Cedar Rapids, (B.M. in choral conducting and organ performance) and Bexley Hall, Rochester, New York (M.Div. in pastoral music; his musical training came from the Eastman Conservatory in organ performance and choral conducting). He currently serves as Minister of Faith and Worship, and Organist, at First Presbyterian Church here in Burlington and is, himself, a “silver singer!” Mr. Webster is also an Episcopal priest. You may contact their music director by emailing him at <a href="mailto:websterrl@aol.com">websterrl@aol.com</a> or by texting him at 570-766-2181.

In the Winter of 1985 the director of the city-sponsored Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Lorene Ellerhoff, advertised for volunteer vocalists beyond the age of 55. &nbsp;Interested parties could come from any walk of life, should love to sing, and could be committed to the group’s initial purpose of performing an inter-generational concert with elementary students in the Spring. &nbsp;Since the R.S.V.P. office was then located in Steamboat Senior Center, it was the most convenient place to rehearse. The rest is a blessed history!

The first inter-generational concert came to fruition with the collaboration of Blackhawk principal, Mary Ward, and vocal music instructor, Rhonda Zihlman. The Silver Singers and 4th and 5th graders of Blackhawk School first developed a pen pal relationship while, rehearsing their own songs and tunes they would sing together at their own site until their first meeting the afternoon before their joint concert before audiences in the schools’ gyms or cafeterias. &nbsp;By 2002 the Silver Singers and students from all Burlington’s elementary schools had performed together twice and youngsters from Notre Dame and West Burlington Schools also benefitted from the opportunity. &nbsp;

The inter-generational concert became a vocal goal each Spring; however, the Silver Singers enjoyed performing so much they stayed together throughout the entire year. &nbsp;Needless to say, they savored their association with other older vocalists, making new friends, and taking great pleasure in proving to their audiences they had not taken their final bows yet. &nbsp;Weather-permitting (and barring any medical appointments!), the Senior group practiced weekly, entertaining for a small honorarium or sometimes “sang for their supper” wherever invited, throughout the rest of the year. &nbsp;Until a more convenient site was offered by the First Methodist Church in 2019, they continued to rehearse in Steamboat Senior Center, where the group originated, at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.&nbsp;

Since the Silver Singers’ inception, the size of the chorus has varied from 12 to more than 30 but the telling of its story would not be complete without crediting several volunteer directors and talented pianists and musicians who have dedicated themselves to the continuance of the group. &nbsp;Past and present directors include Lorene Ellerhoff, Sylvia Copley, Marilyn Sullivan, Jacob Yokum, Bill Luckenbill, and Randy Lee Webster. &nbsp;Musicians who have accompanied the Singers are Harriet Paulus, Marie Wolgamuth, Alice Hart, Bill Luckenbill, and Randy Webster, with special instrumental additions by Maureen Hutchcroft (flute), Becky McCullough (double bass), and Jack Wail (guitar).&nbsp;

