Local librarian Allison Richert grew up around gardens.

“My dad has always been an avid gardener,” Richert said, adding that it prompted the idea to do a seed giveaway program at the Burlington Public Library this spring.

Richert, the youth services specialist, works primarily with children from birth to elementary, and she saw this as a good family activity.

“The idea is to help with food insecurity and encourage people to get out with their families, with their kids, and get their hands dirty,” she said.

“Gardening is just a really positive experience, and you get beauty and food out of it.”

Richert partnered with the Iowa State Extension Service, Seed Savers Exchange of Decorah, and Nine Square Feet of Des Moines. A few seed companies also made donations.

“I basically get the giant packets and disburse them into smaller” packages, Richert said, “because if someone is making a smaller garden, they don't need 100 or 200 seeds.”

The packets are shelved in an old-fashioned card catalog that libraries used before computers, and they're at the check-out desk.

“I can't keep up. We are at over 2,000 packets given away,” Richert said.

People have until the first Saturday of June to get seeds, and it's primarily vegetables left, along with a few flowers, fruits, and herbs, Richert said.

“You don't have to have a plot of land,” she said. “There are things you can plant in a plot and set outside.”

The library has a list of plants for various experience levels of gardening. 

Tomatoes and peppers are great for beginners.

“Sometimes when people think 'gardening', they see it as this huge undertaking,” Richert said. “They think, 'Well, I can't do that.' We wanted to make this as easy as possible, empowering people to do that for themselves.”

Richert could have printed out instructions and gardening tips for the various plants, but that would have wasted a lot of paper.

So there are QR codes above the card catalog container that you can scan to find all sorts of gardening guides from the ISU Extension Service and the seed-sharing groups.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1685028817007.jpeg" alt="An old-fashioned card catalog holds hundreds of small seed packets, free for the taking at the Burlington Public Library. Librarian Allison Richert came up with the idea of putting seeds into the hands of parents for a family activity but also to give children the opportunity to learn a new skill.&nbsp; Photo/Chris Faulkner" />
 <figcaption>An old-fashioned card catalog holds hundreds of small seed packets, free for the taking at the Burlington Public Library. Librarian Allison Richert came up with the idea of putting seeds into the hands of parents for a family activity but also to give children the opportunity to learn a new skill.&nbsp; Photo/Chris Faulkner</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris FaulknerLocal librarian Allison Richert grew up around gardens.“My dad has always been an avid gardener,” Richert said, adding that it prompted the idea to do a seed giveaway program at the Burlington Public Library this spring.Richert, the youth services specialist, works primarily with children from birth to elementary, and she saw this as a good family activity.“The idea is to help with food insecurity and encourage people to get out with their families, with their kids, and get their hands dirty,” she said.“Gardening is just a really positive experience, and you get beauty and food out of it.”Richert partnered with the Iowa State Extension Service, Seed Savers Exchange of Decorah, and Nine Square Feet of Des Moines. A few seed companies also made donations.“I basically get the giant packets and disburse them into smaller” packages, Richert said, “because if someone is making a smaller garden, they don't need 100 or 200 seeds.”The packets are shelved in an old-fashioned card catalog that libraries used before computers, and they're at the check-out desk.All of them are free for the taking.“I can't keep up. We are at over 2,000 packets given away,” Richert said.People have until the first Saturday of June to get seeds, and it's primarily vegetables left, along with a few flowers, fruits, and herbs, Richert said.“You don't have to have a plot of land,” she said. “There are things you can plant in a plot and set outside.”The library has a list of plants for various experience levels of gardening. Tomatoes and peppers are great for beginners.“Sometimes when people think 'gardening', they see it as this huge undertaking,” Richert said. “They think, 'Well, I can't do that.' We wanted to make this as easy as possible, empowering people to do that for themselves.”Richert could have printed out instructions and gardening tips for the various plants, but that would have wasted a lot of paper.So there are QR codes above the card catalog container that you can scan to find all sorts of gardening guides from the ISU Extension Service and the seed-sharing groups.

Library seed giveaway program has been a big success

Jessi Mynatt won an award for something she hoped she would never have to do.

Mynatt was awarded the Greater Burlington Partnership Resiliency Award for restarting her business, De Luxe Aesthetics, from the ground up. When she purchased the business in the summer of 2022, Mynatt planned on changing the name and expanding the services offered by the medical spa.

But a fluke fire in October shut down the business and inflicted about $100,000 in damage a few months after Mynatt took over. At times, she feared she would not be able to reopen the doors.

“My biggest focus has been my staff and making sure they still have a place to work in the interim,” she said. “So we’ve been doing as much as we can to keep them going so that they don’t have to go find another opportunity, and they’re still able to take care of their families.”

It has been nine months of stress and hard work rolled into a ball of uncertainty. But Mynatt has made it work. De Luxe is already back in business on a limited basis, and when the doors fully reopen in early June, they’ll be back up to regular capacity.

“Our mission is to serve the skincare and wellness of people throughout all phases of their life. The prior business focused on women before my ownership, and we decided to broaden it. Because both men and women, everybody, deserves to have an opportunity to have skincare and wellness,” Mynatt said.

Mynatt plans to rename the business Mission Medical Spa upon reopening, and a new sign will be installed.

“We can do laser services because we have the doctor on staff, we can do injectables, we do IV services. We can also do fillers, like cheek filler, lip fillers, stuff like that,” she said.&nbsp;

“Additionally, we can do facial services so we have a HydraFacial machine. With our medical grade product lines, we can do medical grade skincare peels, too.”

Mynatt has been juggling three other businesses while getting De Luxe running again: 34 Raceway, Mosquito Joe’s, and a hair salon she has named Compass Hair Salon. In addition, she works as an engineering and drafting manager at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown.

Mynatt said she wouldn’t be able to juggle so many responsibilities if she didn’t have people she trusted. Due to the timing of the fire near the holidays, the brunt of renovation work didn’t being until March of this year.

“There’s been some rough days. I mean, we all cried together, we stood together the whole time,” she said.

Mynatt does the marketing for all four businesses.

“That’s my passion and what I love to do,” she said.

Before the fire, TIGER-grant-related construction on Jefferson Street made it nearly impossible for Mynatt’s older customers to see her. That construction is no longer in front of Mynatt’s shop but it is blocking Jefferson Street a few blocks down.

“We are at least accessible now. People can get in here a little bit more easily and get back out. It’s kind of nice now to have a farmers market down here too. So we have that visibility,” she said.

Mynatt said she was very humbled to receive the Resiliency Award.&nbsp;

Now her eyes are set on a new, better prize — the Greater Burlington Partnership’s Small Business of the Year award.

