Obituaries have been published for:&nbsp;

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/28310a56-134e-4ce4-bb8c-c486aa95d756">Betty Cook</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0be8777c-5406-48e2-8a91-e8f871ad5dcc">Jeanette Fisher</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/b566f46b-d442-485f-bb3c-ca5b6297936f">Phillip Schwartz</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/82fdb6aa-2913-43b0-94ab-76fe386481c7">Glenn Butlin</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e4babce0-198f-4634-9fd1-73a320057a87">Martha Dohman</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/73372ea0-c1b0-4bbd-8234-6568431b7778">Ronald Kahl</a>

Obituaries have been published for:&nbsp;<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/28310a56-134e-4ce4-bb8c-c486aa95d756">Betty Cook</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0be8777c-5406-48e2-8a91-e8f871ad5dcc">Jeanette Fisher</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/b566f46b-d442-485f-bb3c-ca5b6297936f">Phillip Schwartz</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/82fdb6aa-2913-43b0-94ab-76fe386481c7">Glenn Butlin</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e4babce0-198f-4634-9fd1-73a320057a87">Martha Dohman</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/73372ea0-c1b0-4bbd-8234-6568431b7778">Ronald Kahl</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 21, 2022

For the past 19 years, Geode State Park manager Ulf Konig has made his life inside that small amount of space, the exact footprint of the quaint park home that he and his wife have raised three boys in.&nbsp;

“The boys had a park for their backyard, and they loved it,” Konig said.

The family made countless cherished memories in their small home. However, soon those cherished memories will be all that they have. Ulf and his family must vacate the stone house by the end of November.&nbsp;

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to evict more than two dozen park rangers and other state park workers from government-owned housing. The reason: the estimated $1 million expense of needed renovations and maintenance of the homes.

A call for comment from the state DNR was not returned at press time.&nbsp;

“It was kind of a shock to us. I thought I was going to retire there,” said Konig, who estimates retirement at about eight years away.

Konig learned last year about the eviction, and he was heartbroken. He said the cabin will likely be renovated and turned into a rental.

“We wanted to finish getting our kids out of school,” he said, noting that his youngest son is a 14-year-old Danville student. “That kind of hurts, finding out we have to leave.”

Konig and his family will have to find lodgings elsewhere. He’s been looking since last November, and doubts there will be anything within 20 to 30 miles of the park, at least nothing he and his family can afford.

“Something within the proximity of the park probably isn’t feasible. The houses are too expensive, and it usually includes land,” he said.

Konig loves his job. But being a park ranger or park manager isn’t exactly a 9 to 5 job. He worries how the move will impact his availability.

“There’s always been an official presence in the park. It’s going to be kind of different,” he said. “It’s nice to be close by, in case there are any problems.”&nbsp;

Park problems are eternal by nature. While most of Konig’s winter months are filled with snowplows and park maintenance, during the summer, he’s managing a small city of&nbsp;campgrounds and beaches that stretch across 17,000 acres of parkland.

Geode pulls in an estimated 100,000 visitors every year.

“Not everyone gets along all the time. Some people want to have a quiet camp out, and some people want to party and raise a little heck,” he said.&nbsp;

“You’ll have someone driving like heck through the park here, and you have to go see what’s going on. We’ve had people get lost. We’ve had car accidents. We’ve had tornadoes and storms.”

Konig recalled one powerful thunderstorm in 2014 that scattered tree limbs across nearly every road, essentially shutting the park down from the outside world.&nbsp;

He had a 30-minute warning in the middle of the night the storm was coming.&nbsp;

Within a few minutes, he was banging on every camper door and tent flap he could, warning guests of the danger.&nbsp;

After this November, it will take him 20 or 30 minutes just to get to the park.

“I think we’re going to be relying more on local law enforcement,” he said.

Though the Geode State Park home was built for functionality, its unique heritage has turned it into a historic home.&nbsp;

That means it can’t be expanded on or modified too drastically from its original form. Konig hasn’t done much to it other than paint jobs and maintenance.

“It’s not really built for a large family,” he said, noting the irony of five people living inside. “Everything is pretty old in there. What you’ve got is what you’ve got.”

The long-defunct Civilian Conservation Corps started building the house and the shelter next to it in the early 1940s.&nbsp;

Back then, the park was only 17 acres.&nbsp;

The house remained unfinished for years due to the construction crew leaving for World War II. It was eventually finished around 1950, Konig said.

“The stone structure sat there without a roof for years,” he said.

Konig said park managers and rangers have been living in the house for at least the past 70 years.

For Konig, it’s hard to imagine life outside of a park. A northern Iowa native who hails from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area, Konig worked the parks up there before moving down south. Even when he wasn’t working, he was usually in a park.

“I grew up enjoying the outdoors, and got a degree in conservation management from Upper Iowa University,” he said.&nbsp;

Konig started his gig at Geode State Park in 2002 and will celebrate his 20th anniversary in October — a month before he and his family will be forced to leave their park home.

Though the mandate to vacate the park home is very personal for Konig, he’s not looking to cast blame, complain, or make waves.&nbsp;

He’s been up all hours of the night on plenty of occasions taking care of park business, and that won’t change.

But everything else about his life in the park will.

“I’m feeling some grief about it,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1645399930790.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithA thousand square feet.For the past 19 years, Geode State Park manager Ulf Konig has made his life inside that small amount of space, the exact footprint of the quaint park home that he and his wife have raised three boys in.&nbsp;“The boys had a park for their backyard, and they loved it,” Konig said.The family made countless cherished memories in their small home. However, soon those cherished memories will be all that they have. Ulf and his family must vacate the stone house by the end of November.&nbsp;The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to evict more than two dozen park rangers and other state park workers from government-owned housing. The reason: the estimated $1 million expense of needed renovations and maintenance of the homes.A call for comment from the state DNR was not returned at press time.&nbsp;“It was kind of a shock to us. I thought I was going to retire there,” said Konig, who estimates retirement at about eight years away.Konig learned last year about the eviction, and he was heartbroken. He said the cabin will likely be renovated and turned into a rental.“We wanted to finish getting our kids out of school,” he said, noting that his youngest son is a 14-year-old Danville student. “That kind of hurts, finding out we have to leave.”Konig and his family will have to find lodgings elsewhere. He’s been looking since last November, and doubts there will be anything within 20 to 30 miles of the park, at least nothing he and his family can afford.“Something within the proximity of the park probably isn’t feasible. The houses are too expensive, and it usually includes land,” he said.Konig loves his job. But being a park ranger or park manager isn’t exactly a 9 to 5 job. He worries how the move will impact his availability.“There’s always been an official presence in the park. It’s going to be kind of different,” he said. “It’s nice to be close by, in case there are any problems.”&nbsp;Park problems are eternal by nature. While most of Konig’s winter months are filled with snowplows and park maintenance, during the summer, he’s managing a small city of&nbsp;campgrounds and beaches that stretch across 17,000 acres of parkland.Geode pulls in an estimated 100,000 visitors every year.“Not everyone gets along all the time. Some people want to have a quiet camp out, and some people want to party and raise a little heck,” he said.&nbsp;“You’ll have someone driving like heck through the park here, and you have to go see what’s going on. We’ve had people get lost. We’ve had car accidents. We’ve had tornadoes and storms.”Konig recalled one powerful thunderstorm in 2014 that scattered tree limbs across nearly every road, essentially shutting the park down from the outside world.&nbsp;He had a 30-minute warning in the middle of the night the storm was coming.&nbsp;Within a few minutes, he was banging on every camper door and tent flap he could, warning guests of the danger.&nbsp;After this November, it will take him 20 or 30 minutes just to get to the park.“I think we’re going to be relying more on local law enforcement,” he said.A Tiny, Historic HomeThough the Geode State Park home was built for functionality, its unique heritage has turned it into a historic home.&nbsp;That means it can’t be expanded on or modified too drastically from its original form. Konig hasn’t done much to it other than paint jobs and maintenance.“It’s not really built for a large family,” he said, noting the irony of five people living inside. “Everything is pretty old in there. What you’ve got is what you’ve got.”The long-defunct Civilian Conservation Corps started building the house and the shelter next to it in the early 1940s.&nbsp;Back then, the park was only 17 acres.&nbsp;The house remained unfinished for years due to the construction crew leaving for World War II. It was eventually finished around 1950, Konig said.“The stone structure sat there without a roof for years,” he said.Konig said park managers and rangers have been living in the house for at least the past 70 years.Born To Live In A ParkFor Konig, it’s hard to imagine life outside of a park. A northern Iowa native who hails from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area, Konig worked the parks up there before moving down south. Even when he wasn’t working, he was usually in a park.“I grew up enjoying the outdoors, and got a degree in conservation management from Upper Iowa University,” he said.&nbsp;Konig started his gig at Geode State Park in 2002 and will celebrate his 20th anniversary in October — a month before he and his family will be forced to leave their park home.Though the mandate to vacate the park home is very personal for Konig, he’s not looking to cast blame, complain, or make waves.&nbsp;He’s been up all hours of the night on plenty of occasions taking care of park business, and that won’t change.But everything else about his life in the park will.“I’m feeling some grief about it,” he said.

