Above: The first issue of The Beacon features the wonderful Olive Sullivan.&nbsp; Photo/Jeff Abell

By Jeff Abell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; owner/publisher

Earlier this year, I had my final conversation with my sister, Sally. 

Of course, I didn’t know it at the time. We sat at her kitchen table across from a pile of letters and a plastic container holding an assortment of cookies. She walked around her tiny kitchen, dusting the menagerie of ceramic figures lining the counter.

As she settled back into her chair, our conversation resumed without missing a beat. We talked about our childhood, her love for “Lord of The Rings,” and, sadly, how the latest round of chemotherapy had failed to stem the growing tide of tumors.

Her ovarian cancer had worsened, but I didn’t realize how dire the situation had become. Sally looked fragile, but true to her nature, she cracked a joke and then teased me about being the “baby of the family.” I had always admired her strength in the face of adversity. In many ways, she was the most courageous person I have ever known.

During a lull in the conversation, she pointed to a stack of Beacons I had given her a few months prior. She asked me how the newspaper was doing, and I recited a status report. She offered some encouraging words, and we shared a final laugh.

As I was leaving, I took the old copies of the newspaper off the table to take to the recycling center. Once inside my car, I noticed on the top of one was a note Sally had written to me: “Keep on fighting! The Beacon matters!”

She went into hospice care a few weeks later and died shortly after. I didn’t know it then, but those handwritten words in a newspaper would have an impact a few months later.

Along with most of you, I have heard talk about the “new” Hawk Eye, and we wish them well.&nbsp; For us at The Beacon, we’re going to continue to focus on what we do best by listening to our readers, engaging with the community, and treating our employees with respect.

During the past few weeks as the situation developed, my thoughts returned to the words written by my sister — “The Beacon matters!”  Yes, this newspaper does matter. 

The Beacon matters because you, the reader, matter, and so does this community. And, as my father used to say, “The truth doesn’t need to be dressed up.” 

The truth is you deserve a newspaper that is truly locally owned, home-grown, and responsive to the community. The truth is we will continue to fight for those who support us and even for those who don’t. The truth is community journalism is too important for us to do otherwise. 

My sister believed that The Beacon matters and I happen to agree with her. Through your support and encouragement, you have shown that The Beacon matters to you as well. We are deeply grateful, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670701136869.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: The first issue of The Beacon features the wonderful Olive Sullivan.&nbsp; Photo/Jeff AbellBy Jeff Abell&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; owner/publisherEarlier this year, I had my final conversation with my sister, Sally. Of course, I didn’t know it at the time. We sat at her kitchen table across from a pile of letters and a plastic container holding an assortment of cookies. She walked around her tiny kitchen, dusting the menagerie of ceramic figures lining the counter.As she settled back into her chair, our conversation resumed without missing a beat. We talked about our childhood, her love for “Lord of The Rings,” and, sadly, how the latest round of chemotherapy had failed to stem the growing tide of tumors.Her ovarian cancer had worsened, but I didn’t realize how dire the situation had become. Sally looked fragile, but true to her nature, she cracked a joke and then teased me about being the “baby of the family.” I had always admired her strength in the face of adversity. In many ways, she was the most courageous person I have ever known.During a lull in the conversation, she pointed to a stack of Beacons I had given her a few months prior. She asked me how the newspaper was doing, and I recited a status report. She offered some encouraging words, and we shared a final laugh.As I was leaving, I took the old copies of the newspaper off the table to take to the recycling center. Once inside my car, I noticed on the top of one was a note Sally had written to me: “Keep on fighting! The Beacon matters!”She went into hospice care a few weeks later and died shortly after. I didn’t know it then, but those handwritten words in a newspaper would have an impact a few months later.Along with most of you, I have heard talk about the “new” Hawk Eye, and we wish them well.&nbsp; For us at The Beacon, we’re going to continue to focus on what we do best by listening to our readers, engaging with the community, and treating our employees with respect.During the past few weeks as the situation developed, my thoughts returned to the words written by my sister — “The Beacon matters!” Yes, this newspaper does matter. The Beacon matters because you, the reader, matter, and so does this community. And, as my father used to say, “The truth doesn’t need to be dressed up.” The truth is you deserve a newspaper that is truly locally owned, home-grown, and responsive to the community. The truth is we will continue to fight for those who support us and even for those who don’t. The truth is community journalism is too important for us to do otherwise. My sister believed that The Beacon matters and I happen to agree with her. Through your support and encouragement, you have shown that The Beacon matters to you as well. We are deeply grateful, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Why The Beacon Matters

Above:&nbsp;Terry Johnson and a young girl make gingerbread houses on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at Berthel Fisher on Jefferson Street in Burlington.

Above: Arts and crafts for children took place on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at The Medium store on Jefferson Street in Burlington.

Above:&nbsp;Christine Williamson spins some wool fiber into yarn on Dec. 8 at the Art Center on Jefferson Street in Burlington during the Living Windows holiday celebration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670699849632.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All photos courtesy of Keith TurrillAbove:&nbsp;Terry Johnson and a young girl make gingerbread houses on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at Berthel Fisher on Jefferson Street in Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670699938705.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Arts and crafts for children took place on Dec. 8 during the Living Windows celebration at The Medium store on Jefferson Street in Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670700047395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Christine Williamson spins some wool fiber into yarn on Dec. 8 at the Art Center on Jefferson Street in Burlington during the Living Windows holiday celebration.

Holiday Arts and Crafts 

Above: Lauren Schacklett, 9, and her mother Autumn, take a selfie outside of Weird Harold's Records during the annual Living Windows celebration Thursday, Dec. 8 in downtown Burlington. The event included lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.&nbsp;

Above: Reese Richenberger, 12, wearing a tutu that her mother Abby wore 30 years ago when she also studied dance at Cheryl's School of Dance, foreground and Grace Szewczyk, dance in the window of Bent River Brewing Company, during the annual Living Windows celebration.

Above: Cory Evans holds his son Briggs, 2, to look at the train display in the Burlington Vintage and Company window during the annual Living Windows celebration.

Above: Kehlani Johnson, 4, roasts a marshmallow at a S'more making station put on by the Auxiliary of Local 301 at the Burlington Fire Department  during the annual Living Windows.&nbsp;

Above: Tyler Martin, 8, listens as Derek Murphy performs with other musicians, not pictured, during the annual Living Windows.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559283618.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>All photos by John LovrettaAbove: Lauren Schacklett, 9, and her mother Autumn, take a selfie outside of Weird Harold's Records during the annual Living Windows celebration Thursday, Dec. 8 in downtown Burlington. The event included lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and more.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559426413.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Reese Richenberger, 12, wearing a tutu that her mother Abby wore 30 years ago when she also studied dance at Cheryl's School of Dance, foreground and Grace Szewczyk, dance in the window of Bent River Brewing Company, during the annual Living Windows celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559516735.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Cory Evans holds his son Briggs, 2, to look at the train display in the Burlington Vintage and Company window during the annual Living Windows celebration.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670559621985.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Kehlani Johnson, 4, roasts a marshmallow at a S'more making station put on by the Auxiliary of Local 301 at the Burlington Fire Department during the annual Living Windows.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/12/1670560131629.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Tyler Martin, 8, listens as Derek Murphy performs with other musicians, not pictured, during the annual Living Windows.

