Joining the Fort Madison Middle School basketball team wasn’t an easy decision for 14-year-old LaVontré Gray.

Gray has autism and has a hard time dealing with large crowds.

“He’s a gentle giant. He just wants to be accepted,” said his mother, Jocelyn Cook.

Standing 6 feet 2 inches and wearing a size-18 shoe, Gray was determined to join the team.

In early February, after missing part of the basketball season due to COVID-19, Gray finally played his first game. By the next day, he was a viral Facebook star.

“I had nurses coming up to me saying, ‘I saw your son,’” said Cook, who is also a nurse. “I hadn’t even talked about it to anybody yet.”

The clip went viral, not because of Gray’s actions, but because of the kindness of his teammates and the opposing team. The ball slipped out of his hands, and one of his teammates bounces it back to him quickly.

Gray takes several shots without success, so members of the opposing Burlington team start batting the ball back and passing it directly to Gray. The referee even gets in on the action, hiding her hands behind her back after knocking the ball back to Gray.

“Help him out!” someone yells from the crowd.

Then, it happens. Gray shoots a basket. It goes in. And the crowd goes wild.

“It just made me happy,” said Cook. “It takes a lot for him to be in a big group like that.”

As much as Gray enjoys basketball, he’s not fostering any hopes of becoming a sports star.&nbsp;According to his mother, he’s much more likely to become a cook.

“He makes YouTube tutorial videos. He loves to cook,” Cook said. “He loves to travel and swim.”

But Gray will never forget the day he made the big basket.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/3/1646431406441.jpeg" alt="LaVontré Gray (right) poses with a teammate. The Fort Madison Middle School player made the shot of a lifetime during a recent basketball game. Photo submitted by Jocelyn Cook." />
 <figcaption>LaVontré Gray (right) poses with a teammate. The Fort Madison Middle School player made the shot of a lifetime during a recent basketball game. Photo submitted by Jocelyn Cook.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffJoining the Fort Madison Middle School basketball team wasn’t an easy decision for 14-year-old LaVontré Gray.Gray has autism and has a hard time dealing with large crowds.“He’s a gentle giant. He just wants to be accepted,” said his mother, Jocelyn Cook.Standing 6 feet 2 inches and wearing a size-18 shoe, Gray was determined to join the team.In early February, after missing part of the basketball season due to COVID-19, Gray finally played his first game. By the next day, he was a viral Facebook star.“I had nurses coming up to me saying, ‘I saw your son,’” said Cook, who is also a nurse. “I hadn’t even talked about it to anybody yet.”The clip went viral, not because of Gray’s actions, but because of the kindness of his teammates and the opposing team. The ball slipped out of his hands, and one of his teammates bounces it back to him quickly.Gray takes several shots without success, so members of the opposing Burlington team start batting the ball back and passing it directly to Gray. The referee even gets in on the action, hiding her hands behind her back after knocking the ball back to Gray.“Help him out!” someone yells from the crowd.Then, it happens. Gray shoots a basket. It goes in. And the crowd goes wild.“It just made me happy,” said Cook. “It takes a lot for him to be in a big group like that.”As much as Gray enjoys basketball, he’s not fostering any hopes of becoming a sports star.&nbsp;According to his mother, he’s much more likely to become a cook.“He makes YouTube tutorial videos. He loves to cook,” Cook said. “He loves to travel and swim.”But Gray will never forget the day he made the big basket.“He loved it,” Cook said.

