Former U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer has always been a die-hard Democrat.

Still, she says she respected U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, even though she rarely agreed with him. That changed for her after the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, she said, while speaking at the IBEW Union Hall in Burlington on Friday, Feb. 4.

“He was someone I expected to sound like Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney. Just tell the truth. You don’t have to agree with somebody all the time or their party, but it was about the truth, and it was about democracy, and it was about having the backs of our Capitol police officers,” she said. “It was about being honest about what happened that day. And not only could he not be honest about what happened that day, he pushed lies about the election and conspiracies later.”

Finkenauer is one of three Democrats running to unseat Sen. Grassley in Iowa’s 2022 U.S. Senate race. Iowa’s other U.S. senator, Republican Joni Ernst, does not face re-election until 2026.&nbsp; Finkenauer and fellow Democrat Cindy Axne became the first women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. The daughter of a union pipefitter and a public school teacher, Finkenauer,33, also became the second-youngest woman ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It was different than what you saw on CNN or Fox News. My day was different. We tried to cut through the red tape, and we did, a lot of times,” she said.

Finkenauer, who sat on committees for Economic Growth, Labor, Transportation, and Ways and Means, helped pass a lot of bills but expressed frustration at the overall lack of progress.

“We just kept running into roadblocks. And those roadblocks began in the United States Senate, because we had senators there who were so obsessed with power, and holding onto power, that they opposed anything that moved us forward,” she said.

Finkenauer said it’s a bipartisan problem, not limited to just Republicans. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly introduced the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act last month, and Finkenauer is aghast that it isn’t already illegal for politicians to use insider knowledge for stock trading.

“I saw folks who had been there (the U.S.&nbsp; House of Representatives) for decades, but I honestly don’t think they know why they’re there anymore. It’s Democrats and Republicans, who’ve been sitting there, just getting re-elected, as cozy as can be, and aren’t even sure what they’re fighting for or who they’re fighting for anymore,” she said.

A pro-union candidate, Finkenauer also spoke of how she watched the passage of an Iowa bill in 2017 that limited public sector unions. She raised in her arm in solidarity with the union workers in the galley above at the Iowa House of Representatives as the bill was passed.&nbsp;

“They were watching their government makes their lives harder. And I thought to myself, ‘This is not how we treat people, that is not how we treat people in my state or in my country,’” she said.



<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644263085603.jpeg" alt="Former U.S. Representative and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer speaks at the IBEW Union Hall on Friday, Feb. 4. Submitted photo" />
 <figcaption>Former U.S. Representative and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer speaks at the IBEW Union Hall on Friday, Feb. 4. Submitted photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffFormer U.S. Rep. and current U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer has always been a die-hard Democrat. Still, she says she respected U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, even though she rarely agreed with him. That changed for her after the events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, she said, while speaking at the IBEW Union Hall in Burlington on Friday, Feb. 4.“He was someone I expected to sound like Liz Cheney or Mitt Romney. Just tell the truth. You don’t have to agree with somebody all the time or their party, but it was about the truth, and it was about democracy, and it was about having the backs of our Capitol police officers,” she said. “It was about being honest about what happened that day. And not only could he not be honest about what happened that day, he pushed lies about the election and conspiracies later.” Finkenauer is one of three Democrats running to unseat Sen. Grassley in Iowa’s 2022 U.S. Senate race. Iowa’s other U.S. senator, Republican Joni Ernst, does not face re-election until 2026.&nbsp; Finkenauer and fellow Democrat Cindy Axne became the first women from Iowa elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018. The daughter of a union pipefitter and a public school teacher, Finkenauer,33, also became the second-youngest woman ever to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.“It was different than what you saw on CNN or Fox News. My day was different. We tried to cut through the red tape, and we did, a lot of times,” she said. Finkenauer, who sat on committees for Economic Growth, Labor, Transportation, and Ways and Means, helped pass a lot of bills but expressed frustration at the overall lack of progress. “We just kept running into roadblocks. And those roadblocks began in the United States Senate, because we had senators there who were so obsessed with power, and holding onto power, that they opposed anything that moved us forward,” she said. Finkenauer said it’s a bipartisan problem, not limited to just Republicans. Sens. Jon Ossoff and Mark Kelly introduced the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act last month, and Finkenauer is aghast that it isn’t already illegal for politicians to use insider knowledge for stock trading. “I saw folks who had been there (the U.S.&nbsp; House of Representatives) for decades, but I honestly don’t think they know why they’re there anymore. It’s Democrats and Republicans, who’ve been sitting there, just getting re-elected, as cozy as can be, and aren’t even sure what they’re fighting for or who they’re fighting for anymore,” she said. A pro-union candidate, Finkenauer also spoke of how she watched the passage of an Iowa bill in 2017 that limited public sector unions. She raised in her arm in solidarity with the union workers in the galley above at the Iowa House of Representatives as the bill was passed.&nbsp; “They were watching their government makes their lives harder. And I thought to myself, ‘This is not how we treat people, that is not how we treat people in my state or in my country,’” she said.