“We overcame all of the obstacles that we had, and we’re able to help make a positive community impact and get back in the game, and do great things,” Mynatt said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684857499978.jpeg" alt="Esthetician Kelli Harman performs a facial on a customer on Tuesday, May 16 at De Luxe Aesthetics, which will reopen in early June under a new name — Mission Medical Spa. Photo/Anthony DeWitt" />
 <figcaption>Esthetician Kelli Harman performs a facial on a customer on Tuesday, May 16 at De Luxe Aesthetics, which will reopen in early June under a new name — Mission Medical Spa. Photo/Anthony DeWitt</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithJessi Mynatt won an award for something she hoped she would never have to do.Mynatt was awarded the Greater Burlington Partnership Resiliency Award for restarting her business, De Luxe Aesthetics, from the ground up. When she purchased the business in the summer of 2022, Mynatt planned on changing the name and expanding the services offered by the medical spa.But a fluke fire in October shut down the business and inflicted about $100,000 in damage a few months after Mynatt took over. At times, she feared she would not be able to reopen the doors.“My biggest focus has been my staff and making sure they still have a place to work in the interim,” she said. “So we’ve been doing as much as we can to keep them going so that they don’t have to go find another opportunity, and they’re still able to take care of their families.”It has been nine months of stress and hard work rolled into a ball of uncertainty. But Mynatt has made it work. De Luxe is already back in business on a limited basis, and when the doors fully reopen in early June, they’ll be back up to regular capacity.“Our mission is to serve the skincare and wellness of people throughout all phases of their life. The prior business focused on women before my ownership, and we decided to broaden it. Because both men and women, everybody, deserves to have an opportunity to have skincare and wellness,” Mynatt said.Mynatt plans to rename the business Mission Medical Spa upon reopening, and a new sign will be installed.“We can do laser services because we have the doctor on staff, we can do injectables, we do IV services. We can also do fillers, like cheek filler, lip fillers, stuff like that,” she said.&nbsp;“Additionally, we can do facial services so we have a HydraFacial machine. With our medical grade product lines, we can do medical grade skincare peels, too.”Mynatt has been juggling three other businesses while getting De Luxe running again: 34 Raceway, Mosquito Joe’s, and a hair salon she has named Compass Hair Salon. In addition, she works as an engineering and drafting manager at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown.Mynatt said she wouldn’t be able to juggle so many responsibilities if she didn’t have people she trusted. Due to the timing of the fire near the holidays, the brunt of renovation work didn’t being until March of this year.“There’s been some rough days. I mean, we all cried together, we stood together the whole time,” she said.Mynatt does the marketing for all four businesses.“That’s my passion and what I love to do,” she said.Before the fire, TIGER-grant-related construction on Jefferson Street made it nearly impossible for Mynatt’s older customers to see her. That construction is no longer in front of Mynatt’s shop but it is blocking Jefferson Street a few blocks down.“We are at least accessible now. People can get in here a little bit more easily and get back out. It’s kind of nice now to have a farmers market down here too. So we have that visibility,” she said.Mynatt said she was very humbled to receive the Resiliency Award.&nbsp;Now her eyes are set on a new, better prize — the Greater Burlington Partnership’s Small Business of the Year award.“We overcame all of the obstacles that we had, and we’re able to help make a positive community impact and get back in the game, and do great things,” Mynatt said.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684857630211.jpeg" alt="Jessi Mynatt, the owner of De Luxe Aesthetics — soon to be renamed Mission Medical Spa, and staff members are shown with the Resiliency Award given by the Greater Burlington Partnership.&nbsp; Photo submitted" />
 <figcaption>Jessi Mynatt, the owner of De Luxe Aesthetics — soon to be renamed Mission Medical Spa, and staff members are shown with the Resiliency Award given by the Greater Burlington Partnership.&nbsp; Photo submitted</figcaption>
 </figure>

Coming back stronger

Arleen Starman is 97 years old and has experienced the breadth of humanity during her time at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.

Her kindness — and more importantly, her empathy&nbsp; — is a comforting fit for end-of-life care. Starman does a little bit of everything at the hospice house — all on a volunteer basis. She plans her days around it and still drives to work herself.&nbsp;

“I am often asked what is my secret to long life, and I tell them that exercise and a daily 2-mile bike ride are important to me, but most of all I am very blessed with good health and strong faith in our loving Heavenly Father,” Starman said.

Starman recently earned her pin for 15 years of service, representing 3,247 hours of volunteer work. She’s worked just about every job imaginable at the hospice house in that time and has started two programs — Turkey Tinsel in Tears and Table For One. The turkey tinsel program helps grieving families through the holidays, while Table for One is designed for widows and widowers.&nbsp;

Sometimes, the work is much more personal than taking phone calls. Starman often sits with patients in their final moments of life if no one else is there. It’s the hospice way.

“We try to make sure that no one dies alone,” Starman said.&nbsp;

Like many volunteers, Starman became interested in hospice after her late husband entered hospice care. Back then, she had never heard of hospice. Neither had most people.

“They (hospice volunteers) were with him and my daughter the night he passed away,” Starman said.

Starman saw an ad in the paper asking for hospice volunteers sometime after that and found herself intrigued. Her daughter was initially worried about the emotional toll the job might have.

Starman found plenty of emotion in the hospice house, but it only made her stronger. She could relate to the patients and their families because she had been through the same thing. She was healing as she helped them heal.

“I loved it. I have been able to make connections with a lot of people,” she said. “So that’s my passion.”

A native of Johnson County, Iowa, Starman was born on a farm during the Great Depression. Her father lost the farm in the depression and settled for renting a farm in Marion. Starman graduated from high school there in 1943.

“I’m coming up on my 80-year class reunion,” she said with a laugh.&nbsp;

Starman eventually ended up in Burlington and started working at the Midwest Biscuit Company, where she met her future husband. They married in 1945, and Starman worked as a secretary for several businesses.

But her secretarial claim to fame came at the former James Madison Middle School, where she was secretary for 27 years. She was also the first secretary for the school, which was brand new at the time.

“That was my, my love. I love working with the kids,” Starman said.

Starman is an accomplished accordion player as well — a dying art she tried to pass on by teaching others. She had three kids in the meantime, who eventually had eight grandchildren, and then seven great-grandchildren.

Those children have been out of the house for decades, but Starman doesn’t depend on her kin to entertain her. She has her own life and doesn’t intend on wasting it.

“I’m not one to sit at home in a rocking chair,” Starman said.

Starman is thinking of retiring from hospice in the near future but hasn’t come up with an end date. The other volunteers and employees can’t imagine hospice without her. It seems as if she has always been there.

