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

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

The Burlington Fire Department evacuated several businesses along Main Street this morning (Tuesday, March 2) when construction on the riverfront accidentally created a gas leak.

Firefighters responded to the gas leak at about 8 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, March 2), establishing a scene for Alliant Energy to locate the leak and shut off the gas line's access point.

The fire department remained on scene until shortly before 10 a.m., then allowed employees back into the Main Street businesses.

According to officials from the Burlington Fire Department, the leak was caused by a construction worker who dug into an underground line.

By Beacon StaffThe Burlington Fire Department evacuated several businesses along Main Street this morning (Tuesday, March 2) when construction on the riverfront accidentally created a gas leak.Firefighters responded to the gas leak at about 8 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, March 2), establishing a scene for Alliant Energy to locate the leak and shut off the gas line's access point.The fire department remained on scene until shortly before 10 a.m., then allowed employees back into the Main Street businesses.According to officials from the Burlington Fire Department, the leak was caused by a construction worker who dug into an underground line.

Riverfront Construction Causes Gas Leak Along Main Street

The Iowa City Veteran Administration Health Care System is opening a new outpatient clinic in Burlington.

The clinic, which will be located at 1000 N. Roosevelt Ave. Suite 7, will offer services and care to local veterans that may or may not have used the VA before. The clinic is expected to open later in 2021 for patient care. Currently, the closest VA hospital is in Iowa City.

“This clinic will be a little different from the other outpatient clinics in the area,” said Bryan Clark, a public affairs officer for the Iowa City VA. “It is smaller and will house a primary care team, a mental health team, some pharmacy and blood draw services for patients needing lab work. Other services will still be offered at larger nearby clinics or at the Iowa City VA.”

As for the staff for the new clinic, Clark said that “there will be five staff to start with: one primary care provider, one mental health provider, two registered nurses, and a medical support assistant for scheduling and check-in.”

The new VA outpatient clinic will measure about 3,200 square feet. This space will allow VA the ability to grow primary care and mental health services to veterans, reducing travel time and adding convenience for patients.

By Beacon StaffThe Iowa City Veteran Administration Health Care System is opening a new outpatient clinic in Burlington.The clinic, which will be located at 1000 N. Roosevelt Ave. Suite 7, will offer services and care to local veterans that may or may not have used the VA before. The clinic is expected to open later in 2021 for patient care. Currently, the closest VA hospital is in Iowa City.“This clinic will be a little different from the other outpatient clinics in the area,” said Bryan Clark, a public affairs officer for the Iowa City VA. “It is smaller and will house a primary care team, a mental health team, some pharmacy and blood draw services for patients needing lab work. Other services will still be offered at larger nearby clinics or at the Iowa City VA.”As for the staff for the new clinic, Clark said that “there will be five staff to start with: one primary care provider, one mental health provider, two registered nurses, and a medical support assistant for scheduling and check-in.”The new VA outpatient clinic will measure about 3,200 square feet. This space will allow VA the ability to grow primary care and mental health services to veterans, reducing travel time and adding convenience for patients.

VA Clinic To Open in Burlington This Year

Burlington students received their class instruction online today due to COVID-19 vaccine side-effects experienced by roughly 60 of the school district’s 260 person staff, and students in Danville may have to do the same later this week.

A statement posted by the Danville Community School District on Monday (March 1) is warning parents and guardians that side effects from the second round of vaccine could temporarily impact staff attendance at the end of this week.

Danville school officials said 74 of the district’s staff will receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday (March 3).

Another 140 of the Burlington School District staff will also receive their second dose of the vaccine Wednesday, which could result in more virtual classes Thursday and Friday.

Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, and headache are more common after the second dose of the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said symptoms after either the first or second dose are no cause for alarm, and instead indicates the body is building immunity to the virus.

The statement by the Danville School District, which can be seen on the district's Facebook page, reads:

"With 74 staff receiving the second dose it is possible the District could encounter a high rate of absenteeism due to the second round side effects.