Living Windows 2022

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) announced a $1.4 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. A well-known philanthropist, Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years and received a 25% stake in the online retailer as part of their 2019 divorce. Shortly after the terms of the divorce were announced, Scott signed the Giving Pledge and promised to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime.

This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. The local council, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, is one of 29 councils out of the 111 councils across the nation selected by Scott to receive these funds. Locally, this gift will enhance programs, expand the program model to reach more girls, create more equitable opportunities, and invest in talent in the region.

“Grateful is an understatement,” said GSEIWI CEO, Diane Nelson. “We were so excited to find out that MacKenzie Scott is impressed by the impact local Girl Scouts are making. The girls in our community will change the world! With this substantial donation, we will expand the opportunities for girls to build their confidence and go out into the world to lead empathetically and dynamically.” This donation will enable the local council to expand its investment in local Girl Scouts and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) announced a $1.4 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. A well-known philanthropist, Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years and received a 25% stake in the online retailer as part of their 2019 divorce. Shortly after the terms of the divorce were announced, Scott signed the Giving Pledge and promised to give away at least half of her wealth over the course of her lifetime.This generous gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history. The local council, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, is one of 29 councils out of the 111 councils across the nation selected by Scott to receive these funds. Locally, this gift will enhance programs, expand the program model to reach more girls, create more equitable opportunities, and invest in talent in the region.“Grateful is an understatement,” said GSEIWI CEO, Diane Nelson. “We were so excited to find out that MacKenzie Scott is impressed by the impact local Girl Scouts are making. The girls in our community will change the world! With this substantial donation, we will expand the opportunities for girls to build their confidence and go out into the world to lead empathetically and dynamically.” This donation will enable the local council to expand its investment in local Girl Scouts and advance the organization’s recovery from the effects of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Local Girl Scouts Council Receives $1.4 Million Donation

The Burlington Public Library has a new director — Brittany R. Jacobs.

And she is encouraging everyone to make use of a resource they may have previously ignored.

“This library is huge,” Jacobs said. “It’s one of the best libraries in the state.”

Jacobs, 35, is replacing former library director Rhonda Frevert, who took another library job in Des Moines.&nbsp;

Jacobs began working at the library 11 months ago, taking on the role of manager of outreach and program services for the library.

“I care deeply about the staff here. I’m a huge champion of the work they’re doing. This is such a well-oiled machine,” Jacobs said.

Jacobs has worked closely under Frevert for the past 11 months and has gotten to know the staff intimately — all 46 of them.&nbsp;

“We are proud and excited to have Brittany as our next visionary leader,” said Becky Godfrey, president of the Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees.

“Her interest in learning sciences and her leadership style are a great fit for our future.”

Frevert was director for 15 of her 20 years at the library, and Jacobs said she’s the best library director she has ever worked for.

Jacobs earned her Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Afterschool Matters academic journal, and recently completed the Iowa Library Association Leadership Institute.

Before coming to Burlington, she also worked in the public library systems of Denver Colo., and Naperville, Ill.

Jacobs is an accomplished children’s book author who illustrates her own work, sometimes digitally.

Coming to Burlington was a bit of providence and a bit of luck.&nbsp;

Jacobs has participated in the annual RAGBRAI event, and she and her wife talked of retiring to Iowa someday.

When a job opened up at the Burlington Public Library, Jacobs jumped at it.&nbsp;

She and her wife have four dogs and over 120,000 bees.&nbsp;

Jacobs took on the bee colony as a new hobby before leaving Colorado, and the little guys have adapted to Iowa as well as she has.

“They make way more honey down here,” she said.

Jacobs has big plans for the library and is helping oversee several projects to fruition — including making the library “sensory certified” next month.&nbsp;

That means the library will become certified to be more inclusive to those with autism and other sensory issues.&nbsp;

That will make it only the second library in the state with that designation.

Meanwhile, Jacobs and her family have found serenity in Burlington — a new home for a bright future.

“I think Burlington is the best-kept secret of the Midwest,” Jacobs said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/10/1664724854237.jpeg" alt="Brittany R. Jacobs, the new director of the Burlington Public Library, poses in front of the library's sign." />
 <figcaption>Brittany R. Jacobs, the new director of the Burlington Public Library, poses in front of the library's sign.</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithThe Burlington Public Library has a new director — Brittany R. Jacobs.And she is encouraging everyone to make use of a resource they may have previously ignored.“This library is huge,” Jacobs said. “It’s one of the best libraries in the state.”Jacobs, 35, is replacing former library director Rhonda Frevert, who took another library job in Des Moines.&nbsp;Jacobs began working at the library 11 months ago, taking on the role of manager of outreach and program services for the library.“I care deeply about the staff here. I’m a huge champion of the work they’re doing. This is such a well-oiled machine,” Jacobs said.Jacobs has worked closely under Frevert for the past 11 months and has gotten to know the staff intimately — all 46 of them.&nbsp;“We are proud and excited to have Brittany as our next visionary leader,” said Becky Godfrey, president of the Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees.“Her interest in learning sciences and her leadership style are a great fit for our future.”Frevert was director for 15 of her 20 years at the library, and Jacobs said she’s the best library director she has ever worked for.Jacobs earned her Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois and serves on the Editorial Review Board for the Afterschool Matters academic journal, and recently completed the Iowa Library Association Leadership Institute.Before coming to Burlington, she also worked in the public library systems of Denver Colo., and Naperville, Ill.Jacobs is an accomplished children’s book author who illustrates her own work, sometimes digitally.Coming to Burlington was a bit of providence and a bit of luck.&nbsp;Jacobs has participated in the annual RAGBRAI event, and she and her wife talked of retiring to Iowa someday.When a job opened up at the Burlington Public Library, Jacobs jumped at it.&nbsp;She and her wife have four dogs and over 120,000 bees.&nbsp;Jacobs took on the bee colony as a new hobby before leaving Colorado, and the little guys have adapted to Iowa as well as she has.“They make way more honey down here,” she said.Jacobs has big plans for the library and is helping oversee several projects to fruition — including making the library “sensory certified” next month.&nbsp;That means the library will become certified to be more inclusive to those with autism and other sensory issues.&nbsp;That will make it only the second library in the state with that designation.Meanwhile, Jacobs and her family have found serenity in Burlington — a new home for a bright future.“I think Burlington is the best-kept secret of the Midwest,” Jacobs said.

