In late 2024 a listener from Burlington, Iowa, Mary Krohlow, approached us with an idea for a new program. It would feature short histories from all our broadcast area communities. Mary wrote a few sample scripts to share with us. We thought Mary had a great idea and began the work of scouting out people to write and voice episodes. Unfortunately, Mary passed before she was able to see the launch of the program. We hope she would be happy with the finished project.

The list below includes those who have written and voiced current and upcoming episodes. If you are interested in being a contributor to Echoes of the Prairie, please email publicradio@wiu.edu.

Contributors

Mary Krohlow
Mary was a long time Burlington, Iowa, resident who had an interest in many things. She spent many hours researching local history and published "Streets of Honor", telling many tales of Burlington's past. She was the author of the histories recorded here. As a long-time board member, play producer and director of the Players' Workshop, she was currently working on preserving their history. Mary supported many other local organizations with her time and talents: the Burlington Municipal Band, Des Moines County Historical Society, Mock Trials, The Shakespeare Club, WIUM-FM (Tri States Public Radio) and local book clubs. Mary passed on January 28, 2025.

Chi Eastin
Chi Eastin is a Donnellson, Iowa native who has spent her life in the tri-state area. A graduate of Midstate College’s Travel Hospitality Operations program, she now serves as the Fort Madison Tourism Director. With a lifelong interest in both travel and history, Chi also leads the North Lee County Historical Society as its president. Her passion for local heritage runs deep—her grandmother was the second female engineer in Fort Madison for the Santa Fe Railroad, and her mother worked as a correctional officer at the Iowa State Penitentiary. Chi enjoys sharing her interests and family history with the many visitors who stop by the tourism office.

Kara Ewinger
Kara is the manager of the Capitol Theater in downtown Burlington. She also works for Pritchard Broadcasting, and is an on-air personality for Hot 97-3 and 93.5 KKMI. She has been involved with Players Workshop in various roles on and offstage. Kara's first full length play she performed in was at age 15, Steel Magnolias, directed by Mary Krohlow. Mary Krohlow was a theater mentor and friend, who is so dearly missed. Kara is honored to be able to help share some of the fascinating historical stories Mary researched and wrote about.

Angela Gates
Angela Gates is a tri-state native, born and raised in Quincy, educated in Macomb, and now living in Keokuk. She is the president of the Keokuk History Center, a board member of the Historic Preservation Commission, and works at the Keokuk Public Library. Angela is an avid reader, enjoys sewing, collecting antique medical items, and visiting cemeteries. In her down-time, she can be found at home with her husband Eric, children Quinn and Lauren, and their loaf of a dog, Ginger.

Dr. Scott Giltner
Dr. Scott Giltner, Culver-Stockton College historian, joined the faculty in August 2005. He teaches courses in history with topics such as U.S. history before 1865 and since 1865, Sports History, America in the 1950s and 1960s, American History through Film and the Civil War. He also is Chair of Engagement and Experiential Education and the John A. Sperry Chair of Humanities. He was one of the inaugural recipients of the Dome Award, which recognizes C-SC employees who have played an important role in the advancement of the College, during the Alumni Honors Banquet in Oct. 2019. He received the Helsabeck Prize for Excellence in Teaching in 2014 and has twice received the Blue Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching presented by the Culver-Stockton Teacher Organization. Dr. Giltner, a native of Hartford, Ohio, is active in travel study, co-leading the biennial Belize and Guatemala expedition that has taken more than 140 students through the rainforests, reefs and ruins of Central America. He previously taught at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pa. He also has written a book, "Hunting and Fishing in the New South: Black Labor and White Leisure After the Civil War," that was published in 2008.

Andrea Hernandez Mendez
Andrea Hernandez is a second-generation Mexican American, born and raised in Fort Madison, Iowa. She grew up deeply connected to her heritage—through the food, the traditions, and especially the music of Mexico. Her great-grandparents, grandparents, and father all came to the United States from Mexico to work on the railroad or in farm labor, and she carries great pride in their determination to build a better future. As a proud Mexican American woman, Andrea hopes today’s youth will continue to honor the traditions, culture, and diversity of their roots.

