William Smith Community Editor

Des Moines County and the surrounding area is mired in a mental health crisis — a crisis that stretches across the state of Iowa.

The Elevate Mobile Crisis Response Team, under the auspices of the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa, is looking to close the gaps in the state’s mental health system.

They’re doing it right now. Anyone within an eight-county region — Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Jefferson, Washington, and Keokuk — can call the “988” mental health line.

Two responders with experience in mental health counseling will arrive at your door within an hour. Jennifer Stevenson, director of the Mobile Crisis Response Service, said there is no mental health problem too large or small.

Stevenson would never dare define how important an individual’s mental health crisis might be. They are all important.

“If you are struggling, we will come right to you. And right to you means the home, the car, the gas station, the hotel lobby. Wherever it might be,” Stevenson said. The unit doesn’t just rely on direct calls for help. Anyone can call — a family member worried about self-harm to a gas station attendant concerned a patron is in crisis.

“I really see the mobile crisis as a community unifier,” Stevenson said.

So does Sgt. Chad Zahn, who serves as the public information officer for the Burlington Police Department. Zahn has been pursuing the concept of a mobile crisis unit for several years. He’s delighted the organization is now serving local residents.

“We liken it to an ambulance for someone suffering a mental crisis,” Zahn said. “You have to get to the cause of that crisis, and that’s something we aren’t able to do, strictly because of the amount of time it takes.”

It isn’t easy, and that is why the mobile crisis response team has a close relationship with the police department. Many of the department’s repeat offenders — locals suffering mental health problems in a public setting — now have someone to talk to them after the initial police call.

“Our relationship with law enforcement is critical. We are here to help them. They are asked to be pseudo-professionals in everything,” Stevenson said. “They can get back to the policing, and we can do the follow-up care,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said the responders will work in pairs for safety’s sake, and police will respond to any possible dangerous calls first.

Much of the legwork that determines the safety of a situation will be done over the phone through the Mobile Crisis Response Service. The responders will show up in their private vehicles, acting discreetly. There are no uniforms or name badges. Stevenson doesn’t want to attract attention to matters that people want to keep private.

“This is a program where someone is experiencing a crisis right now, and we’re able to be with them right now,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson is staffing up with more responders right now, who will cover the gamut from social workers to police officers. 

Those who don’t have enough crisis response training will receive instruction.

Of course, not everyone wants help — even if they may need it. Stevenson said responders aren’t pushy. If they respond to the same person 20 times and are told to leave 20 times, that’s what they’ll do.

Eventually — maybe the 21st or 22nd time — they can make a connection to that person better. In some circumstances, they may be preventing someone from taking their own life.

“We’re really doing triage out in the field,” Stevenson said. “We’re looking at how we can help you and support and keep you safe for the next 24 hours.”

Zahn provided a recent example of the mobile crisis unit action. Police officers recently had to take someone to the hospital who was suffering a mental health crisis. Though the Burlington Police Department trains its officers to deal with those situations, they also have to be available for the next call.

That leaves an officer about 20 minutes to deal with the situation – mostly as a taxi service to the hospital. The officer leaves shortly after, and often, so does the patient.

That didn’t happen this time, Zahn said. 

The Mobile Crisis team responded to the hospital after being contacted by law enforcement and was able to stay with the patient for an extended period.

“We were impressed. All of the officers were impressed,” Zahn said.

Stevenson and Zahn don’t claim the program is a cure-all, but it is a desperately needed bandage on an open mental health wound. That wound has festered since the MHI mental health institute in Mount Pleasant closed in 2015.

“We noticed a big difference in the number of calls since that closed,” Zahn said.

The service is free — no matter how many times you call.

“You will never get a bill from anyone,” Stevenson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1693015096785.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>William Smith Community EditorDes Moines County and the surrounding area is mired in a mental health crisis — a crisis that stretches across the state of Iowa.The Elevate Mobile Crisis Response Team, under the auspices of the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa, is looking to close the gaps in the state’s mental health system.They’re doing it right now. Anyone within an eight-county region — Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Louisa, Van Buren, Jefferson, Washington, and Keokuk — can call the “988” mental health line.Two responders with experience in mental health counseling will arrive at your door within an hour. Jennifer Stevenson, director of the Mobile Crisis Response Service, said there is no mental health problem too large or small.Stevenson would never dare define how important an individual’s mental health crisis might be. They are all important.“If you are struggling, we will come right to you. And right to you means the home, the car, the gas station, the hotel lobby. Wherever it might be,” Stevenson said. The unit doesn’t just rely on direct calls for help. Anyone can call — a family member worried about self-harm to a gas station attendant concerned a patron is in crisis.“I really see the mobile crisis as a community unifier,” Stevenson said.So does Sgt. Chad Zahn, who serves as the public information officer for the Burlington Police Department. Zahn has been pursuing the concept of a mobile crisis unit for several years. He’s delighted the organization is now serving local residents.“We liken it to an ambulance for someone suffering a mental crisis,” Zahn said. “You have to get to the cause of that crisis, and that’s something we aren’t able to do, strictly because of the amount of time it takes.”It isn’t easy, and that is why the mobile crisis response team has a close relationship with the police department. Many of the department’s repeat offenders — locals suffering mental health problems in a public setting — now have someone to talk to them after the initial police call.“Our relationship with law enforcement is critical. We are here to help them. They are asked to be pseudo-professionals in everything,” Stevenson said. “They can get back to the policing, and we can do the follow-up care,” Stevenson said.Stevenson said the responders will work in pairs for safety’s sake, and police will respond to any possible dangerous calls first.Much of the legwork that determines the safety of a situation will be done over the phone through the Mobile Crisis Response Service. The responders will show up in their private vehicles, acting discreetly. There are no uniforms or name badges. Stevenson doesn’t want to attract attention to matters that people want to keep private.“This is a program where someone is experiencing a crisis right now, and we’re able to be with them right now,” Stevenson said.Stevenson is staffing up with more responders right now, who will cover the gamut from social workers to police officers. Those who don’t have enough crisis response training will receive instruction.Of course, not everyone wants help — even if they may need it. Stevenson said responders aren’t pushy. If they respond to the same person 20 times and are told to leave 20 times, that’s what they’ll do.Eventually — maybe the 21st or 22nd time — they can make a connection to that person better. In some circumstances, they may be preventing someone from taking their own life.“We’re really doing triage out in the field,” Stevenson said. “We’re looking at how we can help you and support and keep you safe for the next 24 hours.”Zahn provided a recent example of the mobile crisis unit action. Police officers recently had to take someone to the hospital who was suffering a mental health crisis. Though the Burlington Police Department trains its officers to deal with those situations, they also have to be available for the next call.That leaves an officer about 20 minutes to deal with the situation – mostly as a taxi service to the hospital. The officer leaves shortly after, and often, so does the patient.That didn’t happen this time, Zahn said. The Mobile Crisis team responded to the hospital after being contacted by law enforcement and was able to stay with the patient for an extended period.“We were impressed. All of the officers were impressed,” Zahn said.Stevenson and Zahn don’t claim the program is a cure-all, but it is a desperately needed bandage on an open mental health wound. That wound has festered since the MHI mental health institute in Mount Pleasant closed in 2015.“We noticed a big difference in the number of calls since that closed,” Zahn said.The service is free — no matter how many times you call.“You will never get a bill from anyone,” Stevenson said.

