When 15-year-old Burlington resident Mateo Rascon steps up to a golf ball, he typically hits it about 280 to 285 yards with his driver. On a good day, he can hit it 80 yards further. 

Rascon has been at a pro-level since he was a preteen, so competing on the Golf Channel for the second time in four years only seems natural. He’s one of the best golfers in the country for his age.

“I love golf. I love everything about it,” Rascon said. “Every course is different. It’s different every time.”

Rascon leaves for Georgia this Friday (April 2). He will compete at the Augusta National Golf Club in the finals of the National Drive, Chip, and Putt Championships. The last time Rascon played on TV, he was an 11-year-old who towered over his mother and many of the golfers around him.

He’s even taller now and considerably less nervous.

“I’m ready for whatever God has in store for me,” said Rascon, a humble Christian hesitant to give himself too much credit.

Far from relying on his natural talent, Rascon has spent the past four years honing his skills through training from the Burlington Golf Club and practices at Burlington High School. He credits the golf club’s PGA professional Joe Butler for much of the recent improvement.

He had a passion for golf since he was 2 years old, according to stories he’s heard from his parents.

“That’s when my parents bought me a set of plastic golf clubs,” he said with a grin. “I wore them out.”

Rascon’s parents purchased him another set, and he promptly wore those out, too. That cycle continued until Mateo finally wrapped his hands around a real club and found out how far he can really hit a ball.

It’s a talent that's useful for far more than golf.

“I really have a love for baseball as well. So baseball and golf are my two sports,” he said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to most school athletics last year, Rascon didn’t have to worry about restrictions concerning golf. A rather solitary sport by nature, Rascon and his little brother Tomas — a talented golfer himself — spent their time out on the course rather than cooped-up at home.

“We must have played over 500 holes (in May),” Rascon said while practicing his drive at the Burlington Golf Club.

Rascon qualified for Augusta at a regional event in Colorado, playing the game of his life to earn his spot. His first drive sailed 367 yards (a course record), and his final two rolled past the 300-yard mark. He started the chipping portion of the competition by landing the ball directly in the bottom of the cup.

“When I was done, I had over 200, and I’ve never seen a score over 200 before,” said Rascon, who was interviewed by The Golf Channel after the event.

Rascon placed second in his age group the last time he competed at Augusta in 2017, and in his mind, that still leaves room for improvement. He and fellow youth golfers from around the country planned to play at Augusta last year, but the competition was postponed to this coming weekend due to the pandemic.

“This year, I’m trying to get my driver straightened out. If it is off for the day, my ball goes everywhere,” he said, once again grinning.

But as any true athlete will attest, the quest for betterment has no end date. And Rascon, who is eyeing possible athletic scholarships in the future, is just getting started.

“I will just use the talents God gave me,” he said.

The competition begins on Sunday, April 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/3/1617244520075.jpeg" alt="Mateo Rascon" />
 <figcaption>Mateo Rascon</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithWhen 15-year-old Burlington resident Mateo Rascon steps up to a golf ball, he typically hits it about 280 to 285 yards with his driver. On a good day, he can hit it 80 yards further. Rascon has been at a pro-level since he was a preteen, so competing on the Golf Channel for the second time in four years only seems natural. He’s one of the best golfers in the country for his age.“I love golf. I love everything about it,” Rascon said. “Every course is different. It’s different every time.”Rascon leaves for Georgia this Friday (April 2). He will compete at the Augusta National Golf Club in the finals of the National Drive, Chip, and Putt Championships. The last time Rascon played on TV, he was an 11-year-old who towered over his mother and many of the golfers around him.He’s even taller now and considerably less nervous.“I’m ready for whatever God has in store for me,” said Rascon, a humble Christian hesitant to give himself too much credit.Far from relying on his natural talent, Rascon has spent the past four years honing his skills through training from the Burlington Golf Club and practices at Burlington High School. He credits the golf club’s PGA professional Joe Butler for much of the recent improvement.He had a passion for golf since he was 2 years old, according to stories he’s heard from his parents.“That’s when my parents bought me a set of plastic golf clubs,” he said with a grin. “I wore them out.”Rascon’s parents purchased him another set, and he promptly wore those out, too. That cycle continued until Mateo finally wrapped his hands around a real club and found out how far he can really hit a ball.It’s a talent that's useful for far more than golf.“I really have a love for baseball as well. So baseball and golf are my two sports,” he said.While the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to most school athletics last year, Rascon didn’t have to worry about restrictions concerning golf. A rather solitary sport by nature, Rascon and his little brother Tomas — a talented golfer himself — spent their time out on the course rather than cooped-up at home.“We must have played over 500 holes (in May),” Rascon said while practicing his drive at the Burlington Golf Club.Rascon qualified for Augusta at a regional event in Colorado, playing the game of his life to earn his spot. His first drive sailed 367 yards (a course record), and his final two rolled past the 300-yard mark. He started the chipping portion of the competition by landing the ball directly in the bottom of the cup.“When I was done, I had over 200, and I’ve never seen a score over 200 before,” said Rascon, who was interviewed by The Golf Channel after the event.Rascon placed second in his age group the last time he competed at Augusta in 2017, and in his mind, that still leaves room for improvement. He and fellow youth golfers from around the country planned to play at Augusta last year, but the competition was postponed to this coming weekend due to the pandemic.“This year, I’m trying to get my driver straightened out. If it is off for the day, my ball goes everywhere,” he said, once again grinning.But as any true athlete will attest, the quest for betterment has no end date. And Rascon, who is eyeing possible athletic scholarships in the future, is just getting started.The TV coverage is just a nice bonus.“I will just use the talents God gave me,” he said.The competition begins on Sunday, April 4.

Teenage Golf Prodigy Set To Play On The Golf Channel This Sunday at Augusta National

A child is shown taking advantage of the Splatter Room at Pinned  It Creations at 400 Jefferson St. in downtown Burlington. Their colorful creation was made last weekend.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/4/1617297973452.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Photos by Grace in Chaos PhotographyA child is shown taking advantage of the Splatter Room at Pinned It Creations at 400 Jefferson St. in downtown Burlington. Their colorful creation was made last weekend.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/4/1617298100122.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Colorful Creation

Elaine Baxter was a strong Burlington woman.

But that didn’t completely define her. Nor did her long list of impressive accomplishments, which included becoming the first woman to serve on the Burlington City Council and the third woman to become Iowa’s Secretary of State.

Baxter, who died over the weekend at the age of 88, could best be encapsulated by her kindness and humility.

Born in Chicago on Jan. 16, 1933, Baxter’s parents, Clarence and Margaret Bland, were maintenance workers at the rooming house where the family lived.

Baxter attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she met her future husband, Harry Baxter. She earned a master’s degree in urban planning, with specialization in historical preservation, from the University of Iowa. She later moved to Washington, D.C., during Jimmy Carter’s administration to work as a congressional liaison in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Baxter was elected Burlington's first city councilwoman in 1973, and was the third woman to serve as Iowa's Secretary of State, from 1987 to 1995. She lost her run for Burlington mayor in 1975.

“For the first time, I encountered real resistance to a woman running for mayor," she said in a 2016 interview. "My workers would go out and do door knocking with my brochures, and people would take the brochure, tear it up and say, ‘I’m not voting for no woman.’"