Miranda Clubb, the volunteer specialist for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, dreads the day Starman leaves. She thinks of her as her own grandma. She even asked Starman’s permission to call her grandma.

“She’s just so sweet and caring and such a good volunteer,” Clubb said. “She’s definitely one-of-a-kind. And I keep trying to tell her she can’t leave us.”

Hospice is a big volunteer family with a job for everyone. But not everyone can do what Starman does. She recalled sitting with a woman in the hospice hours before the lady passed away.

“I sat by her bed, and I was singing hymns and doing what I could,” Starman said.

Physical touch is important, and Starman took the woman’s hand and repeatedly squeezed it, just to let her know someone was with her. She got no reaction from the woman. Starman wasn’t sure if the lady even knew she was there.

But then Starman asked the woman if she would like her to recite the Lord’s prayer. There was still no reaction. So she started reciting.

“All of a sudden, her hands started moving, and they were coming up to pray. She almost had her fingers together before I got to the end of the prayer,” Starman said, tears welling in her eyes at the recollection.

“It was very emotional,” Starman said.

Starman will be turning 98 in December and will have to reapply for her driver’s license. She’s worried she won’t pass the test, despite the sharpness of her wit and her faculties.

She has endless ride offers from the hospice volunteers and anyone else who knows her, but living independently and helping others is the only life Starman knows. She’s not about to give it up now.

“I drive to my church right across the street, and I got Hy-Vee right there, and then hospice and the doctor’s offices out here. That’s about the extent of my driving. But it’s important. I take care of myself,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684774576930.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithArleen Starman is 97 years old and has experienced the breadth of humanity during her time at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.Her kindness — and more importantly, her empathy&nbsp; — is a comforting fit for end-of-life care. Starman does a little bit of everything at the hospice house — all on a volunteer basis. She plans her days around it and still drives to work herself.&nbsp;“I am often asked what is my secret to long life, and I tell them that exercise and a daily 2-mile bike ride are important to me, but most of all I am very blessed with good health and strong faith in our loving Heavenly Father,” Starman said.Starman recently earned her pin for 15 years of service, representing 3,247 hours of volunteer work. She’s worked just about every job imaginable at the hospice house in that time and has started two programs — Turkey Tinsel in Tears and Table For One. The turkey tinsel program helps grieving families through the holidays, while Table for One is designed for widows and widowers.&nbsp;Sometimes, the work is much more personal than taking phone calls. Starman often sits with patients in their final moments of life if no one else is there. It’s the hospice way.“We try to make sure that no one dies alone,” Starman said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684774517753.jpeg" alt="Arleen Starman /Photo by Anthony DeWitt" />
 <figcaption>Arleen Starman /Photo by Anthony DeWitt</figcaption>
 </figure>Like many volunteers, Starman became interested in hospice after her late husband entered hospice care. Back then, she had never heard of hospice. Neither had most people.“They (hospice volunteers) were with him and my daughter the night he passed away,” Starman said.Starman saw an ad in the paper asking for hospice volunteers sometime after that and found herself intrigued. Her daughter was initially worried about the emotional toll the job might have.Starman found plenty of emotion in the hospice house, but it only made her stronger. She could relate to the patients and their families because she had been through the same thing. She was healing as she helped them heal.“I loved it. I have been able to make connections with a lot of people,” she said. “So that’s my passion.”A native of Johnson County, Iowa, Starman was born on a farm during the Great Depression. Her father lost the farm in the depression and settled for renting a farm in Marion. Starman graduated from high school there in 1943.“I’m coming up on my 80-year class reunion,” she said with a laugh.&nbsp;Starman eventually ended up in Burlington and started working at the Midwest Biscuit Company, where she met her future husband. They married in 1945, and Starman worked as a secretary for several businesses.But her secretarial claim to fame came at the former James Madison Middle School, where she was secretary for 27 years. She was also the first secretary for the school, which was brand new at the time.“That was my, my love. I love working with the kids,” Starman said.Starman is an accomplished accordion player as well — a dying art she tried to pass on by teaching others. She had three kids in the meantime, who eventually had eight grandchildren, and then seven great-grandchildren.Those children have been out of the house for decades, but Starman doesn’t depend on her kin to entertain her. She has her own life and doesn’t intend on wasting it.“I’m not one to sit at home in a rocking chair,” Starman said.Starman is thinking of retiring from hospice in the near future but hasn’t come up with an end date. The other volunteers and employees can’t imagine hospice without her. It seems as if she has always been there.Miranda Clubb, the volunteer specialist for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, dreads the day Starman leaves. She thinks of her as her own grandma. She even asked Starman’s permission to call her grandma.“She’s just so sweet and caring and such a good volunteer,” Clubb said. “She’s definitely one-of-a-kind. And I keep trying to tell her she can’t leave us.”Hospice is a big volunteer family with a job for everyone. But not everyone can do what Starman does. She recalled sitting with a woman in the hospice hours before the lady passed away.“I sat by her bed, and I was singing hymns and doing what I could,” Starman said.Physical touch is important, and Starman took the woman’s hand and repeatedly squeezed it, just to let her know someone was with her. She got no reaction from the woman. Starman wasn’t sure if the lady even knew she was there.But then Starman asked the woman if she would like her to recite the Lord’s prayer. There was still no reaction. So she started reciting.“All of a sudden, her hands started moving, and they were coming up to pray. She almost had her fingers together before I got to the end of the prayer,” Starman said, tears welling in her eyes at the recollection.The woman died two hours later.“It was very emotional,” Starman said.Starman will be turning 98 in December and will have to reapply for her driver’s license. She’s worried she won’t pass the test, despite the sharpness of her wit and her faculties.She has endless ride offers from the hospice volunteers and anyone else who knows her, but living independently and helping others is the only life Starman knows. She’s not about to give it up now.“I drive to my church right across the street, and I got Hy-Vee right there, and then hospice and the doctor’s offices out here. That’s about the extent of my driving. But it’s important. I take care of myself,” she said.