Park Manager Set To Be Evicted

Faith Temple Church of God in Christ will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 20. A meal will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by a special service at 3:30 p.m. featuring sermons, music, and presentations about Black history from local children.

Aldo Leopold Intermediate School invites the public to attend the First Annual Black History Month Museum on Friday, Feb. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. This event will feature over 20 exhibits created by social studies classes highlighting the contributions of African Americans form the past and present.

Art Center of Burlington is currently featuring a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display contains over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.

Faith Temple Church of God in Christ will celebrate Black History Month on Sunday, Feb. 20. A meal will be held at 1:30 p.m. followed by a special service at 3:30 p.m. featuring sermons, music, and presentations about Black history from local children.Aldo Leopold Intermediate School invites the public to attend the First Annual Black History Month Museum on Friday, Feb. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. This event will feature over 20 exhibits created by social studies classes highlighting the contributions of African Americans form the past and present.Art Center of Burlington is currently featuring a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display contains over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.

Upcoming events celebrate Black History Month

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2449f8ef-e5e5-497e-a138-8126d5c51fbc">Marjorie Gibson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4076acde-cf52-4d8e-931f-e55772d62bf6">Clara Rayburn</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66d2b48d-cb4c-45d8-90f2-828f64daac27">Michael Lee</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6a475089-98e5-4b03-82a7-882ab7c7e19a">Glenna Jacobs</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c71516af-e23b-4ce0-a901-420ac32c8286">Marilyn Nelson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0e6a4b8e-3236-4ef8-a3e8-f4dd3c982df0">Russell "Rusty" Elliott</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/dbf79cd4-4216-4565-966c-c90cbe1f5dd5">Sondra Astfalk</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2449f8ef-e5e5-497e-a138-8126d5c51fbc">Marjorie Gibson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4076acde-cf52-4d8e-931f-e55772d62bf6">Clara Rayburn</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66d2b48d-cb4c-45d8-90f2-828f64daac27">Michael Lee</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6a475089-98e5-4b03-82a7-882ab7c7e19a">Glenna Jacobs</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c71516af-e23b-4ce0-a901-420ac32c8286">Marilyn Nelson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0e6a4b8e-3236-4ef8-a3e8-f4dd3c982df0">Russell "Rusty" Elliott</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/dbf79cd4-4216-4565-966c-c90cbe1f5dd5">Sondra Astfalk</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 15, 2022

The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award recognizes senior class students who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. The DAR Good Citizens recognized by the Stars &amp; Stripes Chapter DAR for 2021-2022 are: &nbsp;Jasmine Allison (Burlington High School), Cassidy Yaley (Danville High School), Cami Jo Whitaker (Mediapolis High School), Alexis Mears (Notre Dame High School), and Jenna Schnellbacher (West Burlington High School). These students were also eligible to apply for scholarships. Alexis Mears was this year’s first place scholarship winner. Jasmine Allison received the second-place scholarship. A reception to honor the DAR Good Citizens was held Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Spirit Hollow Golf Resort. Honored guests included DiAnne Lerud-Chubb, Honorary State Regent of Iowa, Past Vice President General 2008-2011; Tiffany Hauptman, State Recording Secretary ISDAR; and Gail Bonath, Southeast District Director ISDAR.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644942945069.jpeg" alt="Jasmine Allison, Alexis Mears, and Jenna Schnellbacher were recently recognized at a reception hosted by the Stars &amp; Stripes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Jasmine Allison, Alexis Mears, and Jenna Schnellbacher were recently recognized at a reception hosted by the Stars &amp; Stripes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award recognizes senior class students who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. The DAR Good Citizens recognized by the Stars &amp; Stripes Chapter DAR for 2021-2022 are: &nbsp;Jasmine Allison (Burlington High School), Cassidy Yaley (Danville High School), Cami Jo Whitaker (Mediapolis High School), Alexis Mears (Notre Dame High School), and Jenna Schnellbacher (West Burlington High School). These students were also eligible to apply for scholarships. Alexis Mears was this year’s first place scholarship winner. Jasmine Allison received the second-place scholarship. A reception to honor the DAR Good Citizens was held Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Spirit Hollow Golf Resort. Honored guests included DiAnne Lerud-Chubb, Honorary State Regent of Iowa, Past Vice President General 2008-2011; Tiffany Hauptman, State Recording Secretary ISDAR; and Gail Bonath, Southeast District Director ISDAR.

DAR Chapter issues Good Citizen Awards to local students

If fundraising is successful, Dankwardt Park will have an entirely new playground by the end of the year, replacing the current play equipment installed more than 30 years ago.

The plan for the playground is grand — $1 million worth of renovations and new playground equipment that will make it suitable for every child, no matter their mobility.

But the memories that will be built there by residents will be even greater than its cost, according to Eric Tysland, Burlington community development and parks director.

He is hoping that childhood nostalgia will encourage locals to donate toward the new playground.

“This is very important to residents,” Tysland said. “We want this to be a destination playground. Something visitors will want to come to.”

Tysland presented initial plans to the Burlington City Council last Monday (Jan. 31), causing several council members to wax nostalgic about their childhood experiences at Dankwardt Park.

“I played on that playground when I was a little guy, 6 or 7 years old,” said city council member Robert Critser. “Now my kids play on it. I think it is time for an upgrade.”

Fellow city council member Matt Rinker played on that equipment, too.

“I’m pretty sure I have a couple of scars from the existing playground,” Rinker said with a grin.

The timeline for completion is rough right now since a lot of it depends on fundraising efforts over the next year.&nbsp;

But if things go well, Tysland believes the playground will be ready by the end of 2022.

The timeline presented to the council calls for a design firm to be hired by April and public input from May through September. Tysland hopes to have the playground equipment ordered and site construction started by this summer, with a completion date of November or December.

“We’ve been looking at (renovating) this playground for five-plus years,” Tysland said. “It’s kind of an icon for Burlington — a critical playground.”

Though the exact design of the new playground has&nbsp;yet to be finalized, Tysland and Ryan Gourley, Burlington park and forestry superintendent, have a good idea of what some of the equipment will be.

There will be a spinner — spinning structures like a merry-go-round, but safer. Swinging benches on the periphery of the playground will make parents feel involved.&nbsp;

The slides, ramps, and structures will not only be handicap accessible but will offer a graded challenge for each age range. There will even be structures that challenge a child’s problem-solving skills.