Baxter was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1988 and 1992, a member of the Democratic National Committee from Iowa in 1988, and a candidate for U.S. Representative in 1992 and 1994. Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack appointed her to the Humanities Iowa board of directors, and she joined the Iowa Lottery Board in 2002.

In 2016, Baxter was named "Outstanding Elected Official" by the Iowa Democratic Party. She even met with for Hillary Clinton at a Burlington home when Clinton was running for the presidential nomination.

"I was a great admirer of Hillary Clinton. She didn't back off; she was a very strong woman," Baxter said in an interview last year. "She called and asked me to support her and said, ‘You're one of the pioneers that I look up to.’ I said I never thought of myself as a pioneer before. She said, ‘Well, you are.’"

It wasn’t just Clinton. Baxter hosted many prominent politicians over the decades, including Vice President Walter Mondale, Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver, Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, among others.

Funeral arrangements for Baxter are pending through Prugh Funeral Service in Burlington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/3/1617221653012.jpeg" alt="Elaine&nbsp; Baxter" />
 <figcaption>Elaine&nbsp; Baxter</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffElaine Baxter was a strong Burlington woman.But that didn’t completely define her. Nor did her long list of impressive accomplishments, which included becoming the first woman to serve on the Burlington City Council and the third woman to become Iowa’s Secretary of State.Baxter, who died over the weekend at the age of 88, could best be encapsulated by her kindness and humility.Born in Chicago on Jan. 16, 1933, Baxter’s parents, Clarence and Margaret Bland, were maintenance workers at the rooming house where the family lived.Baxter attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she met her future husband, Harry Baxter. She earned a master’s degree in urban planning, with specialization in historical preservation, from the University of Iowa. She later moved to Washington, D.C., during Jimmy Carter’s administration to work as a congressional liaison in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.Baxter was elected Burlington's first city councilwoman in 1973, and was the third woman to serve as Iowa's Secretary of State, from 1987 to 1995. She lost her run for Burlington mayor in 1975.“For the first time, I encountered real resistance to a woman running for mayor," she said in a 2016 interview. "My workers would go out and do door knocking with my brochures, and people would take the brochure, tear it up and say, ‘I’m not voting for no woman.’"Baxter was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1988 and 1992, a member of the Democratic National Committee from Iowa in 1988, and a candidate for U.S. Representative in 1992 and 1994. Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack appointed her to the Humanities Iowa board of directors, and she joined the Iowa Lottery Board in 2002.In 2016, Baxter was named "Outstanding Elected Official" by the Iowa Democratic Party. She even met with for Hillary Clinton at a Burlington home when Clinton was running for the presidential nomination."I was a great admirer of Hillary Clinton. She didn't back off; she was a very strong woman," Baxter said in an interview last year. "She called and asked me to support her and said, ‘You're one of the pioneers that I look up to.’ I said I never thought of myself as a pioneer before. She said, ‘Well, you are.’"It wasn’t just Clinton. Baxter hosted many prominent politicians over the decades, including Vice President Walter Mondale, Peace Corps founder Sargent Shriver, Attorney General Bobby Kennedy, among others.Funeral arrangements for Baxter are pending through Prugh Funeral Service in Burlington.

Elaine Baxter Was Burlington Politics

Jessie Teeter, 32, always wanted to be a firefighter.

She just didn’t realize what a rarity that made her. Only about 4 percent of firefighters nationwide are female, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Even her high school guidance counselor suggested she pick another career.

Teeter’s father was a volunteer firefighter for 35 years, and the guidance counselor’s advice did little to undermine Teeter’s confidence. 

“Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something. Because they’re wrong,” Teeter said.

Teeter, a seven-year veteran with the Burlington Fire Department, grew up as a firehouse brat. She harbors fond recollections of annual holidays spent with firefighters and their families. 

The Bonaparte native belonged there, and not just because she was born into it.

“During high school, I thought, ‘You know what. I think this is my thing,’ ” Teeter said.

Desire and fortitude got Teeter into the door — first as an EMT, then as a paramedic and a volunteer firefighter for the West Burlington Fire Department. It was there she fought her first fire, learned the ropes, and built extra muscle to haul around 60 pounds of equipment.

That was about 14 years ago. About seven years after that, Teeter went through more testing and landed a job at the Burlington Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic.

Teeter’s father lived to see his daughter achieve the success she had been chasing.

“I got the phone call that I was hired a day or two before my dad passed. I got to tell him I got hired, and I made our dream come true. And then he was gone,” Teeter said.

It hurt a lot. So Teeter threw herself into her work to drown out the grief, just like her father would have.

Teeter is one of three female firefighters at the Burlington Fire Department. The two latest recruits were hired within the past year.

Until recently, Teeter was the only female in the department. She is only the third female firefighter to work at Burlington Fire since the department was founded in 1841.

But Jessie’s just another one of the guys. Her instincts honed by purposefully repetitive training procedures, Teeter gets the same adrenaline rush they do when entering a fire. Muscle memory takes over, and the extra 60 pounds feel like an extension of her body.

“People are having one of the worst days of their lives when we meet them. If we can take their day and make it a little less bad … well, that’s what we’re here for,” Teeter said.

Like any job, most days are far more mundane. False fire alarms. Routine EMS calls. Training. Paperwork. Downtime spent at the station waiting for a call.

When the temperature and wind chills dip to 40 degrees below zero, even the joy of firefighting is doused by never-ending complications. And because people are trying to stay warm, it’s the department’s busiest time of year.

“It’s awful,” Teeter said of fighting fires in frigid weather. “You have to keep your hose on at all times, or it will just instantly freeze. No matter how much clothing you wear, it’s not enough.”

That constant flow creates an unwelcome but unavoidable ice-skating rink for the firefighters, who are usually just grateful the fire hydrant they’re hooking up to isn’t frozen.

“Your hose freezes as soon as you’re done, so you can’t even roll it up. You have to bend it all together like frozen spaghetti,” Teeter said, laughing.

Teeter’s hobbies are appropriately outdoorsy, given her profession. She loves hiking, camping, kayaking, and exercising in the gym.

“The gym is my stress reliever,” she said.

Her tough exterior does little to hide a tender heart — especially when it comes to animals. She has two rescue dogs in her home, including an Italian mastiff she recently adopted.

“He’s a big boy!” Teeter said, laughing again.

Now, for the first time in her life, Teeter is a mother of three. She and her boyfriend have been dating for about a year. His children — ranging in age from 4 to 14 — are now her children, as she put it.

“So, yeah, now I have three kids,” she said.

Like everything in her life, Teeter is jumping into the deep end and smiling as she does. There is no fear in her eyes, despite the dancing flames they have seen over the years.

