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

Photo by Anthony Dewitt



With a flick of the wrist, Elijah Kane of Burlington plays a round of disc golf Easter Sunday in Crapo Park in Burlington.

A Flick of the Wrist

By Beacon Staff



A Henry County resident has died of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



According to the Iowa Department of Public Health press release published Saturday, the resident was between 41-and 60 years old.



Two additional COVID-19 deaths were reported Saturday as well — a 61-to-80-year from Linn County and 61-to-80-year-old from Polk County. There are now 786 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Iowa and 14 deaths from the virus.



There have been a total of 9,454 tests in Iowa so far.



The Lee County Health Department confirmed the county’s first COVID-19 diagnosis on Friday.



Health Department officials said the diagnosed individual is self-isolating at home. Officials said no further information about the person will be released.



Lee County is the last county in southeast Iowa to confirm a case of the virus. Des Moines County also has one confirmed case, as does Louisa County. Henry County has six confirmed cases, and Van Buren County rose to five cases on Friday.

Henry County Resident Dies From COVID-19

By Beacon Staff



It takes more than a global pandemic to stifle the Easter spirit.



First Assembly of God is hosting a non-denominational Easter service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the Westland Mall parking lot in West Burlington and no one will have to break quarantine to attend.



All you have to do is drive there and stay in your car. Church volunteers will be directing vehicles into every other parking spot, ensuring a safe distance between each.



“It (the safe distance) will allow you to roll down your windows and maybe even interact with the person parked next to you. The most imperative thing is to stay in your vehicle during the service,” said the Rev. Scott Collier, lead pastor at First Assembly of God.



The service will be broadcast by a low-frequency transmitter to 106.9 F.M, similar to a drive-in theater. Those who wish to partake in the sacrament are encouraged to bring their own, in whatever form they like.



“Bring your own cheese, bring your own juice,” Collier said.



The service will go on rain or shine, and the National Weather Service is predicting a 90 percent chance of rain Sunday.



Collier said the service could only be canceled by a thunderstorm, which is a distinct possibility, NWS said. Updates to the status of the event will be posted immediately on the First Assembly of God's Facebook page and The Burlington Beacon.

Drive-In Easter Service Set For Sunday At Mall

By Beacon Staff



The Flint River Trail from Starr’s Cave Nature Center to the Starr’s Cave Bridge is closed beginning today (Wednesday, April 15) for trail maintenance and silt removal, according to the Des Moines County Conservation Department.



Conservation officials said spring flooding left behind a large amount of sediment on and around the trail that needs to be removed. The project requires heavy equipment to travel on the trail, thus resulting in the closure notice.



The trail is expected to reopen on Thursday, April 30. For more information, contact Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319) 753-5808.

Section of Trail Closed Until End Of The Month

By Beacon Staff



Beginning Monday (April 13), road construction will impact Fifth Street from Locust to Walnut streets, according to city officials.



Crews from FYE Excavating will be removing the old roadway, installing new storm sewers, and preparing the road for paving. After the storm sewers are installed on each block, the roadway will be paved, including intersections and driveway approaches.



Each block will be impacted for two to four weeks, depending on the weather, and the construction will affect parking and travel on those roadways. If you have any questions throughout construction, please feel free to contact the city staff on the job site or call the public works office at 319-753-8176.

Storm Sewer Work Will Affect Parking, Travel on Fifth Street

By Beacon Staff



School in Iowa is out until May, but students have to continue learning at home or make up the lost instruction later.



Gov. Kim Reynolds mandated a public school closure until April 30 during a Thursday (April 2) press conference, saying at-home learning through school districts can continue in a variety of ways. That includes enrichment courses and paperwork packets delivered to students.



"Making a sudden shift to virtual learning isn't always easy, especially during the crisis that we face now, but we can't let perfect be the enemy of good," Reynolds said.



During a Thursday afternoon press conference, the governor outlined new steps that school districts must take to ensure they are reaching Iowa students during the shutdown.



The Burlington School District is working with Winegard Co. to turn school buses into wifi hotspots, and Chromebook laptops already have been distributed to students.



The school district responded to the governor’s mandate on its Facebook page Thursday afternoon.



“We will continue to provide continuous learning opportunities and meals for our students,” the district said in the post.



Reynolds already has waived four weeks of instruction time lost during the initial school closure, and districts have until April 10 to inform the Iowa Department of Education of continuous learning measures they are putting in place.