New public library director  excited to fill well-worn shoes

They were already heroes — always ready to save a life if the situation arises.&nbsp;

Now they have been officially recognized as heroes by the city of West Burlington.

West Burlington Swimming Pool general manager Bethany Nannen and her staff were honored by the West Burlington City Council during the Sept. 7 council meeting.

They were honored not only with a proclamation but with certificates of their heroism, which they could hold in their hands.

“We admire these local heroes,” said West Burlington City Councilwoman Therese Lees.

A lot of those heroes are ages 19 and under — local kids just trying to make a living as a lifeguard. Most people don’t see the effort they put into keeping the pool safe and saving those who get in over their heads.

“My staff has been amazing. They’re still amazing,” Nannen said.&nbsp;

“It (the proclamation) meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to the kids. If you’re 16 years old, you don’t usually get recognized for jumping in the pool and saving someone’s life.”

It was a rough summer for the pool staff — the roughest in the history of the swimming pool. While the proclamation honored all of the staff’s work through the summer, it was their heroic response to a shooting in the pool parking lot in June that captured public attention.

“When we had the debrief, I told the kids (lifeguards), ‘This is something you should never have to witness. I am sorry that you have to go through this. This is not normal, and this is not something that will ever be normal,” Nannen said of the June 14 shooting incident.

Nannen jumped into action with her first-aid kit the day of the shooting, giving aid to a man who had been shot in the neck/jaw area. Meanwhile, the pool staff calmly got everyone out in an orderly evacuation.&nbsp;

At first, Nannen feared a child had been shot.

“At the time, we didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t know if it was another mass shooting. We didn’t know,” she said.&nbsp;

Nannen, a Burlington Community School District teacher, fell back on 30 years of emergency training.&nbsp;

A person on the scene was applying pressure to the victim’s gunshot wound with a towel, doing their best to keep him alive. But the pressure was applied to the man’s jaw rather than his neck, and Nannen quickly moved the towel to the gunshot wound.

Nannen commended her staff, 15 of which were working that day. She directed some of them to break up the crowd gathering outside the pool.

“I cannot tell you enough good things about my staff. And these are all really young kids. The oldest one I have on staff is 19, and she just turned 19,” Nannen said.

As part of the proclamation by the city council, the youths were also recognized by the city as a special category of first responders. They received a standing ovation from everyone at the meeting.

“I want to thank all of you for what you did at the pool,” Lees said. “We have faith in the ability of today’s youth.”

Since the incident, Nannen and her staff have been trying to process the traumatic event.&nbsp;

It’s an ongoing process, she said, but they are working through it.

They will carry the lessons they learned that day for a lifetime.

“One of my lifeguards, made her mom go shopping on Amazon for a professional rescue kit. So she could be on call,” Nannen said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1664327045030.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThey were already heroes — always ready to save a life if the situation arises.&nbsp;Now they have been officially recognized as heroes by the city of West Burlington.West Burlington Swimming Pool general manager Bethany Nannen and her staff were honored by the West Burlington City Council during the Sept. 7 council meeting.They were honored not only with a proclamation but with certificates of their heroism, which they could hold in their hands.“We admire these local heroes,” said West Burlington City Councilwoman Therese Lees.A lot of those heroes are ages 19 and under — local kids just trying to make a living as a lifeguard. Most people don’t see the effort they put into keeping the pool safe and saving those who get in over their heads.“My staff has been amazing. They’re still amazing,” Nannen said.&nbsp;“It (the proclamation) meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to the kids. If you’re 16 years old, you don’t usually get recognized for jumping in the pool and saving someone’s life.”It was a rough summer for the pool staff — the roughest in the history of the swimming pool. While the proclamation honored all of the staff’s work through the summer, it was their heroic response to a shooting in the pool parking lot in June that captured public attention.“When we had the debrief, I told the kids (lifeguards), ‘This is something you should never have to witness. I am sorry that you have to go through this. This is not normal, and this is not something that will ever be normal,” Nannen said of the June 14 shooting incident.Nannen jumped into action with her first-aid kit the day of the shooting, giving aid to a man who had been shot in the neck/jaw area. Meanwhile, the pool staff calmly got everyone out in an orderly evacuation.&nbsp;At first, Nannen feared a child had been shot.“At the time, we didn’t know what was happening. We didn’t know if it was another mass shooting. We didn’t know,” she said.&nbsp;Nannen, a Burlington Community School District teacher, fell back on 30 years of emergency training.&nbsp;A person on the scene was applying pressure to the victim’s gunshot wound with a towel, doing their best to keep him alive. But the pressure was applied to the man’s jaw rather than his neck, and Nannen quickly moved the towel to the gunshot wound.Nannen commended her staff, 15 of which were working that day. She directed some of them to break up the crowd gathering outside the pool.“I cannot tell you enough good things about my staff. And these are all really young kids. The oldest one I have on staff is 19, and she just turned 19,” Nannen said.As part of the proclamation by the city council, the youths were also recognized by the city as a special category of first responders. They received a standing ovation from everyone at the meeting.“I want to thank all of you for what you did at the pool,” Lees said. “We have faith in the ability of today’s youth.”Since the incident, Nannen and her staff have been trying to process the traumatic event.&nbsp;It’s an ongoing process, she said, but they are working through it.They will carry the lessons they learned that day for a lifetime.“One of my lifeguards, made her mom go shopping on Amazon for a professional rescue kit. So she could be on call,” Nannen said.

Heroes honored by WB council

Driven by a passion for baking that goes back as far as she can remember, Mallory Kienast has spent years slowly tweaking and improving her buttercream -- a staple for her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory.

“I was blessed to grow up with two grandmothers who could bake and who were fueled by passion for the hobby as well,” said Kienast. “When my grandmother, Norma, passed away, I set a goal to take her cinnamon roll recipe and make them as good as her. Part of what makes her rolls so wonderful is the delicious frosting she would slather over them, and so began my pursuit to make my own staple buttercream.”

Kienast was asked to present a working demonstration and samples at the 18th Annual World Food &amp; Music Festival in Des Moines this year and provide samples to the audience. She will be presenting this Friday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the Dotdash Meredith Culinary Discovery Pavillion. Her presentation is slated to last thirty minutes. During her presentation, Kienast will create her signature buttercream and then pipe it on homemade sugar cookies so guests can sample the buttercream for themselves. 

Having her products sampled and judged is nothing new for Kienast, who began taking her baked goods to the Des Moines County Fair when she joined the Unity H 4-H club in fourth grade. In fifth grade, her first bakery item was selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair. By sixth grade, she’d launched Made by Mallory and sold her cinnamon rolls to teachers, family, and friends.

Kienast continued baking while studying public relations at the University of Northern Iowa. She participated in the Cedar Falls Farmers Market for two years and even had the opportunity to provide a gluten-free cupcake line to Scratch Cupcakery.

