A Burlington, Iowa native is playing a vital role in U.S. Navy operations in the North Pacific Ocean. Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Riley Etchison, originally from Burlington, was recently photographed giving critical hand signals to pilots of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter during a helicopter in-flight refueling (HIFR) exercise aboard the USS Preble (DDG 88), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.

The exercise, conducted May 1, allowed the Easyriders of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37 to refuel mid-air without landing on the ship’s flight deck — a vital capability in situations where deck landings aren’t feasible due to operational or environmental constraints.

The USS Preble is currently forward deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15), the Navy’s largest destroyer squadron and the principal surface force of the U.S. 7th Fleet. Operating in the Indo-Pacific region, DESRON 15 supports missions aimed at maintaining security, stability, and freedom of navigation in some of the world’s most strategically important waters.

Etchison’s role as a boatswain’s mate involves expertise in seamanship, deck operations, and supporting flight deck activities. In the photo, taken by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jamaal Liddell, Etchison can be seen giving precise hand signals that guide the helicopter crew safely through the complex refueling procedure.

Family and friends in Iowa can take pride in Etchison’s contributions aboard the USS Preble as the ship continues its deployment in support of U.S. Navy operations throughout the Pacific.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Capstone Pharmacy was in the spotlight this week as the community gathered to celebrate its nomination as one of Mount Pleasant’s five Small Business of the Year finalists.

The celebration at the pharmacy gave owner and pharmacist Tan Ho, a chance to share the story of how Capstone came to be — a story of hard work, determination, and dedication to serving the community.

“I started Capstone Pharmacy in 2015,” he told the group. “We’re actually celebrating our 10-year anniversary this Friday. Owning my own pharmacy was always in the back of my mind, and when the opportunity came after Medicap left town, I knew it was time.”

Today, Capstone Pharmacy is known not only for its prescriptions but for personalized service, answering customers’ questions, and going the extra mile to help them find solutions — even recommending over-the-counter alternatives when possible.

“I love being able to work directly with people, to help them individually,” he said. “That’s one of the best parts of owning this pharmacy. It’s a lot of work — sometimes 14-hour days — but it’s rewarding.”

The pharmacy now employs a small but mighty team, including two full-time technicians, a part-time technician, and a part-time assistant who fills in as needed. The staff prides itself on creating a welcoming atmosphere and building trust with every customer.

The event wrapped up with warm thanks from the organizers, photos with the staff, and excitement about the upcoming announcement of the Small Business of the Year winner later this week.

MOUNT PLEASANT — The American Hair Academy was honored this afternoon as one of five nominees for Mount Pleasant’s Small Business of the Year, with staff, students, and supporters gathering to celebrate the achievement.

The academy, known for its strong training programs and commitment to helping students launch successful careers in cosmetology & Barber trades, took a moment to reflect on its role in the community and the impact it has had over the years.

Lori Greiner, Owner of American Hair Academy said, “We are so proud to be nominated. Our team works hard every day to not only provide excellent education but also build confidence and creativity in our students.”

Guests marked the occasion with smiles, photos, and plenty of enthusiasm as the academy looked ahead to the announcement of the Small Business of the Year winner later this week.

As they celebrate ten years in Mount Pleasant, American Hair Academy continues to set the standard for hands-on, professional beauty education.

The Mount Pleasant Arts IMPACT mini gallery in the public library is proud to feature the work of Aidan Krell for the months of May and June, 2025.

Artist Aidan Krell was born in Iowa. He pursued his passion for visual arts at Southeastern Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in arts after completing his early education at West Burlington High School. His educational journey served as a catalyst for his experimental approach, encouraging him to question conventional techniques and explore the boundaries between various artistic disciplines.

Aidan’s creative practice revolves around intuitive exploration of materials, embracing spontaneity and controlled chaos in equal measure. By applying heat directly to paint surfaces, he creates unexpected reactions that transform ordinary pigments into dynamic, almost sculptural elements on the canvas.

This process of disruption and reformation allows him to capture moments of transformation that might otherwise go unnoticed in more traditional approaches.

His artistic journey began through experimentation, combining different painting styles with mixed media elements to create pieces that speak to both emotion and technique.

He finds joy in the process of discovery—learning new methods and merging them into hybrid forms that allow for spontaneous expression while maintaining technical precision.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of my practice by incorporating even more diverse media and textures into my evolving body of work.

In addition to the IMPACT gallery display, other examples of his work are available at this address:  https://aok-creations-100007.square.site/

IMPACT Gallery hours in the Mount Pleasant Public Library are Monday thru Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. Of course, admission is free and open to the public.

Aidan will also have a show at the Art Center of Burlington all the month of August, and the reception for his show there is scheduled on Friday, August 1st.