“You are going to have to challenge yourself,” Gourley said. “When kids come back (over the years), they can experience something different.”

Gourley and Tysland have gathered plenty of input on what the public wants from a playground through a survey, but they aren’t done yet.

They will hold at least one public meeting to show off the plan over the summer, likely at the playground itself, weather permitting.

“We won’t have the wooden structure (that connects the slides), but we do want to incorporate some of it into our design,” Tysland said.

The surfaces not on play equipment will be safe rubber, as requested by the survey. That’s a renovation that came along in the 1990s, Gourley said and will become the standard as other playgrounds are updated.

But for now, the focus is on Dankwardt Park and making it a safe and enjoyable space for the next generation, not to mention the current one.

“I think the big thing is the inclusivity,” Gourley said. “It’s going to challenge people from 2 to 99 years old.”

About half of the playground’s cost has been donated or pledged already, and further donations can be sent to the city of Burlington. A section of the city’s webpage will update locals on the progress and how to donate.

“I think this is going to be a game-changer for our parks department,” mayor Jon Billups said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644786860014.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithIf fundraising is successful, Dankwardt Park will have an entirely new playground by the end of the year, replacing the current play equipment installed more than 30 years ago.The plan for the playground is grand — $1 million worth of renovations and new playground equipment that will make it suitable for every child, no matter their mobility.But the memories that will be built there by residents will be even greater than its cost, according to Eric Tysland, Burlington community development and parks director.He is hoping that childhood nostalgia will encourage locals to donate toward the new playground.“This is very important to residents,” Tysland said. “We want this to be a destination playground. Something visitors will want to come to.”Tysland presented initial plans to the Burlington City Council last Monday (Jan. 31), causing several council members to wax nostalgic about their childhood experiences at Dankwardt Park.“I played on that playground when I was a little guy, 6 or 7 years old,” said city council member Robert Critser. “Now my kids play on it. I think it is time for an upgrade.”Fellow city council member Matt Rinker played on that equipment, too.“I’m pretty sure I have a couple of scars from the existing playground,” Rinker said with a grin.The timeline for completion is rough right now since a lot of it depends on fundraising efforts over the next year.&nbsp;But if things go well, Tysland believes the playground will be ready by the end of 2022.The timeline presented to the council calls for a design firm to be hired by April and public input from May through September. Tysland hopes to have the playground equipment ordered and site construction started by this summer, with a completion date of November or December.“We’ve been looking at (renovating) this playground for five-plus years,” Tysland said. “It’s kind of an icon for Burlington — a critical playground.”A more challenging&nbsp;playgroundThough the exact design of the new playground has&nbsp;yet to be finalized, Tysland and Ryan Gourley, Burlington park and forestry superintendent, have a good idea of what some of the equipment will be.There will be a spinner — spinning structures like a merry-go-round, but safer. Swinging benches on the periphery of the playground will make parents feel involved.&nbsp;The slides, ramps, and structures will not only be handicap accessible but will offer a graded challenge for each age range. There will even be structures that challenge a child’s problem-solving skills.“You are going to have to challenge yourself,” Gourley said. “When kids come back (over the years), they can experience something different.”A playground decided&nbsp;by the communityGourley and Tysland have gathered plenty of input on what the public wants from a playground through a survey, but they aren’t done yet.They will hold at least one public meeting to show off the plan over the summer, likely at the playground itself, weather permitting.“We won’t have the wooden structure (that connects the slides), but we do want to incorporate some of it into our design,” Tysland said.The surfaces not on play equipment will be safe rubber, as requested by the survey. That’s a renovation that came along in the 1990s, Gourley said and will become the standard as other playgrounds are updated.But for now, the focus is on Dankwardt Park and making it a safe and enjoyable space for the next generation, not to mention the current one.“I think the big thing is the inclusivity,” Gourley said. “It’s going to challenge people from 2 to 99 years old.”About half of the playground’s cost has been donated or pledged already, and further donations can be sent to the city of Burlington. A section of the city’s webpage will update locals on the progress and how to donate.“I think this is going to be a game-changer for our parks department,” mayor Jon Billups said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644786970168.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Playground revamp; $1M project at Dankwardt Park hinges on successful fundraising.

By Beacon Staff A Burlington couple was able to escape their home safely early Friday morning (Feb. 11) after heat from their wood burning stove ignited materials above the ceiling and started a fire. The Burlington Fire Department responded to 2500 Vineyard Court at 4:11 a.m. to find heavy smoke coming from a 1 ½ story wood frame home, owned and occupied by Larry and Janice Caston. Firefighters were able to quickly make entry into the home and get the fire under control by 4:33 a.m. Burlington firefighters were assisted at the scene by the fire departments in West Burlington and Danville, as well as the Burlington Police Department, Superior Ambulance, and Alliant Energy. Seven off-duty Burlington firefighters were called in to help battle the blaze. The occupants were alerted to the fire by their smoke detectors, and then called 911.&nbsp; The home suffered significant water, smoke and fire damage. Fire crews cleared the scene at 5:46 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff A Burlington couple was able to escape their home safely early Friday morning (Feb. 11) after heat from their wood burning stove ignited materials above the ceiling and started a fire. The Burlington Fire Department responded to 2500 Vineyard Court at 4:11 a.m. to find heavy smoke coming from a 1 ½ story wood frame home, owned and occupied by Larry and Janice Caston. Firefighters were able to quickly make entry into the home and get the fire under control by 4:33 a.m. Burlington firefighters were assisted at the scene by the fire departments in West Burlington and Danville, as well as the Burlington Police Department, Superior Ambulance, and Alliant Energy. Seven off-duty Burlington firefighters were called in to help battle the blaze. The occupants were alerted to the fire by their smoke detectors, and then called 911.&nbsp; The home suffered significant water, smoke and fire damage. Fire crews cleared the scene at 5:46 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wood Burning Fireplace Causes House Fire

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4ffbbb11-8035-4086-b989-591302289721">Murray Ricketts</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0df700b4-70ae-4eb3-8e00-f42039c45936">Zephaniah Johnson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5bc78e2-5988-41f0-95ba-73591e3e0cbc">Delbert Walker</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/dcb377d2-4f36-4bfa-83af-fe8b7f9ec32b">Twyla Royer</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/fdb97a27-6346-404e-88ed-11b9b2725f8f">Barbara Taylor</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4ffbbb11-8035-4086-b989-591302289721">Murray Ricketts</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0df700b4-70ae-4eb3-8e00-f42039c45936">Zephaniah Johnson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5bc78e2-5988-41f0-95ba-73591e3e0cbc">Delbert Walker</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/dcb377d2-4f36-4bfa-83af-fe8b7f9ec32b">Twyla Royer</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/fdb97a27-6346-404e-88ed-11b9b2725f8f">Barbara Taylor</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 10, 2022

Jason Hutcheson has been hired as the executive director of the new Great River Health Foundation.&nbsp;

“The goal of the foundation is to make our vision of empowering people, transforming lives and fulfilling dreams,” said Matt Wenzel, president and CEO, Great River Health.&nbsp;

“We believe Jason is the person to help us realize this vision.”&nbsp; &nbsp;

Hutcheson will begin working with the foundation’s new 17-member board on March 7. Together, they will further develop the foundation’s mission and goals.

Hutcheson launched his career as executive director of Louisa Development Group.&nbsp;

He became economic development director of the Greater Burlington Partnership, then president and CEO.&nbsp;

While at the Partnership, he was a visible advocate for local business issues and a catalyst for community projects.&nbsp;

As co-host of one of the nation’s leading podcasts on community development, Hutcheson is often invited to deliver presentations on leadership, strategic planning and regional economic development throughout the Midwest.

