Julie Nickell

United States

News Clerk and Staff Writer at Mississippi Valley Publishing

News Clerk and Staff Writer at The Hawk Eye

News Clerk and Staff Writer at Daily Gate City

Articles

School district readying for James Madison demolition

3 weeks ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Burlington Community School District will close the James Madison Education Center, 2132 Madison Ave., on Aug. 1, in preparation for demolition of the building sometime in 2026. "Preliminary plans are to put out bids for demolition in 2026 and then sell off lots. Before that, there will be an auction on all the furnishings in the fall, and then another auction for doors and lockers and such," said Michaele Niehaus, the BCSD community relations coordinator.
AmeriCorps cuts by DOGE hit local programs

3 weeks ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Two local volunteer agencies are among those scrambling after deep federal budget cuts to AmeriCorps. One comforts lonely seniors. The other helps feed the community. RSVP matches older volunteers with vital community service projects, while Homestead 1839 grows produce, half of which goes to food banks. Funding denials arrived in April.
News Bits: Hawkeyes, Main Line, yoga, boba and history

4 weeks ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

MEMORIAL FUNDRAISERLisa Walenczak DeWitt on Facebook explained why she is hosting a Hawkeye-themed fundraiser for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital starting at noon Sunday at the Eagles, 2727 Mount Pleasant St.“My dad, Steve Walenczak, unexpectedly passed away on April 8, 2025. One of the things my dad and I liked to do was watch college football, on TV or in person.
DMCHS now has a low-cost spay, neuter clinic

4 weeks ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Des Moines County Humane Society is now operating a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in its animal shelter, 2000 N. Roosevelt Ave. The aim is to tackle the area's crisis of being overpopulated with animals. "We've been listening, and we hear you," said Tiffanie Rourke-Thompson, shelter manager. As of March, all of the shelter's adoptable animal residents are fixed onsite, like Brittney, a black and white cat with a shaved belly, who reached out her paw to a visitor Wednesday from inside her kennel.
Heritage Center Museum to unveil new gift shop, restorations

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

On Saturday, Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum at 501 N. Fourth St. will present Snake Alley Days, showcasing grand, true-to-original restorations in “the Stacks.”Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also open during those hours will be the Garrett-Phelps House Museum, 521 Columbia St., next up for renovations. All Heritage Center admission fees will go towards that planned project.
Notre Dame High School 2025 Graduation: Close-knit class bids a fond farewell

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Sunday, May 25 was a big day in the lives of the 27 members of Notre Dame Catholic School's class of 2025. At the 68th commencement ceremony, the group ceased being high school students and became high school graduates. Wearing blue caps and gowns, each made his or her way inside the packed gym, in front of the beaming faces of family and friends, followed by faculty. At the ceremony, 100% of the 27 class members received diplomas; 23 have earned scholarships, and 25 have college plans.
News Bits: Fountain theft, living history, Muni Band, Players Workshop

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

CRAPO PARK FOUNTAINBurlington’s Parks and Recreation Department announced on Facebook Thursday the recent theft of the copper water line to the fountain in Crapo Park, leaving the fountain inoperable. When the news came out, Jeff George, an insurance agent with Country Financial and realtor with Midwest Realty Group, volunteered to fix the fountain for no charge using PEX Pipe — valueless for potential thieves.
A little breakfast before races: Criterium and pancakes this weekend

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Burlington will fill with excitement this weekend as some very popular local events are scheduled. The weather hopefully will cooperate. The National Weather Service as of Wednesday called for some mild, perhaps slightly chilly conditions. So, let’s take a look at some of what’s coming. FRIDAY FESTFrom 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Friday Fest will bring live music by local classic rockers Classic Reason to the Burlington riverfront at Memorial Auditorium, with free admission.
Here are some Memorial Day observances

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Memorial Day 2025 is Monday, and services will honor the brave men and women of our military who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States. The Burlington Area Veterans Council, which is made up of all military branches, will sponsor their annual ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Memorial Auditorium, usually attended by about 150 people. Curt Daughters will give the welcome, followed by the presentation of the colors by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard, and the Pledge of Allegiance.
BHS teacher opens art center display

1 month ago | mississippivalleypublishing.com | Julie Nickell

Deb Coyle teaches art at Burlington High School, and her new exhibit of collages and pottery at the Art Center of Burlington shows this instructor has learned well. Her ceramics — she won the ACB’s Great River Pottery Throwdown competition last July, and sold dozens of pieces at the 2024 Snake Alley Art Fair — started to sell early Friday night during her opening reception.