52 Faces (A Year of Stories): Offering Comfort to Others

Pet owners and their four-legged friends were out in force at Thursday's Jefferson Street Farmers Market. The "Pet Day at the Market" event was a success, attracting a large crowd. Note: See the May 26 print edition for more photos.&nbsp;

Above: Harley Quinn, belonging to Gina and Heather Minard, is paraded through downtown Burlington on Thursday, May 18, during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. The costume contest and pet parade were presented by Downtown Partners and sponsored by Farmers Savings Bank. Downtown Dollars were awarded for the cutest pet, best-dressed couple, and most creative.&nbsp;

Above: Liz Wallerich walks her dogs Lilo dressed as Thing 1 and Ivory dressed as Thing 2 during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Above:&nbsp;Dogs are paraded down Jefferson Street during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Pet owners and their four-legged friends were out in force at Thursday's Jefferson Street Farmers Market. The "Pet Day at the Market" event was a success, attracting a large crowd. Note: See the May 26 print edition for more photos.&nbsp;Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684514069054.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Harley Quinn, belonging to Gina and Heather Minard, is paraded through downtown Burlington on Thursday, May 18, during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. The costume contest and pet parade were presented by Downtown Partners and sponsored by Farmers Savings Bank. Downtown Dollars were awarded for the cutest pet, best-dressed couple, and most creative.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684514328077.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Liz Wallerich walks her dogs Lilo dressed as Thing 1 and Ivory dressed as Thing 2 during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1684514283884.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Dogs are paraded down Jefferson Street during a pet parade at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Prized Pooches Parade, Receive Plenty of Praise 

Above: David Selman, chaplain for the Ransomed Riders of Southeast Iowa, the Burlington chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, says a prayer for Jeff Lafferty and his motorcycle during the 2023 Burlington Bike Blessing behind the Band Shell in Crapo Park.&nbsp; About 150 motorcyclists gathered on May 6 for the event hosted by Al Nielsen since 2008. Following the blessing, the motorcyclist rode to Mount Pleasant.&nbsp;

Above:&nbsp;A motorcyclist bows his head in prayer during the bike blessing on May 6 behind the Band Shell in Crapo Park.

Above: A group of motorcyclists huddles in prayer&nbsp;at the bike blessing.

Above:&nbsp; About 150 motorcyclists gathered on May 6 for the event.

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683848070828.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: David Selman, chaplain for the Ransomed Riders of Southeast Iowa, the Burlington chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, says a prayer for Jeff Lafferty and his motorcycle during the 2023 Burlington Bike Blessing behind the Band Shell in Crapo Park.&nbsp; About 150 motorcyclists gathered on May 6 for the event hosted by Al Nielsen since 2008. Following the blessing, the motorcyclist rode to Mount Pleasant.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683848093676.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;A motorcyclist bows his head in prayer during the bike blessing on May 6 behind the Band Shell in Crapo Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683848226238.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: A group of motorcyclists huddles in prayer&nbsp;at the bike blessing.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683848304742.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp; About 150 motorcyclists gathered on May 6 for the event.

Blessed Motorcycles Wheel Through Crapo Park

Above: Kaylea Felland purchases a bag of salad mix from Grant Rogers, who was selling the salad mix along with radish, kale, turnips, and rhubarb. The produce was grown by his wife Sydney Null, who operates Wild Parsnip Farm. The annual Jefferson Street Farmers Market kicked off the season on Thursday, May 4, in downtown Burlington.

Above: Lane Wunderlich, 6, enjoys a sample of Perros Locos Salsa during the opening day of the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683493330443.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Kaylea Felland purchases a bag of salad mix from Grant Rogers, who was selling the salad mix along with radish, kale, turnips, and rhubarb. The produce was grown by his wife Sydney Null, who operates Wild Parsnip Farm. The annual Jefferson Street Farmers Market kicked off the season on Thursday, May 4, in downtown Burlington.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683493406266.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Lane Wunderlich, 6, enjoys a sample of Perros Locos Salsa during the opening day of the Jefferson Street Farmers Market.

Jefferson Street Farmers Market returns

Above: Journey Allison, a member of Iowa Wesleyan University's final graduation class, smiles at family and friends sitting in the bleachers on Saturday, May 6, during the school's 2023 commencement ceremony at Ruble Arena in Mount Pleasant. In March, Iowa Wesleyan announced the university would be closing at the end of the academic year.&nbsp;

Above: Iowa Wesleyan University  graduate Ella Francis is awarded her degree in nursing during the school's final commencement ceremony.

&nbsp;Above:&nbsp;Over 120 graduate and undergraduate students were recognized for their academic accomplishments on Saturday.

Above: Iowa Wesleyan University's last graduating class pose for photos during the 2023 commencement ceremony.

Photos by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683492574247.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Journey Allison, a member of Iowa Wesleyan University's final graduation class, smiles at family and friends sitting in the bleachers on Saturday, May 6, during the school's 2023 commencement ceremony at Ruble Arena in Mount Pleasant. In March, Iowa Wesleyan announced the university would be closing at the end of the academic year.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683492626558.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Iowa Wesleyan University graduate Ella Francis is awarded her degree in nursing during the school's final commencement ceremony.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683492758142.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Above:&nbsp;Over 120 graduate and undergraduate students were recognized for their academic accomplishments on Saturday.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683492850958.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above: Iowa Wesleyan University's last graduating class pose for photos during the 2023 commencement ceremony.

Iowa Wesleyan's final graduating class takes a bow

“When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple. With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.”

Those are the first two lines of the poem, “Warning,” written in 1961 by British poet Jenny Joseph.

That inspired the founding of the Red Hat Society, a social club in which women get together and wear red hats and purple dresses.

The Burlington chapter is called The Red Hot Flashes, and Mary Fox is the queen.&nbsp;

“President is just kind of boring,” Fox said.

There are currently about 20 in the club and about 10-12 show up to the nearly monthly meetings.

“COVID threw us off balance,” Fox said, of the virus that prompted most organizations to stop meeting.

“We haven’t gotten back to monthly meetings but we’re getting closer.”

The poem talks about being an “old woman,” but the final lines read: “But maybe I ought to practice a little now. So people who know me are not too surprised. When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.”

Red Hat Society founder Sue Ellen Cooper read the poem back in the late 1990s and gave a friend a red hat for her 50th birthday, and that’s when women can become full-fledged members.

“We’re not old, we’re just practicing,” said Fox.

You can join if you’re under 50 if you wear a pink hat and lavender clothes, she said.

“We are a social organization that (we women) have spent much of our lives taking care of others,” Fox said. Now it’s our time to go out and have fun.”

Fox didn’t know how long The Red Hot Flashes has been around, but she joined almost 20 years ago when Red Hat Societies — including some unofficial groups that didn’t pay dues — were more popular.

“When they were lots of chapters around, some of the chapters would host an afternoon tea,” Fox said.

“We went to Keokuk and Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant and Fairfield. Donnellson for a long time hosted a tea.”

Donnellson’s group is the Pampered Pals. But over time, the members did grow old, and many of the groups disbanded.

“I think it’s the stigma of, ‘That’s what grandma did, and I’m not old like grandma,’ ” Fox said.

However, Fox said she didn’t think that way.

“I was at loose ends, fresh out of a divorce, and I needed to find some people to socialize with,” Fox said of what prompted her to join.