“Jason Hutcheson is a proven leader in economic development,” Wenzel said.&nbsp;

“His skills, combined with his commitment to improving the southeast Iowa region, make him a great match for the health system’s newest endeavor to help our communities.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644479973664.jpeg" alt="Jason Hutcheson will begin his role as executive director on March 7.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Jason Hutcheson will begin his role as executive director on March 7.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Jason Hutcheson has been hired as the executive director of the new Great River Health Foundation.&nbsp;“The goal of the foundation is to make our vision of empowering people, transforming lives and fulfilling dreams,” said Matt Wenzel, president and CEO, Great River Health.&nbsp;“We believe Jason is the person to help us realize this vision.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Hutcheson will begin working with the foundation’s new 17-member board on March 7. Together, they will further develop the foundation’s mission and goals.Hutcheson launched his career as executive director of Louisa Development Group.&nbsp;He became economic development director of the Greater Burlington Partnership, then president and CEO.&nbsp;While at the Partnership, he was a visible advocate for local business issues and a catalyst for community projects.&nbsp;As co-host of one of the nation’s leading podcasts on community development, Hutcheson is often invited to deliver presentations on leadership, strategic planning and regional economic development throughout the Midwest.“Jason Hutcheson is a proven leader in economic development,” Wenzel said.&nbsp;“His skills, combined with his commitment to improving the southeast Iowa region, make him a great match for the health system’s newest endeavor to help our communities.”&nbsp;

Hutcheson takes the helm at Great River Health Foundation

By Julie Martineau For The Beacon

This object is not originally from Des Moines County but
was collected by a well-known Burlingtonian. And, it should be noted, that it’s
kin can be found here in Des Moines County, if very rarely. And, it should be
noted, the specimens found here are hundreds of millions of years older than
our object. 

There is a badly damaged paper tag on the other side of the
object that has writing, some of which reads “El Paso County”, with the rest
being illegible. 

Charles and Edith Perkins and family are responsible for
Perkins Park in Burlington, (among others) but did you know that they are also
responsible for The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado? In the
1870’s, the railroads had made their way west. And Charles Perkins (as the head
of the CB&amp;Q) was able to not only access the area around Colorado Springs,
he could also afford to purchase land there. In 1879, he purchased two hundred
and forty acres, with the intention of establishing a summer home on the
property. He would later add acres to the property, but never actually built on
the property himself. It seems that he preferred to leave the property as it
was, for the enjoyment of the public, who had access to the property (his
family would donate the land after his death in 1907 to the city of Colorado
Springs, with the intention of setting up a public park, so that the land would
always be accessible).

And it was during one of his many visits west that Mr.
Perkins, or one of his family members, collected this ammonite shell. The
object is possibly a Axonoceras Compressum, a species of ammonite (a relative
of the octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus) that inhabited the Western
Interior Seaway. At the end of the Cretaceous period, an intense period of
mountain building caused the seaway to dry up, leaving behind the fossilized
remains of the animals that once inhabited the ocean. 

While we don’t know for
sure, we think that the specimen, and others from the same area, were purchased
at a local rock and fossil shop. They were later brought to Burlington and
absorbed into the larger Perkins Collection. And, sometime between 1909 and
1927, the Perkins Collection was given to the Burlington Community School
District. Later, in 2007, the Collection was once again moved, this time it was
absorbed into the Collection at the Heritage Museum in Burlington. 

Want to see more of the Perkins Collection? Several objects
are on display at the Heritage Museum in Burlington! 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644426994235.jpeg" alt="Photo submitted/Don Weiss Photography" />
 <figcaption>Photo submitted/Don Weiss Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>By Julie Martineau For The BeaconThis object is not originally from Des Moines County but
was collected by a well-known Burlingtonian. And, it should be noted, that it’s
kin can be found here in Des Moines County, if very rarely. And, it should be
noted, the specimens found here are hundreds of millions of years older than
our object. There is a badly damaged paper tag on the other side of the
object that has writing, some of which reads “El Paso County”, with the rest
being illegible. Charles and Edith Perkins and family are responsible for
Perkins Park in Burlington, (among others) but did you know that they are also
responsible for The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado? In the
1870’s, the railroads had made their way west. And Charles Perkins (as the head
of the CB&amp;Q) was able to not only access the area around Colorado Springs,
he could also afford to purchase land there. In 1879, he purchased two hundred
and forty acres, with the intention of establishing a summer home on the
property. He would later add acres to the property, but never actually built on
the property himself. It seems that he preferred to leave the property as it
was, for the enjoyment of the public, who had access to the property (his
family would donate the land after his death in 1907 to the city of Colorado
Springs, with the intention of setting up a public park, so that the land would
always be accessible).And it was during one of his many visits west that Mr.
Perkins, or one of his family members, collected this ammonite shell. The
object is possibly a Axonoceras Compressum, a species of ammonite (a relative
of the octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus) that inhabited the Western
Interior Seaway. At the end of the Cretaceous period, an intense period of
mountain building caused the seaway to dry up, leaving behind the fossilized
remains of the animals that once inhabited the ocean. While we don’t know for
sure, we think that the specimen, and others from the same area, were purchased
at a local rock and fossil shop. They were later brought to Burlington and
absorbed into the larger Perkins Collection. And, sometime between 1909 and
1927, the Perkins Collection was given to the Burlington Community School
District. Later, in 2007, the Collection was once again moved, this time it was
absorbed into the Collection at the Heritage Museum in Burlington. Want to see more of the Perkins Collection? Several objects
are on display at the Heritage Museum in Burlington!

Ammonite fossil has ties to Perkins family

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/349b78f5-95c4-422b-a4a1-5295ebda5626">Sandra Rutter-Wells</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8940cbd-aac4-4d57-9bce-f2fe6f79309a">Richard Oetken</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/62b5b975-2851-46bb-ac5e-0e91caeb6152">George Williamson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1d7521c8-5159-4bfb-a1ce-9b59515f5254">Dolores Shoemaker</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0e89bd7b-16fa-4d5e-b401-aff18ba3a95d">Randy Wagner, Sr.</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f4215391-851b-41dc-b0db-92b92c54eaa7">Regina Dobroski</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/ddeb24f0-902e-43b4-8665-1afd061d2764">Jacquelin Nelson</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/349b78f5-95c4-422b-a4a1-5295ebda5626">Sandra Rutter-Wells</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8940cbd-aac4-4d57-9bce-f2fe6f79309a">Richard Oetken</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/62b5b975-2851-46bb-ac5e-0e91caeb6152">George Williamson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1d7521c8-5159-4bfb-a1ce-9b59515f5254">Dolores Shoemaker</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0e89bd7b-16fa-4d5e-b401-aff18ba3a95d">Randy Wagner, Sr.</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f4215391-851b-41dc-b0db-92b92c54eaa7">Regina Dobroski</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/ddeb24f0-902e-43b4-8665-1afd061d2764">Jacquelin Nelson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 8, 2022

The application for SCC Foundation Scholarships is now open, with hundreds of&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;up for grabs.

These awards are available to students using a wide variety of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, program of study, and county of residence, among others.

“You don’t have to be at the top of the class or have extreme financial need to qualify,” explained SCC Foundation Executive Director Val Giannettino. “If you want to go to SCC, there’s a high chance that you will qualify for at least one&nbsp;scholarship. And, even better, you just have to apply once and we’ll find the&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;that’s right for you.”

The first deadline for high school seniors to submit their applications is March 15.

“We really encourage high school seniors to submit their&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;applications by the first deadline,” Giannettino stressed. “This will give students the best chance at earning the most awards.”

However, anyone can apply for&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;at any time through&nbsp;June 1.

The thought of filling out an application can be daunting for many, but Giannettino urged applicants to approach the task with confidence.

“Don’t be intimidated by the process. Just be prepared.”

That means completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submitting the most recent school transcript or high school equivalency scores, contacting someone to write a letter of recommendation, and writing an essay.

