Burlington-based music label rides digital success.

In an industry continually up-ended by advances in technology, James Rhodes started his music label FiXT just as the lid was starting to lift on digital downloads.

“When we first started, it was very much still the CD era,” Rhodes said. “We were moving lots of physical CDs, and mp3 downloads were a thing. But that was secondary to CDs.”

That quickly changed. The digital iTunes era became the established music model, and Rhodes was primed to ride the wave. He still worked a full-time job at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. However, as his business grew, those hospital hours decreased.&nbsp;

Rhodes was eventually earning a full-time income, and expanded by opening a small office and hiring staff.

“So we rode that (digital downloads), for quite a while,” Rhodes said.

The popularity of streaming music started surging a few years later, and1music labels had a choice – evolve with the newest distribution model, or wither away with the old one.

Rhodes said he saw too many companies cling to the old digital model, the same way their extinct predecessors refused to give up physical media.

“We quickly realized our music needs to be where the consumers are — you got to fish where the fish are. And consumer behavior is this is the most convenient, customer-friendly way to listen to music. A streaming subscription,” Rhodes said.

Making money on streaming takes patience and time, considering half of customers don’t pay a subscription fee.

It’s a long-term investment with endless growth potential, and the revenue is literally paid out in thousandths-of-a-cent. The revenue is divided between so many middlemen, Rhodes said, that the gross per song is infinitesimal.

FiXT has about 25 artists signed and recently moved into much larger offices at 1340 Mount Pleasant Street. One of the rooms in the winding corridors of wooden doors houses a small studio that will soon be used for a podcast.&nbsp;

It’s not the only sound studio in the building. Music vibrates from some of the rooms — 90s grunge is a favorite.

“We sign a lot of artists on the smaller side, and we’ve had a lot of success, taking artists from a few hundred listeners per month to about 100,000 to 300,000 monthly listeners. We’ve got a few artists that are in the 500,000 to 800,000 monthly listener range,” Rhodes said.

Ironically enough, that steaming success has looped back around to physical media. Many of the artists under contract release LPs pre-sold before they’re pressed. Records have become a hip niche again over the past decade.

The new counter-culture trend FiXT has recently started producing is cassette tapes. It’s a tiny market compared to LPs, considering there aren’t many active tape decks around. That’s what makes it cool.

Rhodes can relate. He grew up in the era of cassettes transitioning to CDs.

“My parent were always listening to music on road trips. My dad liked barbershop quartet and southern gospel,” Rhodes said. “But when I was a teenager, I discovered Metallica. And then I got into Michael Jackson, and then alternative and grunge and all these influences.”

Rhodes worked his way into the music industry through his fandom of one artist, in particular, the Circle of Dust industrial music project created by Klayton, who later became known as Celldweller. His fandom was accidental, and it turned into a job opportunity.

Eventually, Rhodes co-founded FiXT together. Rhodes serves as vice president.

“I found a cassette (of Circle of Dust) in a bargain bin at the record store in the mall. I thought the artwork looked cool, grabbed it. And it was this kind of industrial metal thing. And I loved it,” Rhodes said.

Rhodes met Klayton in person and was given a marketing job with Slack. He took up that slack and delivered far more. Part-time became full-time.

“Then his manager offered me a job to move to L.A., which is why I moved to L.A.,” Rhodes said.

L.A. was fun, but Iowa was home. Rhodes grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 2000. In 2006, James and his wife Rebecca moved back to Iowa to be closer to family and start their own.

During the transition back to the Midwest, James and Klayton launched FiXT as a label vehicle. The goal is to support other artists and provide a fair-label deal in an industry known for lopsided agreements.&nbsp;

FiXT is celebrating 18 years of operations as a record label, music publisher, and merchandise company this year. Rhodes isn’t arrogant enough to know what the next shift in the industry will be.

“Odds are, you’ve probably heard our music somewhere, in a movie or a video game, and you just didn’t know it,” Rhodes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/10/1697424900707.jpeg" alt="James Rhodes, vice president and co-founder of FiXT, a multi-genre, independent artist-owned record label, in the record label’s podcast booth in the record label’s offices at 2850 Mount Pleasant St., Suite 104. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>James Rhodes, vice president and co-founder of FiXT, a multi-genre, independent artist-owned record label, in the record label’s podcast booth in the record label’s offices at 2850 Mount Pleasant St., Suite 104. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Burlington-based music label rides digital success.By William SmithIn an industry continually up-ended by advances in technology, James Rhodes started his music label FiXT just as the lid was starting to lift on digital downloads.“When we first started, it was very much still the CD era,” Rhodes said. “We were moving lots of physical CDs, and mp3 downloads were a thing. But that was secondary to CDs.”That quickly changed. The digital iTunes era became the established music model, and Rhodes was primed to ride the wave. He still worked a full-time job at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center. However, as his business grew, those hospital hours decreased.&nbsp;Rhodes was eventually earning a full-time income, and expanded by opening a small office and hiring staff.“So we rode that (digital downloads), for quite a while,” Rhodes said.The popularity of streaming music started surging a few years later, and1music labels had a choice – evolve with the newest distribution model, or wither away with the old one.Rhodes said he saw too many companies cling to the old digital model, the same way their extinct predecessors refused to give up physical media.“We quickly realized our music needs to be where the consumers are — you got to fish where the fish are. And consumer behavior is this is the most convenient, customer-friendly way to listen to music. A streaming subscription,” Rhodes said.Making money on streaming takes patience and time, considering half of customers don’t pay a subscription fee.It’s a long-term investment with endless growth potential, and the revenue is literally paid out in thousandths-of-a-cent. The revenue is divided between so many middlemen, Rhodes said, that the gross per song is infinitesimal.“But that adds up,” Rhodes said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/10/1697424925763.jpeg" alt="James Rhodes, vice president and co-founder of FIXT, a multi-genre, independent artist-owned record label, checks out one of his artist’s vinyl albums at the record label’s offices at 2850 Mount Pleasant St., Suite 104.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>James Rhodes, vice president and co-founder of FIXT, a multi-genre, independent artist-owned record label, checks out one of his artist’s vinyl albums at the record label’s offices at 2850 Mount Pleasant St., Suite 104.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>FiXT has about 25 artists signed and recently moved into much larger offices at 1340 Mount Pleasant Street. One of the rooms in the winding corridors of wooden doors houses a small studio that will soon be used for a podcast.&nbsp;It’s not the only sound studio in the building. Music vibrates from some of the rooms — 90s grunge is a favorite.“We sign a lot of artists on the smaller side, and we’ve had a lot of success, taking artists from a few hundred listeners per month to about 100,000 to 300,000 monthly listeners. We’ve got a few artists that are in the 500,000 to 800,000 monthly listener range,” Rhodes said.Ironically enough, that steaming success has looped back around to physical media. Many of the artists under contract release LPs pre-sold before they’re pressed. Records have become a hip niche again over the past decade.The new counter-culture trend FiXT has recently started producing is cassette tapes. It’s a tiny market compared to LPs, considering there aren’t many active tape decks around. That’s what makes it cool.Rhodes can relate. He grew up in the era of cassettes transitioning to CDs.“My parent were always listening to music on road trips. My dad liked barbershop quartet and southern gospel,” Rhodes said. “But when I was a teenager, I discovered Metallica. And then I got into Michael Jackson, and then alternative and grunge and all these influences.”Rhodes worked his way into the music industry through his fandom of one artist, in particular, the Circle of Dust industrial music project created by Klayton, who later became known as Celldweller. His fandom was accidental, and it turned into a job opportunity.Eventually, Rhodes co-founded FiXT together. Rhodes serves as vice president.“I found a cassette (of Circle of Dust) in a bargain bin at the record store in the mall. I thought the artwork looked cool, grabbed it. And it was this kind of industrial metal thing. And I loved it,” Rhodes said.Rhodes met Klayton in person and was given a marketing job with Slack. He took up that slack and delivered far more. Part-time became full-time.“Then his manager offered me a job to move to L.A., which is why I moved to L.A.,” Rhodes said.L.A. was fun, but Iowa was home. Rhodes grew up in Burlington and graduated from Burlington High School in 2000. In 2006, James and his wife Rebecca moved back to Iowa to be closer to family and start their own.During the transition back to the Midwest, James and Klayton launched FiXT as a label vehicle. The goal is to support other artists and provide a fair-label deal in an industry known for lopsided agreements.&nbsp;FiXT is celebrating 18 years of operations as a record label, music publisher, and merchandise company this year. Rhodes isn’t arrogant enough to know what the next shift in the industry will be.He wants to be ready when it happens.“Odds are, you’ve probably heard our music somewhere, in a movie or a video game, and you just didn’t know it,” Rhodes said.