"If you are struggling, we will come right to you": The Elevate Mobile Crisis Response Team is available for area residents

Historic Jefferson St. building reopening as a German-themed brewery.

When Kathy Bentz and her husband Brandon purchased the Scotten and Gabeline buildings nearly two years ago, they inherited a mess.

“I mean, upstairs, there were 75-gallon buckets everywhere to catch the water coming from the roof. There was trash everywhere. The elevator didn’t work,” Brandon said.

The Scotten building was constructed in 1912, and the Gabeline building was built in 1915. The two buildings hosted countless businesses and organizations over the next century.&nbsp;

Despite the dilapidated condition of the upper floors, the bottom floor still hosted several businesses — including Starr’s Asylum Tattoo shop —when Kathy and Brandon purchased the building in November 2021. Those businesses have since vacated.

“I’m amazed the roof didn’t fall through the first floor,” Brandon said.

As the owners of Fusion Tech Inc. — a USDA-inspected facility that builds food processing equipment in Illinois — Kathy and Brandon were in a position to take on such a large project. Kathy’s late grandfather left land to the couple, which they sold to purchase the building at 724 Jefferson St.

Two years later, The Busted Cup Brewhouse is close to completion. A grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, and everyone is invited.

Bentz didn’t specify how much went into the renovation of The Busted Cup Brewhouse — other than a lot.

That’s evident after walking through the door. A huge, open dining area with a bar greets visitors, with tables that have arcade machines or iPads built into the glass tops.

Next to that is a market that will sell many of the specialty German foods on the menu. German beer is a big focus, and the large brewery can be glimpsed through a glass window upon entering.

“If you can eat something at our restaurant, then you can buy the ingredients here so you can make it at home,” Brandon Bentz said.

Large painted ads — duplicates of vintage Burlington business ads — are painted on the bare brick on the right side of the building. The artist, Niki Cox, has painted several other murals across town.

An outdoor patio area will soon have paved parking nearby for employees, and the kitchen and full restaurant will be on the second story. An elevator with a digital display takes guests up and down.

All beers will be brewed on-site. Bentz said he’s pretty sure the large building — which has couches and other casual seating on one half of the second floor — will be one of the largest hangout spots in Burlington.&nbsp;

With so much space and two floors to host patrons, Bentz is hoping to offer an experience for adults and families. The building has five additional retail business spaces and two Air BnB apartments.

“It will be a place of fellowship for the community. We want this open to families,” he said.

FusionTech works with food producers to develop products for sale in the market — some of which they have already tested at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Brandon said The Busted Cup was born strictly from the couple’s love of the historic building. Brandon and Kathy are regulars at Wake and Bake across the street, and their interest has grown over time.

They finally made the leap and bought it.

“We weren’t looking for a building to put a business in,” Brandon said.

The goal has always been the same. Build a bar/restaurant with a German theme that Brandon or Kathy would frequent themselves — even if they didn’t own it.

“We wanted to give something back to the community,” Brandon said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692983731899.jpeg" alt="Brandon and Kathy Bentz, owners of the Busted Cup Brewhouse, are shown on Wednesday, Aug. 16 in downtown Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Brandon and Kathy Bentz, owners of the Busted Cup Brewhouse, are shown on Wednesday, Aug. 16 in downtown Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Historic Jefferson St. building reopening as a German-themed brewery.By William SmithWhen Kathy Bentz and her husband Brandon purchased the Scotten and Gabeline buildings nearly two years ago, they inherited a mess.“I mean, upstairs, there were 75-gallon buckets everywhere to catch the water coming from the roof. There was trash everywhere. The elevator didn’t work,” Brandon said.The Scotten building was constructed in 1912, and the Gabeline building was built in 1915. The two buildings hosted countless businesses and organizations over the next century.&nbsp;Despite the dilapidated condition of the upper floors, the bottom floor still hosted several businesses — including Starr’s Asylum Tattoo shop —when Kathy and Brandon purchased the building in November 2021. Those businesses have since vacated.“I’m amazed the roof didn’t fall through the first floor,” Brandon said.As the owners of Fusion Tech Inc. — a USDA-inspected facility that builds food processing equipment in Illinois — Kathy and Brandon were in a position to take on such a large project. Kathy’s late grandfather left land to the couple, which they sold to purchase the building at 724 Jefferson St.Two years later, The Busted Cup Brewhouse is close to completion. A grand opening is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 19, and everyone is invited.Bentz didn’t specify how much went into the renovation of The Busted Cup Brewhouse — other than a lot.“Millions,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692984223982.jpeg" alt="Dan Bentz applies an epoxy layer to the upstairs bar at the Busted Cup Brewhouse in downtown Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Dan Bentz applies an epoxy layer to the upstairs bar at the Busted Cup Brewhouse in downtown Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>That’s evident after walking through the door. A huge, open dining area with a bar greets visitors, with tables that have arcade machines or iPads built into the glass tops.Next to that is a market that will sell many of the specialty German foods on the menu. German beer is a big focus, and the large brewery can be glimpsed through a glass window upon entering.“If you can eat something at our restaurant, then you can buy the ingredients here so you can make it at home,” Brandon Bentz said.Large painted ads — duplicates of vintage Burlington business ads — are painted on the bare brick on the right side of the building. The artist, Niki Cox, has painted several other murals across town.An outdoor patio area will soon have paved parking nearby for employees, and the kitchen and full restaurant will be on the second story. An elevator with a digital display takes guests up and down.All beers will be brewed on-site. Bentz said he’s pretty sure the large building — which has couches and other casual seating on one half of the second floor — will be one of the largest hangout spots in Burlington.&nbsp;With so much space and two floors to host patrons, Bentz is hoping to offer an experience for adults and families. The building has five additional retail business spaces and two Air BnB apartments.“It will be a place of fellowship for the community. We want this open to families,” he said.FusionTech works with food producers to develop products for sale in the market — some of which they have already tested at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.Brandon said The Busted Cup was born strictly from the couple’s love of the historic building. Brandon and Kathy are regulars at Wake and Bake across the street, and their interest has grown over time.They finally made the leap and bought it.“We weren’t looking for a building to put a business in,” Brandon said.The goal has always been the same. Build a bar/restaurant with a German theme that Brandon or Kathy would frequent themselves — even if they didn’t own it.“We wanted to give something back to the community,” Brandon said.

Couple’s cup runneth over

The summer heat has clearly decided to crank it up a notch, but this coming weekend has something to distract you from those scorching summer blues.

From discovering what ignites an artist’s spark to grooving to a mixed bag of great music, or looking for a laid-back night with your favorite artsy-bar-hopping pals, consider your plans officially locked in.