When Kienast graduated college, she put her baking aside to focus on marketing and brand development. She launched a marketing business that is still running today, but an itch called her back to the kitchen to continue pursuing her passion for baking.

Today Kienast’s cottage bakery specializes in gourmet cookies and cupcakes with colorful and delicious buttercream piped on top. To learn more about her bakery or her presentation at the World Food &amp; Music Festival, visit her Facebook page @madebymallory.us.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1663162996033.jpeg" alt="Mallory Kienast's signature buttercream adorns the top of cupcakes sold through her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory. (Photo submitted by Mallory Kienast.)" />
 <figcaption>Mallory Kienast's signature buttercream adorns the top of cupcakes sold through her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory. (Photo submitted by Mallory Kienast.)</figcaption>
 </figure>Driven by a passion for baking that goes back as far as she can remember, Mallory Kienast has spent years slowly tweaking and improving her buttercream -- a staple for her cottage bakery, Made by Mallory.“I was blessed to grow up with two grandmothers who could bake and who were fueled by passion for the hobby as well,” said Kienast. “When my grandmother, Norma, passed away, I set a goal to take her cinnamon roll recipe and make them as good as her. Part of what makes her rolls so wonderful is the delicious frosting she would slather over them, and so began my pursuit to make my own staple buttercream.”Kienast was asked to present a working demonstration and samples at the 18th Annual World Food &amp; Music Festival in Des Moines this year and provide samples to the audience. She will be presenting this Friday, Sept. 16 at 11 am at the Dotdash Meredith Culinary Discovery Pavillion. Her presentation is slated to last thirty minutes. During her presentation, Kienast will create her signature buttercream and then pipe it on homemade sugar cookies so guests can sample the buttercream for themselves. Having her products sampled and judged is nothing new for Kienast, who began taking her baked goods to the Des Moines County Fair when she joined the Unity H 4-H club in fourth grade. In fifth grade, her first bakery item was selected to advance to the Iowa State Fair. By sixth grade, she’d launched Made by Mallory and sold her cinnamon rolls to teachers, family, and friends.Kienast continued baking while studying public relations at the University of Northern Iowa. She participated in the Cedar Falls Farmers Market for two years and even had the opportunity to provide a gluten-free cupcake line to Scratch Cupcakery.When Kienast graduated college, she put her baking aside to focus on marketing and brand development. She launched a marketing business that is still running today, but an itch called her back to the kitchen to continue pursuing her passion for baking.Today Kienast’s cottage bakery specializes in gourmet cookies and cupcakes with colorful and delicious buttercream piped on top. To learn more about her bakery or her presentation at the World Food &amp; Music Festival, visit her Facebook page @madebymallory.us.

Local Baker to Present at Festival in Des Moines

By Beacon Staff Only a man as influential as Sterling Lord could warrant an all-day festival in his honor. Lord, the Burlington-born literary agent who found a publisher for Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and “The Berenstain Bears,” died at the age of 102 on his birthday, Saturday, Sept. 3, in a nursing home in Ocala, Fla. The Burlington Public Library celebrated the literary agent's Burlington heritage with an annual celebration starting in 2015. The first event featured a "Berenstain Bears" story time, hosted by Michael Berenstain – the son of the late authors Stan and Jan Berenstain. "Sterling is one of the last great gentlemen of the old world of publishing that I knew as a kid. It was a very different world of publishing," Michael Berenstain said. Lord, who was 94 years old during the first library celebration, still worked at the same agency he founded in 1951. He started his long road to New York at Sunnyside Elementary School.&nbsp; Lord later became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper at Burlington High School, landing a job stringing sports stories for the Des Moines Register at the same time. Lord's love of the written word continued beyond high school; he worked for the student paper at Grinnell College until graduating in 1942. "At the time I graduated, I didn't know what I wanted to do," Lord said during a Skype conversation in 2015. That's how Lord ended up serving with the Air Force in Europe during World War II. He still had time to serve after the war was over and was able to get a transfer to Stars and Stripes –&nbsp; the news organization that covers the military community. After working for the Stars and Stripes Weekend magazine, he purchased it and turned it into a private enterprise in post-war Germany. There was only one problem. "Frankfurt, Germany, went from being the cheapest place to publish in Europe to the most expensive place," he said. The cheapest place turned out to be Paris, but even there, the magazine lasted only a couple of years before going under. Lord moved to New York City and worked for several magazines before being fired from Cosmopolitan. He then decided to start his own literary agency. "I had a different background than almost anyone at the time," he said. Lord was flexible enough to champion any type of book to publication, earning himself a reputation that garnered all-star clients. Besides Kerouac and the Berenstains, Lord also represented Dick Francis, Ken Kesey, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Nicholas Pileggi, Dick Schaap, and Robert McNamara – just to name a few. "Kerouac never asked for a million dollars. He never named any money he wanted. All he wanted to do was sell the book, and he didn't want the publisher to change any words of his text," Lord said. It took four years, but Lord finally landed a contract with a special clause that forbade the publisher from changing anything in Kerouac's iconic novel "On the Road" -- including the punctuation. The deal was highly unusual for the time. "That really made Jack happy," Lord said. Lord was a champion tennis player as well and played competitively for 68 years until macular degeneration in his eyes forced him off the court in 2003. Lord client Stacy Cordery, a former Monmouth College history professor who is now a history professor at Iowa State University, began her writing career with a biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. She said Lord had a magical way of making everyone he talked to feel like the only person in the world. “I am honored beyond words that he thought my manuscript was good enough," Cordery said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662522253363.jpeg" alt="Sterling Lord, born and raised in Burlington, built his legacy by championing Jack Kerouac and other iconic authors. Lord died on Sept. 3, 2022, on his 102nd birthday." />
 <figcaption>Sterling Lord, born and raised in Burlington, built his legacy by championing Jack Kerouac and other iconic authors. Lord died on Sept. 3, 2022, on his 102nd birthday.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Only a man as influential as Sterling Lord could warrant an all-day festival in his honor. Lord, the Burlington-born literary agent who found a publisher for Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" and “The Berenstain Bears,” died at the age of 102 on his birthday, Saturday, Sept. 3, in a nursing home in Ocala, Fla. The Burlington Public Library celebrated the literary agent's Burlington heritage with an annual celebration starting in 2015. The first event featured a "Berenstain Bears" story time, hosted by Michael Berenstain – the son of the late authors Stan and Jan Berenstain. "Sterling is one of the last great gentlemen of the old world of publishing that I knew as a kid. It was a very different world of publishing," Michael Berenstain said. Lord, who was 94 years old during the first library celebration, still worked at the same agency he founded in 1951. He started his long road to New York at Sunnyside Elementary School.&nbsp; Lord later became editor-in-chief of the student newspaper at Burlington High School, landing a job stringing sports stories for the Des Moines Register at the same time. Lord's love of the written word continued beyond high school; he worked for the student paper at Grinnell College until graduating in 1942. "At the time I graduated, I didn't know what I wanted to do," Lord said during a Skype conversation in 2015. That's how Lord ended up serving with the Air Force in Europe during World War II. He still had time to serve after the war was over and was able to get a transfer to Stars and Stripes –&nbsp; the news organization that covers the military community. After working for the Stars and Stripes Weekend magazine, he purchased it and turned it into a private enterprise in post-war Germany. There was only one problem. "Frankfurt, Germany, went from being the cheapest place to publish in Europe to the most expensive place," he said. The cheapest place turned out to be Paris, but even there, the magazine lasted only a couple of years before going under. Lord moved to New York City and worked for several magazines before being fired from Cosmopolitan. He then decided to start his own literary agency. "I had a different background than almost anyone at the time," he said. Lord was flexible enough to champion any type of book to publication, earning himself a reputation that garnered all-star clients. Besides Kerouac and the Berenstains, Lord also represented Dick Francis, Ken Kesey, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Nicholas Pileggi, Dick Schaap, and Robert McNamara – just to name a few. "Kerouac never asked for a million dollars. He never named any money he wanted. All he wanted to do was sell the book, and he didn't want the publisher to change any words of his text," Lord said. It took four years, but Lord finally landed a contract with a special clause that forbade the publisher from changing anything in Kerouac's iconic novel "On the Road" -- including the punctuation. The deal was highly unusual for the time. "That really made Jack happy," Lord said. Lord was a champion tennis player as well and played competitively for 68 years until macular degeneration in his eyes forced him off the court in 2003. Lord client Stacy Cordery, a former Monmouth College history professor who is now a history professor at Iowa State University, began her writing career with a biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth, the oldest daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. She said Lord had a magical way of making everyone he talked to feel like the only person in the world. “I am honored beyond words that he thought my manuscript was good enough," Cordery said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burlington Native and Influential Literary Agent Dies at 102