Team assist leads to big moment

By Beacon Staff Burlington resident Charles Pope, founder and owner of Pope’s Courier Service, is holding a drop-off community food drive from March 7-11. “Growing up, I always wanted to do something for the community. I just wasn’t brave enough to do it,” he said. “I’m out of my comfort zone now.” Non-perishable food items and cash will be accepted, with donations to go to local food pantries.&nbsp; Donations can be dropped off at Corked 101, Drake Hardware and Software, Kalioke Movement Lounge, Wingstop Burlington, MagiClean Cleaning Service, SalonCentric, and Lips To Go. Find out more about Pope and his Burlington-based courier service in a profile article scheduled to run in next week’s print edition (March 11) of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/3/1646428541961.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Burlington resident Charles Pope, founder and owner of Pope’s Courier Service, is holding a drop-off community food drive from March 7-11. “Growing up, I always wanted to do something for the community. I just wasn’t brave enough to do it,” he said. “I’m out of my comfort zone now.” Non-perishable food items and cash will be accepted, with donations to go to local food pantries.&nbsp; Donations can be dropped off at Corked 101, Drake Hardware and Software, Kalioke Movement Lounge, Wingstop Burlington, MagiClean Cleaning Service, SalonCentric, and Lips To Go. Find out more about Pope and his Burlington-based courier service in a profile article scheduled to run in next week’s print edition (March 11) of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Food Drive To Start March 7

By Beacon Staff The Des Moines County Flea Market, once known as the Southeast Iowa Pigeon Show, is returning to the Southeastern Community College fairgrounds for three Sundays this summer.&nbsp;A little bit of everything will be for sale, including poultry, furry animals, plants, and flea market items. The market will be open from 6 a.m. to noon on May 1, July 10, and Sept. 11. No sales will be conducted before 6 a.m. The entry fee is $1 per person, except for children, who will be admitted for free. No firearms, alcohol, or illegal substances will be allowed. There will be no setup before 6 p.m. the night before the market, and early setups will be dismantled. All transactions are solely between the buyer and the seller, and all sales of poultry and animals are subject to state laws. That means sellers must have health papers on all out-of-state animals, as well as scrapie tags on sheep and goats. There must be a pullorum test on poultry and waterfowl, and a pullorum tester and veterinarian will be on site. To sign up as a vendor or for more information, call Doug Pohren at (319) 572-4994.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/3/1646425070119.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Des Moines County Flea Market, once known as the Southeast Iowa Pigeon Show, is returning to the Southeastern Community College fairgrounds for three Sundays this summer.&nbsp;A little bit of everything will be for sale, including poultry, furry animals, plants, and flea market items. The market will be open from 6 a.m. to noon on May 1, July 10, and Sept. 11. No sales will be conducted before 6 a.m. The entry fee is $1 per person, except for children, who will be admitted for free. No firearms, alcohol, or illegal substances will be allowed. There will be no setup before 6 p.m. the night before the market, and early setups will be dismantled. All transactions are solely between the buyer and the seller, and all sales of poultry and animals are subject to state laws. That means sellers must have health papers on all out-of-state animals, as well as scrapie tags on sheep and goats. There must be a pullorum test on poultry and waterfowl, and a pullorum tester and veterinarian will be on site. To sign up as a vendor or for more information, call Doug Pohren at (319) 572-4994.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Des Moines County Flea Market Set For This Summer

