ANAMOSA–Prison, county and city dignitaries made their way to the Anamosa State Penitentiary (ASP) for a ceremony signifying the change of leadership at the facility, which recognized the departure of Warden John Ault and appointment of Warden Jerry Burt on February 14.

History was made at the penitentiary as this was the first ceremony of this kind in Anamosa, and only the fourth time a change of leadership ceremony has been held.

“It’s important for the people of the penitentiary and the community to see the leadership change and see that it’s endorsed by myself and the Department of Corrections,” said Gary Maynard, Director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, who came up with the idea for the leadership ceremonies.

Former Anamosa State Penitentiary Warden John Ault and incoming Warden Jerry Burt shake hands as Deputy Director of Eastern Iowa Operations Larry Brimeyer looks on at a Change of Leadership Ceremony, February 14 in Anamosa. (Journal-Eureka Photo by Michelle Phillips)

Both Maynard and Larry Brimeyer, Deputy Director of Eastern Iowa Operations, praised Warden Ault for his work at the ASP. The pair said they had no doubt that Warden Burt would continue the tradition of excellence.

Brimeyer said he had three things he was looking for when replacing Warden Ault, who was appointed warden of Fort Madison State Penitentiary in November. He is the eighth warden at Fort Madison since 1993.

“First, I thought it should be someone who was already a warden with a proven track record. Second, I wanted a warden I knew. I didn’t want anyone from out of state.

Tracy Bunge, Power plant Engineer 4 and Ken Opatz, Prison Industries Supervisor, say goodbye to Warden Ault.

Lastly, it had to be someone I trust to carry on the fine tradition and to lead the employees I have become friends with in the 28 years I worked here,” said Brimeyer, who was once employed at ASP.

Warden took the podium to thank the community and staff.

“There was no time during the transfer to tell everyone goodbye and thank-you,” Warden Ault told the crowd after receiving a standing ovation.

Warden Ault commended the staff for their dedication and hard work and added that he had known Warden Burt for 20, having worked with him at Rockwell City.

The wardens and their wives: L-R: Jerry Burt, Darla Burt, Darcie Ault and John Ault.

“You’ll do fine under the leadership and guidance of Jerry Burt. I worked with him in Rockwell City, and I taught him everything he knows,” quipped Warden Ault.

Warden Burt addressed the group and said he is looking forward to his time in Anamosa.

“The past few weeks have been exciting, but difficult, too,” said Warden Burt, who will officially start his duties on February 15. “I’m going to do my best to take care of this place.”

To make the change official, Brimeyer asked the wardens to pass a wooden plaque listing all of the ASP warden’s names from Warden Ault to Warden Burt.

After the ceremony, which included a presentation of colors by the ASP Correctional Emergency Response Team Color guard, Heather Bray singing the National Anthem, an invocation by Chaplain Karen Swindler and a Benediction by Reverend Anne Williams, guests enjoyed refreshments, bid farewell to Warden Ault and welcomed Warden Burt.

Warden Ault said that he hated leaving what he considered to be one of the best prisons in the country. He added that he was looking forward to the new challenges presented at Fort Madison.

“One thing is the relationship with staff. There are labor concerns I need to address. I plan to be positive and work toward the goals of the institution,” Warden Ault said.

Warden Ault said there are fewer inmates, 950, and more staff at Fort Madison, but the facility is spread out. Warden Ault will oversee the penitentiary, two farms, a medical center and a 200-bed mental health facility.

Warden Burt added, “I’m excited to be here. I don’t have any illusions that I don’t have a tremendous amount to learn, because I do.”

Acting Warden John Fayram will now go back to his position of Deputy Warden at ASP. He said he was looking forward to working with Warden Burt.

“I’m excited about Warden Burt joining the staff. I have great respect for him,” said Fayram, who has also known Warden Burt for 20 years.

ANAMOSA–A high-speed chase through the streets of Anamosa ensued at approximately 11:30 p.m. on February 10 after Anamosa Police officers were dispatched to a disturbance at Happy Hollow Mobile Home Park.

When police arrived at Happy Hollow a white vehicle was leaving the scene, and residents indicated to police that the driver, Jesse Harbach, 24, of Manchester was the person involved in the disturbance.

Anamosa Police officer Trevor Martensen followed the car on a chase down North Williams Street, which reached speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.

“The officer slowed down because the vehicle was traveling down a dead end street,” said Anamosa Police Chief Matt Menard. “The suspect’s vehicle couldn’t make the turn onto Knoll Street, lost control, went into the ditch and rolled over on it’s roof.”

Harbach got out of the car and began to flee on foot. He was then apprehended by Martensen and fellow officer Dave Riches.

Harbach was charged with OWI, felony eluding, interference with official acts and numerous traffic violations. He was not charged in the disturbance because the caller chose not to press charges.

The Anamosa Fire Department was called into assist because the vehicle burst into flames after it rolled.

ANAMOSA–West Middle School Principal Rick Delagardelle began his teaching career in Anamosa 33 years ago, and will retire from the Anamosa Community School District on June 30. Delagardelle gave his resignation at the school board meeting on February 6.

Delagar-delle began his tenure at Anamosa as a science and biology teacher upon his graduation from Iowa State University in 1973. He worked as a coach and athletic director as well as assistant high school principal and middle school principal. He simultaneously worked on his Master’s degree in school administration and received his Master’s degree in 1976.