Senate Candidate Abby Finkenauer Visits Burlington

It takes three swings and misses in baseball to strike out. For the Very Rev. Martin&nbsp;Goetz, parish priest for Divine Mercy Parish, his faith community stepped up to the pitchers’ mound Tuesday night with a Strike Out Cancer fundraising event.

In late August of 2021, Father Marty, as he is known to parishioners, delivered some difficult news about his health. After experiencing severe back pain, medical tests revealed he had developed breast cancer that had spread into his bones. As he wrote at the time in his CaringBridge blog, he had been thrown “a curve ball.” At the Notre Dame Nike girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games Tuesday night, parishioners and students gathered to rally and support Father Marty with a baseball-themed fundraiser. The funds raised at this event will help defray the costs of his cancer treatment. Notre Dame High School Principal Bill Maupin said the event was a joint effort between the student council and the parish faithful. The Divine Mercy Parish encompasses the Catholic communities in Burlington, West Burlington, and Dodgeville. Students and community members cheered on the Nikes as they took on Holy Trinity. Everyone who attended was urged to wear pink in support of Father Marty. Pink rally towels with the moniker: "We Won’t Back Down — Father Marty" were sold. Divine Mercy Parish is also taking orders for T-shirts to show support and raise funds to aid their beloved pastor. The Notre Dame Student Council held a 50-50 raffle, bake sale, and had a donation bucket at the ticket table. Father Marty attended the games to cheer on the home team and feel the love and support from the parish community he has served.&nbsp; With their assistance, his journey continues, guided by the following words: “Only you can do it, but you can’t do it alone.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644187728076.jpeg" alt="Fr. Marty Goetz mingles with students at the Strike Out Cancer fundraising event held in his honor on Tuesday, Feb. 1.&nbsp; Photo by Tracey Lamm." />
 <figcaption>Fr. Marty Goetz mingles with students at the Strike Out Cancer fundraising event held in his honor on Tuesday, Feb. 1.&nbsp; Photo by Tracey Lamm.</figcaption>
 </figure>by Tracey Lamm For The BeaconIt takes three swings and misses in baseball to strike out. For the Very Rev. Martin&nbsp;Goetz, parish priest for Divine Mercy Parish, his faith community stepped up to the pitchers’ mound Tuesday night with a Strike Out Cancer fundraising event.In late August of 2021, Father Marty, as he is known to parishioners, delivered some difficult news about his health. After experiencing severe back pain, medical tests revealed he had developed breast cancer that had spread into his bones. As he wrote at the time in his CaringBridge blog, he had been thrown “a curve ball.” At the Notre Dame Nike girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games Tuesday night, parishioners and students gathered to rally and support Father Marty with a baseball-themed fundraiser. The funds raised at this event will help defray the costs of his cancer treatment. Notre Dame High School Principal Bill Maupin said the event was a joint effort between the student council and the parish faithful. The Divine Mercy Parish encompasses the Catholic communities in Burlington, West Burlington, and Dodgeville. Students and community members cheered on the Nikes as they took on Holy Trinity. Everyone who attended was urged to wear pink in support of Father Marty. Pink rally towels with the moniker: "We Won’t Back Down — Father Marty" were sold. Divine Mercy Parish is also taking orders for T-shirts to show support and raise funds to aid their beloved pastor. The Notre Dame Student Council held a 50-50 raffle, bake sale, and had a donation bucket at the ticket table. Father Marty attended the games to cheer on the home team and feel the love and support from the parish community he has served.&nbsp; With their assistance, his journey continues, guided by the following words: “Only you can do it, but you can’t do it alone.”