We are asking for all parents and guardians to be prepared for either on-line instruction for grades 6-12 or paper packets for K-5 for either Thursday, March 4th and/or Friday, March 5th. No matter what happens, paper packets will accompany the student’s home on Wednesday. The call to virtual/packet work will be made as soon as possible. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this might bring to families but this is just another mitigation to get all of us through these trying times.”

By Beacon StaffBurlington students received their class instruction online today due to COVID-19 vaccine side-effects experienced by roughly 60 of the school district’s 260 person staff, and students in Danville may have to do the same later this week.A statement posted by the Danville Community School District on Monday (March 1) is warning parents and guardians that side effects from the second round of vaccine could temporarily impact staff attendance at the end of this week.Danville school officials said 74 of the district’s staff will receive the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday (March 3).Another 140 of the Burlington School District staff will also receive their second dose of the vaccine Wednesday, which could result in more virtual classes Thursday and Friday.Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, and headache are more common after the second dose of the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency said symptoms after either the first or second dose are no cause for alarm, and instead indicates the body is building immunity to the virus.The statement by the Danville School District, which can be seen on the district's Facebook page, reads:"With 74 staff receiving the second dose it is possible the District could encounter a high rate of absenteeism due to the second round side effects.We are asking for all parents and guardians to be prepared for either on-line instruction for grades 6-12 or paper packets for K-5 for either Thursday, March 4th and/or Friday, March 5th. No matter what happens, paper packets will accompany the student’s home on Wednesday. The call to virtual/packet work will be made as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this might bring to families but this is just another mitigation to get all of us through these trying times.”

Second Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine Dose For Teachers May Result In More Virtual Learning Days

Burlington High School students were dismissed early Friday (Feb. 19) after school officials were alerted to a possible bomb threat.

In a text to Burlington High School parents sent out at 2:39 p.m., the school district said:

“There has been an alleged bomb threat at Burlington High School. All BHS students have been dismissed at this time. Students that do not have transportation will be bussed home even if they are not normally bus students due to the cold temperature. Students who live too close to BHS may walk home. More details will be shared as soon as possible.”

The school district updated the situation with a brief statement Friday afternoon via Facebook, assuring parents that all is well. The statement reads:

“In collaboration with the Burlington Police Department, the threat at Burlington High School has been investigated and it has been determined there is no active threat to any of our buildings, students, or staff. Thank you to local law enforcement and building staff for their quick actions to ensure the safety of our student community.”

By Beacon StaffBurlington High School students were dismissed early Friday (Feb. 19) after school officials were alerted to a possible bomb threat.In a text to Burlington High School parents sent out at 2:39 p.m., the school district said:“There has been an alleged bomb threat at Burlington High School. All BHS students have been dismissed at this time. Students that do not have transportation will be bussed home even if they are not normally bus students due to the cold temperature. Students who live too close to BHS may walk home. More details will be shared as soon as possible.”The school district updated the situation with a brief statement Friday afternoon via Facebook, assuring parents that all is well. The statement reads:“In collaboration with the Burlington Police Department, the threat at Burlington High School has been investigated and it has been determined there is no active threat to any of our buildings, students, or staff. Thank you to local law enforcement and building staff for their quick actions to ensure the safety of our student community.”

Burlington High School Evacuated Due To Alleged Bomb Threat

A Burlington pedestrian was hit by a car Friday night (Feb. 26) near Grove and Summer Streets Saturday night and later died at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.

Jacob Sexton, 35, of Burlington, was walking on Summer Street north of the intersection of West Avenue when he was hit by a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Megan Kalar, 33, of Burlington, according to police. The accident occurred just after 9 p.m.

The Iowa State Patrol, which is handling the accident investigation, did not say if Sexton was crossing the street. Details were scant in the preliminary crash report issued by ISP, and the accident remains under investigation.

No further information was available Saturday afternoon.