By William SmithJessie Teeter, 32, always wanted to be a firefighter.She just didn’t realize what a rarity that made her. Only about 4 percent of firefighters nationwide are female, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Even her high school guidance counselor suggested she pick another career.Teeter’s father was a volunteer firefighter for 35 years, and the guidance counselor’s advice did little to undermine Teeter’s confidence. “Don’t let people tell you that you can’t do something. Because they’re wrong,” Teeter said.Teeter, a seven-year veteran with the Burlington Fire Department, grew up as a firehouse brat. She harbors fond recollections of annual holidays spent with firefighters and their families. The Bonaparte native belonged there, and not just because she was born into it.“During high school, I thought, ‘You know what. I think this is my thing,’ ” Teeter said.Getting In The DoorDesire and fortitude got Teeter into the door — first as an EMT, then as a paramedic and a volunteer firefighter for the West Burlington Fire Department. It was there she fought her first fire, learned the ropes, and built extra muscle to haul around 60 pounds of equipment.That was about 14 years ago. About seven years after that, Teeter went through more testing and landed a job at the Burlington Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic.Teeter’s father lived to see his daughter achieve the success she had been chasing.“I got the phone call that I was hired a day or two before my dad passed. I got to tell him I got hired, and I made our dream come true. And then he was gone,” Teeter said.It hurt a lot. So Teeter threw herself into her work to drown out the grief, just like her father would have.“It was bittersweet,” she said. An Everyday FirefighterTeeter is one of three female firefighters at the Burlington Fire Department. The two latest recruits were hired within the past year.Until recently, Teeter was the only female in the department. She is only the third female firefighter to work at Burlington Fire since the department was founded in 1841.But Jessie’s just another one of the guys. Her instincts honed by purposefully repetitive training procedures, Teeter gets the same adrenaline rush they do when entering a fire. Muscle memory takes over, and the extra 60 pounds feel like an extension of her body.“People are having one of the worst days of their lives when we meet them. If we can take their day and make it a little less bad … well, that’s what we’re here for,” Teeter said.Like any job, most days are far more mundane. False fire alarms. Routine EMS calls. Training. Paperwork. Downtime spent at the station waiting for a call.When the temperature and wind chills dip to 40 degrees below zero, even the joy of firefighting is doused by never-ending complications. And because people are trying to stay warm, it’s the department’s busiest time of year.“It’s awful,” Teeter said of fighting fires in frigid weather. “You have to keep your hose on at all times, or it will just instantly freeze. No matter how much clothing you wear, it’s not enough.”That constant flow creates an unwelcome but unavoidable ice-skating rink for the firefighters, who are usually just grateful the fire hydrant they’re hooking up to isn’t frozen.“Your hose freezes as soon as you’re done, so you can’t even roll it up. You have to bend it all together like frozen spaghetti,” Teeter said, laughing.Life Away From The FireTeeter’s hobbies are appropriately outdoorsy, given her profession. She loves hiking, camping, kayaking, and exercising in the gym.“The gym is my stress reliever,” she said.Her tough exterior does little to hide a tender heart — especially when it comes to animals. She has two rescue dogs in her home, including an Italian mastiff she recently adopted.“He’s a big boy!” Teeter said, laughing again.Now, for the first time in her life, Teeter is a mother of three. She and her boyfriend have been dating for about a year. His children — ranging in age from 4 to 14 — are now her children, as she put it.“So, yeah, now I have three kids,” she said.Like everything in her life, Teeter is jumping into the deep end and smiling as she does. There is no fear in her eyes, despite the dancing flames they have seen over the years.

Firefighting Is The Only Life For Her

After a year-and-a-half at Western Illinois University, Sarah Hall was disappointed.

She was not receiving the education in dress design she had hoped for. So she left and began teaching herself. 

"I figured it out on my own. It was difficult at times,” she said, recounting an early job where she accidentally cut a dress several inches too short. “But I learned from my mistakes.” 

Hall began dreaming of opening her own dress shop in middle school, encouraged in the craft by a friendly home economics teacher. 

She continued to make dresses in high school, including the one she wore to the homecoming dance sophomore year. She even made her future husband’s tie. 

A few years later, Hall transformed her home into a business-front — Sarah Hall Unique Designs. This was a step toward a long-held dream, but not nearly enough to support two children.

“I was working at Starbucks when COVID hit,” she said.

Like other restaurant employees, Hall was affected by state-mandated closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Soon after, she began making face masks — hundreds of them. Her name was trending locally on Facebook, the synergy of popularity and opportunity cresting when retail space at 400 Jefferson St. became available in October 2020.

Every corner of the shop is filled with dresses — many of her own designs.

"It’s definitely a big difference, not being in the house anymore. It’s so much less stressful because, in the house, I have two children. And they throw toys everywhere,” she said with a laugh.

Hall’s first big test was a personal one — making her own wedding dress. That was in 2012, and it went so well she added a bridal boutique to the business. Even during a pandemic peppered with economic chaos, love flowers.

Most future brides want a wedding dress. Many, however, are not keen on the expensive ceremony that usually goes with it.

“I’ve mostly been seeing people who go off to Colorado and elope,” Hall said. “It’s more personal. A lot of times, at a bigger wedding, the day isn’t about the bride.” 

Besides using her nimble hands for sewing, Hall practices her trigger finger on the firing range.

It’s a hobby picked up from her two years as a Burlington Police Reserve Officer from 2016 to 2018. A reserve officer does everything a full-time officer does, including dealing with high-tension situations.

Hall thrived on that tension and may go back to the department after her 1- and 6-year-old children get older. By then, there should be a couple of employees around to deal with the rising demand for wedding dresses.

“It was a great experience. I did love being in law enforcement. It was something different every day, and it was exciting,” she said.

Wherever her outside interests and careers, the dress shop will be a constant in her life. She is proud to be a black business owner in Burlington.

“There’s definitely a lack of black-owned businesses,” she said. “For children, it’s hard to relate when there are not that many black people in a power position.”

Like most role models, Hall never sought recognition and is too busy to contemplate it. Hall knows no way but forward. And she is creating a path that others may be tempted to follow.

“I got 14 calls for orders on Monday, and I just kept texting my husband, ‘Another one. Another one,’ ” Hall said, her voice filled with deserved satisfaction.

By William SmithAfter a year-and-a-half at Western Illinois University, Sarah Hall was disappointed.She was not receiving the education in dress design she had hoped for. So she left and began teaching herself. "I figured it out on my own. It was difficult at times,” she said, recounting an early job where she accidentally cut a dress several inches too short. “But I learned from my mistakes.” Hall began dreaming of opening her own dress shop in middle school, encouraged in the craft by a friendly home economics teacher. She continued to make dresses in high school, including the one she wore to the homecoming dance sophomore year. She even made her future husband’s tie. A few years later, Hall transformed her home into a business-front — Sarah Hall Unique Designs. This was a step toward a long-held dream, but not nearly enough to support two children.“I was working at Starbucks when COVID hit,” she said.Like other restaurant employees, Hall was affected by state-mandated closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Soon after, she began making face masks — hundreds of them. Her name was trending locally on Facebook, the synergy of popularity and opportunity cresting when retail space at 400 Jefferson St. became available in October 2020.Every corner of the shop is filled with dresses — many of her own designs."It’s definitely a big difference, not being in the house anymore. It’s so much less stressful because, in the house, I have two children. And they throw toys everywhere,” she said with a laugh.Guns and Wedding DressesHall’s first big test was a personal one — making her own wedding dress. That was in 2012, and it went so well she added a bridal boutique to the business. Even during a pandemic peppered with economic chaos, love flowers.Most future brides want a wedding dress. Many, however, are not keen on the expensive ceremony that usually goes with it.“I’ve mostly been seeing people who go off to Colorado and elope,” Hall said. “It’s more personal. A lot of times, at a bigger wedding, the day isn’t about the bride.” Besides using her nimble hands for sewing, Hall practices her trigger finger on the firing range.“I like to shoot guns,” she said.It’s a hobby picked up from her two years as a Burlington Police Reserve Officer from 2016 to 2018. A reserve officer does everything a full-time officer does, including dealing with high-tension situations.Hall thrived on that tension and may go back to the department after her 1- and 6-year-old children get older. By then, there should be a couple of employees around to deal with the rising demand for wedding dresses.“It was a great experience. I did love being in law enforcement. It was something different every day, and it was exciting,” she said.An Accidental Role ModelWherever her outside interests and careers, the dress shop will be a constant in her life. She is proud to be a black business owner in Burlington.“There’s definitely a lack of black-owned businesses,” she said. “For children, it’s hard to relate when there are not that many black people in a power position.”Like most role models, Hall never sought recognition and is too busy to contemplate it. Hall knows no way but forward. And she is creating a path that others may be tempted to follow.“I got 14 calls for orders on Monday, and I just kept texting my husband, ‘Another one. Another one,’ ” Hall said, her voice filled with deserved satisfaction.Photo by William Smith