Dive into the weekend in Fort Madison and join Lunch ala Art at the Fort Madison Arts Center at noon this Friday.&nbsp;

This month’s art lecture shines a spotlight on their August exhibiting artist Bob Peterson.&nbsp; Enjoy a tasty lunch provided by local spot Simple Table as you get to look behind the curtain of this artist’s creative world, and learn about what fuels the inspiration behind his intricate pen and ink works.&nbsp;

Call the FMAA today to reserve lunch at (319) 372-3996.

Mark your calendars for a special Friday night at the Capitol Theater, starting at 7 p.m. The local and ever-growing Riverbend Flute and Saxophone Festival, in partnership with Southeastern Community College, presents Tower Duo, a free concert starring the Columbus, Ohio-based ensemble of flutist Erin Helgeson Torres and the saxophonist Michael Rene Torres.&nbsp;

A blend of the sweet serenades of the flute with the soulful melodies of the saxophone. Their “Music in Motion,” is not just auditory but a feast for your eyes and heart with electronic soundscapes, mesmerizing visuals, and the spontaneity of live improvisation.&nbsp;

Want more? The Washington’s stage will feature No. 1 Billboard Blues Artist Anthony Gomes on Friday beginning at 8 p.m.&nbsp;

A guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, known for his high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence, he is one of the top draws on the Rock/Blues circuit today. Singer/slide guitarist Kara Grainger will be opening up for Anthony Gomes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

The Art Center of Burlington’s ever-popular Pint by Number: Riverfront Edition is back. A match made in heaven: low-key artistic expression intertwined with the clinking of glasses at your favorite downtown watering holes.&nbsp; A few tickets remain for this August tradition.&nbsp;

Participants will start at 4 p.m. at the ACB where they will pick up their ‘canvas’ and bar map, then make their way to downtown bars where they will be greeted with all the supplies and paints necessary to complete their masterpiece while sipping on cool, refreshing drinks.

Then, they’ll make their way back to the Art Center for that final nightcap and add their final pièce de résistance.&nbsp; Rumor has it there may be prizes for the most orderly and disorderly creations. Don’t let your inner artist and party animal down, and register today at btownart.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685114175041.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The summer heat has clearly decided to crank it up a notch, but this coming weekend has something to distract you from those scorching summer blues.From discovering what ignites an artist’s spark to grooving to a mixed bag of great music, or looking for a laid-back night with your favorite artsy-bar-hopping pals, consider your plans officially locked in.Dive into the weekend in Fort Madison and join Lunch ala Art at the Fort Madison Arts Center at noon this Friday.&nbsp;This month’s art lecture shines a spotlight on their August exhibiting artist Bob Peterson.&nbsp; Enjoy a tasty lunch provided by local spot Simple Table as you get to look behind the curtain of this artist’s creative world, and learn about what fuels the inspiration behind his intricate pen and ink works.&nbsp;Call the FMAA today to reserve lunch at (319) 372-3996.Mark your calendars for a special Friday night at the Capitol Theater, starting at 7 p.m. The local and ever-growing Riverbend Flute and Saxophone Festival, in partnership with Southeastern Community College, presents Tower Duo, a free concert starring the Columbus, Ohio-based ensemble of flutist Erin Helgeson Torres and the saxophonist Michael Rene Torres.&nbsp;A blend of the sweet serenades of the flute with the soulful melodies of the saxophone. Their “Music in Motion,” is not just auditory but a feast for your eyes and heart with electronic soundscapes, mesmerizing visuals, and the spontaneity of live improvisation.&nbsp;Want more? The Washington’s stage will feature No. 1 Billboard Blues Artist Anthony Gomes on Friday beginning at 8 p.m.&nbsp;A guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, known for his high-energy shows and dynamic stage presence, he is one of the top draws on the Rock/Blues circuit today. Singer/slide guitarist Kara Grainger will be opening up for Anthony Gomes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.The Art Center of Burlington’s ever-popular Pint by Number: Riverfront Edition is back. A match made in heaven: low-key artistic expression intertwined with the clinking of glasses at your favorite downtown watering holes.&nbsp; A few tickets remain for this August tradition.&nbsp;Participants will start at 4 p.m. at the ACB where they will pick up their ‘canvas’ and bar map, then make their way to downtown bars where they will be greeted with all the supplies and paints necessary to complete their masterpiece while sipping on cool, refreshing drinks.Then, they’ll make their way back to the Art Center for that final nightcap and add their final pièce de résistance.&nbsp; Rumor has it there may be prizes for the most orderly and disorderly creations. Don’t let your inner artist and party animal down, and register today at btownart.com.

Cool tunes and a pint or two to beat the heat

Olive Sullivan has been actively serving the community for decades in a myriad of groups and organizations.&nbsp;

She turned 93 in June and was recently recognized by the multi-state Altrusa district for nearly 60 years of service.

But her contribution to the betterment of Burlington goes far beyond the literacy-oriented service club.

Sullivan has been on the Kings Daughters Retirement Home board for 35 years. She was part of Burlington’s first League of Women Voters. Her resume consists of 20 clubs, groups, and boards, including Southeast Iowa United Nations Association, Southeast Iowa Symphony Board, Heritage Trust Board, and Chapter P of the PEO service group. Additionally, she was the first woman to serve on the Des Moines County Conservation Board.

She has been president of 10 different organizations, served as a guide for the Des Moines County Historical Society, and has been an active member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Her long history of service in Burlington is almost unparalleled.&nbsp;

In 1955, Sullivan came to Burlington by way of Hutchinson, Kan. In Kansas, Sullivan worked as a women’s page editor for the News Herald, a Harris publication. When the women’s page editor at the Harris-owned Hawk-Eye Gazette left to start a family, Sullivan relocated to Burlington.

Soon after her arrival, Sullivan was approached by the Altrusa Club, a service organization meant for women at a time when they were not allowed in other service clubs.

“They got me in right away,” Sullivan said. “I was single, and that was a good way of meeting people, too.”

“The Altrusa Club here was very active,” Sullivan said. “They focus on literacy and teaching people to read around the world.”

Sullivan took some time off from the group, but that didn’t stop her from being involved in the community.

When her oldest child began attending Prospect Hill Elementary School, she was asked to join the school’s Parent Teacher Association. “They wondered if I wanted to be president,” Sullivan said, and she accepted the first of many such presidencies she would hold.

Sullivan worked at the Hawk-Eye Gazette from 1955 through 1959. She then worked part-time and wrote a column until 1970.

Soon after that, she got back into Altrusa.

“That became my social life, I guess,” Sullivan said of her involvement with Altrusa and the growing list of other community groups.

Altrusa took part in the first highway cleanup project locally on a stretch of highway outside the city limits.&nbsp;

“We did that for quite a few years,” Sullivan said. “Mary Ward was a principal in one of the schools. She knew they were doing it in other communities. She sort of pushed, and we were one of the first that had the pickup.”

In more recent times, club members have read to children in the Head Start program. Sullivan and the club have also helped deliver books to shut-ins as part of the public library’s home delivery program and distributed books at the Farmers Market.