By Beacon StaffA Burlington pedestrian was hit by a car Friday night (Feb. 26) near Grove and Summer Streets Saturday night and later died at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.Jacob Sexton, 35, of Burlington, was walking on Summer Street north of the intersection of West Avenue when he was hit by a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Megan Kalar, 33, of Burlington, according to police. The accident occurred just after 9 p.m.The Iowa State Patrol, which is handling the accident investigation, did not say if Sexton was crossing the street. Details were scant in the preliminary crash report issued by ISP, and the accident remains under investigation.No further information was available Saturday afternoon.

Burlington Pedestrian Killed By Vehicle

The Burlington/West Burlington United Way campaign is underway through Nov. 30, and the money raised will be donated to 12 area agencies.

A 20-member campaign cabinet and more than 350 area volunteers will work together to achieve the campaign goal of $430,021. The funds raised will be distributed in the 2021 calendar year, with the campaign theme “Supporting. Together. United.”

Contributions to the local campaign stay in the community, with 99 percent of each donation benefiting area residents. The remaining 1 percent is budgeted for staff training, license fees, and for the universal logo and materials that cannot be purchased locally. 

That money is given to 12 local human service and health care agencies caring for clients and needy families in a 40-mile radius service area.

The 12 charities the Burlington/West Burlington United Way serves are Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Boy Scouts Mississippi Valley Council, Burlington Area YMCA, Burlington Homeless Shelter, Crime Stoppers of Greater Burlington, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Hope Haven Development Center, Iowa Legal Aid, Partners, The Nest of Des Moines County, The Salvation Army, and Young House Family Services.

More than 50,000 citizens in the 40-mile radius service area used the programs and services.

To donate, contact Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way, Inc., 218 North 3rd Street, Suite 217, Burlington, Iowa 52601; call (319) 752-7831, or email bwbauwia@burlingtoniaunitedway.org or check out the website at <a href="http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org">http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2020/10/1602701748737.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe Burlington/West Burlington United Way campaign is underway through Nov. 30, and the money raised will be donated to 12 area agencies.A 20-member campaign cabinet and more than 350 area volunteers will work together to achieve the campaign goal of $430,021. The funds raised will be distributed in the 2021 calendar year, with the campaign theme “Supporting. Together. United.”Contributions to the local campaign stay in the community, with 99 percent of each donation benefiting area residents. The remaining 1 percent is budgeted for staff training, license fees, and for the universal logo and materials that cannot be purchased locally. That money is given to 12 local human service and health care agencies caring for clients and needy families in a 40-mile radius service area.The 12 charities the Burlington/West Burlington United Way serves are Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Boy Scouts Mississippi Valley Council, Burlington Area YMCA, Burlington Homeless Shelter, Crime Stoppers of Greater Burlington, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Hope Haven Development Center, Iowa Legal Aid, Partners, The Nest of Des Moines County, The Salvation Army, and Young House Family Services.More than 50,000 citizens in the 40-mile radius service area used the programs and services.To donate, contact Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way, Inc., 218 North 3rd Street, Suite 217, Burlington, Iowa 52601; call (319) 752-7831, or email bwbauwia@burlingtoniaunitedway.org or check out the website at <a href="http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org">http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org</a>.

Local United Way Campaign Will Assist 12 Area Charities

By Beacon Staff



Despite an updated emergency proclamation from the city of Burlington Monday and another proclamation by Des Moines County Tuesday, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups is stressing that nothing has changed.



The proclamations are simply a show of local solidarity with Gov. Kim Reynold’s existing measures regarding coronavirus. It also is a strong recommendation for locals to keep following state guidelines in place to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



With early spring feeling a lot more like early summer, Billups and local leaders felt it necessary to issue an official decree outlining what is allowed. Going outside is not off-limits, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.



Fresh air is encouraged.



“It was decided by the mayors of Des Moines County and the Des Moines County Supervisors to issue a proclamation supporting her (Gov. Kim Reynolds’) request to act as if there was a shelter order in place,” Billups said in a statement Tuesday morning, which can be viewed in its entirety on his Facebook page.



That means restaurants and businesses that currently offer delivery or curbside service will continue as usual.



Fully aware of the economic impact the virus is having locally, Billups encouraged those who feel comfortable to continue shopping locally, as long as they do so responsibly and by state guidelines.