Beacon Staff The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has discovered so-called “forever chemicals” that are polluting the Mississippi River and showing up in trace amounts in Burlington’s drinking water. Drinking water drawn from the Mississippi River by three Iowa cities – Burlington, Davenport, and Keokuk – contains trace amounts of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which will persist indefinitely in the environment. The test results were released this week by the Iowa DNR as part of the department’s survey of dozens of community water supplies across the state.&nbsp; The chemicals are diluted enough by the river to not be dangerous for consumption. According to the tests, fewer than 10 parts per trillion of the substances were found, well below the current federal safety threshold of 70 parts per trillion. Shane Johnson, general manager of Burlington Municipal Waterworks, said the substances didn’t show up in tests five years ago. “It must be a tiny molecule to make it through our sand filters,” he said. It was the first time DNR tests found the chemicals in notable concentrations in a major river.&nbsp;Johnson said the chemicals likely came from upriver – an assessment the DNR agrees with. Corey McCold, a supervisor of the DNR’s Water Supply Operations Section, said upstream industrial facilities and wastewater plants are likely contributors. The drinking water is safe, Johnson noted. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the vast majority of Americans have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. For now, Johnson said Burlington Municipal Waterworks will continue monitoring the situation. “Nobody knows how to get rid of them (forever&nbsp;chemicals),” Johnson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/3/1646169440739.jpeg" alt="Levels of PFAS found in local drinking water were found to be well below the current federal safety threshold of 70 parts per trillion." />
 <figcaption>Levels of PFAS found in local drinking water were found to be well below the current federal safety threshold of 70 parts per trillion.</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon Staff The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has discovered so-called “forever chemicals” that are polluting the Mississippi River and showing up in trace amounts in Burlington’s drinking water. Drinking water drawn from the Mississippi River by three Iowa cities – Burlington, Davenport, and Keokuk – contains trace amounts of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which will persist indefinitely in the environment. The test results were released this week by the Iowa DNR as part of the department’s survey of dozens of community water supplies across the state.&nbsp; The chemicals are diluted enough by the river to not be dangerous for consumption. According to the tests, fewer than 10 parts per trillion of the substances were found, well below the current federal safety threshold of 70 parts per trillion. Shane Johnson, general manager of Burlington Municipal Waterworks, said the substances didn’t show up in tests five years ago. “It must be a tiny molecule to make it through our sand filters,” he said. It was the first time DNR tests found the chemicals in notable concentrations in a major river.&nbsp;Johnson said the chemicals likely came from upriver – an assessment the DNR agrees with. Corey McCold, a supervisor of the DNR’s Water Supply Operations Section, said upstream industrial facilities and wastewater plants are likely contributors. The drinking water is safe, Johnson noted. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the vast majority of Americans have detectable amounts of PFAS in their blood. For now, Johnson said Burlington Municipal Waterworks will continue monitoring the situation. “Nobody knows how to get rid of them (forever&nbsp;chemicals),” Johnson said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Forever chemicals" found in trace amounts in Burlington's drinking water

On February 28, 2022, at 5:07 p.m., Des Moines
County Sheriff’s deputies along with the Mediapolis Fire Department responded
to an address in rural Mediapolis, 21085 Pegtown Rd, after receiving a 911 call
from a male asking for help. Sheriff deputies and fire personnel arrived and
found an adult male clinging to the ice who had fallen through the ice while fishing.
After pulling this subject to safety it was learned that a second male subject
had also fallen through the ice and was still under the water. Mediapolis Fire
Department utilized their training and equipment to begin searching for this
second subject. At 6:35 p.m. the second subject was pulled from the water. Both
subjects were transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.

The two subjects are brothers, ages 69 and 71, Patrick
and Michael Vaughn from Davenport.

Patrick Vaughn was pronounced
deceased at Southeast Iowa Medical Center upon arrival.

On February 28, 2022, at 5:07 p.m., Des Moines
County Sheriff’s deputies along with the Mediapolis Fire Department responded
to an address in rural Mediapolis, 21085 Pegtown Rd, after receiving a 911 call
from a male asking for help. Sheriff deputies and fire personnel arrived and
found an adult male clinging to the ice who had fallen through the ice while fishing.
After pulling this subject to safety it was learned that a second male subject
had also fallen through the ice and was still under the water. Mediapolis Fire
Department utilized their training and equipment to begin searching for this
second subject. At 6:35 p.m. the second subject was pulled from the water. Both
subjects were transported to the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. The two subjects are brothers, ages 69 and 71, Patrick
and Michael Vaughn from Davenport.Patrick Vaughn was pronounced
deceased at Southeast Iowa Medical Center upon arrival.

Brothers involved in fatal drowning accident identified

By William Smith Community Editor

Claire Tillotson is just a few years removed from one of the most magical evenings of a young woman's life – prom night.&nbsp;

It's a night for every girl to feel pretty, but not everyone can afford the perfect dress.

“Anyone who wants to go to prom should not be denied that because of their economic situation. They really shouldn’t be,” Tillotson said. “Prom is just something really fun to do in high school.”

A Burlington native who now attends graduate school at Drake University in Des Moines, Tillotson decided to do something about the economic factors that limit the choices of so many young women.

Last year, Tillotson gathered 200 dress donations and gave them away through a limited-run pop-up boutique she dubbed A Queen’s Closet.

“Maybe it’s just the empath in me that wants every girl to have her Cinderella moment,” Tillotson said. “A moment to feel beautiful.”