Designing A Dream: Hall Stitches Together A Successful Business

The Burlington Public Library is no longer requiring appointments for in-building services.&nbsp;

The building is open for express browsing and checkout and to use the computer lab. Copying, scanning, printing, and faxing are also available.

Visit times and the number of people in the building are limited. Everyone age 2 and older must wear a mask while inside the building and observe distancing.

Curbside service is an alternative and will continue to be an option for checkout and other services.

Returns are accepted through the outside book return only.

The library also has a new option for technology access to expand upon the computer lab, public WiFi service, and circulating mobile hotspots. Chromebook kits, including a Chromebook and mobile hotspot, are available for one-week checkout, with some conditions.

The hours for both in-building and curbside services are Monday-Thursday from 10-6 and Friday-Saturday from 10-4. Digital services, including ebooks and e-audiobooks, streaming movies and music, online tutoring, and more, are always available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.burlington.lib.ia.us/">www.burlington.lib.ia.us</a>.

The Friends of the Library Footnotes bookstore will open on Thursday, March 4.

Anyone with questions about available services is encouraged to call 319-753-1647 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:iowabpl@gmail.com">iowabpl@gmail.com</a>.

By Beacon StaffThe Burlington Public Library is no longer requiring appointments for in-building services.&nbsp;The building is open for express browsing and checkout and to use the computer lab. Copying, scanning, printing, and faxing are also available.Visit times and the number of people in the building are limited. Everyone age 2 and older must wear a mask while inside the building and observe distancing.Curbside service is an alternative and will continue to be an option for checkout and other services.Returns are accepted through the outside book return only.The library also has a new option for technology access to expand upon the computer lab, public WiFi service, and circulating mobile hotspots. Chromebook kits, including a Chromebook and mobile hotspot, are available for one-week checkout, with some conditions.The hours for both in-building and curbside services are Monday-Thursday from 10-6 and Friday-Saturday from 10-4. Digital services, including ebooks and e-audiobooks, streaming movies and music, online tutoring, and more, are always available at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.burlington.lib.ia.us/">www.burlington.lib.ia.us</a>.The Friends of the Library Footnotes bookstore will open on Thursday, March 4.Anyone with questions about available services is encouraged to call 319-753-1647 or email&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="mailto:iowabpl@gmail.com">iowabpl@gmail.com</a>.

No Appointment Necessary At The Burlington Library

Story and photo submitted by the Burlington Fire Department

History was made on Feb. 24 at the Burlington Fire Department.  For the first time, an all-female EMS crew responded to an emergency run within the city.

&nbsp;Paramedic Jessie Teeter and EMT Hilary Beaird became the first all-female crew for BFD to respond and transport for an emergent ambulance call.

Story and photo submitted by the Burlington Fire DepartmentHistory was made on Feb. 24 at the Burlington Fire Department. For the first time, an all-female EMS crew responded to an emergency run within the city.&nbsp;Paramedic Jessie Teeter and EMT Hilary Beaird became the first all-female crew for BFD to respond and transport for an emergent ambulance call.

All-Female EMS Crew Takes To The Road

By Beacon Staff Local artists have until April 1 to register for the upcoming Snake Alley Art Fair in June. Like most events, the 54th iteration of the Burlington tradition had to be canceled because of the pandemic. But a majority of summer's 2021 events, including the Snake Alley Art Fair, are readying for a return. Restrictions have eased since then, and the Des Moines County Health Department will have administered 8,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by next week. More than 5,000 doses have been given in the past three weeks. The festival is set for June 20 and will feature artists on the streets around the alley, as well as the historic alley itself. The application fee is $20. Artists will be notified by May 7 if they have been accepted. Booth fees are due by May 14. All artwork must be original work of the individual displaying it. Items from kits, copies of other paintings, ceramics made from commercial molds, and commercially fabricated jewelry are not eligible. Artists may apply in more than one category. Details and applications are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://artcenterofburlington.com/?fbclid=IwAR251SK6M2yUIUVAquNDdhvVaYPEmlGcAyu4hAWG9s37CeBSEgZr5lrgU-A" target="_blank">artcenterofburlington.com.</a> 2019 photo by Joy Mack

By Beacon Staff Local artists have until April 1 to register for the upcoming Snake Alley Art Fair in June. Like most events, the 54th iteration of the Burlington tradition had to be canceled because of the pandemic. But a majority of summer's 2021 events, including the Snake Alley Art Fair, are readying for a return. Restrictions have eased since then, and the Des Moines County Health Department will have administered 8,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine by next week. More than 5,000 doses have been given in the past three weeks. The festival is set for June 20 and will feature artists on the streets around the alley, as well as the historic alley itself. The application fee is $20. Artists will be notified by May 7 if they have been accepted. Booth fees are due by May 14. All artwork must be original work of the individual displaying it. Items from kits, copies of other paintings, ceramics made from commercial molds, and commercially fabricated jewelry are not eligible. Artists may apply in more than one category. Details and applications are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://artcenterofburlington.com/?fbclid=IwAR251SK6M2yUIUVAquNDdhvVaYPEmlGcAyu4hAWG9s37CeBSEgZr5lrgU-A" target="_blank">artcenterofburlington.com.</a> 2019 photo by Joy Mack

As Vaccines Rise, So Does The Snake Alley Art Fair

Before The Ivy Bake Shoppe became a cultural touchstone of the local dining scene, Martha Wolf was a social worker with a baking hobby.

A native of Gulfport, Miss., Wolf moved to Hannibal Mo., as a teenager. She began working for child protective services in Fort Madison after graduating from Truman University.

Wolf dealt primarily with people who wanted to be better versions of themselves, such as poverty-stricken single mothers struggling to keep it all together.

“No one wants to be a bad mom. Most everyone I came into contact with wanted to be a good parent. They just don’t have the resources,” she said. 

Wolf and her business partner, Sue Welch Saunders, began selling baked goods from the lower level of Welch’s home in 1992, forging new lives in unexplored directions.