Parish rallies to support Fr. Marty

By Beacon Staff When Mary Baker was elected to the Burlington City Council at the age of 73, she shattered two glass ceilings. She was the first Black woman to win a seat on the council, as well as the oldest person to achieve the distinction. Baker died Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94, and her impact stretched well beyond her time on the council. Her kindness was seeded&nbsp;into the community in tiny ways, growing roots of inspiration.&nbsp; "I had the honor of getting to know Mary back when I was the city/county reporter at The Hawk Eye. She was honest, kind, and always had a minute to chat. She made Burlington a better place on and off of the council. The city's loss is profound, and her legacy is lasting," said Jeff Abell, owner and publisher of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp; Nearly everyone in town knew Mary Baker. They knew her as one of the sweetest ladies in Burlington, well before she started looking at a council seat. “She never knew a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone,” said Baker’s neighbor Kathy Peterson Geren, who lived next door to Baker for more than 45 years. Born in Burlington in 1928, Baker graduated from Burlington High School in 1945. According to her recollection, she was the only Black student in her elementary class. After graduating high school, Baker left home for the first time in her life to attend the Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines. She graduated just a couple of years later. Baker also worked the gift-wrapping counter and elevators at JS Schramm Co., before going to work for Sylvania for a number of years, until it closed. She started working at Champion Spark Plug three weeks later in 1969, where she was an active union member, retiring in 1992. The end of Baker’s professional life marked the beginning of an even more active presence in the Burlington community. She was often one of the first faces to welcome strangers to town, volunteering with the Burlington Ambassadors. She was also a big Burlington Grayhounds fan and liked to donate her time to the schools. “We used to have picnics in South Hill Park once a month. All the neighbors came for the potluck. Mary loved those times. We also had a Top of the Town event at the park once a year. The whole community was invited,” Geren said. Baker married the love of her life, Vernon Baker, in 1949, and stayed by his side until his death in 1997. She was often seen on the bleachers at Burlington High School games, cheering on her grandsons. As she got older, Baker shared her stories of growing up as a Black woman in the 1950s and 60s, stories about prejudice that were sadly all too common. “She told how when she went to the movies, she had to stand at the back of the line to get in,” Geren said. Baker found refuge in planting flowers and through her service to God. She was an active member of St. John A.M.E. Church, and rarely missed a Sunday service. Despite her kindness, or perhaps because of it, Baker was always upfront with her opinions. She was no shrinking violet. "I thought she was great. Plainspoken ... she proved that age was not a barrier in serving her community," said Jon Billups, mayor of Burlington.&nbsp;

"Mary was the most honest council person I worked with," said former Burlington City Council member Tim Scott. "She said what was on her mind without concern for political correctness.  I certainly admired her for that. Everything Mary said and did came from the heart. God blessed her and all that had a chance to meet her."