The Silvers Singers will begin rehearsals for their fall programs on Wednesday, Aug. 24.&nbsp; New and returning members are welcome to join, and rehearsals will be held on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. in the choir room at First Methodist Church, 421 Washington St., Burlington. There are no auditions, just a love of singing! Generally, members are at least 55 years old or are a “silver singer.”&nbsp;The Silver Singers is currently under the musical direction of Randy Lee Webster, a Burlington native, the son of the late Shirley and Mrs. Shirley Webster. Randy is a graduate of both Coe College, Cedar Rapids, (B.M. in choral conducting and organ performance) and Bexley Hall, Rochester, New York (M.Div. in pastoral music; his musical training came from the Eastman Conservatory in organ performance and choral conducting). He currently serves as Minister of Faith and Worship, and Organist, at First Presbyterian Church here in Burlington and is, himself, a “silver singer!” Mr. Webster is also an Episcopal priest. You may contact their music director by emailing him at <a href="mailto:websterrl@aol.com">websterrl@aol.com</a> or by texting him at 570-766-2181.History of The Silver SingersIn the Winter of 1985 the director of the city-sponsored Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Lorene Ellerhoff, advertised for volunteer vocalists beyond the age of 55. &nbsp;Interested parties could come from any walk of life, should love to sing, and could be committed to the group’s initial purpose of performing an inter-generational concert with elementary students in the Spring. &nbsp;Since the R.S.V.P. office was then located in Steamboat Senior Center, it was the most convenient place to rehearse. The rest is a blessed history!The first inter-generational concert came to fruition with the collaboration of Blackhawk principal, Mary Ward, and vocal music instructor, Rhonda Zihlman. The Silver Singers and 4th and 5th graders of Blackhawk School first developed a pen pal relationship while, rehearsing their own songs and tunes they would sing together at their own site until their first meeting the afternoon before their joint concert before audiences in the schools’ gyms or cafeterias. &nbsp;By 2002 the Silver Singers and students from all Burlington’s elementary schools had performed together twice and youngsters from Notre Dame and West Burlington Schools also benefitted from the opportunity. &nbsp;The inter-generational concert became a vocal goal each Spring; however, the Silver Singers enjoyed performing so much they stayed together throughout the entire year. &nbsp;Needless to say, they savored their association with other older vocalists, making new friends, and taking great pleasure in proving to their audiences they had not taken their final bows yet. &nbsp;Weather-permitting (and barring any medical appointments!), the Senior group practiced weekly, entertaining for a small honorarium or sometimes “sang for their supper” wherever invited, throughout the rest of the year. &nbsp;Until a more convenient site was offered by the First Methodist Church in 2019, they continued to rehearse in Steamboat Senior Center, where the group originated, at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons.&nbsp;Since the Silver Singers’ inception, the size of the chorus has varied from 12 to more than 30 but the telling of its story would not be complete without crediting several volunteer directors and talented pianists and musicians who have dedicated themselves to the continuance of the group. &nbsp;Past and present directors include Lorene Ellerhoff, Sylvia Copley, Marilyn Sullivan, Jacob Yokum, Bill Luckenbill, and Randy Lee Webster. &nbsp;Musicians who have accompanied the Singers are Harriet Paulus, Marie Wolgamuth, Alice Hart, Bill Luckenbill, and Randy Webster, with special instrumental additions by Maureen Hutchcroft (flute), Becky McCullough (double bass), and Jack Wail (guitar).&nbsp;

Silver Singers to Begin Rehearsals for Fall Programs

The Rodeo Arena in Fort Madison will soon host the 21st Annual Tri-State Special Kids’ Rodeo. Scheduled for Saturday, September 3, this event is open to all physically and mentally challenged children and adults. The attendance has grown from 13 participants the first year to a record-breaking 300-plus participants in 2015.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the rodeo starting at 10 a.m. Events include simulated saddle bronc riding and barrel racing, horseback rides, a petting zoo, and horse-drawn trolley rides. T-shirts and prizes will be given to all contestants, and a picnic lunch will be provided to everyone at the event. The rodeo will be held rain or shine.

This program relies solely on local volunteers and contributions from area businesses, organizations, and individuals. For information about volunteering or donating, contact Lisa Wood at 319-528-4439 or Sharon Orton at 319-759-7492. You may also email <a href="mailto:qutrhors@yahoo.com">qutrhors@yahoo.com</a>.

A registration form is available at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/tristatespecialrodeo2022">https://tinyurl.com/tristatespecialrodeo2022</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660100151914.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Rodeo Arena in Fort Madison will soon host the 21st Annual Tri-State Special Kids’ Rodeo. Scheduled for Saturday, September 3, this event is open to all physically and mentally challenged children and adults. The attendance has grown from 13 participants the first year to a record-breaking 300-plus participants in 2015.Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. with the rodeo starting at 10 a.m. Events include simulated saddle bronc riding and barrel racing, horseback rides, a petting zoo, and horse-drawn trolley rides. T-shirts and prizes will be given to all contestants, and a picnic lunch will be provided to everyone at the event. The rodeo will be held rain or shine.This program relies solely on local volunteers and contributions from area businesses, organizations, and individuals. For information about volunteering or donating, contact Lisa Wood at 319-528-4439 or Sharon Orton at 319-759-7492. You may also email <a href="mailto:qutrhors@yahoo.com">qutrhors@yahoo.com</a>. A registration form is available at <a href="https://tinyurl.com/tristatespecialrodeo2022">https://tinyurl.com/tristatespecialrodeo2022</a>.