Three years later, they moved into their first brick-and-mortar store in Fort Madison. It took years of good sentiment fostered through never-ending work.

“We drug our own dishes to (cater) parties. We were passionate,” Wolf said.

The duo discovered a market for small, homemade desserts. Turns out most people don’t want to be responsible for consuming the majority of a dessert they created.

Despite their local market savvy, Wolf freely admits they weren’t as sharp on the business end of things. After seeing a convection oven for the first time in Davenport, they roundly rejected the technology.

“Sue and I looked at that and said, ‘Why would we want to cook in a convection oven?’ So we got two double ovens, regular (household) ovens, which makes no sense whatsoever,” Wolf said with a laugh. “We were a hindrance to ourselves because we weren’t professional restaurant people.”

Three years later, the household ovens gave out, and The Ivy switched to convection. Four years after that, in 2002, the duo opened up the Ivy Bake Shoppe’s West Burlington location in Shottenkirk.

Sue retired when she and Martha sold the Fort Madison location in 2013. Wolf also ran The Downtown Ivy branch in downtown Burlington from 2015 to 2019. In that time, Wolf came to know nearly all of her regular customers.

Many of them brought her to tears while saying goodbye during The Ivy’s final day of operation Saturday (Feb. 27).

“I’m going miss the friendships,” she said.

Employees wore green T-shirts featuring customer quotes Saturday, eyes tearing up with emotion. Wolf often worked beside them on the line. She sliced the bread. She made the supply runs.

For 29 years, there was hardly an hour in the day when Wolf wasn’t working at The Ivy or thinking of it. She earned write-ups in The Times and The Chicago Tribune. 

The Fort Madison and West Burlington Ivy locations became hotspots for Iowa governors and political candidates. Wolf welcomed them all, from Joe Biden and John McCain to Terry Branstad and Chet Culver. 

Biden even kissed Wolf on the cheek during a visit, taking her cookbook as a gift.

Wolf is 71-years-old and only started to consider retirement when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Before the virus, Wolf was angling to take a day off once a week. Then, the state-mandated a closure for a few months.

For the first time in 30 years, Martha took a breath, and it felt good.

“I thought, ‘This is okay. I think I can do this.’ And I found things to do. It was the first time I nested at home in 25 years,’” she said.

Martha reopened the Ivy for a few more months, but her mind was made up. Her age, her 10 grandchildren, and the difficulties of running a restaurant during a pandemic created what she called “a perfect storm” of circumstances.

“I want to have lunch with my friends. We’ll have groups come and stay for a couple of hours. I want to do that,” Wolf said, her eyes filled with mirthful envy.

And she will finally get back to work on her second cookbook — the one she has been promising since 2014. The recipes are all written, Wolf said.

“I’ve got to get that cookbook done,” she said, setting deadlines for her life of retirement. “And I want to bake and entertain in my home when all this COVID is over.”

By Beacon StaffBefore The Ivy Bake Shoppe became a cultural touchstone of the local dining scene, Martha Wolf was a social worker with a baking hobby.A native of Gulfport, Miss., Wolf moved to Hannibal Mo., as a teenager. She began working for child protective services in Fort Madison after graduating from Truman University.Wolf dealt primarily with people who wanted to be better versions of themselves, such as poverty-stricken single mothers struggling to keep it all together.“No one wants to be a bad mom. Most everyone I came into contact with wanted to be a good parent. They just don’t have the resources,” she said. Wolf and her business partner, Sue Welch Saunders, began selling baked goods from the lower level of Welch’s home in 1992, forging new lives in unexplored directions.Three years later, they moved into their first brick-and-mortar store in Fort Madison. It took years of good sentiment fostered through never-ending work.“We drug our own dishes to (cater) parties. We were passionate,” Wolf said.The duo discovered a market for small, homemade desserts. Turns out most people don’t want to be responsible for consuming the majority of a dessert they created.Despite their local market savvy, Wolf freely admits they weren’t as sharp on the business end of things. After seeing a convection oven for the first time in Davenport, they roundly rejected the technology.“Sue and I looked at that and said, ‘Why would we want to cook in a convection oven?’ So we got two double ovens, regular (household) ovens, which makes no sense whatsoever,” Wolf said with a laugh. “We were a hindrance to ourselves because we weren’t professional restaurant people.”Three years later, the household ovens gave out, and The Ivy switched to convection. Four years after that, in 2002, the duo opened up the Ivy Bake Shoppe’s West Burlington location in Shottenkirk.Sue retired when she and Martha sold the Fort Madison location in 2013. Wolf also ran The Downtown Ivy branch in downtown Burlington from 2015 to 2019. In that time, Wolf came to know nearly all of her regular customers.Many of them brought her to tears while saying goodbye during The Ivy’s final day of operation Saturday (Feb. 27).“I’m going miss the friendships,” she said.Employees wore green T-shirts featuring customer quotes Saturday, eyes tearing up with emotion. Wolf often worked beside them on the line. She sliced the bread. She made the supply runs.For 29 years, there was hardly an hour in the day when Wolf wasn’t working at The Ivy or thinking of it. She earned write-ups in The Times and The Chicago Tribune. The Fort Madison and West Burlington Ivy locations became hotspots for Iowa governors and political candidates. Wolf welcomed them all, from Joe Biden and John McCain to Terry Branstad and Chet Culver. Biden even kissed Wolf on the cheek during a visit, taking her cookbook as a gift.“He was just delightful,” she said.Wolf is 71-years-old and only started to consider retirement when the coronavirus pandemic hit. Before the virus, Wolf was angling to take a day off once a week. Then, the state-mandated a closure for a few months.For the first time in 30 years, Martha took a breath, and it felt good.“I thought, ‘This is okay. I think I can do this.’ And I found things to do. It was the first time I nested at home in 25 years,’” she said.Martha reopened the Ivy for a few more months, but her mind was made up. Her age, her 10 grandchildren, and the difficulties of running a restaurant during a pandemic created what she called “a perfect storm” of circumstances.“I want to have lunch with my friends. We’ll have groups come and stay for a couple of hours. I want to do that,” Wolf said, her eyes filled with mirthful envy.And she will finally get back to work on her second cookbook — the one she has been promising since 2014. The recipes are all written, Wolf said.“I’ve got to get that cookbook done,” she said, setting deadlines for her life of retirement. “And I want to bake and entertain in my home when all this COVID is over.”

Martha Wolf Hangs Up Her Apron

A Mediapolis woman died Sunday (April 4) as the result of a single-vehicle accident.

Doris Jean Kuntz, 84, was riding as a passenger in a vehicle driven by 82-year-old Charles Leon Kuntz in the area of 150th Avenue and 165th Street when the vehicle went into the ditch.

Des Moines County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the scene at 5:47 p.m., where they found the vehicle. Doris was pronounced dead at the scene, though the cause of her death is unknown, pending an autopsy.

Charles was taken to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington for evaluation.

By Beacon StaffA Mediapolis woman died Sunday (April 4) as the result of a single-vehicle accident.Doris Jean Kuntz, 84, was riding as a passenger in a vehicle driven by 82-year-old Charles Leon Kuntz in the area of 150th Avenue and 165th Street when the vehicle went into the ditch.Des Moines County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the scene at 5:47 p.m., where they found the vehicle. Doris was pronounced dead at the scene, though the cause of her death is unknown, pending an autopsy.Charles was taken to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington for evaluation.