Des Moines County Supervisor and former Burlington mayor Shane McCampbell called Baker a “trailblazer.” McCampbell become Burlington’s first Black mayor in 2014. “The thing about a trailblazer is, they have to go through first and cut everything down,” he said, citing Baker and the late mayor pro-tem Garry Thomas as paving the way for him. “I would not be in this position without them.” Aside from her role as a city trailblazer, McCampbell said Baker was just a lovely woman. “She was very nice to me. Her heart was in the right place. And she wanted to make a difference in her community,” he said. That kindness was known throughout Burlington, requiring little in the way of publicity for her council run. “She didn’t put out very many campaign signs,” McCampbell said.&nbsp;

Baker was also heavily involved with the Iowa League of Cities, and was a great ambassador for the city, according to former Burlington mayor and Des Moines County supervisor Jeff Heland. “Mary was just fabulous. She was very pointed,” Heland said. Though Heland never actually served at the same time as Baker, he came to know her well, like most of Burlington. “Everyone who knew her loved her, of course,” Heland said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Funeral Service Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mrs. Baker will start an hour later, at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Rev. Orlando Dial will serve as the officiant. Burial will be held at a later date as cremation has been accorded per her wishes. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home following the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1644186541196.jpeg" alt="Mary Baker was the first Black woman to hold a seat on the Burlington City Council when she was elected in 1990. She died on Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94." />
 <figcaption>Mary Baker was the first Black woman to hold a seat on the Burlington City Council when she was elected in 1990. She died on Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff When Mary Baker was elected to the Burlington City Council at the age of 73, she shattered two glass ceilings. She was the first Black woman to win a seat on the council, as well as the oldest person to achieve the distinction. Baker died Monday, Jan. 31 at the age of 94, and her impact stretched well beyond her time on the council. Her kindness was seeded&nbsp;into the community in tiny ways, growing roots of inspiration.&nbsp; "I had the honor of getting to know Mary back when I was the city/county reporter at The Hawk Eye. She was honest, kind, and always had a minute to chat. She made Burlington a better place on and off of the council. The city's loss is profound, and her legacy is lasting," said Jeff Abell, owner and publisher of The Burlington Beacon.&nbsp; Nearly everyone in town knew Mary Baker. They knew her as one of the sweetest ladies in Burlington, well before she started looking at a council seat. “She never knew a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone,” said Baker’s neighbor Kathy Peterson Geren, who lived next door to Baker for more than 45 years. Born in Burlington in 1928, Baker graduated from Burlington High School in 1945. According to her recollection, she was the only Black student in her elementary class. After graduating high school, Baker left home for the first time in her life to attend the Crescent School of Beauty Culture in Des Moines. She graduated just a couple of years later. Baker also worked the gift-wrapping counter and elevators at JS Schramm Co., before going to work for Sylvania for a number of years, until it closed. She started working at Champion Spark Plug three weeks later in 1969, where she was an active union member, retiring in 1992. The end of Baker’s professional life marked the beginning of an even more active presence in the Burlington community. She was often one of the first faces to welcome strangers to town, volunteering with the Burlington Ambassadors. She was also a big Burlington Grayhounds fan and liked to donate her time to the schools. “We used to have picnics in South Hill Park once a month. All the neighbors came for the potluck. Mary loved those times. We also had a Top of the Town event at the park once a year. The whole community was invited,” Geren said. Baker married the love of her life, Vernon Baker, in 1949, and stayed by his side until his death in 1997. She was often seen on the bleachers at Burlington High School games, cheering on her grandsons. As she got older, Baker shared her stories of growing up as a Black woman in the 1950s and 60s, stories about prejudice that were sadly all too common. “She told how when she went to the movies, she had to stand at the back of the line to get in,” Geren said. Baker found refuge in planting flowers and through her service to God. She was an active member of St. John A.M.E. Church, and rarely missed a Sunday service. Despite her kindness, or perhaps because of it, Baker was always upfront with her opinions. She was no shrinking violet. "I thought she was great. Plainspoken ... she proved that age was not a barrier in serving her community," said Jon Billups, mayor of Burlington.&nbsp;"Mary was the most honest council person I worked with," said former Burlington City Council member Tim Scott. "She said what was on her mind without concern for political correctness. I certainly admired her for that. Everything Mary said and did came from the heart. God blessed her and all that had a chance to meet her."Des Moines County Supervisor and former Burlington mayor Shane McCampbell called Baker a “trailblazer.” McCampbell become Burlington’s first Black mayor in 2014. “The thing about a trailblazer is, they have to go through first and cut everything down,” he said, citing Baker and the late mayor pro-tem Garry Thomas as paving the way for him. “I would not be in this position without them.” Aside from her role as a city trailblazer, McCampbell said Baker was just a lovely woman. “She was very nice to me. Her heart was in the right place. And she wanted to make a difference in her community,” he said. That kindness was known throughout Burlington, requiring little in the way of publicity for her council run. “She didn’t put out very many campaign signs,” McCampbell said.&nbsp;Baker was also heavily involved with the Iowa League of Cities, and was a great ambassador for the city, according to former Burlington mayor and Des Moines County supervisor Jeff Heland. “Mary was just fabulous. She was very pointed,” Heland said. Though Heland never actually served at the same time as Baker, he came to know her well, like most of Burlington. “Everyone who knew her loved her, of course,” Heland said.&nbsp;&nbsp; Funeral Service Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. The funeral service for Mrs. Baker will start an hour later, at 11 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Rev. Orlando Dial will serve as the officiant. Burial will be held at a later date as cremation has been accorded per her wishes. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home following the service.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mary Baker: More Than a Precedent Setter