According to Reynolds, this can include voluntary enrichment programs or required classes that count toward credit. Programs can include online lessons as well as paper packets delivered to students, and districts can choose a mixture of voluntary and required programs for students at different grade levels.



"School districts that chose not to provide continuous learning (whether voluntary or required) will be required to make up the instructional time lost beyond what has been waived by the Legislature," Reynolds said.



Ann Lebo, director of the Iowa Department of Education, said the state has developed an expedited application process for any school that wants to implement a required continuous learning program.



The application will be available to districts in a few days and will allow the state to approve applications within 24 hours, she said.



Statewide, 614 people have tested positive for COVID-19. Eleven people have died from the illness, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.



The first case in Louisa County was confirmed Thursday morning (April 2), and Des Moines County still has only one confirmed case.



With Jefferson County also reporting a confirmed coronavirus case, Lee County is the only southeast Iowa county without a confirmed case.



Des Moines County still has only one confirmed case, according to state officials.



Two more deaths related to the novel coronavirus in Iowa were confirmed Thursday by state public health officials as well.



The new deaths were both in Linn County and were older patients, between the ages of 61 and 80.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Gov. Reynolds Closes Public Schools Until April 30; Coronavirus Confirmed in Louisa County

By Beacon Staff



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced more business closures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), stopping short of implementing a shelter in place order for the state.&nbsp;



On Monday, Reynolds added to the list of business closures through April 30. However, most of the businesses on Monday's list have already been closed due to fears about the spread of COVID-19.



“I know that I've asked a lot of Iowans over the course of the last month,” she said during the 11 a.m. Monday press conference. “And today, I'm asking more.”



New closures include:&nbsp;



• Malls • Social and fraternal clubs • Bingo halls •.Bowling alleys • Pool halls • Zoos • Arcades • Amusement parks • Libraries • Skating rinks and skate parks • Outdoor/indoor playgrounds and children's play centers • Race tracks • Tobacco and vaping stores • Toy, music, gaming, instrument and movie stores • Campgrounds



Anyone not following the guidelines, specifically those not limiting social gatherings to fewer than 10 people, will be cited with a simple misdemeanor.



At Monday's press conference, Reynolds announced 78 additional cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, totaling 946 positive cases to date.



Another three people with COVID-19 have died, bringing the total in the state to 25 people as of Monday. Two of the people who died were from Tama County. The third person lived in Linn County.&nbsp;



Last week, the Iowa Board of Medicine unanimously voted to request that Reynolds issue a statewide shelter in place order, sending a letter to the governor.



Reynolds has said that implementing a shelter in place order is not required right now based on the data the state is using to evaluate the next steps for mitigation efforts.

More Businesses Ordered to Close, No Shelter In Place Order For Iowa

By Jeff Abell



Affixed to windows and doors they can be found, a heart-shaped symbol of hope in a time when the bright side of life has been darkened by fear of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



Throughout Burlington and the region, hearts are being painted on or cut out of colorful paper. Some are adorned with the names of the children who made them, or Bible verses, or to honor a health care professional on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.



It all started with an idea by Galesburg, Ill., resident Krista Wynes. That idea has become a movement including nearly all 50 states and countries aboard, and a Facebook group with more than 700,000 followers.



Through her Facebook group Heart Hunters, people share photos of hearts they have spotted on windows and doors and ones they have made. Wynes said the goal was to provide children with a fun activity but at the same time encourage social distancing.



“I know with my boys being out of school, I was looking for some things to be able to do with them to get them out of the house and get the wiggles out, and I thought how fun to be able to walk and kind of do a virtual scavenger hunt,” Wynes told the Register-Mail in an interview last month.



That initial goal has been turned into something much bigger — a beacon of hope for many.



A sentiment shared by James Dodson of Des Moines, who was walking Monday in downtown Burlington. Looking around, he remarked about the hearts affixed to windows of downtown businesses.



“It made me smile when I saw them. It makes me believe we will all get through this difficult time as long as we don’t lose hope,” he said.



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



Windows and doors throughout Burlington are adorned with hearts as a way to encourage children to practice social distancing and to give them a fun activity to do while home from school during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hope In The Shape Of Hearts

By Beacon Staff



As goes the cancellation of concerts and music festivals in the wake of coronavirus, so goes Burlington Steamboat Days.



The riverfront music festival in Burlington was set to return in early June, with country music star Gretchen Wilson as one of the headliners.



On Friday morning, the Steamboat Days board announced that the event wouldn’t be happening.