Sullivan also got involved in the League of Women Voters. The local group eventually disbanded, as did the United Nations group, which Sullivan also joined. Several women, however, have restarted the League of Women Voters in recent years.

Sullivan also got back into the work world. In 1975, she took a job as Information Specialist for the Great River Education Agency and worked there until 1996.&nbsp;

She wrote the Our Town column for the Hawk Eye through 1995.

Her connection with the newspaper got her involved in another service endeavor.

“I did stories on the Kings Daughters Retirement Home here,” Sullivan said. “They had a board that operated the home, and they had an annual tea every year.” In 1988, Sullivan joined the board of directors.

Last year, the home had its 100th anniversary and showed off some of the expansion that it has done. The home also now houses men and not just women, as was its original purpose.

“Through the years, we’ve gotten some funds from families,” Sullivan said. “We’ve gotten sizable funds, and we intend to keep the home going.”

However, civic groups and service organizations of all sizes and focuses are almost all struggling to get new members, and Sullivan doesn’t understand why.

“Another friend and I were the last ones to keep some of these organizations going, and we couldn’t get new members. They just died out. I felt like these were helpful to the community, whatever groups they were,” she said. “I’d like people to feel that maybe they should give a little of themselves to get more from their community.”

The expanded social network is an added benefit, according to Sullivan. “You meet so many people. Through the years, you have a lot of friends,” she said.

Sullivan shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

“I feel fortunate that my health has been good,” she said. “I try to live a good life. I’ve traveled quite a bit and have pretty good health for 93.”

While she can’t predict her lifespan, she said she told a friend, “I want to be able to vote in the 2024 election.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692549815059.jpeg" alt="Olive Sullivan, 93, was recognized recently by the multi-state Altrusa district for nearly 60 years of service. Photo/Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>Olive Sullivan, 93, was recognized recently by the multi-state Altrusa district for nearly 60 years of service. Photo/Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerOlive Sullivan has been actively serving the community for decades in a myriad of groups and organizations.&nbsp;She turned 93 in June and was recently recognized by the multi-state Altrusa district for nearly 60 years of service.But her contribution to the betterment of Burlington goes far beyond the literacy-oriented service club.Sullivan has been on the Kings Daughters Retirement Home board for 35 years. She was part of Burlington’s first League of Women Voters. Her resume consists of 20 clubs, groups, and boards, including Southeast Iowa United Nations Association, Southeast Iowa Symphony Board, Heritage Trust Board, and Chapter P of the PEO service group. Additionally, she was the first woman to serve on the Des Moines County Conservation Board.She has been president of 10 different organizations, served as a guide for the Des Moines County Historical Society, and has been an active member of Grace United Methodist Church.Her long history of service in Burlington is almost unparalleled.&nbsp;In 1955, Sullivan came to Burlington by way of Hutchinson, Kan. In Kansas, Sullivan worked as a women’s page editor for the News Herald, a Harris publication. When the women’s page editor at the Harris-owned Hawk-Eye Gazette left to start a family, Sullivan relocated to Burlington.Soon after her arrival, Sullivan was approached by the Altrusa Club, a service organization meant for women at a time when they were not allowed in other service clubs.“They got me in right away,” Sullivan said. “I was single, and that was a good way of meeting people, too.”“The Altrusa Club here was very active,” Sullivan said. “They focus on literacy and teaching people to read around the world.”Sullivan took some time off from the group, but that didn’t stop her from being involved in the community.When her oldest child began attending Prospect Hill Elementary School, she was asked to join the school’s Parent Teacher Association. “They wondered if I wanted to be president,” Sullivan said, and she accepted the first of many such presidencies she would hold.Sullivan worked at the Hawk-Eye Gazette from 1955 through 1959. She then worked part-time and wrote a column until 1970.Soon after that, she got back into Altrusa.“That became my social life, I guess,” Sullivan said of her involvement with Altrusa and the growing list of other community groups.Altrusa took part in the first highway cleanup project locally on a stretch of highway outside the city limits.&nbsp;“We did that for quite a few years,” Sullivan said. “Mary Ward was a principal in one of the schools. She knew they were doing it in other communities. She sort of pushed, and we were one of the first that had the pickup.”In more recent times, club members have read to children in the Head Start program. Sullivan and the club have also helped deliver books to shut-ins as part of the public library’s home delivery program and distributed books at the Farmers Market.Sullivan also got involved in the League of Women Voters. The local group eventually disbanded, as did the United Nations group, which Sullivan also joined. Several women, however, have restarted the League of Women Voters in recent years.Sullivan also got back into the work world. In 1975, she took a job as Information Specialist for the Great River Education Agency and worked there until 1996.&nbsp;She wrote the Our Town column for the Hawk Eye through 1995.Her connection with the newspaper got her involved in another service endeavor.“I did stories on the Kings Daughters Retirement Home here,” Sullivan said. “They had a board that operated the home, and they had an annual tea every year.” In 1988, Sullivan joined the board of directors.Last year, the home had its 100th anniversary and showed off some of the expansion that it has done. The home also now houses men and not just women, as was its original purpose.“Through the years, we’ve gotten some funds from families,” Sullivan said. “We’ve gotten sizable funds, and we intend to keep the home going.”However, civic groups and service organizations of all sizes and focuses are almost all struggling to get new members, and Sullivan doesn’t understand why.“Another friend and I were the last ones to keep some of these organizations going, and we couldn’t get new members. They just died out. I felt like these were helpful to the community, whatever groups they were,” she said. “I’d like people to feel that maybe they should give a little of themselves to get more from their community.”The expanded social network is an added benefit, according to Sullivan. “You meet so many people. Through the years, you have a lot of friends,” she said.Sullivan shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon.“I feel fortunate that my health has been good,” she said. “I try to live a good life. I’ve traveled quite a bit and have pretty good health for 93.”While she can’t predict her lifespan, she said she told a friend, “I want to be able to vote in the 2024 election.”

Sullivan reflects on decades of service

Jared Johnson’s roots are in Hawaii. His grandmother’s maiden name is Ahpuck, and she lived in Waipi’o Valley on the Big Island.

“Ohana” means “family,” and family traditions are strong in the 50th state. When Jared and Maggie Johnson’s daughter, Ony, expressed an interest in business, the family used that as motivation to start Ohana Ice, a shaved ice truck that launched on May 1.

“I’ve been looking into shaved ice for a few years,” said Jared. “We’ve thrown that around to bring something over here to Iowa. Shaved Ice seemed fun for us and fun for the kids,” Jared said of Ony, 12, Keoni, 5, and Kian, 1.

Jared said Ony has been active in the community already as a past Little Miss Iowa and she’s the Little Miss Burlington and Little Miss Des Moines County. And she’s already shown a strong interest in business and finance.&nbsp;

“I want Ony to learn about business and about money and the value of money,” Jared said.

Jared said that their product is not to be confused with sno-cones.&nbsp;

“It’s not chopped or broken up,” he said. “It’s finely shaved ice.”

