I am saddened by the passing of the Great Lady (Vera Burk) But I am comforted by the Faith that she is now in a better place with her loved ones. I served with Vera on many community organizations and could always count on her dedicated help and participation and KNOWLEDGE. Unknown by many, she and her husband, Sam, were in on the founding of KTVO Television as original partners with James J. Conroy the first owner of the ststion. Sam wanted thew station to be in Kirksville, Mr Conroy wanted the station to be in Ottumwa. He had 51% of the control so he won and the original studios were in Ottumwa. Ironically, Now, they are located in Kirksville, Missouri. Maybe Sam had some impact on that decision from somewhere over the Rainbow.

YOU missed the point...

The fact remains that KTVO allowed the first nasty comments to be posted here. Those of us who posted afterwards were defending the radio station that Vera and Sam built PROUDLY! They were both NEWS people and would have defended their station as well.

I have loved the tributes that KIRX has played since... they really showed what a "warhorse" Vera was... outspoken, strong, energetic. She wouldn't have been quiet either...

And no.. it wasn't those at the radio station, that I know of, that posted these...

I am not employed there... just knew the history of the station and what role Vera has played in the community of Kirksville. I am proud we had such a strong lady... as well as others like Alvina, Harriet and Marietta...

VERY unusual for the times for women to be in front of business, community service and issues. I am proud of ALL of them!

regarless of who broke the story, you should be mourning the death of a great person from the community. seriously, it doesnt matter who "broke the news" here.

and to ktvo, i understand that these comments are PURELY opinion and NOT proven facts. let's all thank God for that because there are some real idiots around here that cannot see the light of day from out of their "you know what."

it was probably just people from or pro radio station complaining anyway. KTVO never stated they broke the news first. the idiots read it from other comments. i say keep letting people have freedom of speech. thanks!

Vera and Sam were neighbors of ours when we lived at 312 East Jefferson many moons ago. Our only daughter then, Margo and their little girls, Chockie and Stevie, were friends. Later on in life I wrote a book called The Hungry Years, and I was a guest on a live program on KIRX hosted by Pat Borok. I remember the early days of the radio station, too. Vera was a lovely person to have as a neighbor. Kirksville is fortunate to have had her all these years as a community supporter. She will certainly be sorely missed.

to Rick Anderson, as a former krxl-kirx employee I loved Vera also. Thats all I have to say.

I'm not sure exactly what 'Dedicated Listener's' problem is, but they must be all THAT dedicated or they clearly would have heard of Vera's passing on the radio PRIOR to the KTVO story.

Although some would have considered me as being from the 'wrong side of the tracks' that did not matter to Mrs. B. She sensed my great love of the radio business and took a chance on a punk kid by giving me my first serious job. I remained at the stations for over 20 years until my own failing health prevented it. She was one of the kindest people I've ever know. Not to knock other subsequent owners, but Vera, Stevie et al always tried to make employees feel like family, not just another W-2 form. I well-recall the first Christmas I worked there, and being surprised with a holiday bonus. I'd only been there a few months and expected none. To a struggling college kid that small amount of extra money meant the world. My heart is filled with sadness now that another of that great 'family' has passed: Vera, Charlie Porter, Bob Carlson, Hal McKinney, Al Holzmeier -- all took me under their wing and showed me what radio was all about. All now gone. Blessings of comfort to all the Burk children and grandchildren.

I sure hope the people who made the first few comments will realize that they need to think about what they say (or type) before doing it. Because YES, the radio station was the first media to break the story at 5pm on 8/5/09. If I know this radio station, they are probably working on a nice memorial for her just like they have done for others (like the tornado victims), but that stuff takes time to produce

I think it is pretty low of KTVO to allow blogs on here that falsely slam the radio stations that Vera was so proud of. I heard the 5 PM news last evening and they DID announce it before you.

I just think it is pretty low of you to keep posting lies, especially at a time when the Burk family is mourning... and to falsely slam the radio station she worked so hard to build. And for what... to build YOURSELF up?

Sleezy news, if you ask me.

That was not fair to try to knock KIRX. That lady ont he 5PM news announced Vera's passing last night before KTVO... and I know Helen was very upset by it on KTUF. this is a small town. You need to support each other instead of tryiing to knock the other down and over something like this...

I think you owe them an apology if you are such a dedicated listener!

Actually, I heard the news on the 5 PM news last night on the radio FIRST... so that was really unfair to post incorrect information about KIRX. And I would hope that since KTVO prides itself on how accuracy matters... that they would post this response!

The saddest part was that it was KTVO that broke the story instead of the radio (who receoved the information first). Shame on you Radio Park; this lady and her late husband is the reason that you even exist today! Thank goodness that KTVO recognized that this was newsworthy enough to warrant a story to let the community know that this local icon had passed. At least she did get a mention on the radio this morning (after they had the chance to read the paper and watch the news last night). At least there are a few of us "old timers" who will miss this great lady. Rest in peace Vera!

Vera will be greatly missed by all who knew her. It's a real shame and disgrace that the TV station was the only media who felt her passing to be newsworthy. Shame on you Radio Park

I will personally miss Vera, she helped in me getting my first radio announcer job at her stations. She would be appalled at the current management/owner, but I wont comment on him. Her grandson is a true radio man also. Vera thank ou fpr all you did to help a radio newbie at that time.