52 Faces: Mr. Music 

Nine candidates are running for seats on the Burlington city council, with the primary set for Tuesday.&nbsp;

Incumbents Robert Critser and Bill Maupin will be challenged by Travis Inghram, Kay Weiss, Tim Scott, and Jennifer Klever-Kirkman.&nbsp;

Christopher Roepke, Antonio Bailey, and Terry Schnack are looking to win the seat currently held by Annie Wilson. Wilson, who is not running for reelection, stepped into the vacancy created when council member Matt Rinker was elected to the state legislature.

The Beacon asked each candidate to submit a profile and answer a few questions, giving voters a preview of the ballot box.

Retired librarian Kay Weiss was the Burlington Public Library director for 20 years and worked in four other libraries before that. She has lived in the Burlington community for 35 years.

Volunteering became Weiss’s occupation after retirement, and she has been secretary of the Burlington Historic Preservation Commission for the past six years. She volunteers with Downtown Partners, the Heritage Trust, the Des Moines County Historical Society, the Burlington Educational Foundation, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner committee, the Burlington Rotary Club, and her church.

Weiss said her main issue will be protecting the Burlington Public Library. This past spring, the Iowa legislature passed a bill that negates Iowa voters’ ability to tax themselves and their communities with special levies for libraries, museums, symphonies, bands, and civic centers.&nbsp;

The bill folded these former levies into the general revenue tax which is capped, by law, at $8.10 for each $1,000 of taxable valuation. Burlington, which currently collects $15.34 including the special levies, will be denied nearly 40 percent of its current tax income.

Weiss said she supports constructing a new Cascade Bridge, as well as a third Burlington fire station.

Terry Schnack, who owned and operated the CARS (Christian Automotive Repair Service) before his retirement, has lived in the community for over 16 years.

A Davenport native, Schnack grew up on a family farm by Stockton and is an avid classic car owner and enthusiast.

Schnack said he supports lower taxes and believes public safety is the number one priority. That’s why he’s supporting a third fire station if voters approve it in November. He said he supports the library in the face of possible reduced funding.

Aside from public safety, Schnack said his top priorities are creating good-paying jobs and the mental health and homelessness problem. He said he was heartened to see the city establish a task force on homelessness.

Schnack said he would love to see some of Burlington’s oldest buildings, such as Apollo High School, rehabbed and developed for current use. He would also like to see a new Cascade Bridge, saying it is beyond rehab. But he is worried that the $7 to $10 million would be too cost-prohibitive to build.

City council incumbent Robert Critser has lived in Burlington for 30 years and grew up in Burlington. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard for six years. He worked for Walmart Stores for over twenty years before retiring in 2020.&nbsp;

Critser spent about ten years serving on the Henry County Relay for Life Committee and serving on the committee for Burlington Riverfront Entertainment. He is also a volunteer as a member of the Grimes Elementary PTO.

Critser said he supports a third fire station, though the decision will be up to voters in November.

When it comes to funding for the library in the face of levy consolidation, Critser said he would prefer a franchise fee over hacking into the budget. He said libraries are vital for democracy.

Critser is not in favor of higher taxes, which the state does not allow right now anyhow.&nbsp;

He’s happy with the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson and Main Streets and is in favor of building a new Cascade Bridge.&nbsp;

Recent Notre Dame principal and current Notre Dame history teacher Bill Maupin is an incumbent looking to hold onto his council seat.

Maupin has lived in Burlington his entire life – 58 years. He has been an educator for 37 of those years.&nbsp; He’s also a cowboy and raises horses, cattle, and pets with his family.

Maupin believes the current property tax rate is too high, and said the city has to look at the current services and decide if they should be cut or funded in an alternative way.

He said a third fire station will be up to the voters. He said this budget season, the city needs to look at ways to keep the level of services with decreased revenue. He said he will commit to not raising taxes.

Maupin said his three primary issues for the city are the budget, economic development, and increasing revenue. He would like to see Burlington’s old buildings redeveloped and believes the new TIGER grant construction is a benefit of downtown.

He would also like to find more grant funding for a new Cascade Bridge.

A Burlington native-born who grew up in Henderson County, Ill., Travis Inghram is an attorney and a childhood cancer survivor. His family has owned several local businesses over the decades, which he has added to as the owner of Inghram Law, PLLC.&nbsp;

Inghram said he has always been an advocate of citizen rights over government overreach. He said he will not be a rubber stamp council member, and said that taxation, in itself, is a form of government-sanctioned theft. A theft he agrees is necessary for our society but which is not discussed in the appropriate terms.&nbsp;

While Inghram believes in the idea of a third fire station, he believes there are better ways to handle it than a bond referendum —&nbsp; including voluntary fundraising.

Inghram said he would reject wasteful spending, and create a comparison chart of agencies that provide the most overall benefit to the community. That benefit would determine funding.

Inghram said his top three issues of concern in Burlington are methamphetamine, wasteful spending, and leadership that doesn’t understand their constituents. He believes the city should use tax credits and other incentives to encourage developers to redevelop Burlington’s older buildings.

Inghram said he also supports Cascade Bridge, and would rather see it repaired than replaced. He is disappointed in recent redevelopment work in downtown Burlington.

Former Burlington mayor and city council member Tim Scott is looking to return to the council.

Born and raised in Burlington, Scott has spent eight years in the military and used to work at Montgomery Ward.&nbsp;

Scott currently works as a delivery driver for FedEx Ground, an Expedite driver for RM Shuttle Express, is the owner of Tim’s Wood products, and a landlord. He served on the Burlington School Board in his 20s and was a reserve Burlington police officer for eight years.&nbsp;

Scott said he is in favor of a third fire station, noting that an ambulance response location on the north side of town would be helpful.

Scott said one of his main issues is Burlington’s deteriorating neighborhoods, and he is not happy with the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson Street and Main Street.

He said he finds it ridiculous that the city continues to turn to the federal and state governments to fund improvements. He is in favor of building a new Cascade Bridge.

Jennifer&nbsp;&nbsp;Klever-Kirkman

Jennifer Klever-Kirkman has lived in Burlington for 19 years, growing up in northeastern Iowa on a small family farm. Klever Kirkman is an attorney and has been practicing in Burlington since 2005. In 2010, she became a partner in Robberts and Kirkman LLLP.

She has served on a number of area organizations in the past, including the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Board, Burlington Library Board of Trustees, Fine Arts League, Burlington Area Arts Council, Business and Professional Women’s League, and the Notre Dame Foundation Board.

She is in support of a third fire station and believes the library is an invaluable resource. She said protecting it is a top priority. She said public perception, fire and safety, and infrastructure are the three biggest issues that face the city. She would like to see the buildings developed if they can’t be torn down.