Bryan Bross, PE, RG, of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Klingner) has been awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Community Service Award.

This national award honors outstanding professionals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to their communities through community service. Nominees were submitted by state member organizations from across the country, with no more than five individuals to be honored.

Bross, who is the regional manager of Klingner’s Burlington office, has been highly active in the community over the years. Organizations with which he has been involved include Burlington Noon Lions Club, Lions Clubs of Iowa Council, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Community School District, Burlington Planning Commission, Burlington Area YMCA Board of Directors, Junior Achievement, Great River Christian School, RiverPark Place Condominium Association, and New Life Family Church.

He has also given his time to several notable events, including Burlington Noon Lions Club’s annual Oktoberfest, the Boy Scouts of America “Top Shot” fundraiser, B-Town in the Park, and regular eye screenings for local children through the Burlington Noon Lions Club.

“Service to others is the rent we pay for our place on this earth,” said Bross. “I truly believe that we can be better people when we serve others and give of our time without any expectations in return. It is more blessed to give than receive.”

Bross has been an environmental engineer with Klingner for 28 years. He holds a bachelor of science in geological engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla, a master of engineering in geotechnics from Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology, and is a licensed engineer in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

The award will be presented to Bross at the ACEC Fall Conference, Oct. 16-19 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662517732203.jpeg" alt="Bryan Bross, regional manager of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C.'s Burlington office, has been awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Community Service Award. (Photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Bryan Bross, regional manager of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C.'s Burlington office, has been awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Community Service Award. (Photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Bryan Bross, PE, RG, of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Klingner) has been awarded the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Community Service Award.This national award honors outstanding professionals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to their communities through community service. Nominees were submitted by state member organizations from across the country, with no more than five individuals to be honored.Bross, who is the regional manager of Klingner’s Burlington office, has been highly active in the community over the years. Organizations with which he has been involved include Burlington Noon Lions Club, Lions Clubs of Iowa Council, Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Burlington Community School District, Burlington Planning Commission, Burlington Area YMCA Board of Directors, Junior Achievement, Great River Christian School, RiverPark Place Condominium Association, and New Life Family Church.He has also given his time to several notable events, including Burlington Noon Lions Club’s annual Oktoberfest, the Boy Scouts of America “Top Shot” fundraiser, B-Town in the Park, and regular eye screenings for local children through the Burlington Noon Lions Club.“Service to others is the rent we pay for our place on this earth,” said Bross. “I truly believe that we can be better people when we serve others and give of our time without any expectations in return. It is more blessed to give than receive.”Bross has been an environmental engineer with Klingner for 28 years. He holds a bachelor of science in geological engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla, a master of engineering in geotechnics from Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology, and is a licensed engineer in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.The award will be presented to Bross at the ACEC Fall Conference, Oct. 16-19 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Klingner engineer awarded ACEC Community Service Award

By Beacon Staff The monkeypox vaccine is expected to arrive in Burlington by early September. Des Moines County Public Health Administrator Christa Poggemiller said the vaccine will be restricted to those at the highest risk. There is very little supply of the vaccine in Iowa, according to the Department of Public Health – enough for a few thousand people. The risk of catching monkeypox in Des Moines County is extremely low. As of last Tuesday, August 30, Iowa had a total of 19 monkeypox cases, while southeast Iowa had reported zero cases of monkeypox. Those
 at highest risk are people who may have been recently in close contact 
with someone with the virus. Close contact includes direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes and contact with respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox, The virus also can be spread through direct contact with objects or fabrics that have been used by someone with the disease. Poggemiller said eligibility for the vaccine will be determined by the Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Those at the highest risk are: * Those who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox. *Those who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox. * Those who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox. * Those whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses such as smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.
 That includes laboratory workers who perform testing for that class of 
viruses and/or handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses, as well 
as some designated healthcare or public health workers. To determine your eligibility, call Des Moines County Public Health at (319) 753-8290.

By Beacon Staff The monkeypox vaccine is expected to arrive in Burlington by early September. Des Moines County Public Health Administrator Christa Poggemiller said the vaccine will be restricted to those at the highest risk. There is very little supply of the vaccine in Iowa, according to the Department of Public Health – enough for a few thousand people. The risk of catching monkeypox in Des Moines County is extremely low. As of last Tuesday, August 30, Iowa had a total of 19 monkeypox cases, while southeast Iowa had reported zero cases of monkeypox. Those
 at highest risk are people who may have been recently in close contact 
with someone with the virus. Close contact includes direct contact with monkeypox sores or rashes and contact with respiratory droplets or oral fluids from someone with monkeypox, The virus also can be spread through direct contact with objects or fabrics that have been used by someone with the disease. Poggemiller said eligibility for the vaccine will be determined by the Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Those at the highest risk are: * Those who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox. *Those who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox. * Those who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox. * Those whose jobs may expose them to orthopoxviruses such as smallpox, cowpox, horsepox, camelpox, and monkeypox.
 That includes laboratory workers who perform testing for that class of 
viruses and/or handle cultures or animals with orthopoxviruses, as well 
as some designated healthcare or public health workers. To determine your eligibility, call Des Moines County Public Health at (319) 753-8290.