Elderly Mediapolis Woman Dies in Easter Day Traffic Accident

A Burlington man was injured in a motorcycle accident on Saturday (April 3).

According to the Burlington Police Department, Matthew Stephen Garwood, 43, was driving south on Tama Road at about 3 p.m. when he hit his brakes to avoid a deer. Garwood lost traction, and the bike skidded on the side, flipped over, and struck an embankment.

A passerby found Garwood on the roadway and called for help. Garwood was taken by ambulance for treatment at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

By Beacon StaffA Burlington man was injured in a motorcycle accident on Saturday (April 3).According to the Burlington Police Department, Matthew Stephen Garwood, 43, was driving south on Tama Road at about 3 p.m. when he hit his brakes to avoid a deer. Garwood lost traction, and the bike skidded on the side, flipped over, and struck an embankment.A passerby found Garwood on the roadway and called for help. Garwood was taken by ambulance for treatment at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington.

Burlington Motorcyclist Injured While Trying To Avoid A Deer

Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company has announced the hiring of Lynnae Hillyer for the role of payroll accountant. 

Hillyer comes to CANCO after five years with TDT CPAs and Advisors in Burlington. The Burlington resident is a 2009 graduate of Burlington Notre Dame High School and a 2013 graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting.

Her first day at Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company was April 5, 2021. She succeeds Renita Jarrett, who will retire this spring following 31 years with the company.

Beacon Business BriefsCarl A. Nelson &amp; Company has announced the hiring of Lynnae Hillyer for the role of payroll accountant. Hillyer comes to CANCO after five years with TDT CPAs and Advisors in Burlington. The Burlington resident is a 2009 graduate of Burlington Notre Dame High School and a 2013 graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting.Her first day at Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company was April 5, 2021. She succeeds Renita Jarrett, who will retire this spring following 31 years with the company.<figure>
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Hillyer joins Carl A. Nelson

By Beacon Staff A woman calling for help while submerged in the Mississippi River at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday night (March 28) by the Port of Burlington was rescued by emergency responders. According to Burlington police, the woman was rescued within about 20 minutes of the initial call. Burlington police officials said the woman was taken to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington but did not appear to suffer significant injuries. According to police, a bystander at the Port of Burlington heard a woman yelling for help from the river and immediately contacted authorities. Burlington police and fire departments quickly put a boat in the water to save the woman, whose name was not released Sunday night

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/3/1617222777104.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff A woman calling for help while submerged in the Mississippi River at about 7:15 p.m. Sunday night (March 28) by the Port of Burlington was rescued by emergency responders. According to Burlington police, the woman was rescued within about 20 minutes of the initial call. Burlington police officials said the woman was taken to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington but did not appear to suffer significant injuries. According to police, a bystander at the Port of Burlington heard a woman yelling for help from the river and immediately contacted authorities. Burlington police and fire departments quickly put a boat in the water to save the woman, whose name was not released Sunday night

Woman Found In Mississippi River, Promptly Rescued By Fire and Police

A Burlington man was arrested Thursday (March 11) for allegedly dealing meth and possessing heroin.

Donald Demetric Gordon, 46, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession of heroin, and drug tax stamp violation.

Gordon was arrested after local and state law enforcement executed a search warrant on a home in the 100 block of South Sixth Street. The search warrant executed by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement was related to an ongoing narcotics investigation in the area.

Gordon is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington, pending a court appearance.

By Beacon StaffA Burlington man was arrested Thursday (March 11) for allegedly dealing meth and possessing heroin.Donald Demetric Gordon, 46, has been charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession of heroin, and drug tax stamp violation.Gordon was arrested after local and state law enforcement executed a search warrant on a home in the 100 block of South Sixth Street. The search warrant executed by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement was related to an ongoing narcotics investigation in the area.Gordon is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington, pending a court appearance.

Burlington Man Arrested For Alleged Drug Dealing

By Beacon Staff City-ordered tree removal along Harrison Avenue initially delayed during the subzero freeze that overtook the Midwest last month, is now underway. The two-week-long operation by Fairfield-based logging company Brown's Tree Service is part of the Harrison Avenue Reconstruction Project and will clear room for a retention pond that will funnel stormwater as part of the city’s sewer separation project. The city contracted the tree service for $98,000. The work, which includes a rolling one-block street closure as crews move between Summer Street to Main Street, will be finished two weeks after it started. Due to Indiana bat migration, the trees have to be cut by next month, and the stumps will be removed afterward. The Indiana bat is a federally endangered and protected species and will start roosting in trees as Spring arrives. A single tree, or group of trees, can support 100 or more reproducing bats. If the trees are removed before the bats roost in the spring for mating, the bats will simply choose another tree for roosting. A portion of the timber being cut down sits on land east of James Madison Middle School, which was formerly owned by the Burlington School District. The city purchased the land so the trees could be removed. The rest of the trees are along Harrison Avenue. The ongoing, 20-year sewer separation project is necessary due to requirements set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Photo: A tree along Harrison Avenue, its limbs shorn, waits to be removed as the crew from Brown's Tree Service Friday, March 5, takes a quick lunch.

By Beacon Staff City-ordered tree removal along Harrison Avenue initially delayed during the subzero freeze that overtook the Midwest last month, is now underway. The two-week-long operation by Fairfield-based logging company Brown's Tree Service is part of the Harrison Avenue Reconstruction Project and will clear room for a retention pond that will funnel stormwater as part of the city’s sewer separation project. The city contracted the tree service for $98,000. The work, which includes a rolling one-block street closure as crews move between Summer Street to Main Street, will be finished two weeks after it started. Due to Indiana bat migration, the trees have to be cut by next month, and the stumps will be removed afterward. The Indiana bat is a federally endangered and protected species and will start roosting in trees as Spring arrives. A single tree, or group of trees, can support 100 or more reproducing bats. If the trees are removed before the bats roost in the spring for mating, the bats will simply choose another tree for roosting. A portion of the timber being cut down sits on land east of James Madison Middle School, which was formerly owned by the Burlington School District. The city purchased the land so the trees could be removed. The rest of the trees are along Harrison Avenue. The ongoing, 20-year sewer separation project is necessary due to requirements set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Photo: A tree along Harrison Avenue, its limbs shorn, waits to be removed as the crew from Brown's Tree Service Friday, March 5, takes a quick lunch.

Harrison Avenue Tree Removal Moving Quickly

An unidentified person burglarized C Sky Boutique on 417 Jefferson St. overnight Friday or early Saturday morning. Burlington police are asking for the public to help identify the culprit.

The person was last seen moving east on Jefferson Street. Police have released a surveillance video image, though it does not show the suspect’s face. Police responded to the burglary today (Saturday) after it had been discovered.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Burlington Area Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/3/1615223742853.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffAn unidentified person burglarized C Sky Boutique on 417 Jefferson St. overnight Friday or early Saturday morning. Burlington police are asking for the public to help identify the culprit.The person was last seen moving east on Jefferson Street. Police have released a surveillance video image, though it does not show the suspect’s face. Police responded to the burglary today (Saturday) after it had been discovered.Anyone with information is encouraged to call Burlington Area Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.