Klever-Kirkman said she is in favor of a new Cascade Bridge and is not happy with the results of the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson and Main Streets.

Chris Roepke, a pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Burlington and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fort Madison, has lived in Burlington for 30 years.

Roepke grew up in Des Plaines, Ill., where his father was a police officer. He currently serves on the city’s economic development board.

Roepke said he believes the property tax is too high, and is leaning strongly against a third fire station. He said Burlington’s population has decreased in the past 20 years, making a third station unnecessary.

Roepke said his number one priority when it comes to funding is police and fire. After that, his priorities rank in descending order — streets, parks, and the library. He said no budget cuts are acceptable for police and fire.

Roepke said his top priority is neighborhoods neglected by the city. He is against the practice of incentivizing developers with money that taxpayers are on the hook for. He would like to see projects developed without it, which could mean changing building codes.

He said he is opposed to a utility franchise and would be in favor of civil actions to remove or rehabilitate the old buildings around Burlington. He is not happy with the loss of parking on Jefferson after the downtown redevelopment and said the splash pad is a drain on city finances. On the subject of Cascade Bridge, he is in favor of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

Antonio Bailey is an associate and coach at Burlington Community School District and has lived in Burlington for 48 years. He co-founded&nbsp; Burlington’s only semi-pro football team.

A native of Crystal Springs, Miss., Bailey currently serves on the low-rent housing board and operates a car detailing business.

Bailey said he is in favor of a third fire station and believes the tax rate is where it should be.

Bailey said he is a big supporter of the library but is aware there have been state changes regarding funding. He said he wants to improve the infrastructure of the city.&nbsp;

He said his top three issues are the homeless situation, affordable housing, and marketing the city to create more business opportunities and jobs.

Bailey said the investment in the TIGER grant-funded redevelopment of downtown was money well spent. He’s also a big supporter of a new Cascade Bridge, saying it has a significant place in Burlington’s history.

Bailey would like to see increased incentives to bring in more industry, increased police patrols, and more officers.&nbsp;

Expanded hours for the Burlington Area Homeless shelter — all the way to 24 hours if possible — is another of his goals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/10/1696875519187.jpeg" alt="Burlington voters were out in force on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Burlington Public Library for a candidate meet and greet sponsored by The Burlington Beacon and the League of Women Voters of Southeast Iowa. The event gave voters the chance to learn more about seven of the nine candidates vying for a seat on the Burlington City Council. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Burlington voters were out in force on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the Burlington Public Library for a candidate meet and greet sponsored by The Burlington Beacon and the League of Women Voters of Southeast Iowa. The event gave voters the chance to learn more about seven of the nine candidates vying for a seat on the Burlington City Council. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon StaffNine candidates are running for seats on the Burlington city council, with the primary set for Tuesday.&nbsp;Incumbents Robert Critser and Bill Maupin will be challenged by Travis Inghram, Kay Weiss, Tim Scott, and Jennifer Klever-Kirkman.&nbsp;Christopher Roepke, Antonio Bailey, and Terry Schnack are looking to win the seat currently held by Annie Wilson. Wilson, who is not running for reelection, stepped into the vacancy created when council member Matt Rinker was elected to the state legislature.The Beacon asked each candidate to submit a profile and answer a few questions, giving voters a preview of the ballot box.Kay WeissRetired librarian Kay Weiss was the Burlington Public Library director for 20 years and worked in four other libraries before that. She has lived in the Burlington community for 35 years.Volunteering became Weiss’s occupation after retirement, and she has been secretary of the Burlington Historic Preservation Commission for the past six years. She volunteers with Downtown Partners, the Heritage Trust, the Des Moines County Historical Society, the Burlington Educational Foundation, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner committee, the Burlington Rotary Club, and her church.Weiss said her main issue will be protecting the Burlington Public Library. This past spring, the Iowa legislature passed a bill that negates Iowa voters’ ability to tax themselves and their communities with special levies for libraries, museums, symphonies, bands, and civic centers.&nbsp;The bill folded these former levies into the general revenue tax which is capped, by law, at $8.10 for each $1,000 of taxable valuation. Burlington, which currently collects $15.34 including the special levies, will be denied nearly 40 percent of its current tax income.Weiss said she supports constructing a new Cascade Bridge, as well as a third Burlington fire station.Terry SchnackTerry Schnack, who owned and operated the CARS (Christian Automotive Repair Service) before his retirement, has lived in the community for over 16 years.A Davenport native, Schnack grew up on a family farm by Stockton and is an avid classic car owner and enthusiast.Schnack said he supports lower taxes and believes public safety is the number one priority. That’s why he’s supporting a third fire station if voters approve it in November. He said he supports the library in the face of possible reduced funding.Aside from public safety, Schnack said his top priorities are creating good-paying jobs and the mental health and homelessness problem. He said he was heartened to see the city establish a task force on homelessness.Schnack said he would love to see some of Burlington’s oldest buildings, such as Apollo High School, rehabbed and developed for current use. He would also like to see a new Cascade Bridge, saying it is beyond rehab. But he is worried that the $7 to $10 million would be too cost-prohibitive to build.Robert CritserCity council incumbent Robert Critser has lived in Burlington for 30 years and grew up in Burlington. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard for six years. He worked for Walmart Stores for over twenty years before retiring in 2020.&nbsp;Critser spent about ten years serving on the Henry County Relay for Life Committee and serving on the committee for Burlington Riverfront Entertainment. He is also a volunteer as a member of the Grimes Elementary PTO.Critser said he supports a third fire station, though the decision will be up to voters in November.When it comes to funding for the library in the face of levy consolidation, Critser said he would prefer a franchise fee over hacking into the budget. He said libraries are vital for democracy.Critser is not in favor of higher taxes, which the state does not allow right now anyhow.&nbsp;He’s happy with the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson and Main Streets and is in favor of building a new Cascade Bridge.&nbsp;Bill MaupinRecent Notre Dame principal and current Notre Dame history teacher Bill Maupin is an incumbent looking to hold onto his council seat.Maupin has lived in Burlington his entire life – 58 years. He has been an educator for 37 of those years.&nbsp; He’s also a cowboy and raises horses, cattle, and pets with his family.Maupin believes the current property tax rate is too high, and said the city has to look at the current services and decide if they should be cut or funded in an alternative way.He said a third fire station will be up to the voters. He said this budget season, the city needs to look at ways to keep the level of services with decreased revenue. He said he will commit to not raising taxes.Maupin said his three primary issues for the city are the budget, economic development, and increasing revenue. He would like to see Burlington’s old buildings redeveloped and believes the new TIGER grant construction is a benefit of downtown.He would also like to find more grant funding for a new Cascade Bridge.Travis InghramA Burlington native-born who grew up in Henderson County, Ill., Travis Inghram is an attorney and a childhood cancer survivor. His family has owned several local businesses over the decades, which he has added to as the owner of Inghram Law, PLLC.&nbsp;Inghram said he has always been an advocate of citizen rights over government overreach. He said he will not be a rubber stamp council member, and said that taxation, in itself, is a form of government-sanctioned theft. A theft he agrees is necessary for our society but which is not discussed in the appropriate terms.&nbsp;While Inghram believes in the idea of a third fire station, he believes there are better ways to handle it than a bond referendum —&nbsp; including voluntary fundraising.Inghram said he would reject wasteful spending, and create a comparison chart of agencies that provide the most overall benefit to the community. That benefit would determine funding.Inghram said his top three issues of concern in Burlington are methamphetamine, wasteful spending, and leadership that doesn’t understand their constituents. He believes the city should use tax credits and other incentives to encourage developers to redevelop Burlington’s older buildings.Inghram said he also supports Cascade Bridge, and would rather see it repaired than replaced. He is disappointed in recent redevelopment work in downtown Burlington.Tim ScottFormer Burlington mayor and city council member Tim Scott is looking to return to the council.Born and raised in Burlington, Scott has spent eight years in the military and used to work at Montgomery Ward.&nbsp;Scott currently works as a delivery driver for FedEx Ground, an Expedite driver for RM Shuttle Express, is the owner of Tim’s Wood products, and a landlord. He served on the Burlington School Board in his 20s and was a reserve Burlington police officer for eight years.&nbsp;Scott said he is in favor of a third fire station, noting that an ambulance response location on the north side of town would be helpful.Scott said one of his main issues is Burlington’s deteriorating neighborhoods, and he is not happy with the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson Street and Main Street.He said he finds it ridiculous that the city continues to turn to the federal and state governments to fund improvements. He is in favor of building a new Cascade Bridge.Jennifer&nbsp;&nbsp;Klever-KirkmanJennifer Klever-Kirkman has lived in Burlington for 19 years, growing up in northeastern Iowa on a small family farm. Klever Kirkman is an attorney and has been practicing in Burlington since 2005. In 2010, she became a partner in Robberts and Kirkman LLLP.She has served on a number of area organizations in the past, including the Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Board, Burlington Library Board of Trustees, Fine Arts League, Burlington Area Arts Council, Business and Professional Women’s League, and the Notre Dame Foundation Board.She is in support of a third fire station and believes the library is an invaluable resource. She said protecting it is a top priority. She said public perception, fire and safety, and infrastructure are the three biggest issues that face the city. She would like to see the buildings developed if they can’t be torn down.Klever-Kirkman said she is in favor of a new Cascade Bridge and is not happy with the results of the TIGER grant redevelopment of Jefferson and Main Streets.Chris RoepkeChris Roepke, a pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Burlington and Our Savior Lutheran Church in Fort Madison, has lived in Burlington for 30 years.Roepke grew up in Des Plaines, Ill., where his father was a police officer. He currently serves on the city’s economic development board.Roepke said he believes the property tax is too high, and is leaning strongly against a third fire station. He said Burlington’s population has decreased in the past 20 years, making a third station unnecessary.Roepke said his number one priority when it comes to funding is police and fire. After that, his priorities rank in descending order — streets, parks, and the library. He said no budget cuts are acceptable for police and fire.Roepke said his top priority is neighborhoods neglected by the city. He is against the practice of incentivizing developers with money that taxpayers are on the hook for. He would like to see projects developed without it, which could mean changing building codes.He said he is opposed to a utility franchise and would be in favor of civil actions to remove or rehabilitate the old buildings around Burlington. He is not happy with the loss of parking on Jefferson after the downtown redevelopment and said the splash pad is a drain on city finances. On the subject of Cascade Bridge, he is in favor of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.Antonio BaileyAntonio Bailey is an associate and coach at Burlington Community School District and has lived in Burlington for 48 years. He co-founded&nbsp; Burlington’s only semi-pro football team.A native of Crystal Springs, Miss., Bailey currently serves on the low-rent housing board and operates a car detailing business.Bailey said he is in favor of a third fire station and believes the tax rate is where it should be.Bailey said he is a big supporter of the library but is aware there have been state changes regarding funding. He said he wants to improve the infrastructure of the city.&nbsp;He said his top three issues are the homeless situation, affordable housing, and marketing the city to create more business opportunities and jobs.Bailey said the investment in the TIGER grant-funded redevelopment of downtown was money well spent. He’s also a big supporter of a new Cascade Bridge, saying it has a significant place in Burlington’s history.Bailey would like to see increased incentives to bring in more industry, increased police patrols, and more officers.&nbsp;Expanded hours for the Burlington Area Homeless shelter — all the way to 24 hours if possible — is another of his goals.