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/48ce2765-c9c4-468a-99c1-7bec60286279">Robert Sutty</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a426b7d4-ebc2-4f22-884d-e4afdbbaaf91">Larry Harshbarger</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5aa5d91-096e-4580-87b5-158c1986095b">Mary Baker</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/48ce2765-c9c4-468a-99c1-7bec60286279">Robert Sutty</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a426b7d4-ebc2-4f22-884d-e4afdbbaaf91">Larry Harshbarger</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d5aa5d91-096e-4580-87b5-158c1986095b">Mary Baker</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 6, 2022

by Kaelen Wiegand for The Beacon

During February, Black History Month is celebrated, a time to have discussions and honor Black voices. The Burlington Art Center is hosting several related events to check out during the month.

This Saturday, Feb. 5, the Art Center is having an arts and crafts event inspired by Black History Month. All ages are welcome, the event is free, and no registration is required. The open event is running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Several different crafts will be available, such as collages focusing on influential Black figures.

In addition to this Saturday's event, the Art Center will also be having a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display will feature over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.

The Art Center also offers monthly classes, called Mini Masters, for students in first through sixth grade. This month's class will be on Feb. 12 and focus on Faith Ringgold, a living artist who grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Registration for Mini Masters classes are required, but there are still openings available by calling the Art Center at&nbsp;(319) 754-8069&nbsp;or through their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.btownart.com/" target="_blank">www.btownart.com</a>.

Elizabeth Pappas, assistant director of the Art Center, is excited for all the events happening at the Art Center this month.

“Black History month is an important time to pay tribute to, highlight, and have discussions about important and influential Black artists, both in history and living today. Historical context adds an important layer and makes the discussion richer, so we're really trying to draw attention to Black artists and opportunities for community involvement,” Pappas said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1643995775633.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by Kaelen Wiegand for The BeaconDuring February, Black History Month is celebrated, a time to have discussions and honor Black voices. The Burlington Art Center is hosting several related events to check out during the month.This Saturday, Feb. 5, the Art Center is having an arts and crafts event inspired by Black History Month. All ages are welcome, the event is free, and no registration is required. The open event is running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Several different crafts will be available, such as collages focusing on influential Black figures.In addition to this Saturday's event, the Art Center will also be having a window display showing works done by the fourth-grade students at North Hill and Black Hawk elementary schools. The display will feature over 120 projects created by the students and inspired by William H. Johnson, a Black American portrait and landscape artist. The works will be on display through the middle of March.The Art Center also offers monthly classes, called Mini Masters, for students in first through sixth grade. This month's class will be on Feb. 12 and focus on Faith Ringgold, a living artist who grew up in New York during the Harlem Renaissance. Registration for Mini Masters classes are required, but there are still openings available by calling the Art Center at&nbsp;(319) 754-8069&nbsp;or through their website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.btownart.com/" target="_blank">www.btownart.com</a>.Elizabeth Pappas, assistant director of the Art Center, is excited for all the events happening at the Art Center this month.“Black History month is an important time to pay tribute to, highlight, and have discussions about important and influential Black artists, both in history and living today. Historical context adds an important layer and makes the discussion richer, so we're really trying to draw attention to Black artists and opportunities for community involvement,” Pappas said.