“What I enjoy the most is that through this group, I have met a variety of people that I would not have met otherwise. Consider that these ladies are willing to go out in public wearing red hats, purple colors, lots of feathers and boas, and jewelry, and you know they’re going to be a fun group.

“We create quite a spectacle when we go out in public.”

But Fox said, most people come up to them and say, “You look like you’re having so much fun.”

Among the fun things the ladies like to do is play bingo. There are national and international conventions, but also unofficial state conventions. Burlington has hosted three of those.

“It’s packed with entertainment, and there are vendors who know that we like the bling. If it sparkles we buy it,” Fox said.

Any women who want to join or at least get more information may reach out to Fox at mfox6046@gmail.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683305155043.jpeg" alt="The Red Hot Flashes are front row, Sharon Bernhart, Mary Fox, and Ruth Lindsay. Back row is Marilyn Leight, Patty Abernathy, Dee Johnson, Ann Marie Anderson, and Cheryl Vickstrom. Photo submitted" />
 <figcaption>The Red Hot Flashes are front row, Sharon Bernhart, Mary Fox, and Ruth Lindsay. Back row is Marilyn Leight, Patty Abernathy, Dee Johnson, Ann Marie Anderson, and Cheryl Vickstrom. Photo submitted</figcaption>
 </figure>By Chris Faulkner“When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple. With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.”Those are the first two lines of the poem, “Warning,” written in 1961 by British poet Jenny Joseph.That inspired the founding of the Red Hat Society, a social club in which women get together and wear red hats and purple dresses.The Burlington chapter is called The Red Hot Flashes, and Mary Fox is the queen.&nbsp;“President is just kind of boring,” Fox said.There are currently about 20 in the club and about 10-12 show up to the nearly monthly meetings.“COVID threw us off balance,” Fox said, of the virus that prompted most organizations to stop meeting.“We haven’t gotten back to monthly meetings but we’re getting closer.”The poem talks about being an “old woman,” but the final lines read: “But maybe I ought to practice a little now. So people who know me are not too surprised. When suddenly I am old and start to wear purple.”Red Hat Society founder Sue Ellen Cooper read the poem back in the late 1990s and gave a friend a red hat for her 50th birthday, and that’s when women can become full-fledged members.“We’re not old, we’re just practicing,” said Fox.You can join if you’re under 50 if you wear a pink hat and lavender clothes, she said.“We are a social organization that (we women) have spent much of our lives taking care of others,” Fox said. Now it’s our time to go out and have fun.”Fox didn’t know how long The Red Hot Flashes has been around, but she joined almost 20 years ago when Red Hat Societies — including some unofficial groups that didn’t pay dues — were more popular.“When they were lots of chapters around, some of the chapters would host an afternoon tea,” Fox said.“We went to Keokuk and Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant and Fairfield. Donnellson for a long time hosted a tea.”Donnellson’s group is the Pampered Pals. But over time, the members did grow old, and many of the groups disbanded.“I think it’s the stigma of, ‘That’s what grandma did, and I’m not old like grandma,’ ” Fox said.However, Fox said she didn’t think that way.“I was at loose ends, fresh out of a divorce, and I needed to find some people to socialize with,” Fox said of what prompted her to join.“What I enjoy the most is that through this group, I have met a variety of people that I would not have met otherwise. Consider that these ladies are willing to go out in public wearing red hats, purple colors, lots of feathers and boas, and jewelry, and you know they’re going to be a fun group.“We create quite a spectacle when we go out in public.”But Fox said, most people come up to them and say, “You look like you’re having so much fun.”Among the fun things the ladies like to do is play bingo. There are national and international conventions, but also unofficial state conventions. Burlington has hosted three of those.It brings in about 100 ladies.“It’s packed with entertainment, and there are vendors who know that we like the bling. If it sparkles we buy it,” Fox said.Any women who want to join or at least get more information may reach out to Fox at mfox6046@gmail.com

Local Red Hat ladies keep it colorful

The Mississippi River will crest at 20 feet tonight (Tuesday, May 2) at about 7 p.m. and will stay just under that mark for the next week or so.

According to the National Weather Service, the swollen river won’t drop below 19 feet until May 9.

&nbsp;City crews installed flood wall extensions a week ago, which should be enough to protect against the swollen river’s current projection.

Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works for Burlington, said crews are ready to install sand-filled flood barriers and sandbags if the river rises beyond the forecast. A ring of sand-filled barriers is currently sitting south of Memorial Auditorium.

“What we have set up right now is all we’ll need. If we were to go to 21 feet, we would need to put in the railroad gates. We’ve had a discussion with Burlington Junction Railway about that,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;

At that point, sandbags would be installed around the intakes and manholes along Front Street. HESCO barriers would also be installed on Market Street toward Main Street. Pumps would be installed in the basement of the Burlington Depot to evacuate water seeping up from the dirt floor.&nbsp;

MacGregor said the building wouldn’t need to be protected by sandbags unless the river projection jumps to 23 feet.

“I’m pretty pleased with what we’ve had going on. We’ve had some staff time with some pumping, but it’s not near as much as what we were expecting,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;

The 20.2-foot river crest is the highest the Mississippi has risen since the summer of 2019, when the river reached 24.47 feet on June 2.

Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee told the supervisors that Sullivan Slough Road already has significant water over it, which happens at a river level of 16 feet.

“Tama Road has been underwater for quite a while,” Lee said.

Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Glendening warned residents not to drive on the levees that hold back flood waters. He said anyone caught will be ticketed and likely arrested. Causing damage to the levee can impact its effectiveness against flood waters.

“If you see ATVs or UTVs on the levy, they are thereby permitted only,” Glendening said.