The updated emergency proclamation for Burlington consisted of several other salient points and updates, including:



• The skate park in Dankwardt Park is closed to public use. • Gatherings of 10 or more people are strongly discouraged until further notice. • Individuals are recommended to not leave their home or place of residence, except to conduct essential activities. The definition of essential has been outlined by the state. Retail stores that sell food still offer the non-food items that have always been available. • Solid waste crews will continue picking up an additional 33-gallon container (up to 40 lbs.) of household waste through May 1 without the use of an additional tag.

Mayor Billups: New Local Coronavirus Proclamations Do Not Add New Restrictions or Closures

By Beacon Staff



The Burlington Fire Department responded to a garage fire Sunday afternoon that quickly spread to a neighboring garage, and department officials are considering the blaze suspicious.



The initial garage fire at 1105 S. 10th St. was called in at 3:50 p.m. Sunday. As fire trucks made their way to the blaze, a second caller reported the fire had spread to a second garage at 1001 S. 10th St.



A dozen Burlington firefighters responded alongside West Burlington firefighters on auto-aid, bringing the fire under control in minutes and completely extinguishing it by 4:30 p.m. Firefighters remained on scene until 6 p.m. Sunday.



The fire started on the exterior of the two-car detached garage located behind 1005 S. 10th Street, owned by DKE Properties. The garage was insured, and a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix owned by Chelci Adams, who lives at the address, was damaged by the fire.



Tyler Underwood, who owns the neighboring property at 1001 S. 10th St., was not insured. Aside from the damage to his garage, heat radiating from the fire also melted the siding on the back of his home.



Burlington Fire Marshall Mark Crooks did not elaborate as to why the fire is considered suspicious, simply saying the incident is under investigation by the Burlington Police Department and the Burlington Fire Department.



No injuries were reported.

Suspicious Fire Damages Two Burlington Garages Sunday

By Beacon Staff



A child under the age of 17 has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Henry County, and two new diagnoses of the virus were confirmed in Des Moines County.



The child in Henry County was one of four new cases confirmed by the Iowa Department of Public Health Tuesday. Another was an adult between the ages of 18 and 40, as well as two middle-aged residents between the ages of 41 and 60. That brings the Henry County total up to 13.



The two new cases in Des Moines County are between the ages of 61 and 80, bringing the county total up to three. Louisa County reported 13 new cases Tuesday, bringing the total up to 20. There is only one confirmed case in Lee County at this time.



Gov. Reynolds reported 102 new cases Tuesday, and one more Iowan has died from the virus.



As of Tuesday morning, that brings the total number of positive cases in Iowa to 1,048. Gov. Reynolds also said there have been 1,017 negative tests reported.



A total of 26 Iowans have now died because of complications of COVID-19. The most recent death was an elderly person from Benton County.



There are 104 currently hospitalized coronavirus patients and 341 patients have recovered.



Eleven percent of the total infections have been identified as long-term care residents or staff and 46 percent of the deaths have been long-term care residents.

Henry County Child Diagnosed With Coronavirus; Two More Cases In Des Moines County

By William Smith



A multi-tasker with an eternal head (and heart) for business, Ken Schwenker often worked with a phone cradled beneath each ear.



Sometimes, when business at Standard of Beaverdale was really booming, he would attempt a third simultaneous conversation with the customer in front of him. As a prank, Ken’s younger brother Greg once handed him a third phone, even though there was no one on the other end.



“He just busted out laughing,” Greg said, sharing a favorite memory of his older brother.



Ken Schwenker was smart enough to get the joke, genial enough to chuckle, and ambitious enough to get right back to work.



" 'No’ was not in his vocabulary, whatever you asked of him,” Greg said. “And I’ve asked a lot.”



Ken Schwenker died unexpectedly of heart failure Wednesday at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. His family business continues to chug on, manned by relatives working through their grief, just like Ken would have.



“Ken just reveled in being here,” said his sister, Brenda Carson, who works at the store. “This is where he was his best.”



By that measure, Ken Schwenker was at his best most hours of the day. Just like his four siblings, Ken was born into the hardware business his father started.