Monkeypox Vaccine Coming To Des Moines County

Lily Pearson, 2, of Burlington is like most girls her age.

She’s expressive. She’s energetic. She doesn’t know a stranger. And she loves to hug.

“She has a bright personality. She wants to play with everybody. It doesn’t matter who you are,” her mother, Alexus Pearson said.

Lily was born with an extremely rare condition —&nbsp; AEC (Ankyloblepharon Ectodermal Dysplasia and clefting) — a condition characterized by abnormal development of ectodermal tissues, which includes the hair, skin, nails, sweat glands, and teeth. There are about 150 variations of AEC.

“We were tested, and we don’t have it (AEC),” Alexus Pearson said. “Lily’s AEC is a genetic mutation.”

Only one in 100,000 children suffer from the genetic condition, and Lily was born with a litany of problems that go along with AEC. She was born with a cleft palate and a webbed toe. The corners of her eyes were fused shut, and she wears thick glasses to correct her vision. Lily also suffers from hearing loss and wears a hearing aid strapped to her head.

She also is extremely susceptible to eczema, which causes skin erosion on her head that can get infected and turn into lesions.

“When she was born, her head was all raw to the touch. She looked like a second-degree burn victim, honestly,” Alexus said.

The two defining characteristics of AEC, at least for Lily, are her reduced sweat glands and weak tooth enamel.

“She can’t sweat properly. She gets overheated, and it can become life or death,” Alexus said.

Due to her weakened tooth enamel, several of Lily’s teeth have already broken off. By the time she’s an adult, she will likely have dentures or teeth implants.

“We have to put fluoride on her teeth every two weeks,” Alexus said.&nbsp;

Lily’s parents — Alexus and her husband Jacob Pearson —&nbsp; are saving money for an upcoming dental surgery that would cap her teeth and give them extra longevity. The surgery is considered cosmetic, so it won’t be covered by insurance.

They are hoping for the passage of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which would require all private insurance groups and individual health care plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from congenital abnormalities. That coverage would include services and procedures for any missing or abnormal body parts necessary to achieve normal body function, including teeth.

The act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April. But there are still more steps to go.

“We’re running out of time here,” Alexus said.

Lily is a regular at the University of Iowa and Clinics and has undergone multiple surgeries.

“She will be going in for lower eyelid surgery soon,” Alexus said.

Lily is too young to be aware of her physical limitations, and she never stops moving. It can make for a dangerous combination for her reduced sweat glands. Winter can be just as dangerous, as Lily is far more prone to succumbing to hypothermia.

And not every physician has heard of AEC. Jacob and Alexus discovered that the hard way.

“We have had to learn to advocate for her because her condition is rare,” Alexus said.

Not long ago, one of Lily’s eyes swelled shut. Alexus was pretty sure Lily had facial cellulitis – an infection of the dermis on the face. Lily had facial cellulitis before and is susceptible to it because of her condition.

The first time Alexus took Lily to the hospital for the infection, Lily was running a 104-degree temperature, but they were told by medical staff that facial cellulitis only occurs in both eyes.

“They didn’t know what it was. They said there was no infection,” Alexus said. The Pearsons then took Lily to her usual eye doctor in Iowa City, who also didn’t have the answers they were seeking.

Desperate, the family rushed Lily to the emergency room at the University of Iowa.&nbsp;

No one there had heard of facial cellulitis either, but the Pearsons weren’t budging.&nbsp;

“We weren’t going to leave Iowa City until we got answers,” Alexus said.&nbsp;

Medical staff eventually discovered that Lily not only had facial cellulitis but also had MRSA (a form of staph infection) in her eye. An antibiotic treatment wiped out the infection in just a few days.

Lily isn’t the only child living with AEC, but there aren’t many. Alexus has been able to connect to some of those families through Facebook and is planning a 5K run/walk for next spring in Burlington that will raise awareness and dollars for National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED).

The money donated to the NFED will then be used for vital health and cosmetic items such as wigs and cooling vests, as well as medical research. Alexus and Jacob attended their first family conference in St. Louis, Mo., last month, and met fellow parents who are dealing with AEC.

“We had doctors come all the way from Germany to explain how their research was going, what kind of new developments they have,” Alexus said.

For now, life will go on as usual. Alexus is starting a new teaching job at Corse Elementary, while Jacob continues to work as an IT professional at Catfish Bend Casino. Lily is starting preschool, which her parents hope will develop her social skills further.

Lily already knows how to love. Now she will start learning to live.

“It’s mostly getting her aware of her (physical) limitations. That’s our biggest issue right now. She doesn’t want to stop. She wants to keep going. She would be outside for hours if we let her,” Jacob said.

Jacob Pearson adjusts the hearing aid for his daughter Lily Pearson, who was born with Ankyloblepharon Ectodermal Dysplasia and clefting (AEC) syndrome, on Monday, Aug. 29 at their Burlington home.&nbsp;Photo/John Lovretta for The Beacon