Council candidates talk issues; Primary Election is this Tuesday

The Murphys turn a love of books&nbsp;into a passion for&nbsp;volunteering.

Tom and Cindy Murphy are happiest when surrounded by books.

Most days, you can find them inside the Burlington Public Library. If they are not reading, you can find them volunteering.

“I love sci-fi. I’m not much of a nonfiction reader, but it is rare that I don’t have a book I’m reading,” Cindy Murphy said.

For the past decade, Tom and Cindy have headed up the “Friends of the Library” Book Sale. Each quarterly book sale brings in about $3,000, which is used to help fund programs and services.

The weekend-long event ends with a bag sale where everything you can stuff in a bag is $1. Murphy said it is a win-win for the library. They not only make money off used books but likely increase readership.

“Someone will come over to me during the sale, and they’ll have five bags. And they will ask, ‘Is that too many?” I’ll say, ‘Go get more,’” Cindy said.

The Murphys took over the book sales from the late Peggy Ell about seven years ago. They work closely with the library’s bookstore — Footnotes. The store offers slightly more expensive used books in better condition, and the annual Black Friday sale at the library focuses entirely on those books.

Given the wide selection of genres at the book sale, many customers think the Murphys craft the event according to book type. In actuality, the sale revolves around the available books.&nbsp;

All the used books sold are public donations.

“We sell what we get,” Cindy said. “We try to bring up all the boxes of books for every sale. We’re just lucky that our public has a wide variety of books they donate.”

Preparing for each book sale is a days-long process. The first step is to haul all the used books upstairs for sorting. The day before the book sale, library employees and other volunteers pitch in to help set up inside the library’s meeting room. About 50 to 60 percent of the books, DVDs, magazines, and other items on the shelves are sold by the time the event is done.

“I think the sale before this we had over 30 boxes of mystery novels. In the last sale, we had 12. We have up to 300 boxes of books in the basement and bring up about 200 of them for sale. It takes a while to work through,” Cindy said.

Tom and Cindy have been members of Friends of the Library for nine years. They worked closely with former library director Rhonda Frevert and have fostered a trusting relationship with current library director Brittany Jacobs.

“Brittany is very supportive. She will just come in and visit with us once in a while. I know some other libraries where it’s not so cordial,” Cindy said.

So does Jacobs. She’s worked in several libraries across the country and said the relationship between the library and friends group at some of them was contentious at best.

“This is the best relationship I’ve seen between a library and a friends group,” Jacobs said.

The Murphys take pride in that, as do the other Friends of the Library members. Many of them, like the Murphys, are retired.&nbsp;

Tom grew up in Burlington, Cindy grew up in New London, and both of them retired young. Tom worked at Two Rivers Bank and Trust for 41 years, and Cindy worked at Southeastern Community College for 32 years.

“We both retired in 2014. We were young babies when we retired, and we knew we needed something to do,” Cindy said.

Tom and Cindy are gaining more fulfillment from their toil than ever, and they don’t make a dime. Entry into a wonderland of books is more than payment enough.

Cindy recalled when late book sale organizer Peggy Ell joked about how the sale used to stay open until 6 p.m. Friday nights to accommodate one particular couple who recently retired.&nbsp;

Cindy and Tom were already helping with the book sale by then, and Cindy’s face turned red at the realization.

“They were staying open late just for us,” Cindy said. “And we made it worth their time. I’m a voracious reader.”

The Murphys have gladly been paying back that kindness ever since.