“Applicants shouldn’t be nervous about the essay,” Giannettino went on. “We want to know their story. This is their chance to tell the selection committee all about themselves.”

She said having the opportunity to get to know each applicants’ story helps the selection committee connect students with the right&nbsp;scholarships.

“We want to help as many students as possible. The better we know them, the easier it is to match them with&nbsp;scholarships.”

The application takes about an hour to complete. Giannettino said that one hour could result in thousands of dollars in&nbsp;scholarships.

“It could be the most valuable investment of an hour you’ll ever make,” she smiled.

For help completing the FAFSA, students can contact Shawn Hopper, educational outreach advisor, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shopper@scciowa.edu" target="_blank">shopper@scciowa.edu</a>&nbsp;or (319) 208-5026.

Contact the SCC Foundation Office with questions about&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;at (319) 208-5065.

The application for SCC Foundation Scholarships is now open, with hundreds of&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;up for grabs.These awards are available to students using a wide variety of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, program of study, and county of residence, among others.“You don’t have to be at the top of the class or have extreme financial need to qualify,” explained SCC Foundation Executive Director Val Giannettino. “If you want to go to SCC, there’s a high chance that you will qualify for at least one&nbsp;scholarship. And, even better, you just have to apply once and we’ll find the&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;that’s right for you.”The first deadline for high school seniors to submit their applications is March 15.“We really encourage high school seniors to submit their&nbsp;scholarship&nbsp;applications by the first deadline,” Giannettino stressed. “This will give students the best chance at earning the most awards.”However, anyone can apply for&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;at any time through&nbsp;June 1.The thought of filling out an application can be daunting for many, but Giannettino urged applicants to approach the task with confidence.“Don’t be intimidated by the process. Just be prepared.”That means completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), submitting the most recent school transcript or high school equivalency scores, contacting someone to write a letter of recommendation, and writing an essay.“Applicants shouldn’t be nervous about the essay,” Giannettino went on. “We want to know their story. This is their chance to tell the selection committee all about themselves.”She said having the opportunity to get to know each applicants’ story helps the selection committee connect students with the right&nbsp;scholarships.“We want to help as many students as possible. The better we know them, the easier it is to match them with&nbsp;scholarships.”The application takes about an hour to complete. Giannettino said that one hour could result in thousands of dollars in&nbsp;scholarships.“It could be the most valuable investment of an hour you’ll ever make,” she smiled.For help completing the FAFSA, students can contact Shawn Hopper, educational outreach advisor, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:shopper@scciowa.edu" target="_blank">shopper@scciowa.edu</a>&nbsp;or (319) 208-5026.Contact the SCC Foundation Office with questions about&nbsp;scholarships&nbsp;at (319) 208-5065.

It’s Scholarship Season at SCC

By Beacon Staff Des Moines County Supervisor Shane McCampbell has a question for Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. He wants to know how many staff will quit or be fired at the end of the month for not following the vaccine mandate. “If there’s an issue in Des Moines County where we’re going to be understaffed because of people leaving because they are unvaccinated or whatever, we need to know the number. Is it 10? Is it 50?” McCampbell said during the regular board of supervisors meeting Tuesday morning, Feb. 8. As of Feb. 2, 79 percent of hospital employees (including those in Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant) had been vaccinated according to information provided by the marketing and communications department at SEIRMC. McCampbell said his question came from correspondence he received from a citizen, which he summarized during the meeting. The citizen said the information should be public knowledge. “I agree with the citizen,” McCampbell said.&nbsp; Hospital officials said the number of employees who will be terminated or will leave at the end of the month is not currently available. Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (which includes campuses in West Burlington and Fort Madison, as well as Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant) was forced to reinstate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccine mandate following a Jan. 13 U.S. Supreme Court decision lifting injunctions on the rule in Iowa. The window for exemption requests for hospital employees is now closed. Healthcare workers in southeast Iowa had until Jan. 27 to show proof of their first COVID-19 vaccine dose or file for an exemption. COVID-19 in Des Moines County Christa Poggemiller, director of public health for Des Moines County, reported Des Moines County as having a 23 percent COVID-19 positivity rate for the week Feb. 2-Feb. 8, adding up to 249 new cases for the week. “I think we’re starting to trend downward with Omicron,” she said. &nbsp; The state's two COVID-19 tracking websites, coronavirus.iowa.gov and vaccinateiowa.gov websites,&nbsp;will be decommissioned on Feb. 16 by order of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. COVID-19 data will instead be reported weekly on the Iowa Department of Public Health website, similar to how the flu is reported. Iowa health care providers will also continue to report COVID-19 data required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That goes in conjunction with the governor not re-signing the emergency proclamation, which expires on Feb. 16,” Poggemiller said. Poggemiller said the state is shifting from “response mode” to “recovery mode” regarding COVID-19, and the county plans on doing the same. “We’re moving in the same direction. We’re kind of looking at what we’re doing as far as the number of days we’re doing the COVID vaccine,” Poggemiller said. According to Poggemiller, 83.2 percent of Des Moines County residents age of 65 or older have been vaccinated. The total number of vaccinated Des Moines County residents (including all age groups) is 50.3 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff Des Moines County Supervisor Shane McCampbell has a question for Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. He wants to know how many staff will quit or be fired at the end of the month for not following the vaccine mandate. “If there’s an issue in Des Moines County where we’re going to be understaffed because of people leaving because they are unvaccinated or whatever, we need to know the number. Is it 10? Is it 50?” McCampbell said during the regular board of supervisors meeting Tuesday morning, Feb. 8. As of Feb. 2, 79 percent of hospital employees (including those in Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant) had been vaccinated according to information provided by the marketing and communications department at SEIRMC. McCampbell said his question came from correspondence he received from a citizen, which he summarized during the meeting. The citizen said the information should be public knowledge. “I agree with the citizen,” McCampbell said.&nbsp; Hospital officials said the number of employees who will be terminated or will leave at the end of the month is not currently available. Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center (which includes campuses in West Burlington and Fort Madison, as well as Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant) was forced to reinstate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services vaccine mandate following a Jan. 13 U.S. Supreme Court decision lifting injunctions on the rule in Iowa. The window for exemption requests for hospital employees is now closed. Healthcare workers in southeast Iowa had until Jan. 27 to show proof of their first COVID-19 vaccine dose or file for an exemption. COVID-19 in Des Moines County Christa Poggemiller, director of public health for Des Moines County, reported Des Moines County as having a 23 percent COVID-19 positivity rate for the week Feb. 2-Feb. 8, adding up to 249 new cases for the week. “I think we’re starting to trend downward with Omicron,” she said. &nbsp; The state's two COVID-19 tracking websites, coronavirus.iowa.gov and vaccinateiowa.gov websites,&nbsp;will be decommissioned on Feb. 16 by order of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. COVID-19 data will instead be reported weekly on the Iowa Department of Public Health website, similar to how the flu is reported. Iowa health care providers will also continue to report COVID-19 data required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That goes in conjunction with the governor not re-signing the emergency proclamation, which expires on Feb. 16,” Poggemiller said. Poggemiller said the state is shifting from “response mode” to “recovery mode” regarding COVID-19, and the county plans on doing the same. “We’re moving in the same direction. We’re kind of looking at what we’re doing as far as the number of days we’re doing the COVID vaccine,” Poggemiller said. According to Poggemiller, 83.2 percent of Des Moines County residents age of 65 or older have been vaccinated. The total number of vaccinated Des Moines County residents (including all age groups) is 50.3 percent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supervisors: McCampbell Inquires About SEIRMC Staff Attrition

Former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer has always been a die-hard Democrat.

Still, she says she respected U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, even though she rarely agreed with him. That changed for her after the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, she said, while speaking at the IBEW Union Hall in Burlington on Friday, Feb. 4.