The boutique worked better than she ever imagined. The line stretched out the door, and she had to add a second day to serve everyone.

“I gave away at least 100 dresses,” she said.

Tillotson is at it again this year, collecting dresses with a donation bin by the inside entrance of the Burlington Area YMCA. She’s collected about 150 dresses so far, including some from a friendly dress shop in Des Moines.

“There are a few dresses in there that I wore for (Miss America) competitions,” Tillotson said. “We have a dress for every kind of girl. Sparkles, frills. I have dresses that are about 10 pounds because they are so full of sequins, and they’re a ball gown.”&nbsp;

The dresses themselves range in size from 1 to 30. Tillotson is trying to create an inclusive sale that will cater to sizes often ignored at charity events.

“I am still looking for sizes on either end of the spectrum. Really small dresses to the larger dresses are really hard to get,” she said, noting there will be menswear at the event as well.

Those who still want to pay for their dress at the boutique will be donating to the Iowa Donor Network. Organ donation has long been close to Tillotson’s heart, and she continually advocates for it as her platform when competing in state and regional Miss America pageants.

Tillotson’s friend, Jace Garner, 16, of Danville and Stronghurst, Ill., died in a vehicle accident in 2017. Tillotson later found out that Garner donated his organs, and it meant a lot to her.

“Because of his gift of life, he was able to help so many people. I didn’t want his story to end there,” she said. “I wanted to keep advocating for it.”

Tillotson is earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She also works closely with counselors at the Burlington School District and the students themselves. She knows life isn’t “one size fits all” for a high school student, and neither is a prom dress.

“Not every girl wants to wear a bright pink Barbie sparkle dress,” she said.

Tillotson knows how much a charity project like A Queen’s Closet means to the youth of Des Moines County. That’s why she doesn’t plan on ending the pop-up boutique any time soon.

“Collecting dresses is a year-round thing for me,” she said.

Donations of dresses, purses, shoes, and formal menswear still are being taken at the YMCA. Anyone who would like to help or is interested in donating or renting a space to Tillotson can message her on Facebook, or message A Queen’s Closet's Facebook page. You can also reach her via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:claire.tillotson98@gmail.com" target="_blank">claire.tillotson98@gmail.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1645900663641.jpeg" alt="Claire Tillotson displays one of the many dresses that will be given away during her annual A Queen's Closet pop-up boutique in early April. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Claire Tillotson displays one of the many dresses that will be given away during her annual A Queen's Closet pop-up boutique in early April. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By William Smith Community EditorClaire Tillotson is just a few years removed from one of the most magical evenings of a young woman's life – prom night.&nbsp;It's a night for every girl to feel pretty, but not everyone can afford the perfect dress.“Anyone who wants to go to prom should not be denied that because of their economic situation. They really shouldn’t be,” Tillotson said. “Prom is just something really fun to do in high school.”A Burlington native who now attends graduate school at Drake University in Des Moines, Tillotson decided to do something about the economic factors that limit the choices of so many young women.Last year, Tillotson gathered 200 dress donations and gave them away through a limited-run pop-up boutique she dubbed A Queen’s Closet.“Maybe it’s just the empath in me that wants every girl to have her Cinderella moment,” Tillotson said. “A moment to feel beautiful.”The boutique worked better than she ever imagined. The line stretched out the door, and she had to add a second day to serve everyone.“I gave away at least 100 dresses,” she said.Tillotson is at it again this year, collecting dresses with a donation bin by the inside entrance of the Burlington Area YMCA. She’s collected about 150 dresses so far, including some from a friendly dress shop in Des Moines.“There are a few dresses in there that I wore for (Miss America) competitions,” Tillotson said. “We have a dress for every kind of girl. Sparkles, frills. I have dresses that are about 10 pounds because they are so full of sequins, and they’re a ball gown.”&nbsp;The dresses themselves range in size from 1 to 30. Tillotson is trying to create an inclusive sale that will cater to sizes often ignored at charity events.“I am still looking for sizes on either end of the spectrum. Really small dresses to the larger dresses are really hard to get,” she said, noting there will be menswear at the event as well.Those who still want to pay for their dress at the boutique will be donating to the Iowa Donor Network. Organ donation has long been close to Tillotson’s heart, and she continually advocates for it as her platform when competing in state and regional Miss America pageants.Tillotson’s friend, Jace Garner, 16, of Danville and Stronghurst, Ill., died in a vehicle accident in 2017. Tillotson later found out that Garner donated his organs, and it meant a lot to her.“Because of his gift of life, he was able to help so many people. I didn’t want his story to end there,” she said. “I wanted to keep advocating for it.”Tillotson is earning her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She also works closely with counselors at the Burlington School District and the students themselves. She knows life isn’t “one size fits all” for a high school student, and neither is a prom dress.“Not every girl wants to wear a bright pink Barbie sparkle dress,” she said.Tillotson knows how much a charity project like A Queen’s Closet means to the youth of Des Moines County. That’s why she doesn’t plan on ending the pop-up boutique any time soon.“Collecting dresses is a year-round thing for me,” she said.Donations of dresses, purses, shoes, and formal menswear still are being taken at the YMCA. Anyone who would like to help or is interested in donating or renting a space to Tillotson can message her on Facebook, or message A Queen’s Closet's Facebook page. You can also reach her via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:claire.tillotson98@gmail.com" target="_blank">claire.tillotson98@gmail.com</a>.