MacGregor said he try to secure drone photos of the crest for historical purposes since flooding along the riverfront had changed because of the flood wall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683053327338.jpeg" alt="The parking area near the Great River Bridge is partially submerged in Burlington. Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>The parking area near the Great River Bridge is partially submerged in Burlington. Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe Mississippi River will crest at 20 feet tonight (Tuesday, May 2) at about 7 p.m. and will stay just under that mark for the next week or so.According to the National Weather Service, the swollen river won’t drop below 19 feet until May 9.&nbsp;City crews installed flood wall extensions a week ago, which should be enough to protect against the swollen river’s current projection.Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works for Burlington, said crews are ready to install sand-filled flood barriers and sandbags if the river rises beyond the forecast. A ring of sand-filled barriers is currently sitting south of Memorial Auditorium.“What we have set up right now is all we’ll need. If we were to go to 21 feet, we would need to put in the railroad gates. We’ve had a discussion with Burlington Junction Railway about that,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;At that point, sandbags would be installed around the intakes and manholes along Front Street. HESCO barriers would also be installed on Market Street toward Main Street. Pumps would be installed in the basement of the Burlington Depot to evacuate water seeping up from the dirt floor.&nbsp;MacGregor said the building wouldn’t need to be protected by sandbags unless the river projection jumps to 23 feet.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683052800687.jpeg" alt="A parking area along Burlington's riverfront is submerged on Monday, May 1. Photo by Anthony DeWitt" />
 <figcaption>A parking area along Burlington's riverfront is submerged on Monday, May 1. Photo by Anthony DeWitt</figcaption>
 </figure>“I’m pretty pleased with what we’ve had going on. We’ve had some staff time with some pumping, but it’s not near as much as what we were expecting,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;The 20.2-foot river crest is the highest the Mississippi has risen since the summer of 2019, when the river reached 24.47 feet on June 2.Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee told the supervisors that Sullivan Slough Road already has significant water over it, which happens at a river level of 16 feet.“Tama Road has been underwater for quite a while,” Lee said.Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Glendening warned residents not to drive on the levees that hold back flood waters. He said anyone caught will be ticketed and likely arrested. Causing damage to the levee can impact its effectiveness against flood waters.“If you see ATVs or UTVs on the levy, they are thereby permitted only,” Glendening said.MacGregor said he try to secure drone photos of the crest for historical purposes since flooding along the riverfront had changed because of the flood wall.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1683063396714.jpeg" alt="City workers install a section of a flood wall last week behind Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. Photo by John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>City workers install a section of a flood wall last week behind Memorial Auditorium in Burlington. Photo by John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>

Mississippi River Crests at 20 Feet Tonight

Every lunch break, a handful of Danville High School students used to walk down Main Street, avoiding the crowded lunchroom.&nbsp;

It never took them more than a couple of minutes to arrive at The Mart gas station on old U.S. 34, no matter how slowly they walked and chatted. They dined on the usual convenience store options, planning their weekends around the video game rentals in the back.

It’s been years since the beloved local owner of the store, Paul Kloberdanz, died, and the doors were shuttered permanently.

Former Danville High School student Curtis Doyle wants to bring life back to the old building and turn it into a hub for the community — like it used to be.

When his girlfriend told him the store was for sale, Doyle jumped on it.

“I told her, ‘I’m buying that,’” Doyle said.

Doyle, who owns and operates The Outpost on Mount Pleasant Street in Burlington, closed on the property a few months ago. But he has no intention of reopening it as a gas station.

Instead, it will be a local diner — the only diner in Danville.&nbsp;

He’s already started renovation work, which follows a full day at The Outpost.

“It’s going to be a chore to get it going, but I think it’s going to be something for the betterment of the community,” he said.&nbsp;

“I want to hire people from within the community. I think it’s something Danville needs.”

No matter where he lives, Danville is home for Curtis Doyle. He admits to not being the best student and would occasionally chafe against the school administration.

But even then, he was working to better himself. Now he wants to work to better Danville.&nbsp;

“I was working, detasseling corn, when I was 12 or 13 years old. I was bailing hay for a buddy,” he said.

At 14 years old, Doyle got even more work experience through a job training program. Once he got out of high school, Doyle went to work as an over-the-road trucker for the next 10 years.

Doyle signed up for the U.S. Army and served for two years before blowing out his knee. When he came back home, he found out that the owner of The Mart, Paul, had passed away.

It never occurred to him that he would own The Mart. After returning home from the Army, Doyle went to work for LaVeine Sanitation for nine years.

Then he went to work for himself and purchased the former Crazy Coyote bar seven years ago. He changed the name to The Outpost about a year after buying it.

“I wanted to see what it was like to be my own boss,” Doyle said.

Doyle discovered he liked working for himself, despite the stress of the COVID-19 shutdown and the worries that make every small business owner fret. He has also operated a small lawn service business for nine years — a side hustle to earn spending money.

“I only have a couple of accounts,” he said.

Now Doyle’s attention outside The Outpost is focused squarely on The Mart. The workload is immense.

Despite that, the building is in pretty good shape, Doyle said. The roof needs repair, but he’s hoping to open it this year.

Guests can expect to eat everything from pizza to ice cream to sub sandwiches. Doyle will be doing much of the cooking, just like at The Outpost.

“I’ve wanted to have a restaurant ever since I was a kid. I’ve always liked cooking. I kind of have a passion for it,” he said.

This won’t be gas station food. Just a friendly spot for neighbors hankering for a good meal.

“I think Danville needs this,” Doyle said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682793217568.jpeg" alt="Curtis Doyle stands in the doorway of the building that formerly housed The Mart on Tuesday, April 11, in Danville. Doyle along, with his girlfriend Candi Lewis, are in the process of renovating the building and opening up a small restaurant. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Curtis Doyle stands in the doorway of the building that formerly housed The Mart on Tuesday, April 11, in Danville. Doyle along, with his girlfriend Candi Lewis, are in the process of renovating the building and opening up a small restaurant. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithEvery lunch break, a handful of Danville High School students used to walk down Main Street, avoiding the crowded lunchroom.&nbsp;It never took them more than a couple of minutes to arrive at The Mart gas station on old U.S. 34, no matter how slowly they walked and chatted. They dined on the usual convenience store options, planning their weekends around the video game rentals in the back.It’s been years since the beloved local owner of the store, Paul Kloberdanz, died, and the doors were shuttered permanently.Former Danville High School student Curtis Doyle wants to bring life back to the old building and turn it into a hub for the community — like it used to be.When his girlfriend told him the store was for sale, Doyle jumped on it.“I told her, ‘I’m buying that,’” Doyle said.Doyle, who owns and operates The Outpost on Mount Pleasant Street in Burlington, closed on the property a few months ago. But he has no intention of reopening it as a gas station.Instead, it will be a local diner — the only diner in Danville.&nbsp;He’s already started renovation work, which follows a full day at The Outpost.“It’s going to be a chore to get it going, but I think it’s going to be something for the betterment of the community,” he said.&nbsp;“I want to hire people from within the community. I think it’s something Danville needs.”No matter where he lives, Danville is home for Curtis Doyle. He admits to not being the best student and would occasionally chafe against the school administration.But even then, he was working to better himself. Now he wants to work to better Danville.&nbsp;“I was working, detasseling corn, when I was 12 or 13 years old. I was bailing hay for a buddy,” he said.At 14 years old, Doyle got even more work experience through a job training program. Once he got out of high school, Doyle went to work as an over-the-road trucker for the next 10 years.Doyle signed up for the U.S. Army and served for two years before blowing out his knee. When he came back home, he found out that the owner of The Mart, Paul, had passed away.It never occurred to him that he would own The Mart. After returning home from the Army, Doyle went to work for LaVeine Sanitation for nine years.Then he went to work for himself and purchased the former Crazy Coyote bar seven years ago. He changed the name to The Outpost about a year after buying it.“I wanted to see what it was like to be my own boss,” Doyle said.Doyle discovered he liked working for himself, despite the stress of the COVID-19 shutdown and the worries that make every small business owner fret. He has also operated a small lawn service business for nine years — a side hustle to earn spending money.“I only have a couple of accounts,” he said.Now Doyle’s attention outside The Outpost is focused squarely on The Mart. The workload is immense.“It’s a total gut job,” he said.Despite that, the building is in pretty good shape, Doyle said. The roof needs repair, but he’s hoping to open it this year.Guests can expect to eat everything from pizza to ice cream to sub sandwiches. Doyle will be doing much of the cooking, just like at The Outpost.“I’ve wanted to have a restaurant ever since I was a kid. I’ve always liked cooking. I kind of have a passion for it,” he said.This won’t be gas station food. Just a friendly spot for neighbors hankering for a good meal.“I think Danville needs this,” Doyle said.