“After much discussion about the economic effects this pandemic has and could continue to bring to our area, the BRE (Burlington Riverfront Entertainment) Board and Burlington Steamboat Days organization feel it would be irresponsible as community organizations to continue with the event, especially with the unforeseen future and concern for the health of event attendees,” reads a statement on the event’s Facebook page.



It’s only the second time Steamboat Days has been canceled in its 50-year-plus history — the first time due to the Flood of 2008. The event went on hiatus last year after a financially difficult 2018 iteration plagued by low attendance. A record-breaking heatwave that week was partially to blame.



Steamboat Days is far from done, though, according to event organizers. Planning for the 2021 iteration of the multi-day music festival is underway. Burlington Civic Music also was forced to cancel the remainder of its concerts but also plans on returning for next season.



Anyone who has purchased tickets for this year’s Burlington Steamboat Days event online through Ticketmaster will be notified by email and will receive a refund. Anyone who purchased tickets at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium box office can receive their refund once the city allows the building to be open to the public. Once that happens, the box office will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Steamboat Days Canceled, Set To Return Next Year

By Beacon Staff



More than 20 classic vehicles rolled past Sunnybrook Assisted Living Center in Burlington Saturday evening, bringing a bit of joy to the residents stuck inside.



The Corona Cruise, a social distancing car cruise, began in Keokuk, motoring past nursing homes on its way down through Fort Madison, Burlington, then back again.



The event hosted by the Nauvoo Grape Festival Association and Heartland Harley Davidson began early Saturday afternoon, the cars beating through the rain between Fort Madison and Burlington. A father and son duo wore gas masks during the ride, poking fun at a quarantine that’s driving everyone a bit stir crazy.



The best thing about it, of course, was that no one came within six feet of each other. The drivers didn’t even enter the same air space, so to speak.



The only cost to join the cruise was a non-perishable food item that will be donated to local food pantries.



Photo by Joy Mack

Cruising Through Corona

By Jeff Abell



As much as food feeds the body, hope feeds the soul. With both in mind, local food pantries work hard each week to fill empty stomachs and vacant hearts.



That mission has become more challenging due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Unemployment due to business closures has only increased the already high demand for food items throughout the area.



Salvation Army Lt. Dennis Jolly echoed that sentiment, adding that the faith-based charitable organization has seen an uptick in new clients. He said it has been challenging keeping shelves stocked, but so far everyone's needs have been met.



"There are people who are using the food bank for the first time. Some have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus," he said.



Jolly said food donations are always accepted and, once received, they are quarantined for the maximum time required by health guidelines governing COVID-19. The food pantry is open to all and each ready-to-pick-up basket contains several food items.



"Donations are always needed. We can make a dollar go a long way," Jolly said. " It's an honor and a privilege to serve this community."



At the Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa Distribution Center, volunteers have been working to keep food pantries throughout the state stocked. Dylan Lampe, senior manager of marketing and communications, said it has been challenging for the non-profit to keep up with demand.



'We had one order that came in that was 20 times what it normally would be," Lampe said. "It has required us to be creative."



Food pantries also are facing a shortage of volunteers due to the self-imposed isolation of older volunteers. In light of the shortage of manpower, Lampe said volunteer shifts have been reduced at the food bank. The same situation is playing out at the Salvation Army.



"Our older volunteers are just not able to come in but we are getting by," Jolly said, adding that food baskets are distributed by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays to minimize contact.



Despite having to navigate a new normal, non-profit food providers are learning to adapt. If a person is worried about donating a food item due to COVID-19 concerns, Jolly and Lampe say monetary donations are always welcome.



"These are challenging times, and the impact will be felt for a long time, but we will get through this," Lampe said.



To donate food, give a monetary donation, or volunteer, contact the Burlington Salvation Army at (319) 753-2038. To donate to the Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa Distribution Center, contact (641) 682-3403.



To schedule an appointment at Kayla's Cupboard, contact (319) 237-8400. The St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry can be contacted at (319) 752-9332.



Photo by Jeff Abell



Food items ready to be donated to a local food pantry are shown Wednesday in Burlington.

Empty Stomachs, Vacant Hearts: Food Pantries Work To Keep Up With Demand

By Beacon Staff



Des Moines County has recorded a dozen new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since Monday, just as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the opening of a drive-thru coronavirus test site Wednesday (May 27) in Burlington.



The drive-thru test site will be across from Great River Medical Center in West Burlington at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds (next to Southeastern Community College). The entrance is on Gear Avenue.