C-Sky Boutique Burglarized; Police Looking For Suspect

Midwest Old Threshers organizers announced this year’s national musical acts, confirming the annual festival will be returning in late August. The event went on hiatus last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

National country music stars Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan, Carly Pearce, and Lorrie Morgan will take the stage during the five-day festival. In addition, the Old Threshers grounds will open up for the community’s annual swap meet and flea market in late May. Tickets to Old Threshers can be purchased at their website.

Old Threshers isn’t the only event coming back after a pandemic hiatus in 2020. 

Though the annual Snake Alley Criterium has been canceled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic, “A Very Vintage Market” will return in July. The Snake Alley Art Fair is slated for its regular spot on Father’s Day weekend.

The Jefferson Street Farmers Market, which operated in a limited capacity last year due to the pandemic, will return in May. 

Burlington Riverfront Entertainment and Burlington Civic Music are already running live music events, and BRE will host an annual summer concert series featuring the likes of 1980s metal hairband Winger, The Pork Tornadoes, and other bands from June to September.

Rodeo action will also be returning to the area as well. Tri-State Rodeo officials in Fort Madison have already announced the return of the massive event for early September, and are promising more details in April.

Rodeo Coming Back To Burlington Next Weekend – Kind Of

SnowBull — the annual indoor rodeo held every March at Memorial Auditorium — was canceled months ago, but a replacement event is scheduled for the same weekend. 

Titled “Mechanical SnowBull,” the event will feature a mechanical bull for anyone to ride starting at 7 p.m. March 12 and 13 at Memorial Auditorium. Attendees can ride the bull as many times as they like at $10 a pop, in addition to a $5 cover charge. The mechanical bull will be wiped down and sanitized after each ride.

The best rider in the men’s and women’s division will take home a $300 cash prize. There will also be live music and alcohol, with Stumptown taking the stage Friday night and Whiskey Bent playing Saturday night.

There are some restrictions at the event due to COVID-19. Face masks will be required while waiting in line for food and drink, and social distancing will be encouraged. Those who have been sick are asked to stay home.

By Beacon StaffMidwest Old Threshers organizers announced this year’s national musical acts, confirming the annual festival will be returning in late August. The event went on hiatus last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.National country music stars Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan, Carly Pearce, and Lorrie Morgan will take the stage during the five-day festival. In addition, the Old Threshers grounds will open up for the community’s annual swap meet and flea market in late May. Tickets to Old Threshers can be purchased at their website.Old Threshers isn’t the only event coming back after a pandemic hiatus in 2020. Though the annual Snake Alley Criterium has been canceled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic, “A Very Vintage Market” will return in July. The Snake Alley Art Fair is slated for its regular spot on Father’s Day weekend.The Jefferson Street Farmers Market, which operated in a limited capacity last year due to the pandemic, will return in May. Burlington Riverfront Entertainment and Burlington Civic Music are already running live music events, and BRE will host an annual summer concert series featuring the likes of 1980s metal hairband Winger, The Pork Tornadoes, and other bands from June to September.Rodeo action will also be returning to the area as well. Tri-State Rodeo officials in Fort Madison have already announced the return of the massive event for early September, and are promising more details in April.Rodeo Coming Back To Burlington Next Weekend – Kind OfSnowBull — the annual indoor rodeo held every March at Memorial Auditorium — was canceled months ago, but a replacement event is scheduled for the same weekend. Titled “Mechanical SnowBull,” the event will feature a mechanical bull for anyone to ride starting at 7 p.m. March 12 and 13 at Memorial Auditorium. Attendees can ride the bull as many times as they like at $10 a pop, in addition to a $5 cover charge. The mechanical bull will be wiped down and sanitized after each ride.The best rider in the men’s and women’s division will take home a $300 cash prize. There will also be live music and alcohol, with Stumptown taking the stage Friday night and Whiskey Bent playing Saturday night.There are some restrictions at the event due to COVID-19. Face masks will be required while waiting in line for food and drink, and social distancing will be encouraged. Those who have been sick are asked to stay home.

Old Threshers, Tri-State Rodeo and Other Local Festival Staples Returning This Year

 A 62-year-old Illinois man riding a tractor was killed in a two-vehicle accident on US 61 Tuesday (March 2), north of the Highway 2 exit near Fort Madison.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Andy Joe Annegers of Gladstone was killed when the Zetor tractor he was driving was struck from behind by a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. Robert Lavern Keith, 25, of Fort Madison, was the driving of the Grand Prix. The tractor went into the ditch on the west side of the road.

Officials said the collision occurred at 4:49 p.m. The accident is under investigation. 

Lee County Sheriff’s deputies, Donnellson police, West Point police, and West Point Fire Department assisted at the accident scene

By Beacon Staff A 62-year-old Illinois man riding a tractor was killed in a two-vehicle accident on US 61 Tuesday (March 2), north of the Highway 2 exit near Fort Madison.According to the Iowa State Patrol, Andy Joe Annegers of Gladstone was killed when the Zetor tractor he was driving was struck from behind by a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. Robert Lavern Keith, 25, of Fort Madison, was the driving of the Grand Prix. The tractor went into the ditch on the west side of the road.Officials said the collision occurred at 4:49 p.m. The accident is under investigation. Lee County Sheriff’s deputies, Donnellson police, West Point police, and West Point Fire Department assisted at the accident scene

Gladstone Man Riding Tractor Killed In Fort Madison Accident

A Burlington man has been charged with home invasion, residential burglary, and aggravated battery to a senior citizen after allegedly beating a person in Oquawka, Ill. on Wednesday (March 3).

Deputies arrested Alexander Sesher, 26, at 1:20 p.m. today (March 3), just minutes after Sesher allegedly committed the burglary and battery, according to the Henderson County, Ill., Sheriff's office.

According to sheriff officials, Sesher allegedly entered a home in Oquawka with the intent to steal money and encountered a senior citizen and attacked them. Police said Sesher knew the person he attacked but did not say if the senior citizen is male or female. No update has been provided on the victim's condition.

Police arrested Sesher a block away as he left the scene. He was transported to the Henderson County jail with no bond, and his vehicle is subject to seizure.

By Beacon StaffA Burlington man has been charged with home invasion, residential burglary, and aggravated battery to a senior citizen after allegedly beating a person in Oquawka, Ill. on Wednesday (March 3).Deputies arrested Alexander Sesher, 26, at 1:20 p.m. today (March 3), just minutes after Sesher allegedly committed the burglary and battery, according to the Henderson County, Ill., Sheriff's office.According to sheriff officials, Sesher allegedly entered a home in Oquawka with the intent to steal money and encountered a senior citizen and attacked them. Police said Sesher knew the person he attacked but did not say if the senior citizen is male or female. No update has been provided on the victim's condition.Police arrested Sesher a block away as he left the scene. He was transported to the Henderson County jail with no bond, and his vehicle is subject to seizure.