Making prom special for everyone

The IF:Gathering 2022 will be held March 4 and 5 at the Burlington Capitol Theater. This gathering will focus on bringing women together for a time of growing and learning in Christ.

Snacks and drinks will be provided on Friday with a light breakfast and drinks on Saturday. There is a suggested donation of $15 to attend. Registration is encouraged by March 1, which can be completed at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ifburlington-iowa-2022-tickets-227614640517">IF:Burlington-Iowa 2022 Tickets, Burlington | Eventbrite</a>.

For more information and ongoing details, visit the Facebook page for IF:BURLINGTON-Iowa and Surrounding Areas or email ifburlingtoniowa@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1645817047728.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The IF:Gathering 2022 will be held March 4 and 5 at the Burlington Capitol Theater. This gathering will focus on bringing women together for a time of growing and learning in Christ.Snacks and drinks will be provided on Friday with a light breakfast and drinks on Saturday. There is a suggested donation of $15 to attend. Registration is encouraged by March 1, which can be completed at the following link:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ifburlington-iowa-2022-tickets-227614640517">IF:Burlington-Iowa 2022 Tickets, Burlington | Eventbrite</a>.For more information and ongoing details, visit the Facebook page for IF:BURLINGTON-Iowa and Surrounding Areas or email ifburlingtoniowa@gmail.com.

