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.

Players Workshop to Hold Open House Celebrating 90th Year

By Chris Faulkner for the Beacon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mepo grad’s baseball dream came true

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building Hope

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

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

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

Players Workshop Holding Open Auditions for Fall Musical

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

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

SNAFF Returns to the Capitol July 21-24

Rita Hartman for The Beacon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Include the Press House Winery in your next day trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Owners, New Look – Same Commitment to Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The New 988 Mental Health Hotline Will Launch on July 16

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keller Named Fourth Runner-up in Miss Iowa Competition

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

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

Plan To Convert Lincolnville Into Apartments On Hold

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

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

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

By William Smith Community Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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