The Mart is Reborn

Above:&nbsp;Keith Campbell and his grandsons Wyatt Elder, 12, Reece Elder, 14, and Brooks Elder, 10, check out the cars on display during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show, Sunday, April 30, at Heartland Harley Davidson in Burlington. 

Above:&nbsp;Cars on display during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show.

Above:&nbsp;Tobi Thomas, 6, and his brother Korbin, 3, peer into a 1929 Model A Roadster shown by Jason Samples, during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show at Heartland Harley Davidson in Burlington. 

Photo by John Lovretta<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1682980568896.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Keith Campbell and his grandsons Wyatt Elder, 12, Reece Elder, 14, and Brooks Elder, 10, check out the cars on display during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show, Sunday, April 30, at Heartland Harley Davidson in Burlington. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1682980647449.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Cars on display during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1682980809026.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Above:&nbsp;Tobi Thomas, 6, and his brother Korbin, 3, peer into a 1929 Model A Roadster shown by Jason Samples, during the Relay for Life Car and Bike Show at Heartland Harley Davidson in Burlington. .

PHOTOS: Rally for Life Car Show

Her ultra-polite staff — some of who have parents who worked for Bailey — are a testament to that support system.

“I speak a very fluent language called sarcasm, which can lead to a lot of fun, engaging conversations. So I think that helps,” she said.

Bailey was recently featured in an edition of the magazine, “Nation’s Restaurant News,” where she was called “the Michael Jordan of restaurant managers.” She was flattered but gave all the credit to her staff.

“You have to help them build up that ego,” she said, noting the difference between confidence and arrogance.

A West Burlington native, Bailey is the oldest of five children. It wasn’t a typical childhood.

“I feel we were pioneers in being a blended family. My mom got pregnant with me at 16, and she married my dad. They were married for five years, had me and my brother, and then my parents got divorced. And my mom gave us to our dad. And he remarried. And so I was raised by my stepmom, who is an amazing woman. And my mom lived like 1,000 miles away my entire life. We’d see her every summer, things like that,” she said. “She was always welcome in our home.”&nbsp;

There was a stigma to being a step-parent back then, Bailey said.

Bailey knew nothing but love from everyone in her family. She and her husband, Antonio, run their family, consisting of a 26-year-old and a 17-year-old, much the same way. Her daughter Amari, an EMT in training who already works with the Burlington Fire Department, used her birthdays to buy gifts for others.

That kindness runs in the family. Antonio coaches middle school football in the Burlington School District. He also acts as a lifeline for troubled youth who need positive guidance. The two of them help others without thinking, asking each other for permission later. They clicked from the start.

“It was just like kismet, you know,” Bailey said.

When two of their friends — a married couple who was deployed to South Korea at the same time — they immediately offered to take in their 1-year-old daughter Adrienne for the duration of the deployment.

They made one solemn promise to the parents. They vowed to shower her with love but would not try to replace them.

“That’s just what family does,” Stephanie Bailey said.&nbsp;

Since Adrienne’s parents were dressed in military fatigues the last time she saw them, Stephanie filled her house with copies of a photo of the Army couple before they left. Bailey reminded Adrienne of who was in the picture and even hung a copy in the crib.

“She said good night to Mommy and Poppy, and she picked up the phone and asked for Mommy and Poppy,” Bailey said.

A picture of Bailey’s favorite customer, Kevin, hangs on the wall. Kevin suffered brain damage, was paralyzed, and was confined to a wheelchair. Bailey met Kevin when she was a delivery driver in the 1990s.

Kevin always ordered a Taco Little Joe and a Mountain Dew. When Bailey would return after delivering to Kevin, her manager asked why it took so long.

Bailey explained. She delivered the pizza to Kevin’s nursing home unit, opened the straw for him since he could not do it, and opened his sauce packets. She even put the sauce on the pizza.

“I told him (the manager), ‘I’m just going to be extra long on that one,’” Bailey said, noting the manager agreed with her.

When Bailey moved up to manager, she ensured delivery drivers would always open sauce packets and the straw for Kevin. Sometimes, delivering the order herself.

Bailey got Kevin to come into the restaurant (with the help of his parents) on his birthday to make his own pizza, which became an annual tradition.

“He would call and talk to me on the phone. He could carry on very good conservation. He called me to wish me happy holidays and things like that,” Bailey said. “Our relationship grew.”&nbsp;

Kevin died of bone cancer two years ago. Bailey will never forget the last conversation she had with Kevin. The walls of his room were decorated with his Happy Joe’s to-go cups.