Tri-State Special Kids' Rodeo Planned for Sept. 3

By Chris Faulkner for The Burlington Beacon

Walking into Buff City Soap, customers are taken aback by the variety of colorful and fragrant hand-made soaps on display. The Burlington store opened recently at the Burlington Commons shopping area, 3200 E. Agency St., Ste. 120, next to Pet Supplies Plus.

The selling point of the products is that they are plant-based.

“There’s no animal (fats). There are no harmful chemicals,” said Chris Meyers, the franchise owner for Iowa. “Our recipe is four different oils.”

There is a laundry list of products, including laundry soap, which Meyers said the store is known for. There are dryer balls, bath bombs, soap whips, shower fizzies, shave bars, and bath truffles, among other products.

“I just love that they host bath bomb-making parties. My young daughter would love something like that,” said Lauren Logan of Cedar Rapids.

The soaps come in more than 30 scents and can be customized, another selling point. Customers can watch the soap being made.

Among the scents are magnolia, lavender, and black raspberry, many with unique names such as All Hail the Queen, Commando, Narcissist, and Ferocious Beast.

Janet Stevens of Galesburg, Ill., stopped in Burlington while traveling to look at unique roadside attractions, including Snake Alley. After viewing the “World’s Crookedest Street,” she decided to take a side trip to Buff City Soap.

“This store is so wonderful. I love that the soaps are handmade,” she said.

Meyers said he picked Burlington for his ninth store because it is a regional hub for shopping.

“It pulls from a long distance. It’s a great community, a great town, and they support businesses,” Meyers said. “We’ve done great since we’ve been here.”

Meyers was making soap — 25 bars worth — during the morning interview. He would cut it that afternoon, and, in a few days, will be ready to sell.

As for the location, Meyers said there is plenty of vehicle and foot traffic. The store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The company is busy during Christmas because of corporate packages. Meyers said a small business with 20-30 employees will order 40, 50 even 100 boxes to give as gifts to their employees.&nbsp;Large companies have been known to purchase 200-300 boxes.

Buff City Soap was founded in 2013 by Brad Kellum in Tennessee, and the business has grown across 31 states.&nbsp;

“I was sold on it when I went to look at one of his stores,” Meyers said of why he got involved with this company. “The quality of the product. There are no chemicals, and it’s hand-made, and that is what people like.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1660059641281.jpeg" alt="Buff City Soap employee Raina Dameron offers Adalynn Spear a whiff of the company's laundry soap, one of many plant-based products offered by the new store at 3200 E. Agency St., Ste 120. Zander Watson and Martha Spear wait their turn in line. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)" />
 <figcaption>Buff City Soap employee Raina Dameron offers Adalynn Spear a whiff of the company's laundry soap, one of many plant-based products offered by the new store at 3200 E. Agency St., Ste 120. Zander Watson and Martha Spear wait their turn in line. (Chris Faulkner/for The Burlington Beacon)</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris Faulkner for The Burlington BeaconWalking into Buff City Soap, customers are taken aback by the variety of colorful and fragrant hand-made soaps on display. The Burlington store opened recently at the Burlington Commons shopping area, 3200 E. Agency St., Ste. 120, next to Pet Supplies Plus.The selling point of the products is that they are plant-based.“There’s no animal (fats). There are no harmful chemicals,” said Chris Meyers, the franchise owner for Iowa. “Our recipe is four different oils.”There is a laundry list of products, including laundry soap, which Meyers said the store is known for. There are dryer balls, bath bombs, soap whips, shower fizzies, shave bars, and bath truffles, among other products.“I just love that they host bath bomb-making parties. My young daughter would love something like that,” said Lauren Logan of Cedar Rapids.The soaps come in more than 30 scents and can be customized, another selling point. Customers can watch the soap being made.Among the scents are magnolia, lavender, and black raspberry, many with unique names such as All Hail the Queen, Commando, Narcissist, and Ferocious Beast.Janet Stevens of Galesburg, Ill., stopped in Burlington while traveling to look at unique roadside attractions, including Snake Alley. After viewing the “World’s Crookedest Street,” she decided to take a side trip to Buff City Soap.She was happy with what she found.“This store is so wonderful. I love that the soaps are handmade,” she said.Meyers said he picked Burlington for his ninth store because it is a regional hub for shopping.“It pulls from a long distance. It’s a great community, a great town, and they support businesses,” Meyers said. “We’ve done great since we’ve been here.”Meyers was making soap — 25 bars worth — during the morning interview. He would cut it that afternoon, and, in a few days, will be ready to sell.As for the location, Meyers said there is plenty of vehicle and foot traffic. The store hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.The company is busy during Christmas because of corporate packages. Meyers said a small business with 20-30 employees will order 40, 50 even 100 boxes to give as gifts to their employees.&nbsp;Large companies have been known to purchase 200-300 boxes.Buff City Soap was founded in 2013 by Brad Kellum in Tennessee, and the business has grown across 31 states.&nbsp;“I was sold on it when I went to look at one of his stores,” Meyers said of why he got involved with this company. “The quality of the product. There are no chemicals, and it’s hand-made, and that is what people like.”