On Thursday, Reynolds echoed an earlier statement by President Donald Trump announcing that anyone who wants a (coronavirus) test can get one. But you must take an online health assessment at&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.TestIowa.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1vH1E0CcOsMcmWEhjm1W0DnIaDosHmpzCVb9AJBv_m3-CDSRZn5-C4BEI&amp;h=AT1DHrw7lrgQszlIqwBsHFfTBML91vhnfN3J98lUI1cwV2_sKb33jg6YwrhSvWbaXjt8nJ4hP-sWTH8ug-OyJbyoRlS6B3WgQO7imVHxnN18ycFbhPshYOZGLPusKFwgW3PYYnvPNAjsk2GIOlHxL7GqaDFPWxZEYgFqiXfG3OULkbwDjV4gWPDUHEwqdqFrttMz71Tyn3xrG_IM_4A3rCa8HMXKfrYsnEyjaj5waV6a7sE5Zz2KCoMFxm00R7Y-LAWWVjlfvkNy_JzLREiGHaiLTvl5he2gtytOic8eGRrYOgU4lEm-sLIOCOSj5CMK-FpPEVd7mHgPxK_hzHW11zLwdYQ46clQDMfOF5fDgmS5uPfB96_jLz2R-AKi9zmm3c23_o9HjSDFkw3Mc2YQrzrjzXMmjc9vVMBhkbzDfhCzV-152r--lkt5TbD4rhOxydw0rdkh4kGqH5-fLc-YKLTEGdfWsTgyDqYB8DsrH-omO4_Bgyo4SbO6OuVYuC9sjQshYXubBcoSjkiQIj_7XxWbWB0K-c91sh355BRcMPTnmd3GHfchCJxkMFQfmz9PsA16fqBTYaVizCHWqTtZbzOnKZqGZIeGwJE2fCcxr1zHHWo-lJvAmK-fb4H2qsBHi6q54GVZQNpwrTdBkJy36dE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.TestIowa.com</a>&nbsp;beforehand. Assessment questions include symptoms, exposure to COVID-19, occupation, and travel.



After the assessment, those still interested in taking a test will be directed to make an appointment by telephone. Appointments will be accepted beginning Tuesday, May 26. Currently, the closest place to get a COVID-19 test is at Eagle View Health Center in Oquawka, Ill.



The test, which takes only a few minutes to complete, consists of a swab inserted into the back of the nasal cavity. The swab is sent to the state hygienic laboratory, and results are usually available with 48 to 72 hours.



Des Moines County now has 52 reported cases, with 30 people listed as recovered. The death toll remains at one for the county.



A total of 16,435 positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Iowa, and 8,917 have recovered. The death toll currently stands at 424, which includes 17 deaths between 11 a.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday.



So far, one in 26 Iowans has been tested, totaling 119,604.

Coronavirus Test Site Opening in Burlington; Des Moines County Has 52 Cases of COVID-19

By William Smith



It has been a year since Kathy Johnson became director of the Burlington Area Homeless Shelter.



She has been helping the less fortunate far longer than that. However, her aversion to attention has left those acts of kindness unsung.



"As cliche as it sounds, my mom has always been able to take lemons and make lemonade. She is right where she needs to be in life, being a blessing to others. My mother is persistent, stubborn, empathetic, and a humanitarian,” said Krystal Johnson, who nominated her mother to be one of The Beacon's Everyday Heroes.



On Memorial Day, fittingly enough, Johnson will be taking one of the nation’s many homeless veterans into the shelter. He isn’t the first veteran she has taken in, and he won’t be the last.



“He already has a job, but he’s been living in his truck. He’s been paying for his own medication, but we’ve got the VA paying for part of it now," she said, noting a stay at the shelter is typically two to four months.



The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) hasn’t made Johnson’s job any easier. The shelter normally can house 11 people, but Johnson has been forced to cut the occupancy in half to follow state-mandated COVID-19 safety protocols.



“We provide food, clothing, transportation,” Johnson said. “If the BUS (Burlington Urban Service) isn’t available, we pay for a cab for them to get to work until they get their first paycheck.”



The homeless shelter is 100 percent funded through community donations and the United Way, not taxpayer dollars. The shelter survives entirely on the goodwill of others, and Johnson channels that monetary kindness into second chances.



Every resident is different, and many need more help than the shelter can provide. They are buoyed by a network of social services across Burlington that work closely with the shelter.



Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services of Southeast Iowa (ADDS) provides counseling to addicts looking for help. The Nest of Des Moines County supports new and expectant mothers with formula, diapers, and parental classes. Hope Haven and other mental health services provide stabilization. Hope Haven sets aside vouchers for clothing and furniture for homeless shelter residents at its thrift store.



Johnson worked freelance in the healthcare field before living in the shelter (a job requirement) with her 13-year-old German Shepherd. She has cared for those with Parkinson’s Disease, patients with brain damage, substance-addicted teens, and hospice patients at the end of their life.



It’s what she does. It’s what she has always done, starting with her father.



“My dad was sick for years. He got radiation poisoning at the plant (IAAP), so I helped take care of him for 17 years,” she said.



Johnson has two grown children, including a son who was also ill for several years, and four grandchildren.



“Tough but fair” is a requirement for a job like hers, and decades of experience have attuned Johnson to dealing with adversity.



“Since I’ve started, I’ve only had to kick three people out,” she said, noting that one of those involved an incident with alcohol.



After becoming director a year ago, Johnson had security cameras installed on the upper floor where most of the rooms are located. Extensive background checks of residents during the application process are required, especially since families also are housed in the shelter. The doors are locked to the general public, and strangers are forbidden.



Johnson has unlimited access to background checks through the Des Moines County Sheriff’s office. If an applicant is found to be a registered sex offender, she notifies the police. If there is a warrant for their arrest, they are taken into custody.



“I will take you if you’re an addict as long as you’re not actively using. You have to go to ADDS, though. I will take the mentally ill as long as we’re able to help them,” she said.



If the shelter is full, Johnson works to find alternative housing. Rooms can’t be held because that often means turning away someone else.



Each night ends in a communal, home-cooked meal at the first-floor kitchen table. While many women and families use the shelter, the majority of the residents are men who refuse to seek help from friends and family.



“It’s a pride thing for them a lot of times,” Johnson said.



Without the 11-person board of directors that oversee the shelter, she said, no one would be staying in the modest white house on Marshall Street. It’s due to their kindness, and the community at large, that the down-and-out get another chance for a stable life.



Johnson sees herself merely as their willing tool — an instrument of humanity.



“I have a gift for caring for people, and that’s a good thing,” she said. “This is where God wanted me.”



(Editor’s Note: Everyday Heroes is an ongoing series featuring people who make a difference in our community. If you want to nominate someone for a story, contact us at burlingtonbeacon@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.)



Photos by Joy Mack



Photos 1 and 2: Kathy Johnson, director of the Burlington Area Homeless Shelter, poses for photos at the shelter. Johnson's willingness to help others has extended to her job at the homeless shelter.



Photos 3-7: The exterior and the interior of the homeless shelter are shown last week.

An Instrument of Kindness

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



Burlington firefighters responded to a fire at the Autumn Heights apartment complex early Monday morning, only to find a stovetop fire that had already been extinguished.



Local police helped evacuate the seven-story apartment around 2:30 a.m. when the fire alarm sounded. One resident was evaluated for several breathing issues but refused treatment. No one else was injured.



A Burlington police officer who was in the area responded to the first, automated alarm. A resident assistant informed police of a stovetop fire in a sixth-floor apartment by an onsite resident who had mostly extinguished it. Firefighters finished the job and helped remove smoke from the six-floor, staying on site until 4:22 a.m. Monday.



The fire damage was contained to the stove at Apartment 603, as well as surrounding cabinets and counters. The resident was alerted to the fire by smoke alarms.



The fire is considered accidental.

Autumn Heights Apartment Complex Evacuated in the Middle of the Night Due To Stovetop Fire Scare

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>

Always Working, Always Smiling: Schwenker Left A Lasting Legacy

By Beacon Staff



The Tyson Foods’ pork processing plant in Columbus Junction has suspended operations for at least the next week due to more than two dozen cases of COVID-19 confirmed at the facility.



“In an effort to minimize the impact on our overall production, we’re diverting the livestock supply originally scheduled for delivery to Columbus Junction to some of our other pork plants in the region,” Tyson CEO Noel White said in a statement Monday.



Meat and poultry plants are experiencing varying levels of production impact throughout the country, due to the planned implementation of additional worker safety precautions and worker absenteeism, White said.



Local producers are concerned about the impact this closure will have on their ability to sell hogs.