“He asked me if I would dance with him in the streets of heaven when I got there. He was very religious. And he told me loved me,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/5/1682961314213.jpeg" alt="Stephanie Bailey, general manager of Happy Joe’s Pizza &amp; Ice Cream,&nbsp; poses on Tuesday, April 25, in the Burlington restaurant. Bailey was recently featured in “Nation’s Restaurant News” magazine as one of the 25 top general managers throughout the country. Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Stephanie Bailey, general manager of Happy Joe’s Pizza &amp; Ice Cream,&nbsp; poses on Tuesday, April 25, in the Burlington restaurant. Bailey was recently featured in “Nation’s Restaurant News” magazine as one of the 25 top general managers throughout the country. Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithHer ultra-polite staff — some of who have parents who worked for Bailey — are a testament to that support system.“I speak a very fluent language called sarcasm, which can lead to a lot of fun, engaging conversations. So I think that helps,” she said.Bailey was recently featured in an edition of the magazine, “Nation’s Restaurant News,” where she was called “the Michael Jordan of restaurant managers.” She was flattered but gave all the credit to her staff.“You have to help them build up that ego,” she said, noting the difference between confidence and arrogance.A proud stepchildA West Burlington native, Bailey is the oldest of five children. It wasn’t a typical childhood.“I feel we were pioneers in being a blended family. My mom got pregnant with me at 16, and she married my dad. They were married for five years, had me and my brother, and then my parents got divorced. And my mom gave us to our dad. And he remarried. And so I was raised by my stepmom, who is an amazing woman. And my mom lived like 1,000 miles away my entire life. We’d see her every summer, things like that,” she said. “She was always welcome in our home.”&nbsp;There was a stigma to being a step-parent back then, Bailey said.Bailey knew nothing but love from everyone in her family. She and her husband, Antonio, run their family, consisting of a 26-year-old and a 17-year-old, much the same way. Her daughter Amari, an EMT in training who already works with the Burlington Fire Department, used her birthdays to buy gifts for others.That kindness runs in the family. Antonio coaches middle school football in the Burlington School District. He also acts as a lifeline for troubled youth who need positive guidance. The two of them help others without thinking, asking each other for permission later. They clicked from the start.“It was just like kismet, you know,” Bailey said.Fostering othersWhen two of their friends — a married couple who was deployed to South Korea at the same time — they immediately offered to take in their 1-year-old daughter Adrienne for the duration of the deployment.They made one solemn promise to the parents. They vowed to shower her with love but would not try to replace them.“That’s just what family does,” Stephanie Bailey said.&nbsp;Since Adrienne’s parents were dressed in military fatigues the last time she saw them, Stephanie filled her house with copies of a photo of the Army couple before they left. Bailey reminded Adrienne of who was in the picture and even hung a copy in the crib.“She said good night to Mommy and Poppy, and she picked up the phone and asked for Mommy and Poppy,” Bailey said.Favorite customerA picture of Bailey’s favorite customer, Kevin, hangs on the wall. Kevin suffered brain damage, was paralyzed, and was confined to a wheelchair. Bailey met Kevin when she was a delivery driver in the 1990s.Kevin always ordered a Taco Little Joe and a Mountain Dew. When Bailey would return after delivering to Kevin, her manager asked why it took so long.Bailey explained. She delivered the pizza to Kevin’s nursing home unit, opened the straw for him since he could not do it, and opened his sauce packets. She even put the sauce on the pizza.“I told him (the manager), ‘I’m just going to be extra long on that one,’” Bailey said, noting the manager agreed with her.When Bailey moved up to manager, she ensured delivery drivers would always open sauce packets and the straw for Kevin. Sometimes, delivering the order herself.Bailey got Kevin to come into the restaurant (with the help of his parents) on his birthday to make his own pizza, which became an annual tradition.“He would call and talk to me on the phone. He could carry on very good conservation. He called me to wish me happy holidays and things like that,” Bailey said. “Our relationship grew.”&nbsp;Kevin died of bone cancer two years ago. Bailey will never forget the last conversation she had with Kevin. The walls of his room were decorated with his Happy Joe’s to-go cups.“He asked me if I would dance with him in the streets of heaven when I got there. He was very religious. And he told me loved me,” she said.

‘The Michael Jordan of restaurant managers’

Matt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners, joked he would normally discuss the difficulties in bringing a new manufacturing plant to town.

But that wasn’t the case. Bormann spoke about the smooth transition into Burlington during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 20, at the company’s new manufacturing plant at 3800 West Ave. in Burlington.

“The city really came together and helped us along,” Bormann said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682873280713.jpeg" alt="Matt Bormann, Chief Executive Office, during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Western Smokehouse Partners, Thursday, April 20, at 3800 West Avenue. When the facility is up and running it is expected to process 13.2 million pounds of meat a year.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Matt Bormann, Chief Executive Office, during a ribbon cutting ceremony for Western Smokehouse Partners, Thursday, April 20, at 3800 West Avenue. When the facility is up and running it is expected to process 13.2 million pounds of meat a year.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffMatt Bormann, CEO of Western Smokehouse Partners, joked he would normally discuss the difficulties in bringing a new manufacturing plant to town.But that wasn’t the case. Bormann spoke about the smooth transition into Burlington during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 20, at the company’s new manufacturing plant at 3800 West Ave. in Burlington.“The city really came together and helped us along,” Bormann said.&nbsp;Carl A. Nelson and Company were tasked with turning the building into a facility suitable for making meat sticks.Borman said due to their quick work, the factory will begin production in early May.&nbsp;“We told them (Carl A. Nelson) that we needed this in nine months. Our customers needed it. It should have been impossible. You guys made it possible,” he said, addressing members of the construction company.Tours of the facility explained how the meat sticks are made, and plenty of area residents at the event expressed interest in working at the facility. About 30 people have been hired, and more jobs are posted online on Indeed.“We have the first initial wave of people hired. They’re going to be starting next week. And then we will continue to bring people on to build to 150 people by the end of the year,” said Crystal Bohm, chief human resources officer for the plant.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/4/1682873459360.jpeg" alt="Lilly Garnsey samples a variety of flavors of meat sticks produced by Western Smokehouse Partners, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Thursday, April 20, at 3800 West Avenue. When the facility is up and running it is expected to process 13.2 million pounds of meat a year.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta" />
 <figcaption>Lilly Garnsey samples a variety of flavors of meat sticks produced by Western Smokehouse Partners, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Thursday, April 20, at 3800 West Avenue. When the facility is up and running it is expected to process 13.2 million pounds of meat a year.&nbsp; Photo/John Lovretta</figcaption>
 </figure>Bohm said a lot of the management team for the new plant has been in place for a couple of weeks. She had fielded more than 300 applications already.“We will be looking for processing technicians and packaging technicians. Those are the positions we will continue to hire,” she said.Western Smokehouse Partners, known as Western Smokehouse and Meat Market, is headquartered in Greentop, Mo. The company is leasing the building. Integra vacated the building in February 2022, resulting in a change of plans for Western Smokehouse Partners.“We had identified a building in Terre Haute, Ind. But structurally, it wasn’t going to work, and there was nothing we could do. We found this place within a week. It’s a great location. As far as our other plants, it’s pretty centrally located,” Bohm said.Western Smokehouse and Thrushwood Farms were separately founded in 1978 by Sam Western and Jim Hankes. They met each other through the industry and became good friends. Their sons, Kevin Western and Doug Hankes, grew up in the industry together — and each started making meat sticks.After a facility expansion, Western’s and Thrushwood decided to combine. The Western and Hankes families remain shareholders, and there are processing plants in Springfield, Ill., and Galesburg, Ill.When the facility is up and running, it is expected to process 13.2 million pounds of meat annually.