Scent and Sensibility

Emille Lacsa, 28, started attending the Snake Alley Festival of Film as a fan.

This year, he left the four-day film festival as an award-winning filmmaker.&nbsp;

“I was honored,” he said. “It feels like things have gone full circle to be back here.”

The four-day film festival featured more than 130 short films at the Capitol Theater. Lacsa — a Burlington filmmaker specializing in music videos — won the Best Burlington-Made Film award for the music video for the LOVESBLIND song “Letdown.”

Lacsa was also the first winner of the “That Person” award for appearing in or having worked on the most films shown at the festival. He was involved with eight projects at the film festival, including the film “Torch,” which won the Audience Choice award.

“I’ve always had the habit of taking on more than I should,” he said.

SNAFF is a long way from where Lacsa was born but not that far from where he grew up. His parents, Ed and Rose Lacsa are from the Philippines and own the Midwest Asian Variety Store in Burlington.

Emille was born in the Philippines and then lived with his parents in Singapore until he was 3 or&nbsp;4 years old. His family decided to move to America in 2000. He doesn’t remember the language well enough to speak it, though he can understand what his parents are saying to him.

“My brother was born in Arkansas, so that’s something he doesn’t have,” Lacsa said.

Lacsa grew up in Burlington, attended West Burlington High School, and had planned on going into the field of neuroscience. He took on a triple major at Coe College — biology, psychology, and a collateral major in neuroscience.

“I truly enjoyed the field,” he said.

After a few years, Lacsa knew it was not the path for him. Lacsa tried to balance school, a fraternity, a budding music career, and acting.&nbsp;

“I found myself stretched too thin to enjoy any aspect of it,” he said.

Lacsa left Coe College about halfway through his planned stay, started pursuing his music career, and worked as a dealer and supervisor at Catfish Bend Casino for a few years.

In 2015, Lacsa participated in a screenplay reading at SNAFF. He loved it. And he knew what he had to do.

“That was the start of my film career as-is. I met some friends here, and they connected me with the community,” he said.

That landed him a supporting role in the comedic web series “Stay Indie”

Lacsa bought his first camera and started shooting.

“When I bought my first camera, it was a natural draw. I understand music. I know that at least. I didn’t know what I was doing with my camera. I went with my friend to Nashville for a recording studio trip and didn’t know how to record that. But I knew what I wanted to capture.”

As Lacsa absorbed himself in filmmaking, he became more locally involved and started hosting open night mics at The Broadway Cafe, Bar, and Grill in West Burlington.

That led to even more opportunities. He shot his first music video with the Burlington-based band Caught in the Crypt.

“A lot of the bands I shoot music videos for, they had some of their first shows at that open mic night,” he said.

Though music videos are his forte, his credits span a variety of mediums, including short films and MTV shows.&nbsp;

He is also a screenwriter, and his screenplay for “Lines” received a nomination for Best Unproduced Screenplay from the Iowa Motion Picture Association in 2020.&nbsp;

As usual, Lacsa will not have much time to enjoy his spoils. He makes a full-time living as a freelance filmmaker and actor and is always headed to the next shoot.