James W. Lemberger
James W. Lemberger was born in Southeast Iowa and went on to earn his MBA with a focus in finance from Loyola University in Chicago. A United States Army veteran, he built a career working for major financial institutions in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. A lifelong student of American history, James has returned home to Wever, Iowa, where he remains deeply involved in historical organizations throughout Southeast Iowa.

Kent Lewis
Kent is a retired attorney who spends his time in retirement traveling for fun and to see theater. He enjoys participating in all aspects of the theater at the Players Workshop in Burlington. He is a board member of the Southeast Iowa Collective and resident of the Burlington Shakespeare Club.

Kimberly Logan
Kimberly Logan, a proud Nauvoo native and dedicated mom, has deep roots in this historic community, which shape her understanding of its rich heritage. Her passion for local history is reflected in her commitment to preserving the stories and traditions that define the area. Kimberly is a Baxter descendant, and invoices in running Baxter's Winery with her parents Kelly and Brenda Logan. She also works as Nauvoo's real-estate agent and has a wide knowledge of Nauvoo. A lifelong resident, Kim connects with the past while fostering a sense of community for future generations, ensuring that Nauvoo’s unique legacy remains vibrant and relevant.

Brian Schmidt
Brian Schmidt was born and raised in Mendota, IL, and graduated high school in 1989. After completing his bachelors in Social Studies Education and Illinois State University, he was hired by Rushville High School in 1994. He has been teaching Social Studies there ever since. In 2008, he received his Master's Degree in History from Western Illinois University. His thesis was entitled "Partisan Politics in Antebellum Schuyler County, IL." He has been married to Laura Heckert since 1996
and they have two boys. Drew is in his fourth year of teaching Social Studies at Tri Valley High School in Downs, IL, and Dillon is a senior at Illinois State University and is majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Biology.

Brian Schmidt's World History Class 24-25, Rushville Industry High School

Submitted Photo

Students of Saint Peter and Paul School, Nauvoo
Saints Peter and Paul School in Nauvoo, Illinois, is a private Catholic institution dedicated to providing quality education rooted in faith and community values. Founded to serve the families of Nauvoo and surrounding areas, the school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and moral development. With a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment, Saints Peter and Paul School offers a comprehensive curriculum for students from preschool through eighth grade, integrating religious teachings with a robust academic program

Ann Tenold
Ann Tenold is the Executive Director of the Buchanan Center for the Arts in Monmouth, Illinois, a nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1989. BCA is dedicated to enriching lives by promoting education, participation, and enjoyment of the arts through exhibitions, classes, performances, community events, and outreach for people of all ages in Warren County and the surrounding region. A native of Monmouth, Ann returned home to lead the BCA in July 2025 after a career in arts administration and development, bringing decades of experience in strategic planning, grant writing, nonprofit leadership, and arts advocacy.

Rebecca Williamson
Rebecca Williamson was raised in Bowen, Illinois, where she cherished many weekends with her grandparents, Lois and Relly Fowler, near Nauvoo, Illinois. After graduating from Southeastern High School, she pursued her studies at Western Illinois University. For several years, she served in various positions at the United States Postal Service, including roles as a window clerk and mail carrier. She has always had a love of history that included many history conversations with her grandparents, Relly and Lois Fowler, and Uncle Bill Lionberger. She purchased the Cambre House in 2016 and joined the Nauvoo Historical Society. She is currently the Tourism Director for the City of Nauvoo.

Merry Ford Wiseman
Merry Ford Wiseman is a lifelong resident of Burlington, Iowa, and a retired attorney. During her years practicing law, she served on a number of state committees. In the past she was very involved in the Girl Scouts, on the City Plan Commission and other city task forces for Burlington. Since 2004, she has been the President of the Crapo Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, established to support special projects in Crapo Park. Over the course of more than forty-five years, Merry has volunteered in all aspects of the Players Workshop, Burlington’s Community Theater, and currently serves as co-chair of the Players Workshop’s Archives Committee.