Ken was the oldest sibling and showed the greatest aptitude for the business. Family members that didn’t move elsewhere usually ended up working alongside him.



“He was the leader. He had to be the role model,” his sister, Sharon Schwenker, said.



Ken has two children; when they were old enough, they too went to work for him.



“We all had an official job until we were 16,” Ken’s daughter, Kathy Schwenker, said.



Schwenker was one of the first in the industry to implement a computerized inventory management system and helped young business owners find their feet in the industry. He took joy in donating to area organizations and projects, often underwriting promotional advertising for community events.



“If people want to see their area improve, then they need to do something because it won’t just happen by itself,” Schwenker said in 2015 when he was honored as a Southeastern Community College Distinguished Alumnus.



Humble to his Iowa core, Schwenker didn’t put on airs. He smoked a pipe and always carried a red handkerchief in his pocket, even when the pocket was on the breast of a suit jacket.



“Not a conceited bone in his body,” Sharon Schwenker said.



When he wasn’t talking business, Schwenker spoke about his travels and his family. Vacations were usually a combination of all three.



“We had a lot of family vacations centered around Ace Hardware conventions, but then we would take another week off,” Kathy Schwenker said.



Unbeknownst to most people, Ken was also a skilled baker. In fact, Ken baked more delectable sweets than his trim figure suggested and consumed far more of his creations than seems possible. Sherry still can’t believe how much he could eat without gaining weight.



“I was jealous. He always stayed skinny,” Sherry said, her voice choked with mirth.



About a month before Ken died, Kathy came back to work for her father. She didn’t take the job to keep an eye on him, though. At age 66, Ken seemed to be in fine health.



“We didn’t see it coming at all. It was a shock to everyone. I thought I was going to have another couple of decades with him,” Kathy said.



She got a handful of weeks instead, blessedly unaware of how it would end. Kathy got to know her father a little better in those weeks.



“I had a desk right behind his, and usually I would stay a couple of minutes after everyone left,” she said.



But it’s her childhood memories of Ken that have crystallized in her heart.



“He loved us. He was a great dad. He would take us out to Bees games and picnics in the park. He tried to teach us to fish, and we couldn’t find bait so he used hot dogs. I remember finding that pretty funny,” she said.



Obituary for Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Schwenker (As posted by Lunning Chapel)



Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Schwenker, 66, of West Burlington died suddenly of heart failure Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at the Great River Medical Center Emergency Department in West Burlington.



Ken was a graduate of Burlington High School 1971 and attended SCC and was later honored as a distinguished alumnus. He then backpacked through Europe before returning to the family business.



Ken was the current president and owner of Standard of Beaverdale, his family business and worked there for his entire lifetime.



He was a member of St. Luke United Church of Christ.



Kenny enjoyed spending time with family, baking and eating sweets and woodworking. He had a very positive attitude for his community and was very involved in and supported many community events.



He loved SCC basketball and fireworks.



Survivors include his wife Diane of Burlington; two children, Katherine A. Schwenker of Burlington and David R. (Barbara Becker) Schwenker of Clive, Iowa; step-children Ben (Diana) Dobson of West Burlington, Sarah Krabill of Ozark, MO, Kyle (Nicole) Dobson of Burlington, Rachel (Matt) Vandervoort of Ozark, MO and Mallory (Justin) Jennings of Burlington; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Dan (Debra) Schwenker of Burlington, Greg (Brenda Smith) Schwenker; two sisters, Brenda Carson and Sharon (Tony) Ashby of West Burlington and by a large extended family.



He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his parents and one grandson.



The private graveside committal service for Ken will be Tuesday, April 7, 2020.



Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. A celebration of life will be at a later date.



A memorial has been established for the Hospice House and Greater Burlington Sports Foundation for the Future Gymnasium Project. Online condolences may be sent by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lunningfuneralchapel.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Suv0gc6cLJAMKM4tyML25cSr5dZ3V2-T3bYStc3CgcJEVhrM-Uhqy2Ew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.lunningfuneralchapel.com/</a>

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