“It’s the most fun you can have. And it’s a lot of work,” Cindy said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/10/1696692099553.jpeg" alt="Tom and Cindy Murphy of the Friends of the Library take a break from preparing for the group’s book sale last week to pose for a photo at the Burlington Public Library. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Tom and Cindy Murphy of the Friends of the Library take a break from preparing for the group’s book sale last week to pose for a photo at the Burlington Public Library. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>The Murphys turn a love of books&nbsp;into a passion for&nbsp;volunteering.By William SmithTom and Cindy Murphy are happiest when surrounded by books.Most days, you can find them inside the Burlington Public Library. If they are not reading, you can find them volunteering.“I love sci-fi. I’m not much of a nonfiction reader, but it is rare that I don’t have a book I’m reading,” Cindy Murphy said.For the past decade, Tom and Cindy have headed up the “Friends of the Library” Book Sale. Each quarterly book sale brings in about $3,000, which is used to help fund programs and services.The weekend-long event ends with a bag sale where everything you can stuff in a bag is $1. Murphy said it is a win-win for the library. They not only make money off used books but likely increase readership.“Someone will come over to me during the sale, and they’ll have five bags. And they will ask, ‘Is that too many?” I’ll say, ‘Go get more,’” Cindy said.The Murphys took over the book sales from the late Peggy Ell about seven years ago. They work closely with the library’s bookstore — Footnotes. The store offers slightly more expensive used books in better condition, and the annual Black Friday sale at the library focuses entirely on those books.Given the wide selection of genres at the book sale, many customers think the Murphys craft the event according to book type. In actuality, the sale revolves around the available books.&nbsp;All the used books sold are public donations.“We sell what we get,” Cindy said. “We try to bring up all the boxes of books for every sale. We’re just lucky that our public has a wide variety of books they donate.”Preparing for each book sale is a days-long process. The first step is to haul all the used books upstairs for sorting. The day before the book sale, library employees and other volunteers pitch in to help set up inside the library’s meeting room. About 50 to 60 percent of the books, DVDs, magazines, and other items on the shelves are sold by the time the event is done.“I think the sale before this we had over 30 boxes of mystery novels. In the last sale, we had 12. We have up to 300 boxes of books in the basement and bring up about 200 of them for sale. It takes a while to work through,” Cindy said.Tom and Cindy have been members of Friends of the Library for nine years. They worked closely with former library director Rhonda Frevert and have fostered a trusting relationship with current library director Brittany Jacobs.“Brittany is very supportive. She will just come in and visit with us once in a while. I know some other libraries where it’s not so cordial,” Cindy said.So does Jacobs. She’s worked in several libraries across the country and said the relationship between the library and friends group at some of them was contentious at best.“This is the best relationship I’ve seen between a library and a friends group,” Jacobs said.The Murphys take pride in that, as do the other Friends of the Library members. Many of them, like the Murphys, are retired.&nbsp;Tom grew up in Burlington, Cindy grew up in New London, and both of them retired young. Tom worked at Two Rivers Bank and Trust for 41 years, and Cindy worked at Southeastern Community College for 32 years.“We both retired in 2014. We were young babies when we retired, and we knew we needed something to do,” Cindy said.Tom and Cindy are gaining more fulfillment from their toil than ever, and they don’t make a dime. Entry into a wonderland of books is more than payment enough.Cindy recalled when late book sale organizer Peggy Ell joked about how the sale used to stay open until 6 p.m. Friday nights to accommodate one particular couple who recently retired.&nbsp;Cindy and Tom were already helping with the book sale by then, and Cindy’s face turned red at the realization.“They were staying open late just for us,” Cindy said. “And we made it worth their time. I’m a voracious reader.”The Murphys have gladly been paying back that kindness ever since.“It’s the most fun you can have. And it’s a lot of work,” Cindy said.

52 Faces: A couple of bookends

Beckman Heritage Farms north of Burlington is celebrating 175 years this weekend. However,&nbsp; owner Doug Beckman said the farm is about a decade older than that.

The farm is so old, Beckman said, it technically has two first-time sales dates — the first from before Iowa was even a state.

“We have one barn on the property that we are positive was built before the Civil War,” Beckman said.

Doug and his wife purchased the farm from Doug’s grandparents in 2016. While Doug doesn’t make a full-time living from the farm (he works for BNSF Railway), the Beckmans grow corn and soybeans there.

“I grew up on the farm and helped my grandpa with all that. We worked side by side for many years,” Beckman said.&nbsp;

Not long ago, the Beckmans started growing pumpkins. That led to an annual fall festival that has grown exponentially over the past few years.

“We had over 1,000 people the first year,” Doug Beckman said.

The next iteration of the fall festival is set for this weekend, and more than 70 vendors will be on hand. So will the YouTube personality who goes by the name “The Farm Babe.”&nbsp;

She’s in town today and will be featured at the Saturday event.

“We are going to have a special program at 11 a.m. where she is going to talk a little bit, and she will touch on the advances of modern agriculture,” Doug said.

If you miss the Beckmans this weekend, there’s still time to enjoy the fall atmosphere at the farm before the year ends.

“We are going to stay open every weekend through Halloween. We put an 80-acre corn maze out there, a big bounce house,” he said.

The original 140-acre farm borders Flint Creek and is located along the Flint River Trail system.

The Beckmans live on a 240-acre neighboring property that connects to the original farm on its northern boundary. Over 30 acres of native prairie grass on the farm is part of the Conservation Reserve Program, and there are six acres of pollinating plants to support bees and butterflies.

The farm even features a trail system for visitors leading to a natural spring surrounded by limestone. That spring has slowly been hollowed out over the course of thousands of years.

“We call the farm our hobby. It seems like more work than a normal hobby,” Doug said.

The history of the farm extends well beyond the Beckmans. Alexis Phelps, one of the founders of Oquawka, Ill., sold the 160 acres to Maria Mathilde Beckman for $250.

Maria Beckman (also known as Mary) was born in Germany on Nov. 12, 1789, and emigrated to the United States in 1841 at 52 with her four children. About a year before Iowa was admitted to the Union as the 29th state, Beckman sold the 160-acre farm to Frederick Weidekind for $900.

The farm was briefly out of the Beckman family for a few years, but it didn’t take long to get it back. The bank foreclosed on the property while Weidekind owned it, and Mary Beckman bought it back at auction for $538.50 in 1848.

The farm stayed in the family after that. Though Maria Beckman was the head of the farm, she still wouldn’t have the right to vote in U.S. elections until 78 years later.

The history fascinates Doug — so much that he constructed a timeline on the farm’s website.

The farm’s legacy belongs to everyone who touched it — not just the Beckman family, Doug said.

“The farm and its history have always been important to me,” Doug said. “It’s just a legacy that’s ongoing, and we’re one little piece of that. We hope that we can build up on that and sustain it, take good care of the property, and make good sound decisions when it comes to conservation.”