“We have Maui Wowi,” Jared said, “and Hawaiian Punch. My favorite one is A Little Loco.” To keep the Hawaiian heritage, the Johnsons use Hawaiian flavors like pineapple and coconut.&nbsp;

For the more adventurous, the Spicy Pickle is a combination of dill pickle and firehouse cinnamon meant to mimic the flavor of a sweet and spicy pickle. Their signature recipes combine two, three, or even flour flavors at a time.

They can also add a “snow cap,” which is flavored, condensed milk poured over the top. This addition creates a softer ice experience, making the ice more like ice cream. Candy toppings like Nerds, gummy worms, and Sour Patch Kids are also on hand.

“There’s also a Sour Spray,” he said. “It’s really, really sour for kids.”

Besides Thursdays at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market, Ohana Ice can be found Fridays at Heartland Harley Davidson on Roosevelt Ave.

“On weekends, we pretty much keep it open for events and venues,” Johnson said, such as the recent National Night Out and the upcoming Touch a Truck put on by the Rotary on Aug. 26 at Westland Mall’s parking lot.

“We’re big into family, and we’re big into traditions and carrying on the family heritage,” he said.

The family emphasis can be seen in the company logo, which features the faces of their three children on cartoon bodies. For the heritage emphasis: “We’ve done events where we’ve given out leis to the kids. We also play Hawaiian music throughout the trailer,” Jared said.

Besides the shaved ice business, Jared and Maggie keep busy with their day jobs. Jared is the general manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Maggie is a business analyst at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.

“We came up with this opportunity for our kids to have,” Jared said. “From the kids’ point of view, it’s a lot of fun. They love to see their faces out in the community. The community has been very responsive to us opening a business. It’s brought a lot of joy to our family. We’ve got a passion for it. We put a lot of love into it. It’s pretty much who we are.”

When winter comes, Johnson said Ohana Ice will shut down, but they might try to expand their menu to coffee items more suitable for the cold-weather months.

For more information on Ohana Ice, look them up on Facebook as Ohana Ice - IA. They may also be reached at 319-631-9989 or konaohanaice@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692550390189.jpeg" alt="Braeleigh Bench, 3, enjoys her shaved ice courtesy of&nbsp; Ohana Ice. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Braeleigh Bench, 3, enjoys her shaved ice courtesy of&nbsp; Ohana Ice. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerJared Johnson’s roots are in Hawaii. His grandmother’s maiden name is Ahpuck, and she lived in Waipi’o Valley on the Big Island.“Ohana” means “family,” and family traditions are strong in the 50th state. When Jared and Maggie Johnson’s daughter, Ony, expressed an interest in business, the family used that as motivation to start Ohana Ice, a shaved ice truck that launched on May 1.“I’ve been looking into shaved ice for a few years,” said Jared. “We’ve thrown that around to bring something over here to Iowa. Shaved Ice seemed fun for us and fun for the kids,” Jared said of Ony, 12, Keoni, 5, and Kian, 1.Jared said Ony has been active in the community already as a past Little Miss Iowa and she’s the Little Miss Burlington and Little Miss Des Moines County. And she’s already shown a strong interest in business and finance.&nbsp;“I want Ony to learn about business and about money and the value of money,” Jared said.Jared said that their product is not to be confused with sno-cones.&nbsp;“It’s not chopped or broken up,” he said. “It’s finely shaved ice.”“We have Maui Wowi,” Jared said, “and Hawaiian Punch. My favorite one is A Little Loco.” To keep the Hawaiian heritage, the Johnsons use Hawaiian flavors like pineapple and coconut.&nbsp;For the more adventurous, the Spicy Pickle is a combination of dill pickle and firehouse cinnamon meant to mimic the flavor of a sweet and spicy pickle. Their signature recipes combine two, three, or even flour flavors at a time.They can also add a “snow cap,” which is flavored, condensed milk poured over the top. This addition creates a softer ice experience, making the ice more like ice cream. Candy toppings like Nerds, gummy worms, and Sour Patch Kids are also on hand.“There’s also a Sour Spray,” he said. “It’s really, really sour for kids.”Besides Thursdays at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market, Ohana Ice can be found Fridays at Heartland Harley Davidson on Roosevelt Ave.“On weekends, we pretty much keep it open for events and venues,” Johnson said, such as the recent National Night Out and the upcoming Touch a Truck put on by the Rotary on Aug. 26 at Westland Mall’s parking lot.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692550594098.jpeg" alt="Jared, Maggie, Ony, Keoni, and Kian Johnson are shown at the family’s shaved ice business — Ohana Ice. Photo/Ohana Ice Facebook page" />
 <figcaption>Jared, Maggie, Ony, Keoni, and Kian Johnson are shown at the family’s shaved ice business — Ohana Ice. Photo/Ohana Ice Facebook page</figcaption>
 </figure>Family Matters“We’re big into family, and we’re big into traditions and carrying on the family heritage,” he said.The family emphasis can be seen in the company logo, which features the faces of their three children on cartoon bodies. For the heritage emphasis: “We’ve done events where we’ve given out leis to the kids. We also play Hawaiian music throughout the trailer,” Jared said.Besides the shaved ice business, Jared and Maggie keep busy with their day jobs. Jared is the general manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Maggie is a business analyst at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center.“We came up with this opportunity for our kids to have,” Jared said. “From the kids’ point of view, it’s a lot of fun. They love to see their faces out in the community. The community has been very responsive to us opening a business. It’s brought a lot of joy to our family. We’ve got a passion for it. We put a lot of love into it. It’s pretty much who we are.”When winter comes, Johnson said Ohana Ice will shut down, but they might try to expand their menu to coffee items more suitable for the cold-weather months.For more information on Ohana Ice, look them up on Facebook as Ohana Ice - IA. They may also be reached at 319-631-9989 or konaohanaice@gmail.com.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1692550418645.jpeg" alt="Bekah Reich with Ohana Ice hands shaved ice to a customer during the National Night Out event on Aug. 1 in the south parking lot of Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Bekah Reich with Ohana Ice hands shaved ice to a customer during the National Night Out event on Aug. 1 in the south parking lot of Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

Taste of the islands in Iowa

Despite his understated social charms, Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee is a proud introvert. His comfort zone is the natural world around him.

Lee never imagined he would lead an entire county department. He never wanted that.

“I wanted to be the guy on the tractor,” he said. “And yet here I am, sitting in the director role where I am in the office most of the day.”

For a while, Lee was that guy on the tractor. And he loved it. But he realized that his talent, intelligence, and persistence could be used better elsewhere.

“I knew I could have a bigger impact by leading an organization and helping the people that I lead to do the work that they’re best suited for,” he said. “I wouldn’t be just the guy driving the tractor. And so I stepped into that, and ever since then, it’s been my singular focus to be the best leader I can possibly be.”

Lee found something out about himself – he enjoys leadership. He loves identifying people’s passions and talents and fostering those within a job that suits them.

“Some of my employees like to be around other people. Some would just prefer to work outdoors by themselves everyday,” he said.