“He was someone I expected to sound like Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney. Just tell the truth. You don’t have to agree with somebody all the time or their party, but it was about the truth, and it was about democracy, and it was about having the backs of our Capitol police officers,” she said. “It was about being honest about what happened that day. And not only could he not be honest about what happened that day, he pushed lies about the election and conspiracies later.”

Finkenauer is one of three Democrats running to unseat Sen. Grassley in Iowa’s 2022 U.S. Senate race. Iowa’s other U.S. senator, Republican Joni Ernst, does not face re-election until 2026.&nbsp; Finkenauer and fellow Democrat Cindy Axne became the first women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. The daughter of a union pipefitter and a public school teacher, Finkenauer,33, also became the second-youngest woman ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It was different than what you saw on CNN or Fox News. My day was different. We tried to cut through the red tape, and we did, a lot of times,” she said.

Finkenauer, who sat on committees for Economic Growth, Labor, Transportation, and Ways and Means, helped pass a lot of bills but expressed frustration at the overall lack of progress.

“We just kept running into roadblocks. And those roadblocks began in the United States Senate, because we had senators there who were so obsessed with power, and holding onto power, that they opposed anything that moved us forward,” she said.

Finkenauer said it’s a bipartisan problem, not limited to just Republicans. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly introduced the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act last month, and Finkenauer is aghast that it isn’t already illegal for politicians to use insider knowledge for stock trading.

“I saw folks who had been there (the U.S.&nbsp; House of Representatives) for decades, but I honestly don’t think they know why they’re there anymore. It’s Democrats and Republicans, who’ve been sitting there, just getting re-elected, as cozy as can be, and aren’t even sure what they’re fighting for or who they’re fighting for anymore,” she said.

A pro-union candidate, Finkenauer also spoke of how she watched the passage of an Iowa bill in 2017 that limited public sector unions. She raised in her arm in solidarity with the union workers in the galley above at the Iowa House of Representatives as the bill was passed.&nbsp;

“They were watching their government makes their lives harder. And I thought to myself, ‘This is not how we treat people, that is not how we treat people in my state or in my country,’” she said.



<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644263085603.jpeg" alt="Former U.S. Representative and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer speaks at the IBEW Union Hall on Friday, Feb. 4. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Former U.S. Representative and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer speaks at the IBEW Union Hall on Friday, Feb. 4. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffFormer U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer has always been a die-hard Democrat. Still, she says she respected U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, even though she rarely agreed with him. That changed for her after the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, she said, while speaking at the IBEW Union Hall in Burlington on Friday, Feb. 4.“He was someone I expected to sound like Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney. Just tell the truth. You don’t have to agree with somebody all the time or their party, but it was about the truth, and it was about democracy, and it was about having the backs of our Capitol police officers,” she said. “It was about being honest about what happened that day. And not only could he not be honest about what happened that day, he pushed lies about the election and conspiracies later.” Finkenauer is one of three Democrats running to unseat Sen. Grassley in Iowa’s 2022 U.S. Senate race. Iowa’s other U.S. senator, Republican Joni Ernst, does not face re-election until 2026.&nbsp; Finkenauer and fellow Democrat Cindy Axne became the first women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. The daughter of a union pipefitter and a public school teacher, Finkenauer,33, also became the second-youngest woman ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.“It was different than what you saw on CNN or Fox News. My day was different. We tried to cut through the red tape, and we did, a lot of times,” she said. Finkenauer, who sat on committees for Economic Growth, Labor, Transportation, and Ways and Means, helped pass a lot of bills but expressed frustration at the overall lack of progress. “We just kept running into roadblocks. And those roadblocks began in the United States Senate, because we had senators there who were so obsessed with power, and holding onto power, that they opposed anything that moved us forward,” she said. Finkenauer said it’s a bipartisan problem, not limited to just Republicans. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly introduced the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act last month, and Finkenauer is aghast that it isn’t already illegal for politicians to use insider knowledge for stock trading. “I saw folks who had been there (the U.S.&nbsp; House of Representatives) for decades, but I honestly don’t think they know why they’re there anymore. It’s Democrats and Republicans, who’ve been sitting there, just getting re-elected, as cozy as can be, and aren’t even sure what they’re fighting for or who they’re fighting for anymore,” she said. A pro-union candidate, Finkenauer also spoke of how she watched the passage of an Iowa bill in 2017 that limited public sector unions. She raised in her arm in solidarity with the union workers in the galley above at the Iowa House of Representatives as the bill was passed.&nbsp; “They were watching their government makes their lives harder. And I thought to myself, ‘This is not how we treat people, that is not how we treat people in my state or in my country,’” she said.

Senate Candidate Abby Finkenauer Visits Burlington

It takes three swings and misses in baseball to strike out. For the Very Rev. Martin&nbsp;Goetz, parish priest for Divine Mercy Parish, his faith community stepped up to the pitchers’ mound Tuesday night with a Strike Out Cancer fundraising event.

In late August of 2021, Father Marty, as he is known to parishioners, delivered some difficult news about his health. After experiencing severe back pain, medical tests revealed he had developed breast cancer that had spread into his bones. As he wrote at the time in his CaringBridge blog, he had been thrown “a curve ball.” At the Notre Dame Nike girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games Tuesday night, parishioners and students gathered to rally and support Father Marty with a baseball-themed fundraiser. The funds raised at this event will help defray the costs of his cancer treatment. Notre Dame High School Principal Bill Maupin said the event was a joint effort between the student council and the parish faithful. The Divine Mercy Parish encompasses the Catholic communities in Burlington, West Burlington, and Dodgeville. Students and community members cheered on the Nikes as they took on Holy Trinity. Everyone who attended was urged to wear pink in support of Father Marty. Pink rally towels with the moniker: "We Won’t Back Down — Father Marty" were sold. Divine Mercy Parish is also taking orders for T-shirts to show support and raise funds to aid their beloved pastor. The Notre Dame Student Council held a 50-50 raffle, bake sale, and had a donation bucket at the ticket table. Father Marty attended the games to cheer on the home team and feel the love and support from the parish community he has served.&nbsp; With their assistance, his journey continues, guided by the following words: “Only you can do it, but you can’t do it alone.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644187728076.jpeg" alt="Fr. Marty Goetz mingles with students at the Strike Out Cancer fundraising event held in his honor on Tuesday, Feb. 1.&nbsp; Photo by Tracey Lamm." />
 <figcaption>Fr. Marty Goetz mingles with students at the Strike Out Cancer fundraising event held in his honor on Tuesday, Feb. 1.&nbsp; Photo by Tracey Lamm.</figcaption>
 </figure>by Tracey Lamm For The BeaconIt takes three swings and misses in baseball to strike out. For the Very Rev. Martin&nbsp;Goetz, parish priest for Divine Mercy Parish, his faith community stepped up to the pitchers’ mound Tuesday night with a Strike Out Cancer fundraising event.In late August of 2021, Father Marty, as he is known to parishioners, delivered some difficult news about his health. After experiencing severe back pain, medical tests revealed he had developed breast cancer that had spread into his bones. As he wrote at the time in his CaringBridge blog, he had been thrown “a curve ball.” At the Notre Dame Nike girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games Tuesday night, parishioners and students gathered to rally and support Father Marty with a baseball-themed fundraiser. The funds raised at this event will help defray the costs of his cancer treatment. Notre Dame High School Principal Bill Maupin said the event was a joint effort between the student council and the parish faithful. The Divine Mercy Parish encompasses the Catholic communities in Burlington, West Burlington, and Dodgeville. Students and community members cheered on the Nikes as they took on Holy Trinity. Everyone who attended was urged to wear pink in support of Father Marty. Pink rally towels with the moniker: "We Won’t Back Down — Father Marty" were sold. Divine Mercy Parish is also taking orders for T-shirts to show support and raise funds to aid their beloved pastor. The Notre Dame Student Council held a 50-50 raffle, bake sale, and had a donation bucket at the ticket table. Father Marty attended the games to cheer on the home team and feel the love and support from the parish community he has served.&nbsp; With their assistance, his journey continues, guided by the following words: “Only you can do it, but you can’t do it alone.”