Beckman Heritage Farms is hosting a Fall Market on Saturday (Sept. 23) and Sunday (Sept. 24) with 75 unique vendors and crafts, food, music, and family activities.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1695404894813.jpeg" alt="Doug and Heather Beckman and their eleven-month-old daughter Vivian are shown on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at their 175-year-old family farm at 14572 N Prairie Grove Road in Burlington.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Doug and Heather Beckman and their eleven-month-old daughter Vivian are shown on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at their 175-year-old family farm at 14572 N Prairie Grove Road in Burlington.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithBeckman Heritage Farms north of Burlington is celebrating 175 years this weekend. However,&nbsp; owner Doug Beckman said the farm is about a decade older than that.The farm is so old, Beckman said, it technically has two first-time sales dates — the first from before Iowa was even a state.“We have one barn on the property that we are positive was built before the Civil War,” Beckman said.Doug and his wife purchased the farm from Doug’s grandparents in 2016. While Doug doesn’t make a full-time living from the farm (he works for BNSF Railway), the Beckmans grow corn and soybeans there.“I grew up on the farm and helped my grandpa with all that. We worked side by side for many years,” Beckman said.&nbsp;Not long ago, the Beckmans started growing pumpkins. That led to an annual fall festival that has grown exponentially over the past few years.“We had over 1,000 people the first year,” Doug Beckman said.The next iteration of the fall festival is set for this weekend, and more than 70 vendors will be on hand. So will the YouTube personality who goes by the name “The Farm Babe.”&nbsp;She’s in town today and will be featured at the Saturday event.“We are going to have a special program at 11 a.m. where she is going to talk a little bit, and she will touch on the advances of modern agriculture,” Doug said.If you miss the Beckmans this weekend, there’s still time to enjoy the fall atmosphere at the farm before the year ends.“We are going to stay open every weekend through Halloween. We put an 80-acre corn maze out there, a big bounce house,” he said.The original 140-acre farm borders Flint Creek and is located along the Flint River Trail system.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1695404997157.jpeg" alt="Pumpkins and gourds outside a hay barn on George and Heather Beckman's 175-year-old family farm.&nbsp;Beckman Heritage Farms is hosting a Fall Market on Saturday (Sept. 23) and Sunday (Sept. 24) with 75 unique vendors and crafts, food, music, and family activities. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Pumpkins and gourds outside a hay barn on George and Heather Beckman's 175-year-old family farm.&nbsp;Beckman Heritage Farms is hosting a Fall Market on Saturday (Sept. 23) and Sunday (Sept. 24) with 75 unique vendors and crafts, food, music, and family activities. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>The Beckmans live on a 240-acre neighboring property that connects to the original farm on its northern boundary. Over 30 acres of native prairie grass on the farm is part of the Conservation Reserve Program, and there are six acres of pollinating plants to support bees and butterflies.The farm even features a trail system for visitors leading to a natural spring surrounded by limestone. That spring has slowly been hollowed out over the course of thousands of years.“We call the farm our hobby. It seems like more work than a normal hobby,” Doug said.The history of the farm extends well beyond the Beckmans. Alexis Phelps, one of the founders of Oquawka, Ill., sold the 160 acres to Maria Mathilde Beckman for $250.That was the first time she bought it.Maria Beckman (also known as Mary) was born in Germany on Nov. 12, 1789, and emigrated to the United States in 1841 at 52 with her four children. About a year before Iowa was admitted to the Union as the 29th state, Beckman sold the 160-acre farm to Frederick Weidekind for $900.The farm was briefly out of the Beckman family for a few years, but it didn’t take long to get it back. The bank foreclosed on the property while Weidekind owned it, and Mary Beckman bought it back at auction for $538.50 in 1848.The farm stayed in the family after that. Though Maria Beckman was the head of the farm, she still wouldn’t have the right to vote in U.S. elections until 78 years later.The history fascinates Doug — so much that he constructed a timeline on the farm’s website.The farm’s legacy belongs to everyone who touched it — not just the Beckman family, Doug said.“The farm and its history have always been important to me,” Doug said. “It’s just a legacy that’s ongoing, and we’re one little piece of that. We hope that we can build up on that and sustain it, take good care of the property, and make good sound decisions when it comes to conservation.”Beckman Heritage Farms is hosting a Fall Market on Saturday (Sept. 23) and Sunday (Sept. 24) with 75 unique vendors and crafts, food, music, and family activities.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1695405091206.jpeg" alt="Doug and Heather Beckman and their eleven-month-old daughter Vivian. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Doug and Heather Beckman and their eleven-month-old daughter Vivian. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

A legacy of family farming

Southeastern Community College and Great River Health have announced a partnership to launch a radiologic technology program. The 24-month program is scheduled to start in the fall of 2024.

Students will graduate with an associate of applied science degree, or AAS, in Radiologic Technology. They will take general classes at either of SCC’s West Burlington or Keokuk campuses. Coursework specific to the program will be offered at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.

The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, pathology, medical imaging, radiation physics, patient care procedures, and medical ethics.

Program enrollment will be capped at 20 students for each year of the two-year program for a total of 40 students.

“This is good for our institutions, our students, and our communities,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash.

In addition to housing the program classroom, simulation lab facilities, and staff offices, Great River Health will underwrite the cost of two faculty positions and offer a limited number of student sponsorships.

Ash said that if not for the partnership, the college wouldn’t be able to offer the program.

“The startup costs to purchase the equipment alone would be well over a million dollars,” explained Ash. “Not only are we able to reduce our costs to offer the program, students will train on the very same equipment used in hospitals today and be immersed in a working diagnostic imaging department environment.”

Students who successfully complete the program will be ready to enter occupations such as MRI technologist, sonographer, radiation therapist, radiologic technologist, and cardiovascular technologist. Graduates must pass a licensure test before they can begin their careers.

Job prospects for graduates are bright. The median salary for the region is $60,000 per year with a national projected job growth of 6% annually.

In addition to broader statistics, Greg Fields, vice president of diagnostic imaging for Great River Health says that it is becoming more difficult to maintain the current staff of over 100 employees in the department.  “Over the past few years, we’ve averaged anywhere from 8 to 10 openings each year, and that’s a trend we expect to continue.”

Students in their second year of the program will be eligible to be selected for sponsorship by Great River Health and receive a learning stipend. Sponsored students who successfully complete the program and secure licensure will be guaranteed an interview for employment at one of Great River Health’s locations throughout the region. Complete details will be released in the coming months.

Second-year SCC nursing student Emilia Sorrell said that sponsorship monies provided through the current nursing partnership have helped her focus on her coursework and not work quite as many hours.

“I work part-time and go to school full-time,” Sorrell said. “For me, the stipend is about two months’ rent. For some of my fellow students, it could be six months of utility bills they don’t have to worry about.”

Beyond providing benefits to SCC, Great River Health, and students, Dr. Ash explained how the partnerships benefit the region.

“Programs like this help us keep the people we have and even attract new people to the region,” said Ash. “That’s important because they buy houses, they buy groceries here, they participate in what’s happening in our communities.”

Great River Health President and CEO Dr. Michael McCoy is excited about the novelty of the program made possible by the partnership. “I’m looking forward to our first class of students coming next fall. It’s a very unique environment. If I were a student, I’d find this more appealing than any other program.”