Black History Month events at the Burlington Art Center

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to three finalists. The successful candidate will replace current superintendent Pat Coen, who will retire at the end of the current school year. The board conducted the first round of interviews Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the new superintendent will begin serving the Burlington Community School District on July 1.

The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The finalists are Joseph Brown, Dr. Laurie Noll, and Robert Scott.&nbsp; Joseph Brown Brown currently serves as the interim superintendent at Clear Creek Amana Community School District. He previously served as the superintendent of the Fairmont Area Schools in Minnesota. Before that, he was superintendent of the Grand Meadow Independent School District and was a high school and middle school principal. During his time as a district administrator, Brown has negotiated contracts with staff, expanded career and technical education programming, and eliminated projected deficits. Laurie Noll Noll is the current superintendent of the Fairfield Community School District, where she has encouraged teachers and staff to learn from one another and nominate each other for recognition. This has led to numerous school-wide grants, teacher of the year nominations and awards, and striving towards positive school district culture. Before that, Noll served as director of curriculum and instruction and was alternative high school principal in Burlington. Noll has also closed budget gaps and oversaw a $14 million renovation project, leading the Fairfield district through some extremely challenging situations. Robert Scott As director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny, Scott has developed coaches, organized and reported on school clubs, developed facility goals, and organized all summer athletic camps. He also served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District, where he was responsible for evaluating and developing principals. Before that, he was a principal, associate principal, and physical education teacher.

The Next Step Board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The board plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board has narrowed the list of superintendent candidates down to three finalists. The successful candidate will replace current superintendent Pat Coen, who will retire at the end of the current school year. The board conducted the first round of interviews Tuesday, Feb. 1, and the new superintendent will begin serving the Burlington Community School District on July 1.The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the superintendent search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The finalists are Joseph Brown, Dr. Laurie Noll, and Robert Scott.&nbsp; Joseph Brown Brown currently serves as the interim superintendent at Clear Creek Amana Community School District. He previously served as the superintendent of the Fairmont Area Schools in Minnesota. Before that, he was superintendent of the Grand Meadow Independent School District and was a high school and middle school principal. During his time as a district administrator, Brown has negotiated contracts with staff, expanded career and technical education programming, and eliminated projected deficits. Laurie Noll Noll is the current superintendent of the Fairfield Community School District, where she has encouraged teachers and staff to learn from one another and nominate each other for recognition. This has led to numerous school-wide grants, teacher of the year nominations and awards, and striving towards positive school district culture. Before that, Noll served as director of curriculum and instruction and was alternative high school principal in Burlington. Noll has also closed budget gaps and oversaw a $14 million renovation project, leading the Fairfield district through some extremely challenging situations. Robert Scott As director of athletics and activities for Centennial High School in Ankeny, Scott has developed coaches, organized and reported on school clubs, developed facility goals, and organized all summer athletic camps. He also served as the associate superintendent and chief academic officer in the Davenport Community School District, where he was responsible for evaluating and developing principals. Before that, he was a principal, associate principal, and physical education teacher. The Next Step Board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The board plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Three Finalists Chosen for BCSD Superintendent; Final Interviews Scheduled for Feb. 16