Burlington Man Allegedly Beats and Robs Senior Citizen in Oquawka

Charles "Charlie" Swink, 78, of West Burlington, died at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington with family by his side. Born Dec. 17, 1942, in Burlington, he was the son of Melvin Hugh and Eileen L. Ball Swink. On May 18, 1974, he married Kathleen Mae Wolford in Stronghurst, Ill. She later passed on Oct. 15, 1994. He met Debbie L. Myers in Burlington, Iowa, and married on July 26, 1996, expanding his family. He was a 1961 graduate of Burlington High School and worked at Bowl Inn lanes as a pinsetter. He served his country as a specialist in the U.S. Army, receiving honors for his marksmanship, and completed his service in Korea in 1964. After Charlie left the service, he returned to Burlington, where he worked for JI Case for over 30 years and raised his family. After retiring from JI Case in 1995, he worked at Enterprise Car Rental in Burlington. His openness and warmth made sure that everyone he met never felt like a stranger. He was a man of faith that reflected in all he did and was very involved in his community and church. He was a lifelong member at Open Bible Church of Burlington. He later shared in the congregation at Hope Fellowship Church. Charlie was a board member of UAW Local 807 Retirees and UAW Region 4 of UAW Local 807, as well as a board member for Casebine Community Credit Union for 27 years. He was a proud blood donor, at over 16 gallons and going! He enjoyed playing baseball with church leagues and city teams in Burlington. He also officiated for many years for the church league that played at the Rec-Plex. Charlie also enjoyed basketball, attending the NJCAA "Hutch" Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, for more than 45 years. He also followed Southeastern Community College basketball and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan. Charlie spent each year traveling with his siblings, several nieces and nephews, including his brother Donny (Donna) Swink and sisters, Barbara Middleton, Kay Swink, Diana (Paul) Flactiff, all of Burlington and Paula (Cliff) Kilpatrick and Luanna (Tim) Nelson of Texas for the holidays. Debbie and Charlie enjoyed traveling together and seeing their children, Allen D. Swink of Denver, Colo., Brian K. (Annie) Olson of Aurora, Colo.., and Rachel L. (Bob) Miller of Aurora, Ill. He was preceded in death by his first love, wife, Kathleen, their daughter, Carol Swink, and his brother, John Swink. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory. The memorial service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Fort Madison, Iowa, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church until 3 p.m. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date. In place of flowers, memorials have been established for Mitch King's Extra Heartbeat Foundation (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fextraheartbeat.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3XHYtw2UPJmPeYAY_LCOEcZHiFt2zZTFL25whqj5Vu1wopB075LuYCAjc&amp;h=AT3dD-HxPCSQz4fOq0j58mv0Ny-st919CJ2qryocckeu4XgqbiRVaVPj_NYu3N8CZGxbO6Fl6DIkJRjNyIHUyeeTtcsTi5BPr0pc-ic_TIx-kUM9cKg240oUkwRwcAuxuciLLWCzs6qlkxKNyb7E6OAhFw&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT0m0U8SKhZenOFdzLtoPNWqhEnVeZMquO--KjYGzrFPIw01y0mvtUNd1cL6IXZbg7-YW2CD3ikZe21OaVPUvVLj78cShnAMGVBCLXjFQxc4U_onj7abEY9GP4gLhOF7f2MxU7vnon7BVvrzznrvc3cGP6PVfgOJwyIOmSSsIqmMBIM1IZWY-QdeTfy9ynFAFqqUN80" target="_blank">extraheartbeat.org</a>) and the Burmese Cat Rescue (<a href="http://burmesecat.org/?fbclid=IwAR1nRL2rA2Q6l_HgifGF-AdGMaPtO7dEHQMkyqbUyApX61bnM9T_gjDbSm0" target="_blank">burmesecat.org</a>).

Charles "Charlie" Swink, 78, of West Burlington, died at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington with family by his side. Born Dec. 17, 1942, in Burlington, he was the son of Melvin Hugh and Eileen L. Ball Swink. On May 18, 1974, he married Kathleen Mae Wolford in Stronghurst, Ill. She later passed on Oct. 15, 1994. He met Debbie L. Myers in Burlington, Iowa, and married on July 26, 1996, expanding his family. He was a 1961 graduate of Burlington High School and worked at Bowl Inn lanes as a pinsetter. He served his country as a specialist in the U.S. Army, receiving honors for his marksmanship, and completed his service in Korea in 1964. After Charlie left the service, he returned to Burlington, where he worked for JI Case for over 30 years and raised his family. After retiring from JI Case in 1995, he worked at Enterprise Car Rental in Burlington. His openness and warmth made sure that everyone he met never felt like a stranger. He was a man of faith that reflected in all he did and was very involved in his community and church. He was a lifelong member at Open Bible Church of Burlington. He later shared in the congregation at Hope Fellowship Church. Charlie was a board member of UAW Local 807 Retirees and UAW Region 4 of UAW Local 807, as well as a board member for Casebine Community Credit Union for 27 years. He was a proud blood donor, at over 16 gallons and going! He enjoyed playing baseball with church leagues and city teams in Burlington. He also officiated for many years for the church league that played at the Rec-Plex. Charlie also enjoyed basketball, attending the NJCAA "Hutch" Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas, for more than 45 years. He also followed Southeastern Community College basketball and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan. Charlie spent each year traveling with his siblings, several nieces and nephews, including his brother Donny (Donna) Swink and sisters, Barbara Middleton, Kay Swink, Diana (Paul) Flactiff, all of Burlington and Paula (Cliff) Kilpatrick and Luanna (Tim) Nelson of Texas for the holidays. Debbie and Charlie enjoyed traveling together and seeing their children, Allen D. Swink of Denver, Colo., Brian K. (Annie) Olson of Aurora, Colo.., and Rachel L. (Bob) Miller of Aurora, Ill. He was preceded in death by his first love, wife, Kathleen, their daughter, Carol Swink, and his brother, John Swink. Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory. The memorial service is at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 10, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Fort Madison, Iowa, with Pastor Dean Graber officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church until 3 p.m. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date. In place of flowers, memorials have been established for Mitch King's Extra Heartbeat Foundation (<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fextraheartbeat.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3XHYtw2UPJmPeYAY_LCOEcZHiFt2zZTFL25whqj5Vu1wopB075LuYCAjc&amp;h=AT3dD-HxPCSQz4fOq0j58mv0Ny-st919CJ2qryocckeu4XgqbiRVaVPj_NYu3N8CZGxbO6Fl6DIkJRjNyIHUyeeTtcsTi5BPr0pc-ic_TIx-kUM9cKg240oUkwRwcAuxuciLLWCzs6qlkxKNyb7E6OAhFw&amp;__tn__=-UK*F&amp;c[0]=AT0m0U8SKhZenOFdzLtoPNWqhEnVeZMquO--KjYGzrFPIw01y0mvtUNd1cL6IXZbg7-YW2CD3ikZe21OaVPUvVLj78cShnAMGVBCLXjFQxc4U_onj7abEY9GP4gLhOF7f2MxU7vnon7BVvrzznrvc3cGP6PVfgOJwyIOmSSsIqmMBIM1IZWY-QdeTfy9ynFAFqqUN80" target="_blank">extraheartbeat.org</a>) and the Burmese Cat Rescue (<a href="http://burmesecat.org/?fbclid=IwAR1nRL2rA2Q6l_HgifGF-AdGMaPtO7dEHQMkyqbUyApX61bnM9T_gjDbSm0" target="_blank">burmesecat.org</a>).

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