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662340624307.jpeg" alt="Lily Pearson. who was born with AEC syndrome, plays with her mother, Alexus, on Monday, Aug. 29, at her Burlington home. Photo/ John Lovretta for The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Lily Pearson. who was born with AEC syndrome, plays with her mother, Alexus, on Monday, Aug. 29, at her Burlington home. Photo/ John Lovretta for The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithLily Pearson, 2, of Burlington is like most girls her age.She’s expressive. She’s energetic. She doesn’t know a stranger. And she loves to hug.“She has a bright personality. She wants to play with everybody. It doesn’t matter who you are,” her mother, Alexus Pearson said.Lily was born with an extremely rare condition —&nbsp; AEC (Ankyloblepharon Ectodermal Dysplasia and clefting) — a condition characterized by abnormal development of ectodermal tissues, which includes the hair, skin, nails, sweat glands, and teeth. There are about 150 variations of AEC.“We were tested, and we don’t have it (AEC),” Alexus Pearson said. “Lily’s AEC is a genetic mutation.”A rare genetic mutationOnly one in 100,000 children suffer from the genetic condition, and Lily was born with a litany of problems that go along with AEC. She was born with a cleft palate and a webbed toe. The corners of her eyes were fused shut, and she wears thick glasses to correct her vision. Lily also suffers from hearing loss and wears a hearing aid strapped to her head.She also is extremely susceptible to eczema, which causes skin erosion on her head that can get infected and turn into lesions.“When she was born, her head was all raw to the touch. She looked like a second-degree burn victim, honestly,” Alexus said.The two defining characteristics of AEC, at least for Lily, are her reduced sweat glands and weak tooth enamel.“She can’t sweat properly. She gets overheated, and it can become life or death,” Alexus said.Due to her weakened tooth enamel, several of Lily’s teeth have already broken off. By the time she’s an adult, she will likely have dentures or teeth implants.“We have to put fluoride on her teeth every two weeks,” Alexus said.&nbsp;Lily’s parents — Alexus and her husband Jacob Pearson —&nbsp; are saving money for an upcoming dental surgery that would cap her teeth and give them extra longevity. The surgery is considered cosmetic, so it won’t be covered by insurance.They are hoping for the passage of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which would require all private insurance groups and individual health care plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from congenital abnormalities. That coverage would include services and procedures for any missing or abnormal body parts necessary to achieve normal body function, including teeth.The act passed the U.S. House of Representatives in April. But there are still more steps to go.“We’re running out of time here,” Alexus said.Living with AECLily is a regular at the University of Iowa and Clinics and has undergone multiple surgeries.“She will be going in for lower eyelid surgery soon,” Alexus said.Lily is too young to be aware of her physical limitations, and she never stops moving. It can make for a dangerous combination for her reduced sweat glands. Winter can be just as dangerous, as Lily is far more prone to succumbing to hypothermia.And not every physician has heard of AEC. Jacob and Alexus discovered that the hard way.“We have had to learn to advocate for her because her condition is rare,” Alexus said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662341057883.jpeg" alt="Lily Pearson plays at her Burlington home. Photo/John Lovretta for The Beacon" />
 <figcaption>Lily Pearson plays at her Burlington home. Photo/John Lovretta for The Beacon</figcaption>
 </figure>Not long ago, one of Lily’s eyes swelled shut. Alexus was pretty sure Lily had facial cellulitis – an infection of the dermis on the face. Lily had facial cellulitis before and is susceptible to it because of her condition.The first time Alexus took Lily to the hospital for the infection, Lily was running a 104-degree temperature, but they were told by medical staff that facial cellulitis only occurs in both eyes.“They didn’t know what it was. They said there was no infection,” Alexus said. The Pearsons then took Lily to her usual eye doctor in Iowa City, who also didn’t have the answers they were seeking.Desperate, the family rushed Lily to the emergency room at the University of Iowa.&nbsp;No one there had heard of facial cellulitis either, but the Pearsons weren’t budging.&nbsp;“We weren’t going to leave Iowa City until we got answers,” Alexus said.&nbsp;Medical staff eventually discovered that Lily not only had facial cellulitis but also had MRSA (a form of staph infection) in her eye. An antibiotic treatment wiped out the infection in just a few days.Helping othersLily isn’t the only child living with AEC, but there aren’t many. Alexus has been able to connect to some of those families through Facebook and is planning a 5K run/walk for next spring in Burlington that will raise awareness and dollars for National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED).The money donated to the NFED will then be used for vital health and cosmetic items such as wigs and cooling vests, as well as medical research. Alexus and Jacob attended their first family conference in St. Louis, Mo., last month, and met fellow parents who are dealing with AEC.“We had doctors come all the way from Germany to explain how their research was going, what kind of new developments they have,” Alexus said.For now, life will go on as usual. Alexus is starting a new teaching job at Corse Elementary, while Jacob continues to work as an IT professional at Catfish Bend Casino. Lily is starting preschool, which her parents hope will develop her social skills further.Lily already knows how to love. Now she will start learning to live.“It’s mostly getting her aware of her (physical) limitations. That’s our biggest issue right now. She doesn’t want to stop. She wants to keep going. She would be outside for hours if we let her,” Jacob said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/9/1662341229075.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Jacob Pearson adjusts the hearing aid for his daughter Lily Pearson, who was born with Ankyloblepharon Ectodermal Dysplasia and clefting (AEC) syndrome, on Monday, Aug. 29 at their Burlington home.&nbsp;Photo/John Lovretta for The Beacon

Brave heart

By Michael Anderson for The Beacon

A giant rat joined striking union workers for a barbecue outside the CNH Industrial manufacturing plant on Monday evening, Aug. 22.

Other than that spirits are high, the strike goes on, and after nearly four months on the picket line, the union shows no sign of backing down.

“I think [management] just thought we were going to bow down and take it,” said assembly-line worker and strike organizer Tracy Chew. “They were wrong.”

On May 2, Chew was one of more than 1,000 skilled laborers who walked out of their jobs at the Case plants in Burlington and Racine, Wis. 

About 445 of them work locally, 430 of whom have union representation through the United Auto Workers Local 807.

Their demands have remained the same since day one: higher pay, robust health insurance, a path to retirement, and better vacation policies. 

Several rounds of negotiations have come and gone over the past 16 weeks. Neither the company nor the union have budged. 

A CNH spokesperson could not be reached for comment at press time.

The strike will end, UAW Local 807 President Nick Guernsey said when the company agrees to his members’ demands.

“We want to be treated fairly,” Guernsey said. “We’re holding the line.”

With snarling lips, outstretched claws, and bloodshot eyes, Scabby the inflatable rat towered at the corner of Des Moines Avenue on Monday — the 112th day of the strike–greeting replacement workers as their shifts at Case ended around 6:30 p.m. 

“Scabby on the picket line!” one of the strikers chanted through a megaphone at the South gate as she and her fellow union members blocked the replacement workers from leaving.

“Party on the picket line, you’re not invited.”

Derided as “scabs” by the union, the replacement workers were hired at the beginning of the strike to keep the manufacturing plant operational.

Things got heated between the two sides in the early days. Lately, the strike has fallen into a calm and steady routine. 

Every day, teams of strikers post up on the picket line in four-hour shifts at the CNH facility’s multiple gates. 

Their goal is to raise awareness in the community and disrupt business as usual.

Whenever a vehicle attempts to exit the plant, the strikers will block them, marching back and forth with signs and megaphones in their hands. 

They’ve agreed with the authorities to limit these stops to two minutes per vehicle. 

Mostly, though, the strike is a waiting game. Traffic thunders by. The cicadas buzz in the grass. Time marches on. 

“I’m ready to get back to work,” said Scott Newman. “We all are.” 

Newman, 61, has worked in repairs at Case New Holland for 12 years. His partner on the picket line was Jack Kay, a 41-year-old welder, and father of two who’s been on the job for 11 years. 

The way they see it, the strike isn’t just about them. It’s about protecting the wages and benefits of whoever works at CNH after they’re gone. For Kay, it’s also about setting an example for his kids.

“This gives them a better understanding that there’s stuff out there to fight for,” Kay said. 

It was noon, halfway through their shift at the West gate, when a UAW truck pulled up to the curb, and a to-go box emerged from the passenger window: Spaghetti. 

“First time we’ve had that,” Newman said with a note of pleasant surprise.   