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/87b991ba-d259-41a4-90cb-0f4a604abfe3">Robert Cohenour</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1269d18f-118b-458e-b797-8b54f9930a22">Donald Thie</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/541dc509-9244-474e-afc2-b6ff98b6c6c8">Delores Mae "Dee" LaVeine</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/79617d95-4909-4e1f-83ad-5e6502170c0b">Micah Taylor</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4b96cf88-bc3d-4a33-8053-571a646227f3">Ruth Miller</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bdb7b358-13ee-46db-8a71-ff9d0ed565ac">Melvin Miller</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/87b991ba-d259-41a4-90cb-0f4a604abfe3">Robert Cohenour</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1269d18f-118b-458e-b797-8b54f9930a22">Donald Thie</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/541dc509-9244-474e-afc2-b6ff98b6c6c8">Delores Mae "Dee" LaVeine</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/79617d95-4909-4e1f-83ad-5e6502170c0b">Micah Taylor</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67b0b2fd-bf09-4b37-9584-311f0d773b9c">Anna Cook</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4b96cf88-bc3d-4a33-8053-571a646227f3">Ruth Miller</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bdb7b358-13ee-46db-8a71-ff9d0ed565ac">Melvin Miller</a>

Recent Obituaries - Feb. 2, 2022

By Beacon Staff The 2 to 3 inches of snow that fell on Burlington late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning didn’t cause much in the way of mayhem. Traffic accidents were minimal, but the number of snow route parking tickets was much higher. According to Burlington Police Sgt. Chad Zahn, 73 tickets were issued to vehicles along snow emergency routes Wednesday morning. A snow emergency for Burlington was issued earlier this morning, when snowfall totals exceeded two inches. That means vehicles parked along snow routes that have been ticketed will be towed, until the city cancels the snow emergency. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, no vehicles had been towed, Zahn said. Plows will be returning to the emergency routes to plow snow to the curb. Though a winter weather advisory remains in effect for Burlington and the surrounding area until 6 p.m. tonight, there is no more snowfall in the forecast. Wind chill values will dip as low as negative 5 degrees tonight, and as low as negative 10 degrees Thursday. Though the low for Thursday will be in the single digits, the high will be 18 degrees. By Friday, that high will rise to 29 degrees, and move up to 32 degrees on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1643836430490.jpeg" alt="Jeff Scott, a longtime member of Eagles Aerie 150, uses his pickup truck to plow the Eagles parking lot on Mount Pleasant Street Wednesday, Feb. 2. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Jeff Scott, a longtime member of Eagles Aerie 150, uses his pickup truck to plow the Eagles parking lot on Mount Pleasant Street Wednesday, Feb. 2. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The 2 to 3 inches of snow that fell on Burlington late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning didn’t cause much in the way of mayhem. Traffic accidents were minimal, but the number of snow route parking tickets was much higher. According to Burlington Police Sgt. Chad Zahn, 73 tickets were issued to vehicles along snow emergency routes Wednesday morning. A snow emergency for Burlington was issued earlier this morning, when snowfall totals exceeded two inches. That means vehicles parked along snow routes that have been ticketed will be towed, until the city cancels the snow emergency. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, no vehicles had been towed, Zahn said. Plows will be returning to the emergency routes to plow snow to the curb. Though a winter weather advisory remains in effect for Burlington and the surrounding area until 6 p.m. tonight, there is no more snowfall in the forecast. Wind chill values will dip as low as negative 5 degrees tonight, and as low as negative 10 degrees Thursday. Though the low for Thursday will be in the single digits, the high will be 18 degrees. By Friday, that high will rise to 29 degrees, and move up to 32 degrees on Saturday.

Snowfall by the numbers: Three inches and 73 parking tickets

Bill Murray is aware the casual viewer of his new concert documentary, “New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization,” might not be ready for his blend of classical music and narrative book readings.

So, he brings up the alleged awkwardness about 20 minutes into the show, joking how audience members may be staring at each other and wishing they had attended something else.

“This is junk,” he says about the show, tongue planted in cheek. “I promise you, the worst is over.”

That’s Bill Murray’s way of saying things are about to get stranger. A steady stream of expertly read novel excerpts turns into a song. Then some graceful dancing with the violinist.