Lee is an anomaly among the classic Iowa country boy archetype — a passionate writer and orator who speaks only with politeness.&nbsp;

He loves hunting, fishing, and anything else you can do outdoors.&nbsp;

A baseball cap covers his head most days (sans formal occasions), and camouflage is a preferred clothing color. So are blue jeans.

But Lee’s connection to nature goes deeper than recreation and a fun weekend of hunting. His mental health depends on that connection. It energizes him. It keeps him sane.

“At some point, I realized that this is therapy for me,” he said.

Daily therapy if possible, especially when Lee has a day full of meetings and social interactions.

“I’ve just got to get into the woods,” he said.

Lee is a Burlington native and suffered from depression at an early age. His family was going through a divorce, which affected Lee more than he realized.

But Lee could always escape the drama and retreat to the outdoors, thanks to his grandmother’s cabin. Disappearing into the woods for the night wasn’t unusual. He even had parental permission.

“I grew up playing in the backwaters and was outside all the time,” he said.

Lee quickly developed a close relationship with his stepfather — Randy Lee — who was just as much an outdoorsman as Lee. He doesn’t call him stepdad, though. Just dad.

“That (the outdoors) was really what defined me growing up,” Lee said. “I didn’t like sports and wasn’t really good at sports. I think I played Little League for a year-and-a-half or something, but that got in the way of my fishing.”

By the time Lee graduated high school, he not only knew what he wanted to do with his life — he knew why.

“I wanted to contribute to the longevity and sustainability of natural resources because they were so important to me growing up,” he said.

Like most high school graduates, Lee wanted to leave Burlington as quickly as he could. But after a year of college in Georgia, he wanted to come back.

“I went down there and realized pretty quickly that this place (Des Moines County) is home,” he said. “I love the South. We travel down there nearly every winter. But this is home.”

As much as he loved home, Lee had to leave it again to kick-start his conservation career. He finished up college at Iowa State University with a degree in animal ecology and a minor in forestry. He spent a couple of years at Southeastern Community College and returned to Georgia to intern with the forestry department.

“I always knew I wanted to come back here,” he said.

Three years out of college, in November of 2008, Lee landed a job as the natural resource manager for Des Moines County. He couldn’t believe his luck.&nbsp;

“You usually have to bounce around quite a bit in conservation. I was one of the lucky ones,” Lee said.

Two years later, Lee was a field supervisor for the conservation department. Three years later, he became the new Des Moines County Conservation Director.

“The director position opened up, and I really didn’t think that would happen,” he said.

Since then, Lee has been instrumental in developing the Big Hollow Recreation Area into a massive campground that continues to grow. Reservations on certain holidays are made up to a year in advance, and expansion plans are in place.

Surrounding the campgrounds is an outdoor park that has everything a kid needs. Fishing, shooting, an observatory, canoes. Lee and his crew hold several special events every year, attracting hundreds of locals and visitors.

“Most kids don’t have the advantages I did. They don’t have thousands of acres of land you can explore,” he said. “We want to give kids a chance to do that.”&nbsp;

Lee gets giddy when he talks about it. Not just Big Hollow, but the expansion of Burlington and Des Moines County as a whole. He sees every angle of potential success cresting simultaneously, from the explosion of rental properties to the increased tourism from campgrounds and cruise ships.

“There’s a lot of overlapping industries, and I sit on several committees, and I see it all coming together. We bring a lot of people from outside of this county,” he said.&nbsp;

“We document visitors from about 40 states and half of Iowa’s counties every summer, just through the campground. We estimate about 50,000 people come through that park every year. And that’s a lot of out-of-towners. I want to bring people here and show them what a great community this is.”

Lee is certainly invested. He and his wife have two children — ages 5 and 8 — and they are just now starting to discover the same outdoor ecology Lee did as a kid. They have all the time in the world.

“I’m a lifer. I’ll die here,” Lee said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1691691239317.jpeg" alt="Chris Lee, the executive director of Des Moines County Conservation, is shown on Monday, July 31 outside his office building. Photos/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Chris Lee, the executive director of Des Moines County Conservation, is shown on Monday, July 31 outside his office building. Photos/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithDespite his understated social charms, Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee is a proud introvert. His comfort zone is the natural world around him.Lee never imagined he would lead an entire county department. He never wanted that.“I wanted to be the guy on the tractor,” he said. “And yet here I am, sitting in the director role where I am in the office most of the day.”For a while, Lee was that guy on the tractor. And he loved it. But he realized that his talent, intelligence, and persistence could be used better elsewhere.“I knew I could have a bigger impact by leading an organization and helping the people that I lead to do the work that they’re best suited for,” he said. “I wouldn’t be just the guy driving the tractor. And so I stepped into that, and ever since then, it’s been my singular focus to be the best leader I can possibly be.”Lee found something out about himself – he enjoys leadership. He loves identifying people’s passions and talents and fostering those within a job that suits them.“Some of my employees like to be around other people. Some would just prefer to work outdoors by themselves everyday,” he said.A Quiet Country KidLee is an anomaly among the classic Iowa country boy archetype — a passionate writer and orator who speaks only with politeness.&nbsp;He loves hunting, fishing, and anything else you can do outdoors.&nbsp;A baseball cap covers his head most days (sans formal occasions), and camouflage is a preferred clothing color. So are blue jeans.But Lee’s connection to nature goes deeper than recreation and a fun weekend of hunting. His mental health depends on that connection. It energizes him. It keeps him sane.“At some point, I realized that this is therapy for me,” he said.Daily therapy if possible, especially when Lee has a day full of meetings and social interactions.“I’ve just got to get into the woods,” he said.Lee is a Burlington native and suffered from depression at an early age. His family was going through a divorce, which affected Lee more than he realized.But Lee could always escape the drama and retreat to the outdoors, thanks to his grandmother’s cabin. Disappearing into the woods for the night wasn’t unusual. He even had parental permission.“I grew up playing in the backwaters and was outside all the time,” he said.Lee quickly developed a close relationship with his stepfather — Randy Lee — who was just as much an outdoorsman as Lee. He doesn’t call him stepdad, though. Just dad.“That (the outdoors) was really what defined me growing up,” Lee said. “I didn’t like sports and wasn’t really good at sports. I think I played Little League for a year-and-a-half or something, but that got in the way of my fishing.”By the time Lee graduated high school, he not only knew what he wanted to do with his life — he knew why.“I wanted to contribute to the longevity and sustainability of natural resources because they were so important to me growing up,” he said.Like most high school graduates, Lee wanted to leave Burlington as quickly as he could. But after a year of college in Georgia, he wanted to come back.“I went down there and realized pretty quickly that this place (Des Moines County) is home,” he said. “I love the South. We travel down there nearly every winter. But this is home.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1691691966675.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Planting Roots&nbsp;As much as he loved home, Lee had to leave it again to kick-start his conservation career. He finished up college at Iowa State University with a degree in animal ecology and a minor in forestry. He spent a couple of years at Southeastern Community College and returned to Georgia to intern with the forestry department.“I always knew I wanted to come back here,” he said.Three years out of college, in November of 2008, Lee landed a job as the natural resource manager for Des Moines County. He couldn’t believe his luck.&nbsp;“You usually have to bounce around quite a bit in conservation. I was one of the lucky ones,” Lee said.Two years later, Lee was a field supervisor for the conservation department. Three years later, he became the new Des Moines County Conservation Director.“The director position opened up, and I really didn’t think that would happen,” he said.Since then, Lee has been instrumental in developing the Big Hollow Recreation Area into a massive campground that continues to grow. Reservations on certain holidays are made up to a year in advance, and expansion plans are in place.Surrounding the campgrounds is an outdoor park that has everything a kid needs. Fishing, shooting, an observatory, canoes. Lee and his crew hold several special events every year, attracting hundreds of locals and visitors.“Most kids don’t have the advantages I did. They don’t have thousands of acres of land you can explore,” he said. “We want to give kids a chance to do that.”&nbsp;Lee gets giddy when he talks about it. Not just Big Hollow, but the expansion of Burlington and Des Moines County as a whole. He sees every angle of potential success cresting simultaneously, from the explosion of rental properties to the increased tourism from campgrounds and cruise ships.“There’s a lot of overlapping industries, and I sit on several committees, and I see it all coming together. We bring a lot of people from outside of this county,” he said.&nbsp;“We document visitors from about 40 states and half of Iowa’s counties every summer, just through the campground. We estimate about 50,000 people come through that park every year. And that’s a lot of out-of-towners. I want to bring people here and show them what a great community this is.”Lee is certainly invested. He and his wife have two children — ages 5 and 8 — and they are just now starting to discover the same outdoor ecology Lee did as a kid. They have all the time in the world.“I’m a lifer. I’ll die here,” Lee said.