Parish rallies to support Fr. Marty

By Beacon Staff When Mary Baker was elected to the Burlington City Council at the age of 73, she shattered two glass ceilings. She was the first Black woman to win a seat on the council, as well as the oldest person to achieve the distinction. Baker died Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94, and her impact stretched well beyond her time on the council. Her kindness was seeded&nbsp;into the community in tiny ways, growing roots of inspiration.&nbsp; "I had the honor of getting to know Mary back when I was the city/county reporter at The Hawk Eye. She was honest, kind, and always had a minute to chat. She made Burlington a better place on and off of the council. The city's loss is profound, and her legacy is lasting," said Jeff Abell, owner and publisher of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp; Nearly everyone in town knew Mary Baker. They knew her as one of the sweetest ladies in Burlington, well before she started looking at a council seat. “She never knew a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone,” said Baker’s neighbor Kathy Peterson Geren, who lived next door to Baker for more than 45 years. Born in Burlington in 1928, Baker graduated from Burlington High School in 1945. According to her recollection, she was the only Black student in her elementary class. After graduating high school, Baker left home for the first time in her life to attend the Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines. She graduated just a couple of years later. Baker also worked the gift-wrapping counter and elevators at JS Schramm Co., before going to work for Sylvania for a number of years, until it closed. She started working at Champion Spark Plug three weeks later in 1969, where she was an active union member, retiring in 1992. The end of Baker’s professional life marked the beginning of an even more active presence in the Burlington community. She was often one of the first faces to welcome strangers to town, volunteering with the Burlington Ambassadors. She was also a big Burlington Grayhounds fan and liked to donate her time to the schools. “We used to have picnics in South Hill Park once a month. All the neighbors came for the potluck. Mary loved those times. We also had a Top of the Town event at the park once a year. The whole community was invited,” Geren said. Baker married the love of her life, Vernon Baker, in 1949, and stayed by his side until his death in 1997. She was often seen on the bleachers at Burlington High School games, cheering on her grandsons. As she got older, Baker shared her stories of growing up as a Black woman in the 1950s and 60s, stories about prejudice that were sadly all too common. “She told how when she went to the movies, she had to stand at the back of the line to get in,” Geren said. Baker found refuge in planting flowers and through her service to God. She was an active member of St. John A.M.E. Church, and rarely missed a Sunday service. Despite her kindness, or perhaps because of it, Baker was always upfront with her opinions. She was no shrinking violet. "I thought she was great. Plainspoken ... she proved that age was not a barrier in serving her community," said Jon Billups, mayor of Burlington.&nbsp;

"Mary was the most honest council person I worked with," said former Burlington City Council member Tim Scott. "She said what was on her mind without concern for political correctness.  I certainly admired her for that. Everything Mary said and did came from the heart. God blessed her and all that had a chance to meet her."

Des Moines County Supervisor and former Burlington mayor Shane McCampbell called Baker a “trailblazer.” McCampbell become Burlington’s first Black mayor in 2014. “The thing about a trailblazer is, they have to go through first and cut everything down,” he said, citing Baker and the late mayor pro-tem Garry Thomas as paving the way for him. “I would not be in this position without them.” Aside from her role as a city trailblazer, McCampbell said Baker was just a lovely woman. “She was very nice to me. Her heart was in the right place. And she wanted to make a difference in her community,” he said. That kindness was known throughout Burlington, requiring little in the way of publicity for her council run. “She didn’t put out very many campaign signs,” McCampbell said.&nbsp;

Baker was also heavily involved with the Iowa League of Cities, and was a great ambassador for the city, according to former Burlington mayor and Des Moines County supervisor Jeff Heland. “Mary was just fabulous. She was very pointed,” Heland said. Though Heland never actually served at the same time as Baker, he came to know her well, like most of Burlington. “Everyone who knew her loved her, of course,” Heland said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Funeral Service Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mrs. Baker will start an hour later, at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Rev. Orlando Dial will serve as the officiant. Burial will be held at a later date as cremation has been accorded per her wishes. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home following the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644186541196.jpeg" alt="Mary Baker was the first Black woman to hold a seat on the Burlington City Council when she was elected in 1990. She died on Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94." />
 <figcaption>Mary Baker was the first Black woman to hold a seat on the Burlington City Council when she was elected in 1990. She died on Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff When Mary Baker was elected to the Burlington City Council at the age of 73, she shattered two glass ceilings. She was the first Black woman to win a seat on the council, as well as the oldest person to achieve the distinction. Baker died Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94, and her impact stretched well beyond her time on the council. Her kindness was seeded&nbsp;into the community in tiny ways, growing roots of inspiration.&nbsp; "I had the honor of getting to know Mary back when I was the city/county reporter at The Hawk Eye. She was honest, kind, and always had a minute to chat. She made Burlington a better place on and off of the council. The city's loss is profound, and her legacy is lasting," said Jeff Abell, owner and publisher of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp; Nearly everyone in town knew Mary Baker. They knew her as one of the sweetest ladies in Burlington, well before she started looking at a council seat. “She never knew a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone,” said Baker’s neighbor Kathy Peterson Geren, who lived next door to Baker for more than 45 years. Born in Burlington in 1928, Baker graduated from Burlington High School in 1945. According to her recollection, she was the only Black student in her elementary class. After graduating high school, Baker left home for the first time in her life to attend the Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines. She graduated just a couple of years later. Baker also worked the gift-wrapping counter and elevators at JS Schramm Co., before going to work for Sylvania for a number of years, until it closed. She started working at Champion Spark Plug three weeks later in 1969, where she was an active union member, retiring in 1992. The end of Baker’s professional life marked the beginning of an even more active presence in the Burlington community. She was often one of the first faces to welcome strangers to town, volunteering with the Burlington Ambassadors. She was also a big Burlington Grayhounds fan and liked to donate her time to the schools. “We used to have picnics in South Hill Park once a month. All the neighbors came for the potluck. Mary loved those times. We also had a Top of the Town event at the park once a year. The whole community was invited,” Geren said. Baker married the love of her life, Vernon Baker, in 1949, and stayed by his side until his death in 1997. She was often seen on the bleachers at Burlington High School games, cheering on her grandsons. As she got older, Baker shared her stories of growing up as a Black woman in the 1950s and 60s, stories about prejudice that were sadly all too common. “She told how when she went to the movies, she had to stand at the back of the line to get in,” Geren said. Baker found refuge in planting flowers and through her service to God. She was an active member of St. John A.M.E. Church, and rarely missed a Sunday service. Despite her kindness, or perhaps because of it, Baker was always upfront with her opinions. She was no shrinking violet. "I thought she was great. Plainspoken ... she proved that age was not a barrier in serving her community," said Jon Billups, mayor of Burlington.&nbsp;"Mary was the most honest council person I worked with," said former Burlington City Council member Tim Scott. "She said what was on her mind without concern for political correctness. I certainly admired her for that. Everything Mary said and did came from the heart. God blessed her and all that had a chance to meet her."Des Moines County Supervisor and former Burlington mayor Shane McCampbell called Baker a “trailblazer.” McCampbell become Burlington’s first Black mayor in 2014. “The thing about a trailblazer is, they have to go through first and cut everything down,” he said, citing Baker and the late mayor pro-tem Garry Thomas as paving the way for him. “I would not be in this position without them.” Aside from her role as a city trailblazer, McCampbell said Baker was just a lovely woman. “She was very nice to me. Her heart was in the right place. And she wanted to make a difference in her community,” he said. That kindness was known throughout Burlington, requiring little in the way of publicity for her council run. “She didn’t put out very many campaign signs,” McCampbell said.&nbsp;Baker was also heavily involved with the Iowa League of Cities, and was a great ambassador for the city, according to former Burlington mayor and Des Moines County supervisor Jeff Heland. “Mary was just fabulous. She was very pointed,” Heland said. Though Heland never actually served at the same time as Baker, he came to know her well, like most of Burlington. “Everyone who knew her loved her, of course,” Heland said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Funeral Service Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mrs. Baker will start an hour later, at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Rev. Orlando Dial will serve as the officiant. Burial will be held at a later date as cremation has been accorded per her wishes. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home following the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Baker: More Than a Precedent Setter