The lunch came from the strike kitchen across the river in Gulfport. They usually send sandwiches, Newman explained. 

The union has all kinds of supplies stockpiled there at the old firehouse for workers feeling the pinch. Can’t afford groceries or school supplies for your kids? Stop on by, and the strike kitchen will fix you up. 

Sharing resources and helping each other out — it’s all about solidarity, Chew said.

“Brother for brother,” she said. “Sister for sister.”

It was solidarity that brought Ryan Drew to the picket line. 

“The community has been too quiet,” he said, adding that he’d like to see more elected officials throw their support behind the union.

Drew works with the International Union of Operating Engineers 150, which successfully negotiated a contract agreement on behalf of workers at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. 

He came to support the UAW strike, along with Jack Nye, who works with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 

“[Case] is just trying to create economic hardship for its workers,” Drew said. “That’s not negotiating.” 

CNH has cut off health insurance to its workers in Burlington, and many union households are feeling the financial squeeze. The UAW has agreed to pay major medical costs and $400 a week plus $500 at the end of the month — in exchange for a four-hour shift on the picket line, but it’s not enough. 

To get by, some of the strikers have taken part-time jobs at places like McDonalds. Others have walked away from Case and found better work elsewhere. 

Several UAW members have also passed away during the strike. According to Guernsey, the company has refused to pay out life insurance to the families.

“It’s a sad deal,” Guernsey said. “Whether you get what you want or not, a strike is a really traumatic ordeal.”

Still, the atmosphere was light and festive outside CNH  on Monday evening.

As the sun set, a replacement worker pulled up to the picket line at the South gate. 

He put his truck in park, like he knew he might be there awhile, and ate from a bag of potato chips as the strikers marched back and forth in front of him.

Stacey Pence, who has worked at Case for 10 years, held a megaphone up to her mouth and said, “Will you share your chips with me?” 

The replacement worker didn’t respond. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/8/1661883664440.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;“Party on the picket line and you’re not invited.” Striking union workers continue to hold the line outside of the CNH Industrial plant in Burlington. Photo courtesy of Keith Turrill." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;“Party on the picket line and you’re not invited.” Striking union workers continue to hold the line outside of the CNH Industrial plant in Burlington. Photo courtesy of Keith Turrill.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Michael Anderson for The BeaconA giant rat joined striking union workers for a barbecue outside the CNH Industrial manufacturing plant on Monday evening, Aug. 22.The occasion? Nothing in particular. Other than that spirits are high, the strike goes on, and after nearly four months on the picket line, the union shows no sign of backing down.“I think [management] just thought we were going to bow down and take it,” said assembly-line worker and strike organizer Tracy Chew. “They were wrong.”On May 2, Chew was one of more than 1,000 skilled laborers who walked out of their jobs at the Case plants in Burlington and Racine, Wis. About 445 of them work locally, 430 of whom have union representation through the United Auto Workers Local 807.Their demands have remained the same since day one: higher pay, robust health insurance, a path to retirement, and better vacation policies. Several rounds of negotiations have come and gone over the past 16 weeks. Neither the company nor the union have budged. A CNH spokesperson could not be reached for comment at press time.The strike will end, UAW Local 807 President Nick Guernsey said when the company agrees to his members’ demands.“We want to be treated fairly,” Guernsey said. “We’re holding the line.”With snarling lips, outstretched claws, and bloodshot eyes, Scabby the inflatable rat towered at the corner of Des Moines Avenue on Monday — the 112th day of the strike–greeting replacement workers as their shifts at Case ended around 6:30 p.m. “Scabby on the picket line!” one of the strikers chanted through a megaphone at the South gate as she and her fellow union members blocked the replacement workers from leaving.“Party on the picket line, you’re not invited.”Derided as “scabs” by the union, the replacement workers were hired at the beginning of the strike to keep the manufacturing plant operational.Things got heated between the two sides in the early days. Lately, the strike has fallen into a calm and steady routine. Every day, teams of strikers post up on the picket line in four-hour shifts at the CNH facility’s multiple gates. Their goal is to raise awareness in the community and disrupt business as usual.Whenever a vehicle attempts to exit the plant, the strikers will block them, marching back and forth with signs and megaphones in their hands. They’ve agreed with the authorities to limit these stops to two minutes per vehicle. Mostly, though, the strike is a waiting game. Traffic thunders by. The cicadas buzz in the grass. Time marches on. “I’m ready to get back to work,” said Scott Newman. “We all are.” Newman, 61, has worked in repairs at Case New Holland for 12 years. His partner on the picket line was Jack Kay, a 41-year-old welder, and father of two who’s been on the job for 11 years. The way they see it, the strike isn’t just about them. It’s about protecting the wages and benefits of whoever works at CNH after they’re gone. For Kay, it’s also about setting an example for his kids.“This gives them a better understanding that there’s stuff out there to fight for,” Kay said. It was noon, halfway through their shift at the West gate, when a UAW truck pulled up to the curb, and a to-go box emerged from the passenger window: Spaghetti. “First time we’ve had that,” Newman said with a note of pleasant surprise. The lunch came from the strike kitchen across the river in Gulfport. They usually send sandwiches, Newman explained. The union has all kinds of supplies stockpiled there at the old firehouse for workers feeling the pinch. Can’t afford groceries or school supplies for your kids? Stop on by, and the strike kitchen will fix you up. Sharing resources and helping each other out — it’s all about solidarity, Chew said.“Brother for brother,” she said. “Sister for sister.”It was solidarity that brought Ryan Drew to the picket line. “The community has been too quiet,” he said, adding that he’d like to see more elected officials throw their support behind the union.Drew works with the International Union of Operating Engineers 150, which successfully negotiated a contract agreement on behalf of workers at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. He came to support the UAW strike, along with Jack Nye, who works with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “[Case] is just trying to create economic hardship for its workers,” Drew said. “That’s not negotiating.” CNH has cut off health insurance to its workers in Burlington, and many union households are feeling the financial squeeze. The UAW has agreed to pay major medical costs and $400 a week plus $500 at the end of the month — in exchange for a four-hour shift on the picket line, but it’s not enough. To get by, some of the strikers have taken part-time jobs at places like McDonalds. Others have walked away from Case and found better work elsewhere. Several UAW members have also passed away during the strike. According to Guernsey, the company has refused to pay out life insurance to the families.“It’s a sad deal,” Guernsey said. “Whether you get what you want or not, a strike is a really traumatic ordeal.”Still, the atmosphere was light and festive outside CNH on Monday evening.As the sun set, a replacement worker pulled up to the picket line at the South gate. He put his truck in park, like he knew he might be there awhile, and ate from a bag of potato chips as the strikers marched back and forth in front of him.Stacey Pence, who has worked at Case for 10 years, held a megaphone up to her mouth and said, “Will you share your chips with me?” The replacement worker didn’t respond.

Life on the picket line

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.”

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.