52 Faces: From quiet country kid to advocate

The Lord was calling Fred Starling to the ministry at an early age. But he was far too stubborn to listen.

“I didn’t want God to find me,” he said.

Rev. Starling, who founded Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in 1975, has been a stalwart of the Burlington community for the past 50 years. He’s a prominent voice at Juneteenth and a leader in the Black community.

But in his youth, Starling said he was a bit of a “crooked arrow” — but only a bit. A young man from Arkansas who attended a segregated school, Starling wanted to make his way in the world and find a dependable living. He grew up on a farm and was already steeped in faith and hard work.

He moved to Keokuk to help an aunt who ran a successful restaurant and owned investment property, he then returned to Arkansas to attend Shorter College in Little Rock. In 1960, he returned to Iowa.

Money was foremost on Starling’s mind back then. He chuckles about his misguided priorities now.

“I got into the nightclub business, and I thought I could make some money. That lasted about two years,” he said.

Starling worked hard at every job he had — that’s just how he was raised. His farm experience as an Arkansas youth led to other farm jobs, where he would spend the day picking tomatoes and other crops. He worked for John Deere and briefly served in the Army in 1966.

But none of it clicked. Starling couldn’t find the peace in his heart he sought. He eventually made his way north to be with family in Burlington.

That’s when Starling’s life came into focus.

“Next thing you know, here comes the ministry,” Starling said.

Starling’s path to the Lord started when he had a vision. He’ll never forget the date — Oct. 20, 1971. It was a Saturday.

“I found my purpose. I found the reason God put me on the planet,” he said.

Starling was already a parishioner of St. John’s Church in Burlington, and was close to the pastor, Rev. Robert E. Clay. Starling was 30 years old and had been fishing when he received the calling.

For some reason, Starling began feeling extremely relaxed as he fished. He lay on the ground without a care in the world. His mind, usually stuffed with one worry or another, had evacuated.

“I had never felt anything like it,” Starling said.

Later that day, at 1708 Mount Pleasant Street, Starling got his call from God. After nine years in Burlington, he knew his true purpose.

&nbsp;“I received a divine calling,” he said.

Fred met his late wife Vivienne shortly after he moved to Burlington, though she never imagined she would marry him. She was living in an apartment house with her baby brother and a sister, and Fred’s aunt owned the house next door.

“He used to come over and cut the grass,” Vivienne said in a previous interview. “My mother kept telling me I was going to marry him. She said he had a crush on me.”

Starling certainly wouldn’t deny that. He recalls sitting on the porch in the evenings. Many nights, Vivienne would sit next to him.

“We became friends, and then that turned into a relationship,” Starling said.

The two were finally married in 1968 and regularly attended church. Three years later, Starling got his calling and started preaching at St. John’s, where they attended.

Vivienne had known Fred to be a quiet man (she jokingly referred to him as her ‘silent partner’). She was pleasantly surprised by his decision to become a minister.

“I saw him stay at the altar a little longer, and I wondered why, but I didn’t know,” she said. “Our pastor, Robert Clay, came over that night and told me, ‘Fred’s being called to preach.’ He said. ‘You’re going to learn how to be a preacher’s wife.’”

As a woman of faith, it was a role Vivienne took to with gusto. The soft-spoken pastor she married transformed into an exuberant ball of God energy when he got behind the pulpit. At 82, Starling’s sermons are as passionate as when he was 50.

That passion spreads well beyond Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Burlington. Starling’s central location is part of a west-central district of churches in Macomb, Ill., Kewanee, Ill., Rock Island, Ill., and Chicago. The Starlings traveled to them regularly, with Fred preaching and Vivienne reaching out to the youth and helping the less fortunate. They even traveled to Arkansas a few times a year to spread the word of God.

Starling helped build the Calvary Baptist Church in Macomb, Ill., then purchased a former funeral home at 1012 Maple Street to turn into his home church.

The building wasn’t fit for a church, but it soon would be. Starling said he and his parishioners remodeled a portion of the building into the sanctuary, and he was preaching in there within three weeks.

Starling’s eyes fill with fond memories when he speaks of renovations to his church over the years. He never imagined he would be surrounded by such love and faith.&nbsp;

He attributes it all to God. As much as he tried to run away from it, God found him.

“I never wanted to be a leader. I don’t care about any of that. I’m just where God put me,” he said.

Starling serves all of God’s people, from the prisoners to the executives. He maintained a ministry at the Des Moines County Jail and the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. He dedicated a portion of his rental properties as temporary housing for the homeless.

Rev. Starling has had several visions throughout his life — private visions that he only shares with those closest to him.

“I don’t like to get too deep with it when I talk to people. They’ll lock me up in a mental hospital,” Starling said. “I’ve seen angels.”

Fred wasn’t the only one. His wife Vivienne would often share those visions with him – prophecies of preaching and praise yet to come.

“We would see the same thing. That’s how closely intertwined we were,” Starling said.

