Coralville Scrap-Booking Goes Under in Flood

By Steve Nicoles, Reporter

By Becky Ogann

CORALVILLE - More people are getting to see what the Flood of 2008 did to their homes and businesses on Friday. In Johnson County, people are allowed back into buildings along the Coralville Strip.

There's no more water in the road, but clean up could take weeks. One business has gone under literally and figuratively.

Even before the flood washed away most of her supplies, Lisa Burkle was getting ready to close her scrap-booking store. There's just not a lot of money in the reminiscing business. But the broken levy forced Burkle to close this chapter of her life a little early.

"It was unbelievable. You don't even really feel it until you get in and start looking at stuff. Then it's sad," said Lisa Burkle, owner of Reminisce.

Burkle's staff is pulling everything off the walls. The moisture in the air warped what the water on the floor couldn't destroy.

"There isn't really anything that is salvageable," said Burkle.

Paper products don't stand much of a chance against rushing water. Most of the floor is covered in mud. Burkle bought the business a year ago. But she says scrap-booking has taken a hit in popularity because of gas prices. The hit her shop took a hit when the levy broke 6 blocks away drowned her business. But the workers are like family.

"We got together and sat and talked and had a good time," said Cindy Noesen, employee.

The staff hopes to meet up monthly to reminisce.
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Friday, Jul 25 at 3:50 PM A wrote ...

And now their checks are bouncing!!!

Friday, Jul 25 at 3:48 PM A Quad City scrapbooker wrote ...

Now her checks are bouncing!!

Thursday, Jul 17 at 12:46 PM T wrote ...

Interesting that the store could be sooo successful for so long then it gets sold and is closing in just over a year.....wonder what Matt & Andrea think!!

Friday, Jul 4 at 11:29 AM Anonymous wrote ...

the scrappers that go to walmart and scrappers from reminisce are a completely different caliber!! As a designer I am sad to see them leave!!

Sunday, Jun 29 at 2:09 PM A Quad City Friend of Reminsce wrote ...

I am so going to miss the shop. I visited at least once a month. They carried items I was never going to find at WalMart and other items not found in LSS in my area. I was saddned when I got the letter and more sad with this. They are a bunch of great gals. Good luck in the future.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 9:28 PM C wrote ...

This is a loss to the flood like anyone else. This was someone's private business and jobs for many people. Yeah, not personal possessions but forms of livelihood. Thanks for the support, A. YOU and your WALMART are why they are closing! good bye

Wednesday, Jun 25 at 3:25 PM Reminisce Fan wrote ...

Nice post A. What a way to show support for someone after their devastating loss.

Sunday, Jun 22 at 11:17 AM Michelle wrote ...

Loved the store - so sad to see it go. Stopped every time I passed through town.

Sunday, Jun 22 at 7:11 AM B wrote ...

People in this area were told they had until the weekend before water started flooding the area, the levy that broke behind Wig and Pen flooded the area overnight without much warning. Preparations had begun in the area but not enough.

Saturday, Jun 21 at 2:53 PM Ted wrote ...

Sorry this happened, but hey there isa bright side. Since the store was closing, and the product was going to be left over and basically a wash, at least the insurance will cover it. The money made for that is better than being stuck with product you wont be selling.

Saturday, Jun 21 at 10:28 AM Tina wrote ...

Did she try to get anything out of the store? We've known this flood was coming.

Saturday, Jun 21 at 9:42 AM Iowa Scrapper wrote ...

Wonder why they didn't move anything out the night before??? Or the days before? There were people sandbagging in the parking lot and workers in the store looked like they were just lost. Was the owner around before the flood to move inventory? What an unfortunate loss.

Saturday, Jun 21 at 6:43 AM A wrote ...

it was sooooo expensive to go in there when you can get the same things at WALMART no wonder they are closing. good bye.

Friday, Jun 20 at 9:28 PM Linda wrote ...

I will miss you Reminisce.

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