“The Snake Alley staff has a special place in my heart,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1659450941669.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithEmille Lacsa, 28, started attending the Snake Alley Festival of Film as a fan.This year, he left the four-day film festival as an award-winning filmmaker.&nbsp;“I was honored,” he said. “It feels like things have gone full circle to be back here.”The four-day film festival featured more than 130 short films at the Capitol Theater. Lacsa — a Burlington filmmaker specializing in music videos — won the Best Burlington-Made Film award for the music video for the LOVESBLIND song “Letdown.”Lacsa was also the first winner of the “That Person” award for appearing in or having worked on the most films shown at the festival. He was involved with eight projects at the film festival, including the film “Torch,” which won the Audience Choice award.“I’ve always had the habit of taking on more than I should,” he said.SNAFF is a long way from where Lacsa was born but not that far from where he grew up. His parents, Ed and Rose Lacsa are from the Philippines and own the Midwest Asian Variety Store in Burlington.Emille was born in the Philippines and then lived with his parents in Singapore until he was 3 or&nbsp;4 years old. His family decided to move to America in 2000. He doesn’t remember the language well enough to speak it, though he can understand what his parents are saying to him.“My brother was born in Arkansas, so that’s something he doesn’t have,” Lacsa said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1659451155506.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lacsa grew up in Burlington, attended West Burlington High School, and had planned on going into the field of neuroscience. He took on a triple major at Coe College — biology, psychology, and a collateral major in neuroscience.“I truly enjoyed the field,” he said.After a few years, Lacsa knew it was not the path for him. Lacsa tried to balance school, a fraternity, a budding music career, and acting.&nbsp;“I found myself stretched too thin to enjoy any aspect of it,” he said.Lacsa left Coe College about halfway through his planned stay, started pursuing his music career, and worked as a dealer and supervisor at Catfish Bend Casino for a few years.In 2015, Lacsa participated in a screenplay reading at SNAFF. He loved it. And he knew what he had to do.“That was the start of my film career as-is. I met some friends here, and they connected me with the community,” he said.That landed him a supporting role in the comedic web series “Stay Indie”Lacsa bought his first camera and started shooting.“When I bought my first camera, it was a natural draw. I understand music. I know that at least. I didn’t know what I was doing with my camera. I went with my friend to Nashville for a recording studio trip and didn’t know how to record that. But I knew what I wanted to capture.”As Lacsa absorbed himself in filmmaking, he became more locally involved and started hosting open night mics at The Broadway Cafe, Bar, and Grill in West Burlington.That led to even more opportunities. He shot his first music video with the Burlington-based band Caught in the Crypt.“A lot of the bands I shoot music videos for, they had some of their first shows at that open mic night,” he said.Though music videos are his forte, his credits span a variety of mediums, including short films and MTV shows.&nbsp;He is also a screenwriter, and his screenplay for “Lines” received a nomination for Best Unproduced Screenplay from the Iowa Motion Picture Association in 2020.&nbsp;As usual, Lacsa will not have much time to enjoy his spoils. He makes a full-time living as a freelance filmmaker and actor and is always headed to the next shoot.But he knows where home is.“The Snake Alley staff has a special place in my heart,” he said.

Making movie magic

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame: The Musical,” playing at the
Capitol Theater this weekend, has only one sponsor – the director herself, Lori
Wilson. 
 
Wilson, a trained opera singer who is currently an artist in residence and music
instructor at Southeastern Community College, has built the musical from the
ground up. She’s paying for the rent at the Capitol Theater, hoping ticket
sales will be strong enough for her to break even. 
 
The musical, which stars adults, college students, and children, is more than a
play. It’s also a class made possible through Jump Start – a Southeastern
Community College program through which high school students can earn college
credits while still in high school. The class isn’t just for actors. It covers
every aspect of stage production. 
 
“I have some students from Danville that just graduated and are going to SCC,
and I worked with them on lighting,” Wilson said. She has been working with
the students’ teachers and Players Workshop set designer Randy Wischmeier,
teaching them how to program the show. The idea is to teach every aspect of
production, from singing and acting to costumes and lighting. 
 