Persons interested in the radiologic technology program can contact the SCC Admissions office at (319) 208-5155.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1694442976653.jpeg" alt="Great River Health President and CEO Dr. Michael McCoy (left) and SCC President Dr. Michael Ash (right) ink a partnership for the Radiologic Technology Training Program. (Photo submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Great River Health President and CEO Dr. Michael McCoy (left) and SCC President Dr. Michael Ash (right) ink a partnership for the Radiologic Technology Training Program. (Photo submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>Southeastern Community College and Great River Health have announced a partnership to launch a radiologic technology program. The 24-month program is scheduled to start in the fall of 2024.Students will graduate with an associate of applied science degree, or AAS, in Radiologic Technology. They will take general classes at either of SCC’s West Burlington or Keokuk campuses. Coursework specific to the program will be offered at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, pathology, medical imaging, radiation physics, patient care procedures, and medical ethics.Program enrollment will be capped at 20 students for each year of the two-year program for a total of 40 students.“This is good for our institutions, our students, and our communities,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash.In addition to housing the program classroom, simulation lab facilities, and staff offices, Great River Health will underwrite the cost of two faculty positions and offer a limited number of student sponsorships.Ash said that if not for the partnership, the college wouldn’t be able to offer the program.“The startup costs to purchase the equipment alone would be well over a million dollars,” explained Ash. “Not only are we able to reduce our costs to offer the program, students will train on the very same equipment used in hospitals today and be immersed in a working diagnostic imaging department environment.”Students who successfully complete the program will be ready to enter occupations such as MRI technologist, sonographer, radiation therapist, radiologic technologist, and cardiovascular technologist. Graduates must pass a licensure test before they can begin their careers.Job prospects for graduates are bright. The median salary for the region is $60,000 per year with a national projected job growth of 6% annually.In addition to broader statistics, Greg Fields, vice president of diagnostic imaging for Great River Health says that it is becoming more difficult to maintain the current staff of over 100 employees in the department. “Over the past few years, we’ve averaged anywhere from 8 to 10 openings each year, and that’s a trend we expect to continue.”Students in their second year of the program will be eligible to be selected for sponsorship by Great River Health and receive a learning stipend. Sponsored students who successfully complete the program and secure licensure will be guaranteed an interview for employment at one of Great River Health’s locations throughout the region. Complete details will be released in the coming months.Second-year SCC nursing student Emilia Sorrell said that sponsorship monies provided through the current nursing partnership have helped her focus on her coursework and not work quite as many hours.“I work part-time and go to school full-time,” Sorrell said. “For me, the stipend is about two months’ rent. For some of my fellow students, it could be six months of utility bills they don’t have to worry about.”Beyond providing benefits to SCC, Great River Health, and students, Dr. Ash explained how the partnerships benefit the region.“Programs like this help us keep the people we have and even attract new people to the region,” said Ash. “That’s important because they buy houses, they buy groceries here, they participate in what’s happening in our communities.”Great River Health President and CEO Dr. Michael McCoy is excited about the novelty of the program made possible by the partnership. “I’m looking forward to our first class of students coming next fall. It’s a very unique environment. If I were a student, I’d find this more appealing than any other program.”Persons interested in the radiologic technology program can contact the SCC Admissions office at (319) 208-5155.

SCC, Great River Health ink partnership for radiologic technology training program

It seems like Mallory Kienast is always baking.

She learned the art from her grandmother and mother at a young age and never stopped. Kienast was the girl everyone looked to for treats — even when she was a youth in the 4-H club.

“People liked my cinnamon rolls and my creations, and I started baking competitively,” she said.

Then Kienast took things further, and a hobby became a side hustle. She was one of those high school kids who carried their own business cards.

“I made little business cards that said ‘Made by Mallory,’ ’’ she said. “My mom was a special needs associate at West Burlington School. So a lot of my sales were to other teachers in the breakroom.”&nbsp;

This Saturday, Kienast will be showing off her baking expertise at the World Food and Music Festival in Des Moines — for the second year. Her buttercream proved such a hit she was immediately invited back after last year’s festival.

“It’s a really great way to celebrate running my cottage bakery,” she said.

Kienast is a home baker right now, but she’s hoping that will change in the future. She’s working with the health department, so she can sell her “Made by Mallory” sweets in local stores. The macarons — featuring a proprietary recipe invented by Kienast — give the cookies a softer texture than most macaron cookies. It’s her signature dish.

“So your standard American buttercream, you know if it’s sitting out at a party or anything like that it kind of develops that little crust to it. I didn’t like that. It would always make me slide off the frosting because I want to bite into the softness. So I kind of worked to create my own buttercream recipe that does not crust so it maintains a really soft bite. So it’s really ideal for parties and events,” she said.

Kienast has created over 50 signature flavors by experimenting with ganache fillings. She even makes ganache cakes. To ensure her customers get to try all the flavors, Made by Mallory offers a monthly subscription for a multi-pack of different flavors.

“I also have a goal of getting a food truck and a long-term goal of getting a storefront. I would love to have a storefront bakery right along Jefferson Street,” she said.

Kienast never sought baking as a career path.&nbsp;

A Notre Dame High School graduate who started out in the Burlington School District, she took a short hiatus from baking while attending college at the University of Northern Iowa.

That hiatus didn’t last long. Kienast had already started her “Made by Mallory” brand before she graduated.

“I would sell at the farmers market in Cedar Falls,” she said.

Kienast majored in marketing and public relations and got into marketing work just before the pandemic hit.

“I worked with local small businesses,” she said.

The pandemic gave Kienast a chance to pursue her hobby as a career.&nbsp;

She and her husband have three boys between the ages of 1 and 5, so she knew it had to be a financial success.

It’s been far more than that. Her oldest boys are helping out in the kitchen, baking alongside her. It’s everything she hoped for.

“They keep me busy baking,” she said with a laugh.

Kienast enjoys the physical act of baking but likes to look beyond her oven into the bigger picture.&nbsp;

She’s proud to sell a quality product of her own design. But she’s even more delighted to see that product that can bring joy to those around her.

One of Burlington’s favorite bakers, the retired Martha Wolf, shares that sentiment. Before Martha retired, she shared a word with Kienast as Kienast dined at the Ivy Bake Shoppe with a friend.

“We were just being present in the moment of enjoying good food together, and we weren’t on our phones at all. Martha came out to say that she really noticed that and how much that touched her,” Kienast said.

Kienast still gets goosebumps telling the story. That conversation congealed her determination and desire.

“That’s totally something I want to create for people — a time that they can just really be present with each other. And I think it’s so much more important today because we have 1,000 things to distract us,” Kienast said.

To find out more about Made by Mallory and her subscription service, visit the “Made by Mallory” page on Facebook.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1693852283284.jpeg" alt="Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, takes a break from using a palette knife to sculpt flowers out of ganache on a buttercream base while decorating a cake in her home on Tuesday, Aug. 22 in West Burlington. Mallory offers custom-order cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and more. For more photos, visit our Facebook page or burlingtonbeacon.com. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, takes a break from using a palette knife to sculpt flowers out of ganache on a buttercream base while decorating a cake in her home on Tuesday, Aug. 22 in West Burlington. Mallory offers custom-order cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and more. For more photos, visit our Facebook page or burlingtonbeacon.com. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithIt seems like Mallory Kienast is always baking.She learned the art from her grandmother and mother at a young age and never stopped. Kienast was the girl everyone looked to for treats — even when she was a youth in the 4-H club.“People liked my cinnamon rolls and my creations, and I started baking competitively,” she said.Then Kienast took things further, and a hobby became a side hustle. She was one of those high school kids who carried their own business cards.“I made little business cards that said ‘Made by Mallory,’ ’’ she said. “My mom was a special needs associate at West Burlington School. So a lot of my sales were to other teachers in the breakroom.”&nbsp;This Saturday, Kienast will be showing off her baking expertise at the World Food and Music Festival in Des Moines — for the second year. Her buttercream proved such a hit she was immediately invited back after last year’s festival.“It’s a really great way to celebrate running my cottage bakery,” she said.Kienast is a home baker right now, but she’s hoping that will change in the future. She’s working with the health department, so she can sell her “Made by Mallory” sweets in local stores. The macarons — featuring a proprietary recipe invented by Kienast — give the cookies a softer texture than most macaron cookies. It’s her signature dish.“So your standard American buttercream, you know if it’s sitting out at a party or anything like that it kind of develops that little crust to it. I didn’t like that. It would always make me slide off the frosting because I want to bite into the softness. So I kind of worked to create my own buttercream recipe that does not crust so it maintains a really soft bite. So it’s really ideal for parties and events,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1693852423427.jpeg" alt="Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, assembles cookie and cream macarons. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, assembles cookie and cream macarons. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Kienast has created over 50 signature flavors by experimenting with ganache fillings. She even makes ganache cakes. To ensure her customers get to try all the flavors, Made by Mallory offers a monthly subscription for a multi-pack of different flavors.“I also have a goal of getting a food truck and a long-term goal of getting a storefront. I would love to have a storefront bakery right along Jefferson Street,” she said.Kienast never sought baking as a career path.&nbsp;A Notre Dame High School graduate who started out in the Burlington School District, she took a short hiatus from baking while attending college at the University of Northern Iowa.That hiatus didn’t last long. Kienast had already started her “Made by Mallory” brand before she graduated.“I would sell at the farmers market in Cedar Falls,” she said.Kienast majored in marketing and public relations and got into marketing work just before the pandemic hit.“I worked with local small businesses,” she said.The pandemic gave Kienast a chance to pursue her hobby as a career.&nbsp;She and her husband have three boys between the ages of 1 and 5, so she knew it had to be a financial success.It’s been far more than that. Her oldest boys are helping out in the kitchen, baking alongside her. It’s everything she hoped for.“They keep me busy baking,” she said with a laugh.Kienast enjoys the physical act of baking but likes to look beyond her oven into the bigger picture.&nbsp;She’s proud to sell a quality product of her own design. But she’s even more delighted to see that product that can bring joy to those around her.One of Burlington’s favorite bakers, the retired Martha Wolf, shares that sentiment. Before Martha retired, she shared a word with Kienast as Kienast dined at the Ivy Bake Shoppe with a friend.“We were just being present in the moment of enjoying good food together, and we weren’t on our phones at all. Martha came out to say that she really noticed that and how much that touched her,” Kienast said.Kienast still gets goosebumps telling the story. That conversation congealed her determination and desire.“That’s totally something I want to create for people — a time that they can just really be present with each other. And I think it’s so much more important today because we have 1,000 things to distract us,” Kienast said.To find out more about Made by Mallory and her subscription service, visit the “Made by Mallory” page on Facebook.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/9/1693852501091.jpeg" alt="Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, uses a palette knife to sculpt flowers out of ganache on a buttercream base while decorating a cake. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Mallory Kienast, owner of Made By Mallory Bakery, uses a palette knife to sculpt flowers out of ganache on a buttercream base while decorating a cake. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

