You have permission to edit this article. The trumpet sound is meant to be heard! With a focus on educational programs and support of the earned-income tax credit for the working poor, McBurney hopes to become Iowa's first female representative in the state's 150-year history. Reynolds was married to Connie McBurney, a longtime weather forecaster for KCCI and one-time candidate for Congress. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}. Published by Post Register on Dec. 27, 2022. Still, Busiek rose to meet the challenge. Busiek's tenure tracks from when I thought the TV news was an intolerable delay between cartoons and sporting events to a regular frustration in my reporting life. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Our Lady of Lourdes Church 1506 Brown St, Bettendorf, IA 52722. BUT BY 1972, NEWS ANCHORS STARTED REPORTING JUST NEWS, AND DEDICATED WEATHER REPORTERS WERE HIRED. Connie McBurney (Constance Louise Skow) was born April 18, 1933, in Moorhead, Iowa. "KCCI has also had a lot of firsts. Here he taught his children the value of hard work, ingenuity, and provided for his childrens braces and education. His duties also included inspecting power lines as a passenger in a smaller propellor plane, likely fostering his passion for the song Wichita Lineman. Would you like to notify someone you've mentioned them? THE STATION WAS OWNED BY THE SAME OWNERS OF THE DES MOINES REGISTER AND TRIBUNE AND KRNT RADIO. After earning her degree in broadcast communications, McBurney began a 24 year career at KCCI TV-8 as a writer, reporter, producer and chief weather anchor. The first anchors were legendary KRNT radio personalities. Thats a credit to a good news station, probably the best in the market and one of the best in the country. "We should start fund raising for a more efficient beacon with LED lights and bring it back to the Des Moines skyline.". Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared. "I had just had my son on Oct.18 and was in Methodist hospital. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. BLACKFOOT -- The funeral for Constance "Connie" McBurney (formerly Marcinko) of Blackfoot, daughter and sister of area residents, will be held at 3:30 p.m. today at the Blackfoot High School IA 52722. Some remembered the beacon's first light. Growing up watching KCCI, I felt like I knew all the people at TV8 - Paul Rhodes, Kevin Cooney, Mary Brubaker and others. Ilo Mae McBurney Obituary Thats when I knew how local television news touched peoples lives, Busiek said. Please consider a donation to Connie Elaine Bever Shannon's Memorial Fund. Connie McBurney (Constance Louise Skow), age 82, passed away October 17, 2015, at her home in Council Bluffs. He continued his studies during the war, receiving math homework from Fr. While in Logan, Connie worked at Angies restaurant and considered her boss, Saboor Sahely, a second father. KCCI HAS ALSO HAD A LOT OF FIRSTS. There is no photo or video of Ilo McBurney.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. BACK IN 1955, WHEN KCCI FIRST WENT ON THE AIR AS KRNTTV, -- AS KRNT-TV, ANCHORMAN, RUSS VAN DYKE, DID THE WEATHER. His final professional employment was with the US Army Industrial Engineering Activity, Rock Island, IL, coordinating electronics projects for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. CONNIE QUICKLY BECAME A LOCAL CELEBRITY, WITH VIEWERS COINING THE PHRASE, "CONNIE SAID IT WOULD BE LIKE THIS." Connie McBurney Percival, a reporter and forecaster with KCCI for 24 years, flipped the switch on the resurrected beacon. With sadness, I write to tell you that your friend and mine, Neil McBurney, passed away Monday, July 6th, 2021, in a medically-assisted death.Connie McBurney (Constance Louise Skow) was born April 18, 1933, in Moorhead, Iowa. 1506 Brown St, She was preceded in death by her. KCCI celebrates 65 years of broadcasting, >> LIVE FROM TV 8 CENTER IN DES MOINES. Glenn McBurney Obituary (2012) - Council Bluffs, IA - Omaha World-Herald THIS IS WHAT KCCIS FIRST NEWS DIRECTOR, RUSS VAN DYKE, SAID 1983 TO FORMER NEWS DIRECTOR, AND BEFORE THAT, ANCHOR HERE, DAVE BUSIEK. She passed . Though she had experienced a recent gall bladder surgery, her loss by heart attack was completely unexpected, and the family is shocked and deeply saddened. She planned to take a last look at the beacon while visiting friends in Des Moines on Wednesday night. To Sherry,Jim and Marcy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Columnist Daniel P. Finney grew up in Winterset and east Des Moines. You have funeral questions, we have answers. That helped our team of meteorologists bring live radar images to viewers. As a paragraph stacker at a newspaper, I often teased my colleagues in TV as being part of the hairspray mafia, but, in truth, their craft is different than mine and I respect TV reporters and anchors more intimate connection with their viewers. You can cancel at any time. She was taken up on her offer more than once to play taps for military funerals. Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Charles will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island. Ways to honor Connie Shannon's life and legacy. Her work with Webelos was characterized by earning badges and moving up in rank by the book, while having lots of fun. Back then, she used the news to turn lemons into lemonade by becoming a manager for Waukee High sports teams.Connie played the trumpet and got annoyed with other players who kept the bell down or blocked it with a music stand. After returning from the war, CE earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University in 1948. He later enjoyed participating in the Quad Citys Inventors Club. But one TV story about a sick child brought scores of phone calls with people wanting to know how they could donate money or otherwise help the family. Get notified when new information is shared or changed on this website. Connie McBurney (Constance Louise Skow), age 82, passed away October 17, 2015, at her home in Council Bluffs. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Leave your condolences to the family on this memorial page or send flowers to show you care. Select this result to view Connie Jean Stefanski's phone number, address, and more. YOU GET RIGHT DOWN TO IT, WHAT PEOPLE TUNE INTO THIS NEWSCAST FOR IS THE SAME THEY DID IN 1955, THEY WANT INFORMATION THEY CAN DEPEND ON. A promotions writer named Connie McBurney was chosen to take over. Busiek filed the story and it aired on that evenings news. a staff member will follow up immediately. A POPULAR LOCAL TALK SHOW HERE ON KCCI STARTING IN 1967, RUNNING FOR 14 YEARS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1981 THE SHOW LATER BECAME "MIDDAY," BEFORE EVENTUALLY EVOLVING INTO THIS NOON NEWSCAST. "The Weather Beacon is to Des Moines as Big Ben is to London," said Melissa Vorel of Des Moines. He attended elementary education in Peoria, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa. Years later, other doctors discovered a genetic abnormality with her hips. "Then in 1994, Super Doppler arrived at KCCI, the first full-power live weather doppler in Iowa. Connie McBurney was born in 1940 in the rural Iowa community of Lacey. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Happy Birthday! KCCI celebrates 65 years of broadcasting A staunch advocate for Iowa communities, she created the Project Mainstreet community development program, and established the Mike Reynolds Journalism Scholarship for Iowa undergraduate students. She was kind to people, though known for giving a tongue lashing to anyone who mistreated others or crossed her. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. Charles Edward McBurney III was born to Charles Edward and Eleanor McBurney in November of 1923, in Wilmington, Illinois. Busiek is retiring at the end of this year after nearly 40 years at KCCI, and almost 30 as its news director. Connie Elaine (Bever) Shannon's Obituary - Idaho Falls, ID | Ever Loved Church, 820 Susquehanna Rd. KRNT hit the airwaves at about 10 a.m., and the first newscast was at 12:3o p.m. with legendary Iowa news anchor Paul Rhodes. Connie was born in Des Moines, Iowa and immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. ITS BEEN QUITE THE JOURNEY. Connie is survived by her children, Jim and wife, Doris, Sherri Kloke and husband, Leon, Marcy Lauver and Bruce Lauver; sister, Barb Holverson; sister-in-law, Ann Skow; 10 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. If you were lucky and there was no wait, you could get your film back in 45 minutes, but, at worst, you were looking at two hours.. Connie McBurney (Constance Louise Skow) was born April 18, 1933, in Moorhead, Iowa. Ilo Mae McBurney, 93, a resident of Bettendorf, died Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. THANK YOU for helping us ensure that all guest book entries are His family nicknamed him CE, and he used this name throughout his life. RHEYA: LOOK AT THAT. Connie is survived by her children, Jim . HEIDI SOLIDAY, THE FIRST LOCAL FEMALE SPORTS DIRECTOR IN U.S. HISTORY. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Marie Skow; her husband, Glenn (Mac) McBurney; brother, Will Skow; and grandson, Trent Lauver. Former Des Moines Register Iowa Boy columnist Chuck Offenburger rallied the station to return the beacon in many columns through the 1970s and '80s. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He says that in deference to his late friend, Mike Reynolds, another KCCI lifer who rose to assignment editor and managing editor before dying of a brain tumor at age 45 in 1988. She had an insatiable appetite and ate whatever her siblings wouldn't finish. Avril Elizabeth Laughlin Chase Avril Elizabeth Laughlin Chase was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on Sunday, April 22nd, 1945. Connie also met with her bishop to sign papers to go on a mission for her Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Her middle name came from her Grandma Bettys middle name. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. A promotions writer named Connie McBurney was chosen to take over. One of the reasons KCCI is so good is a remarkable consistency in leadership. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at church. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Notifications from this guestbook will end. Those who knew Connie recognized her genuine caring, love of animals, patriotism, and enthusiasm for scouting. Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. THIS IS AN IMAGE OF A BILLBOARD IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES PROMOTING CHANNEL 8 GOING ON THE AIR. Write your message of sympathy today. I will never forget.". Blogs; Online will; Shop. http://youtube.com/channel/UC6rDUhLMjg7HxyNGw6zDqYg/, https://www.gofundme.com/f/connie-bever-shannons-memorial-fund. Council Bluffs. comment, please click on the link in the comment to report it, and Staff Interface Connie Mcburney - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages Weather Beacon flashing, night or day, precipitation is on its way. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Family burial service in Spring Valley Cemetery in Moorhead, Iowa. He returned to the newsroom the next day and his phone was ringing constantly. THIS IS A LOOK AT "THE MARY BRUBAKER SHOW." I THINK IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT WE DO A GOOD JOB. Her sister, Diana, named her after the Channel 8 TV weather personality, Connie McBurney. KCCI was the initial test site of VIPIR radar, and the first central Iowa TV station to have a dual-pol radar.It's been quite the journey, and weather has been a part of the story from the beginning.That first day, Iowa was in the middle of a massive heatwave and the hot TV lights and no air conditioning in the studio made it even hotter.When KCCI first went on the air as KRNT-TV, anchorman Russ Van Dyke did the weather.He used a glass map of the United States. Oh, no, Busiek recalled thinking in a recent interview. Mike was a great newsman and he would have been the person in this chair if tragedy hadnt struck, Busiek said. Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Charles McBurney Obituary (2022) - Davenport, IA - Quad-City Times Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Privacy Policy and The family will direct memorials. Find the obituary of Ilo McBurney (1926 - 2020) from Bettendorf, IA. Though. Connie McBurney Percival, a reporter and forecaster with KCCI for 24 years, flipped the switch on the resurrected beacon. Her middle name came from her Grandma Betty's middle name. First lit in 1960, strings of colored lights at the edges of the downtown transmitter tower for Des Moines' CBS-TV affiliate gave an at-a-glance forecast on the capital's skyline. On June 7, 2005, Connie and Dave became parents when they adopted Victoria Mae Shannon and Joshua Daniel Shannon. Avril Chase Obituary (1945 - 2020) - Des Moines, IA - the Des Moines He graduated high school from St. Ambrose Academy in 1941, where he studied art with the world-renowned Father Edward Catich, who fostered CEs gifts in art and calligraphy. In 1994 she joined the Blank Children's Hospital, working as a Child Advocate. In 1996, McBurney announced her candidacy as a Democrat for Congress in Iowa's Fourth District. Our Campaigns - Candidate - Connie McBurney It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony's Church for the McAnthony Window, Humility of Mary Shelter, or Our Lady of Lourdes Church. GIRTON, Jacqueline "Jackie" - Of Mount Forest, passed away at Strathcona Long Term Care on Monday, June 6, 2022 in her 99th year. Connie joins her father (Danny Lee Bever), beloved parents-in-law (Samuel Arvin Shannon Jr. & Carol Rose Moss Shannon), and Grandparents (Lee Burdette Bever, Betty Elaine England Bever, Samuel Lloyd Taylor, and Lydia Kathleen Vanover Taylor). Developing chemicals cost money, so they wanted to do as many rolls at once as they could, Busiek said. connie mcburney obituary. I finally got to meet Connie McBurney! Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application. View Charles Edward McBurney, III's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook. And a post on The Des Moines Register's Facebook page about the beacon going dark generated more than 100 comments in less than an hour. GLENN MCBURNEY OBITUARY. Busiek took that extra time and poured it into stories that mattered to Iowans. I THINK THE STATION THAT DOES THE BE. Reynolds was married to Connie McBurney, a longtime weather forecaster for KCCI and one-time candidate for Congress. Station officials ordered custom-made bulbs, but the color flaked off the red and green bulbs, which regularly forced engineers to scale the 500-foot tower to replace bulbs. Create an obituary. By 1972, news anchors started reporting just news, and dedicated weather reporters were hired. In four decades, Busiek has adapted to relentless advancement in technology. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, Devries, K Daniel Halligan-Mc Cabe De Vries Funeral. (2020), parents Charles and Eleanor, brothers Robert and Jean, and daughter in law, Connie McBurney (Chuck). On December 22, 2022, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Connie Elaine (Bever) Shannon, 48 years young, passed at home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. "A lot of people really liked it, but it's probably about the electric bill. November, 1923-August 18, 2022 . Connie's obituary. positive and considerate. Standard text messaging rates apply. When KCCI first went on the air as KRNT-TV, anchorman Russ Van Dyke did the weather. Connie was tomboy who spent more time outdoors than in, climbing trees, playing softball and basketball, riding her bicycle, building snowmen, and enjoying neighborhood games. ; and her sister Virginia Knoll of Marshalltown, Iowa.. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren. CHARLES MCBURNEY OBITUARY. "Weather beacon dead, no weather ahead," said Joseph Louis Vaughn of Ames. Meanwhile, she met the love of her life, David Samuel Shannon. They call it broadcasting, Busiek said, but its really one-casting. If youre doing it right, youre having a one-on-one conversation with the viewer in their home or on the phone or laptop or however they choose to get in touch with you., This is not a new idea, but it is an important one. Now retired and living on a Greene County farm, he was ready to sound reveille in the 21st century. Reach him at 515-284-8144 or dafinney@dmreg.com. Share your sympathy. He oversaw coverage of the devastating floods in 1993 and 2008. McBurney, Connie. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. "It was extravagant at the time," she said. McBurney attended public schools in Johnston and Des Moines, and studied nursing and journalism at the University of Iowa. The hole left by her absence will be difficult to fill. She was kind to people, though known for giving a tongue lashing to anyone who mistreated others or crossed her. Dave Busiek learned the power of television on his first assignment for KCCI-TV in April 1979. You have permission to edit this article. He used a glass map of the United States. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.gofundme.com/f/co. Though she earned the Democratic nomination, with 47 percent of votes, she lost the general election to Republican Greg Ganske, who secured 52 percent of votes. The tower, KCCI reported Wednesday, was built to meet 1980s code, and any remodeling would have forced expensive repairs. Rydal, PA. For those who cannot attend Connie's funeral in person, the link is http://youtube.com/channel/UC6rDUhLMjg7HxyNGw6zDqYg/In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.gofundme.com/f/connie-bever-shannons-memorial-fund.Connie Elaine Bever Shannon will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com. The family will direct memorials. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. She and her family enjoyed it when she brought home leftovers from work. His employment moved next to Gulf and Western's Eagle Signal Division where he designed traffic control systems and wrote and illustrated US patent applications for their traffic control systems. Sign up to get the most recent local obituaries delivered to your inbox. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Connie quickly became a local celebrity with viewers coining the phrase "Connie said it would be like this!" Then in 1994,. Meanwhile, she met the love of her life, David Samuel Shannon. Celebration of Life Service Sunday, November 1, 2015, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Walnut Hill Chapel / Reception Hall, 1350 E. Pierce St. Family burial service in Spring Valley Cemetery in Moorhead, Iowa. In fact, there were only about two or three of them in the country.By 1972, news anchors started reporting just news, and dedicated weather reporters were hired. Happy Birthday! "THE MARY BRUBAKER SHOW." KCCI went on the air July 31, 1955, as KRNT-TV.KRNT hit the airwaves at about 10 a.m., and the first newscast was at 12:3o p.m. with legendary Iowa news anchor Paul Rhodes.The first anchors were legendary KRNT radio personalities. Connie joins her father, Danny Lee Bever, beloved parents-in-law, Samuel Arvin Shannon Jr. & Carol Rose Moss Shannon, and grandparents, Lee Burdette Bever, Betty Elaine England Bever, Samuel Lloyd Taylor, and Lydia Kathleen Vanover Taylor.Connie was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. "Surely the Weather Beacon can be made over and given extended new life, too, can't it?". Connie quickly became a local celebrity with viewers coining the phrase "Connie said it would be like this! "Mike was a great newsman and he would have been the person in this chair if . When Connie was five, the family moved to Waukee, Iowa. (93 years old). I walked down to the end of the hall and saw it turned on. For 75 years she embodied the limerick "But . Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website. She planned to take a last. "Occupy KCCI!" She was preceded in death by her. On June 7, 2005, Connie and Dave became parents when they adopted Victoria Mae Shannon and Joshua Daniel Shannon. . Heidi Soliday was the first local female sports director in U.S. history. She promises to fight for working families, and says high schools should teach marketable skills to noncollege-bound students. KCCI WENT ON THE AIR JULY 31, 1955 AS KRNT-TV. Its a job Busiek said he never should have gotten. Some include Dolph Pulliam, the first African-American TV broadcaster in Iowa. Constance McBurney | Archives | southernminn.com Others believed it was a monumental loss to the capital. The station was owned by the same owners of the Des Moines Register and Tribune and KRNT radio, with the call letters KRNT derived from the "Register 'n Tribune.". Dave Busiek held sacred the trust of KCCI viewers for good of central Iowa Weather Beacon white, colder weather is in sight. If you see a negative or inappropriate It may not look like it, but KCCI is officially 65 today. Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. We invite all of Connies family and friends to join us in celebrating her life at 5255 South 5th/Fifth West in Idaho Falls, Idaho on Friday, 12/30/2022 with a viewing from 9:30-10:45 am and the funeral following at 11 am. "It was extravagant at the time," she said. KCCI has also had a lot of firsts. Heres to the next 65 years as Iowas News Leader! Back then, she used the news to turn lemons into lemonade by becoming a manager for Waukee High sports teams. Connie was tomboy who spent more time outdoors than in, climbing trees, playing softball and basketball, riding her bicycle, building snowmen, and enjoying neighborhood games. CHICAGO, THE TWIN CITIES, 38 DEGREES. "I know when it was first turned on 52 years ago," Allen Taylor-Turner of Des Moines recalled. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. WHILE SO MUCH HAS CHANGED SINCE 1955, WE ARE STILL COMMITTED TO BRINGING YOU THE LATEST NEWS, WEATHER, AND SPORTS TO KEEP YOU INFORMED AND SAFE. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Do you want Ever Loved to notify subscribers of these changes? He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ilo (2020), parents Charles and Eleanor, brothers Robert and Jean, and daughter in law, Connie McBurney (Chuck). Recommend Constance's obituary to your friends. WITH THE CALL LETTERS, KRN DERIVED FROM THE THE REGISTER N TRIBUNE. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur and Marie Skow; her husband, Glenn (Mac) McBurney; brother, Will Skow; and grandson, Trent Lauver. Connie graduated from Waukee High School in 1992 and went on to study at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) before moving on to graduate with her Bachelors in Family & Human Development at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He served three years abroad in Africa, Italy, France, and Germany as a truck and tank mechanic. She was born April 18, 1933, in Moorhead, Iowa. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Service map data OpenStreetMap contributors. a staff member will follow up immediately. Her sister, Diana, named her after the Channel 8 TV weather personality, Connie McBurney. October 24, 2020 Connie McBurney was born in 1940 in the rural Iowa community of Lacey. You can cancel at any time. Heidi Soliday was the first local female sports director in U.S. history. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His voice just went out into the air. AVRIL CHASE OBITUARY. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The late childrens TV host Fred Rogers once said, The space between the television set and that person who's watching is very holy ground.. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. For a station in a market this size to have that little turnover is amazing, Busiek said. Instead of a mission, she married him on June 14, 1997 in the Las Vegas Temple, and the two were inseparable from that point on. He married Ilo M. Pfeiffer in 1953 in Davenport, Iowa. They brought great joy into their lives.Family came first with Connie. Her work with Webelos was characterized by earning badges and moving up in rank "by the book," while having lots of fun.A warrior throughout life, Connie is survived by her husband, David Samuel Shannon; children, Joshua Shannon and Tori Shannon; mother, Sandra "Sandy" Bever; sisters, Diana Barber (+ 2 sons) and Sheryl (Aaron) Bagshaw (+ 1 niece, 3 nephews); brothers, Bryan Bever (Heidi Peterson) and Jared (+ 1 niece, 1 nephew) (Courtney Brogdon) Bever; sisters-in-law Julia A. Shannon (Charles "Buddy") Valerius (+ 3 nieces, 1 nephew) and Bethany Jane Shannon (Andrew) Owens (+ 3 nephews, 2 nieces); brother-in-law, Sean Michael (Amy Eustice) Shannon (+1 nephew).We invite all of Connie's family and friends to join us in celebrating her life at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at 5255 South 5th West in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They brought great joy into their lives. Eric Hanson KCCI - I finally got to meet Connie McBurney! Growing up Wednesday, word came from KCCI-TV the station was switching off its beloved Weather Beacon for good. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}. I finally got to meet Connie McBurney! - Eric Hanson KCCI | Facebook She was born April 18, 1933, in Moorhead, Iowa. During high school, Connie became an expert at tossing pizza while working at Breadeaux Pizza.