IF:Gathering to be held March 4 and 5

By Beacon Staff The Burlington Community School District Board of Education has named Robert Scott as the district’s next superintendent. Scott was one of three finalists in the months-long superintendent search and will replace retiring superintendent Pat Coen on July 1. “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of such a great district in Iowa,” Scott said. “My purpose as a leader is to serve all students and staff which starts with getting to know the many traditions and the history of excellence in Burlington.” Scott brings over 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, having served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District. He is currently the director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny.&nbsp; In Davenport, Scott was responsible for evaluating and developing principals, staffing schools, overseeing district-wide extracurricular programming, and organizing site visits with curriculum staff. Scott started his administrative career as the principal/associate principal for Davenport Central High School and also has experience as a math, health, and physical education teacher. Scott completed the superintendent endorsement program at the University of Northern Iowa and holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Western Illinois University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Pam have been married for 31 years and have three children. In 2017, Scott was elected into the Hall of Honor at Davenport Central High School. Burlington School Board President Joel Sieren said Scott’s skill set and wealth of experience were key factors in hiring him. &nbsp;"The Board is looking forward to working with Mr. Scott to continue the work of our mission and vision for the Burlington Community School District. Mr. Scott recognizes the success we've seen in our schools and is ready to build on what we've accomplished,"&nbsp; he said. "The candidate pool was full of quality applicants, eager to be a part of what we're building. Mr. Scott's unique skill set and experience is what set him apart. We are confident he is the right choice, and we are excited for our students, staff, and community to meet him."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1645719693551.jpeg" alt="Robert Scott will serve as the next superintendent of the Burlington Community School District. Submitted photo." />
 <figcaption>Robert Scott will serve as the next superintendent of the Burlington Community School District. Submitted photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Burlington Community School District Board of Education has named Robert Scott as the district’s next superintendent. Scott was one of three finalists in the months-long superintendent search and will replace retiring superintendent Pat Coen on July 1. “I am honored and thrilled to be a part of such a great district in Iowa,” Scott said. “My purpose as a leader is to serve all students and staff which starts with getting to know the many traditions and the history of excellence in Burlington.” Scott brings over 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator, having served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District. He is currently the director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny.&nbsp; In Davenport, Scott was responsible for evaluating and developing principals, staffing schools, overseeing district-wide extracurricular programming, and organizing site visits with curriculum staff. Scott started his administrative career as the principal/associate principal for Davenport Central High School and also has experience as a math, health, and physical education teacher. Scott completed the superintendent endorsement program at the University of Northern Iowa and holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Western Illinois University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Iowa. He and his wife Pam have been married for 31 years and have three children. In 2017, Scott was elected into the Hall of Honor at Davenport Central High School. Burlington School Board President Joel Sieren said Scott’s skill set and wealth of experience were key factors in hiring him. &nbsp;"The Board is looking forward to working with Mr. Scott to continue the work of our mission and vision for the Burlington Community School District. Mr. Scott recognizes the success we've seen in our schools and is ready to build on what we've accomplished,"&nbsp; he said. "The candidate pool was full of quality applicants, eager to be a part of what we're building. Mr. Scott's unique skill set and experience is what set him apart. We are confident he is the right choice, and we are excited for our students, staff, and community to meet him."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Robert Scott Hired As Next Burlington School District Superintendent

Owen Oreskovich is no newcomer to the Burlington Bees
organization. After spending the last season as both assistant and hitting
coach for the team, Oreskovich will be taking the helm as the field manager for
the 2022 season. He brings with him coaching experience from Mount Mercy
University, where he currently serves as hitting coach. 

“As our assistant coach, he showed a dedication to player
development as well as quality leadership on and off the field. We are happy to
have him back with the organization!” said General Manager Ted Lowary.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the new year as well,“ said
Oreskovich. “I had the most fun I’ve had around baseball last summer in
Burlington. The guys were awesome, and the atmosphere was incredible at the
stadium. I loved the fans that came out to support us every single home game.”

The Bees are looking forward to an exciting season of
collegiate baseball and hope to see a good turnout at the ballpark from both
returning fans and new faces.

The season opener at Community Field will be Wednesday, June
1 at 6:30 p.m. with a post-game fireworks show to kick off the Bees’ second Prospect
League season. A full schedule is forthcoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1645652647688.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy of Mount Mercy University" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Mount Mercy University</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffOwen Oreskovich is no newcomer to the Burlington Bees
organization. After spending the last season as both assistant and hitting
coach for the team, Oreskovich will be taking the helm as the field manager for
the 2022 season. He brings with him coaching experience from Mount Mercy
University, where he currently serves as hitting coach. “As our assistant coach, he showed a dedication to player
development as well as quality leadership on and off the field. We are happy to
have him back with the organization!” said General Manager Ted Lowary.“I couldn’t be more excited for the new year as well,“ said
Oreskovich. “I had the most fun I’ve had around baseball last summer in
Burlington. The guys were awesome, and the atmosphere was incredible at the
stadium. I loved the fans that came out to support us every single home game.”The Bees are looking forward to an exciting season of
collegiate baseball and hope to see a good turnout at the ballpark from both
returning fans and new faces.The season opener at Community Field will be Wednesday, June
1 at 6:30 p.m. with a post-game fireworks show to kick off the Bees’ second Prospect
League season. A full schedule is forthcoming.

Bees Welcome New Field Manager

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.

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.

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