In addition to taking the temperature of workers at all of Tyson’s locations before they enter company facilities, White said they’ve stepped up deep cleaning and sanitizing of their facilities, especially in employee breakrooms, locker rooms, and other areas to protect team members.&nbsp;



“We’re working to secure an adequate supply of protective face coverings for production workers and have implemented interim protocols for temporary protective coverings while observing food safety,” White said.



Tyson continues to explore and implement additional ways to promote more social distancing in the plants. According to Tyson’s statement, this includes erecting dividers between workstations or increasing the space between workers on the production floor, which can involve slowing production lines.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Tyson Foods In Columbus Junction Hit With Over Two Dozen COVID-19 Cases; Plant Shutting Down Until Next Week

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



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

Photo by Jeff Abell



An empty swing near a sign announcing park playground equipment is closed to the public is shown Tuesday in Crapo Park in Burlington. The city of Burlington made the move to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Empty Swings, Empty Playgrounds

By Beacon Staff



Police arrested a Burlington man Friday (April 10) for allegedly producing methamphetamine and maintaining a drug house.



Robert Ian Heffernan, 37, of Burlington is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine over 5 grams. He also is charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a drug house (methamphetamine), child endangerment, as well as a Lee County warrant for a parole violation.



Police arrested Heffernan after executing a search warrant at 1513 Lincoln St. in Burlington. Agencies involved in the search included the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Burlington Police Department and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.



Burlington Police Lt. Wayne Thomson said the arrest was just the latest into a multi-agency investigation pertaining to a subject who was manufacturing narcotics in the Burlington area. Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, the Lee County Narcotics Task Force and the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE) are heading up the investigation. Another meth resulted from the investigation on March 30.



Heffernan is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington.

Burlington Man Arrested for Making Meth and Maintaining A Drug House

By Beacon Staff



The defunct JCPenney parking lot at Westland Mall in West Burlington teemed with faithful Easter parishioners Sunday morning, and not one of them came within breathing distance of the other.



Members of the Burlington First Assembly of God Worship Team belted out their love for Jesus as they strummed their guitars on a mobile stage at the south end of the parking, their voices filtering through the car radios of those in attendance.



Unable to leave their vehicles without breaking Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ social distance mandate to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the drivers elatedly pounded their car horns after the opening song. Normally a noise of annoyance, the applause substitute did not go unappreciated.



“Lord, you let there be a way. We didn’t think it was going to happen,” First Assembly of God pastor Scott Collier said.



The non-denominational drive-in Easter service was simple and efficient and open to everyone. Parishioners arrived and left as they pleased, some settling into the back pews (the north end of the JCPenney parking lot) shortly after the service started.



Most of the vehicles were separated by a parking space, allowing for social interaction at six feet for those who rolled down their car windows.



Collier reiterated the only rule of the service as he led the radio broadcast prayer.



“Please, do not leave your vehicles,” he said.



Collier didn’t dwell on coronavirus during his sermon, nor did he ignore it. Most churches across Burlington, including First Assembly of God, have been delivering church services online. Collier treated the virus as the constant it is likely to be.



“God, we pray for the essential workers, and we pray your hands to be upon them,” he said.



Upwards of 50 vehicles could be counted at the service, and the only ones wandering around outside were church volunteers taking coffee orders for parishioners. Worshipers who brought their own supplies performed communion within the mobile isolation units that got them there.



“If you can hear me, honk your horns,” Collier said, the air once again filling with a sharp sound. “Be grateful the grave was empty."



Photos by Jeff Abell



Area residents attended a non-denominational drive-in Easter service Sunday at Westland Mall in West Burlington.

Celebrating The Resurrection Of Jesus From A Car Seat

By Beacon Staff



There is another case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Des Moines County, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Sunday.



The new case in Des Moines County is that of an adult aged 41-60 years. That brings the total confirmed cases to three in Des Moines County.



In addition to the Des Moines County case, state officials announced seven more COVID-19-related deaths, which brings the total to 41. The seven deaths include two older adults between 61-80 years and four elderly adults older than 81 years old in Linn County, and one elderly adult above the age of 81 from Washington County.



There were 77 new positive cases, including six in Louisa County. The total of confirmed cases in Iowa now stands at 1,587, with a total of 16,005 negative tests.

New COVID-19 Case in Des Moines County; Seven More Deaths Reported

By Beacon Staff



Edwin Shirts, who owns Mr. Wingbone's Calls. and his nephew, Logan, recently practiced their archery skills at the Dankwardt Park in Burlington. Parks in Burlington remain open, however, playground equipment and skate parks remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.



Photos by Anthony Dewitt