The Hunchback of Notre Dame” starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30, and 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 
 
The Capitol Theater Summer Music Camp production of “One More Song” will play
at 7 p.m. Friday, July 29. Tickets will be sold at the door for both events.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame: The Musical,” playing at the
Capitol Theater this weekend, has only one sponsor – the director herself, Lori
Wilson. 
 
Wilson, a trained opera singer who is currently an artist in residence and music
instructor at Southeastern Community College, has built the musical from the
ground up. She’s paying for the rent at the Capitol Theater, hoping ticket
sales will be strong enough for her to break even. 
 
The musical, which stars adults, college students, and children, is more than a
play. It’s also a class made possible through Jump Start – a Southeastern
Community College program through which high school students can earn college
credits while still in high school. The class isn’t just for actors. It covers
every aspect of stage production. 
 
“I have some students from Danville that just graduated and are going to SCC,
and I worked with them on lighting,” Wilson said. She has been working with
the students’ teachers and Players Workshop set designer Randy Wischmeier,
teaching them how to program the show. The idea is to teach every aspect of
production, from singing and acting to costumes and lighting. 
 
The Hunchback of Notre Dame” starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30, and 3 p.m.
Sunday, July 31, and tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 
 
The Capitol Theater Summer Music Camp production of “One More Song” will play
at 7 p.m. Friday, July 29. Tickets will be sold at the door for both events.

Area students to star in musical production this weekend

Players Workshop will kick off its 90th Year Celebration with a free, public open house at the Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington, on Sunday, August 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Whether it’s actively participating in live theater, on or off stage, or just sitting in the auditorium and enjoying the show, the Players Workshop’s open house has something to offer for everyone. From skits by young actors to Workshop veterans, to short presentations on preparing for and being part of a performance, to taking a backstage tour, to sharing birthday cake in the lobby, Players Workshop’s open house promises to entertain all comers!&nbsp;

In addition, those attending will be eligible to register for prizes: First prize is two (2) 2022-2023 season tickets, a $50 gift certificate to The Drake Restaurant (donated by The Drake Restaurant), and preferential seating for the first show of 2022-23, “Mamma Mia!” Second prize is two (2) 2022-2023 season tickets.&nbsp; Third prize is two (2) tickets to “Mamma Mia!,” with the right to call in and reserve seats before tickets go on sale online (usually reserved for season ticket holders).&nbsp;

While one needs to be present at the open house to register, one does not need to be present to win. (People who have been paid, active members in either, or both, of the last two years, their significant others, and minor children are NOT eligible to register for prizes.) The Players Workshop will also have an informational space at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market in Burlington on July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 25, and Sept. 1 (with season tickets for sale on the last two dates).&nbsp; More activities to mark Players Workshop’s 90th year will be scheduled as the 2022-2023 season progresses.&nbsp;

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 will kick off its 90th Year Celebration with a free, public open house at the Workshop, 1431 Grove St., Burlington, on Sunday, August 14 from 1 to 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether it’s actively participating in live theater, on or off stage, or just sitting in the auditorium and enjoying the show, the Players Workshop’s open house has something to offer for everyone. From skits by young actors to Workshop veterans, to short presentations on preparing for and being part of a performance, to taking a backstage tour, to sharing birthday cake in the lobby, Players Workshop’s open house promises to entertain all comers!&nbsp;In addition, those attending will be eligible to register for prizes: First prize is two (2) 2022-2023 season tickets, a $50 gift certificate to The Drake Restaurant (donated by The Drake Restaurant), and preferential seating for the first show of 2022-23, “Mamma Mia!” Second prize is two (2) 2022-2023 season tickets.&nbsp; Third prize is two (2) tickets to “Mamma Mia!,” with the right to call in and reserve seats before tickets go on sale online (usually reserved for season ticket holders).&nbsp;While one needs to be present at the open house to register, one does not need to be present to win. (People who have been paid, active members in either, or both, of the last two years, their significant others, and minor children are NOT eligible to register for prizes.) The Players Workshop will also have an informational space at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market in Burlington on July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 25, and Sept. 1 (with season tickets for sale on the last two dates).&nbsp; More activities to mark Players Workshop’s 90th year will be scheduled as the 2022-2023 season progresses.&nbsp;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.