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/48ce2765-c9c4-468a-99c1-7bec60286279">Robert Sutty</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a426b7d4-ebc2-4f22-884d-e4afdbbaaf91">Larry Harshbarger</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5aa5d91-096e-4580-87b5-158c1986095b">Mary Baker</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/48ce2765-c9c4-468a-99c1-7bec60286279">Robert Sutty</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a426b7d4-ebc2-4f22-884d-e4afdbbaaf91">Larry Harshbarger</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5aa5d91-096e-4580-87b5-158c1986095b">Mary Baker</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 6, 2022

by Kaelen Wiegand for The Beacon

During February, Black History Month is celebrated, a time to have discussions and honor Black voices. The Burlington Art Center is hosting several related events to check out during the month.

This Saturday, Feb. 5, the Art Center is having an arts and crafts event inspired by Black History Month. All ages are welcome, the event is free, and no registration is required. The open event is running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Several different crafts will be available, such as collages focusing on influential Black figures.

In addition to this Saturday's event, the Art Center will also be having a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display will feature over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.

The Art Center also offers monthly classes, called Mini Masters, for students in first through sixth grade. This month's class will be on Feb. 12 and focus on Faith Ringgold, a living artist who grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Registration for Mini Masters classes are required, but there are still openings available by calling the Art Center at&nbsp;(319) 754-8069&nbsp;or through their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.btownart.com/" target="_blank">www.btownart.com</a>.

Elizabeth Pappas, assistant director of the Art Center, is excited for all the events happening at the Art Center this month.

“Black History month is an important time to pay tribute to, highlight, and have discussions about important and influential Black artists, both in history and living today. Historical context adds an important layer and makes the discussion richer, so we're really trying to draw attention to Black artists and opportunities for community involvement,” Pappas said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1643995775633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by Kaelen Wiegand for The BeaconDuring February, Black History Month is celebrated, a time to have discussions and honor Black voices. The Burlington Art Center is hosting several related events to check out during the month.This Saturday, Feb. 5, the Art Center is having an arts and crafts event inspired by Black History Month. All ages are welcome, the event is free, and no registration is required. The open event is running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Several different crafts will be available, such as collages focusing on influential Black figures.In addition to this Saturday's event, the Art Center will also be having a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display will feature over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.The Art Center also offers monthly classes, called Mini Masters, for students in first through sixth grade. This month's class will be on Feb. 12 and focus on Faith Ringgold, a living artist who grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Registration for Mini Masters classes are required, but there are still openings available by calling the Art Center at&nbsp;(319) 754-8069&nbsp;or through their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.btownart.com/" target="_blank">www.btownart.com</a>.Elizabeth Pappas, assistant director of the Art Center, is excited for all the events happening at the Art Center this month.“Black History month is an important time to pay tribute to, highlight, and have discussions about important and influential Black artists, both in history and living today. Historical context adds an important layer and makes the discussion richer, so we're really trying to draw attention to Black artists and opportunities for community involvement,” Pappas said.

Black History Month events at the Burlington Art Center

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to three finalists. The successful candidate will replace current superintendent Pat Coen, who will retire at the end of the current school year. The board conducted the first round of interviews Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the new superintendent will begin serving the Burlington Community School District on July 1.

The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The finalists are Joseph Brown, Dr. Laurie Noll, and Robert Scott.&nbsp; Joseph Brown Brown currently serves as the interim superintendent at Clear Creek Amana Community School District. He previously served as the superintendent of the Fairmont Area Schools in Minnesota. Before that, he was superintendent of the Grand Meadow Independent School District and was a high school and middle school principal. During his time as a district administrator, Brown has negotiated contracts with staff, expanded career and technical education programming, and eliminated projected deficits. Laurie Noll Noll is the current superintendent of the Fairfield Community School District, where she has encouraged teachers and staff to learn from one another and nominate each other for recognition. This has led to numerous school-wide grants, teacher of the year nominations and awards, and striving towards positive school district culture. Before that, Noll served as director of curriculum and instruction and was alternative high school principal in Burlington. Noll has also closed budget gaps and oversaw a $14 million renovation project, leading the Fairfield district through some extremely challenging situations. Robert Scott As director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny, Scott has developed coaches, organized and reported on school clubs, developed facility goals, and organized all summer athletic camps. He also served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District, where he was responsible for evaluating and developing principals. Before that, he was a principal, associate principal, and physical education teacher.

The Next Step Board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The board plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to three finalists. The successful candidate will replace current superintendent Pat Coen, who will retire at the end of the current school year. The board conducted the first round of interviews Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the new superintendent will begin serving the Burlington Community School District on July 1.The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The finalists are Joseph Brown, Dr. Laurie Noll, and Robert Scott.&nbsp; Joseph Brown Brown currently serves as the interim superintendent at Clear Creek Amana Community School District. He previously served as the superintendent of the Fairmont Area Schools in Minnesota. Before that, he was superintendent of the Grand Meadow Independent School District and was a high school and middle school principal. During his time as a district administrator, Brown has negotiated contracts with staff, expanded career and technical education programming, and eliminated projected deficits. Laurie Noll Noll is the current superintendent of the Fairfield Community School District, where she has encouraged teachers and staff to learn from one another and nominate each other for recognition. This has led to numerous school-wide grants, teacher of the year nominations and awards, and striving towards positive school district culture. Before that, Noll served as director of curriculum and instruction and was alternative high school principal in Burlington. Noll has also closed budget gaps and oversaw a $14 million renovation project, leading the Fairfield district through some extremely challenging situations. Robert Scott As director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny, Scott has developed coaches, organized and reported on school clubs, developed facility goals, and organized all summer athletic camps. He also served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District, where he was responsible for evaluating and developing principals. Before that, he was a principal, associate principal, and physical education teacher. The Next Step Board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The board plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three Finalists Chosen for BCSD Superintendent; Final Interviews Scheduled for Feb. 16

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/87b991ba-d259-41a4-90cb-0f4a604abfe3">Robert Cohenour</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1269d18f-118b-458e-b797-8b54f9930a22">Donald Thie</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/541dc509-9244-474e-afc2-b6ff98b6c6c8">Delores Mae "Dee" LaVeine</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/79617d95-4909-4e1f-83ad-5e6502170c0b">Micah Taylor</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4b96cf88-bc3d-4a33-8053-571a646227f3">Ruth Miller</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bdb7b358-13ee-46db-8a71-ff9d0ed565ac">Melvin Miller</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/87b991ba-d259-41a4-90cb-0f4a604abfe3">Robert Cohenour</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1269d18f-118b-458e-b797-8b54f9930a22">Donald Thie</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/541dc509-9244-474e-afc2-b6ff98b6c6c8">Delores Mae "Dee" LaVeine</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/79617d95-4909-4e1f-83ad-5e6502170c0b">Micah Taylor</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67b0b2fd-bf09-4b37-9584-311f0d773b9c">Anna Cook</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4b96cf88-bc3d-4a33-8053-571a646227f3">Ruth Miller</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bdb7b358-13ee-46db-8a71-ff9d0ed565ac">Melvin Miller</a>

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