Starling has experienced miracles and has seen them personally. And when he nearly lost hearing in his left ear due to a freak hunting accident, it was God’s voice that healed him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1691251101418.jpeg" alt="Pastor Fred Starling is shown at his church Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Burlington.&nbsp;Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Fred Starling is shown at his church Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Burlington.&nbsp;Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithThe Lord was calling Fred Starling to the ministry at an early age. But he was far too stubborn to listen.“I didn’t want God to find me,” he said.Rev. Starling, who founded Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in 1975, has been a stalwart of the Burlington community for the past 50 years. He’s a prominent voice at Juneteenth and a leader in the Black community.But in his youth, Starling said he was a bit of a “crooked arrow” — but only a bit. A young man from Arkansas who attended a segregated school, Starling wanted to make his way in the world and find a dependable living. He grew up on a farm and was already steeped in faith and hard work.He moved to Keokuk to help an aunt who ran a successful restaurant and owned investment property, he then returned to Arkansas to attend Shorter College in Little Rock. In 1960, he returned to Iowa.Money was foremost on Starling’s mind back then. He chuckles about his misguided priorities now.“I got into the nightclub business, and I thought I could make some money. That lasted about two years,” he said.Starling worked hard at every job he had — that’s just how he was raised. His farm experience as an Arkansas youth led to other farm jobs, where he would spend the day picking tomatoes and other crops. He worked for John Deere and briefly served in the Army in 1966.But none of it clicked. Starling couldn’t find the peace in his heart he sought. He eventually made his way north to be with family in Burlington.That’s when Starling’s life came into focus.“Next thing you know, here comes the ministry,” Starling said.God Speaks – Starling ListensStarling’s path to the Lord started when he had a vision. He’ll never forget the date — Oct. 20, 1971. It was a Saturday.“I found my purpose. I found the reason God put me on the planet,” he said.Starling was already a parishioner of St. John’s Church in Burlington, and was close to the pastor, Rev. Robert E. Clay. Starling was 30 years old and had been fishing when he received the calling.For some reason, Starling began feeling extremely relaxed as he fished. He lay on the ground without a care in the world. His mind, usually stuffed with one worry or another, had evacuated.“I had never felt anything like it,” Starling said.Later that day, at 1708 Mount Pleasant Street, Starling got his call from God. After nine years in Burlington, he knew his true purpose.&nbsp;“I received a divine calling,” he said.The light of his lifeFred met his late wife Vivienne shortly after he moved to Burlington, though she never imagined she would marry him. She was living in an apartment house with her baby brother and a sister, and Fred’s aunt owned the house next door.“He used to come over and cut the grass,” Vivienne said in a previous interview. “My mother kept telling me I was going to marry him. She said he had a crush on me.”Starling certainly wouldn’t deny that. He recalls sitting on the porch in the evenings. Many nights, Vivienne would sit next to him.“We became friends, and then that turned into a relationship,” Starling said.The two were finally married in 1968 and regularly attended church. Three years later, Starling got his calling and started preaching at St. John’s, where they attended.Vivienne had known Fred to be a quiet man (she jokingly referred to him as her ‘silent partner’). She was pleasantly surprised by his decision to become a minister.“I saw him stay at the altar a little longer, and I wondered why, but I didn’t know,” she said. “Our pastor, Robert Clay, came over that night and told me, ‘Fred’s being called to preach.’ He said. ‘You’re going to learn how to be a preacher’s wife.’”As a woman of faith, it was a role Vivienne took to with gusto. The soft-spoken pastor she married transformed into an exuberant ball of God energy when he got behind the pulpit. At 82, Starling’s sermons are as passionate as when he was 50.That passion spreads well beyond Faith Temple Church of God in Christ in Burlington. Starling’s central location is part of a west-central district of churches in Macomb, Ill., Kewanee, Ill., Rock Island, Ill., and Chicago. The Starlings traveled to them regularly, with Fred preaching and Vivienne reaching out to the youth and helping the less fortunate. They even traveled to Arkansas a few times a year to spread the word of God.Building a churchStarling helped build the Calvary Baptist Church in Macomb, Ill., then purchased a former funeral home at 1012 Maple Street to turn into his home church.The building wasn’t fit for a church, but it soon would be. Starling said he and his parishioners remodeled a portion of the building into the sanctuary, and he was preaching in there within three weeks.Starling’s eyes fill with fond memories when he speaks of renovations to his church over the years. He never imagined he would be surrounded by such love and faith.&nbsp;He attributes it all to God. As much as he tried to run away from it, God found him.“I never wanted to be a leader. I don’t care about any of that. I’m just where God put me,” he said.Starling serves all of God’s people, from the prisoners to the executives. He maintained a ministry at the Des Moines County Jail and the Iowa State Penitentiary in Fort Madison. He dedicated a portion of his rental properties as temporary housing for the homeless.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/8/1691251458896.jpeg" alt="Pastor Fred Starling blows a Shofar, an ancient musical horn typically made of a ram’s horn during a Way of the Cross procession on April 7. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Pastor Fred Starling blows a Shofar, an ancient musical horn typically made of a ram’s horn during a Way of the Cross procession on April 7. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Visions and miraclesRev. Starling has had several visions throughout his life — private visions that he only shares with those closest to him.“I don’t like to get too deep with it when I talk to people. They’ll lock me up in a mental hospital,” Starling said. “I’ve seen angels.”Fred wasn’t the only one. His wife Vivienne would often share those visions with him – prophecies of preaching and praise yet to come.“We would see the same thing. That’s how closely intertwined we were,” Starling said.Starling has experienced miracles and has seen them personally. And when he nearly lost hearing in his left ear due to a freak hunting accident, it was God’s voice that healed him.“It was a low, rumbling voice,” Starling said.The hunting accident would have been funny if it weren’t so painful. Through the odd powers of physics and chance, Starling stepped on a stick that flipped up and pierced his left eardrum.Starling doesn’t know how to describe the pain. He immediately pulled the stick out, and blood started gushing from his nose. By then, his ear was already bleeding.Starling made it home in a daze, and his wife took him to the hospital. While the doctor didn’t tell him, he was considering plastic surgery on Starling’s eardrum to save his hearing.Other than that, all the doctor could do was prescribe some pain medication and send Starling home. He told him to stay quiet and avoid loud noises.Starling didn’t listen. And not because he couldn’t hear the doctor.“I had a preaching engagement I didn’t want to miss,” he said.Starling was already in a lot of pain, and could barely concentrate over the ringing in his head. When he started preaching, his own voice bounced around his skull like steel ball bearings, making the pain worse. But he kept preaching.“Eventually, it sounded like my voice was going out instead of into my head,” Starling said.But the pain and the ringing wouldn’t go away. He remembers laying on his injured ear one night, praying for God to take the pain away. That’s when he heard God’s voice telling him he would heal him.The next morning, Starling’s pain was gone. There was no ringing. When he went to the doctor, the relived physician said Starling’s ear had healed perfectly.“I still have all my hearing in this ear, and this ear,” a grinning Starling said, grabbing the tops of his ears.A worn-out BibleStarling doesn’t know how old his leather-bound Bible is. It’s stuffed with notes, sermons, information, and strategically placed Bible verses. Many pages are yellowed and dog-eared, held together by Scotch tape.It’s the Bible that matters most to Starling. Not the church. Not the horn he blows or the purple robes he wears on occasion.All of Starling’s truth comes from that overstuffed book. And simply reading it isn’t enough.“You celebrate God through your works,” said Starling, who never stops working.

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