Kienast bakes up a tasty business

I had no idea what I was walking into as I stepped aboard the giant Corps of Engineers boat docked in front of Memorial Auditorium last Tuesday.&nbsp;

All I knew was what I read in the paper. The vessel Mississippi was going to be in town, and the Mississippi River Commission was taking public input.&nbsp;

Thank God it was a Tuesday, my weekly formal meeting day for which I don khakis and a clean collared shirt. Even then, I was underdressed among the suits and full-on military regalia.

“Are you on the list?” someone asked as I walked up to the registration table. List? Nobody said anything about a list. No problem. They had registration cards for that.&nbsp;

“Are you giving testimony?” was the next question. Testimony? Clearly, this was not the run-of-the-mill town hall public input session I thought it’d be. They didn’t even have coffee.&nbsp;

“Um, I guess I’m not fully informed on what exactly this is.”&nbsp;

That was about all I could come up with. They explained that so-and-so had just given opening remarks, followed by another so-and-so with an important sounding title having just opened the hearing so now they’re taking testimony from the public.&nbsp;

“So anybody can come here and share their thoughts about the river?” I asked, to which I got a less-than-emphatic yes.&nbsp;

I was led up to this very formal conference room where, as luck would have it, there was an empty seat next to Burlington City Manager Chad Bird. At least I knew someone in the crowd. I quietly took the seat, and we exchanged nods. I listened as someone presented about levee issues, complete with a PowerPoint slideshow, to five very formal-looking people seated in front. The Commission, I presumed.

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 </figure>By Chris Lee&nbsp;I had no idea what I was walking into as I stepped aboard the giant Corps of Engineers boat docked in front of Memorial Auditorium last Tuesday.&nbsp;All I knew was what I read in the paper. The vessel Mississippi was going to be in town, and the Mississippi River Commission was taking public input.&nbsp;Thank God it was a Tuesday, my weekly formal meeting day for which I don khakis and a clean collared shirt. Even then, I was underdressed among the suits and full-on military regalia.“Are you on the list?” someone asked as I walked up to the registration table. List? Nobody said anything about a list. No problem. They had registration cards for that.&nbsp;“Are you giving testimony?” was the next question. Testimony? Clearly, this was not the run-of-the-mill town hall public input session I thought it’d be. They didn’t even have coffee.&nbsp;“Um, I guess I’m not fully informed on what exactly this is.”&nbsp;That was about all I could come up with. They explained that so-and-so had just given opening remarks, followed by another so-and-so with an important sounding title having just opened the hearing so now they’re taking testimony from the public.&nbsp;“So anybody can come here and share their thoughts about the river?” I asked, to which I got a less-than-emphatic yes.&nbsp;Sweet. Sign me up.&nbsp;I was led up to this very formal conference room where, as luck would have it, there was an empty seat next to Burlington City Manager Chad Bird. At least I knew someone in the crowd. I quietly took the seat, and we exchanged nods. I listened as someone presented about levee issues, complete with a PowerPoint slideshow, to five very formal-looking people seated in front. The Commission, I presumed.One break and half a dozen presenters later, I heard, “Mr. Chris Lee” over the intercom. How formal. I stood and puffed my chest like I imagined someone called “mister” should. I had jotted some notes, so I didn’t sound like I was completely winging it. Or so I hoped.&nbsp;“Hello Commission members. Thank you for allowing us to speak…” I led in homage to the formality. Then I proceeded to lay out the two issues that I’ve discussed repeatedly in this column and on my blog over the years.&nbsp;One, our river has a sediment issue. I told them that every time it floods, the parking areas at my department’s boat ramps get buried in silt. And in the 15 years, I’ve been with this department, we’ve had at least four flood events where FEMA has paid for damages. I have no idea how much money that amounts to across the state or the watershed, but it’s got to be near-astronomical.&nbsp;Two, while the earlier presenters discussed record-setting high-water events a la 1993 and 2008, what I don’t hear anyone discussing is the amount of time the water gets somewhat above flood stage and stays there, thus wrecking both the recreation value and ecology of our river. Extended periods of high water have devastated the bottomland forests on many islands and backwater areas. Nearby examples include the area just north of the Mississippi-Skunk River confluence and Lake Odessa in Louisa County. These areas have hundreds of acres of what used to be maple and cottonwood forests now looking like the Everglades scattered with dead and decaying trees.And near as I can tell, nobody is paying any attention. I can’t begin to quantify the extent of the ecological impact, but it must be enormous.&nbsp;To me, this is a transportation and commerce issue as much as a conservation issue. Thus the Corps of Engineers should care. And the solution, in my mind at least, is to deal with the water and sediment well before it reaches the Mississippi in the first place. In other words, apply conservation up in the watershed so that the water stays where it falls a bit longer and then has a chance to shed the sediment before reaching the tributaries that carry it to the Mississippi.&nbsp;I noted that the federal Farm Bill is being rewritten this year. It has more power to implement the necessary conservation practices than any other legislation. My recommendation is to work with the other federal agencies involved in Farm Bill programs rather than each agency working in its own silos.No, it’s not a silver bullet. Nothing is. But imagine if the Corps could work with the Department of Agriculture to focus on slowing the rate at which water reaches the Mississippi and keeping the sediment on the farm fields from which it comes. Done on a broad enough scale, maybe we wouldn’t need taller levees or as much dredging.&nbsp;Such was my testimony to the Mississippi River Commission and Corps of Engineers. I have no idea if anything will come from it. I’d expect not. It’s been my experience that getting the government to adopt a long-term view and cooperate across agencies is akin to swimming north in front of Burlington. But as the Lorax knows, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”And I’m happy to testify to that.&nbsp;Chris Lee is the Executive Director at Des Moines County Conservation. He also writes podcasts about parks and natural resources at www.outdoorexecutivedad.com.

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