An hour into the concert, Murray is sitting on the piano keys, sliding across them with his posterior while belting out the Tom Waits song “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” And of course, he has a whiskey in his hand.

As a Bill Murray fan since grade school, I loved every minute. And I’m far from a classical music buff.

The film captures the entirety of a 2018 concert show in Athens, Greece. The concert was part of a sprawling tour Murray embarked on with acclaimed cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez.

They sound spectacular, as does the film that captures their sonic quality. The long strings are absolutely haunting as Murray reads serious prose from heavyweights like James Fenimore Cooper.

They’re even better when Murray starts singing. Far from a professional crooner, Murray’s voice hits a comforting pitch between professional effort and casual comedian. It’s earnest, gruff, and honest — kind of like hearing your dad put some effort into the church hymn.

Hearing Murray sing is an affirmation that the song is for everyone, not just those with perfect pitch and silky voices. I had the same reaction when he sang a karaoke version of “More Than This” in “Lost in Translation.” I used to play it at college parties, just to give my guests a taste of how powerful a melancholy Bill Murray can sound.

Not that he’s afraid to cut it up with the audience, or the musicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It looks like it’s a serious classical concert piece, and it’s frightening,” Murray said in an interview with the New York Daily News. “Terrifying at first, but what isn’t anymore? It’s a little scary, but if you just have faith that, among all of us, there’s a drop of consciousness, it’s going to change, it’s going to get better, it’s going to improve, and it does."

“It comes to be just a rollicking entertainment that’s very joyous and very enjoyable and fills your chest with a big breath of air.”

That earnestness defines this unexpected concert film, which is a movie I likely would have overlooked without an opportunity for an advanced screening at the Capitol Theater.

You won’t find anything quite like it at a multi-screen cineplex, but you will find it in downtown Burlington.&nbsp;

“New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization” will be playing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Capitol Theater.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/2/1643825374115.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Review by William SmithBill Murray is aware the casual viewer of his new concert documentary, “New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization,” might not be ready for his blend of classical music and narrative book readings.So, he brings up the alleged awkwardness about 20 minutes into the show, joking how audience members may be staring at each other and wishing they had attended something else.“This is junk,” he says about the show, tongue planted in cheek. “I promise you, the worst is over.”That’s Bill Murray’s way of saying things are about to get stranger. A steady stream of expertly read novel excerpts turns into a song. Then some graceful dancing with the violinist.An hour into the concert, Murray is sitting on the piano keys, sliding across them with his posterior while belting out the Tom Waits song “The Piano Has Been Drinking.” And of course, he has a whiskey in his hand.As a Bill Murray fan since grade school, I loved every minute. And I’m far from a classical music buff.The film captures the entirety of a 2018 concert show in Athens, Greece. The concert was part of a sprawling tour Murray embarked on with acclaimed cellist Jan Vogler, violinist Mira Wang and pianist Vanessa Perez.They sound spectacular, as does the film that captures their sonic quality. The long strings are absolutely haunting as Murray reads serious prose from heavyweights like James Fenimore Cooper.They’re even better when Murray starts singing. Far from a professional crooner, Murray’s voice hits a comforting pitch between professional effort and casual comedian. It’s earnest, gruff, and honest — kind of like hearing your dad put some effort into the church hymn.Hearing Murray sing is an affirmation that the song is for everyone, not just those with perfect pitch and silky voices. I had the same reaction when he sang a karaoke version of “More Than This” in “Lost in Translation.” I used to play it at college parties, just to give my guests a taste of how powerful a melancholy Bill Murray can sound.Not that he’s afraid to cut it up with the audience, or the musicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It looks like it’s a serious classical concert piece, and it’s frightening,” Murray said in an interview with the New York Daily News. “Terrifying at first, but what isn’t anymore? It’s a little scary, but if you just have faith that, among all of us, there’s a drop of consciousness, it’s going to change, it’s going to get better, it’s going to improve, and it does."“It comes to be just a rollicking entertainment that’s very joyous and very enjoyable and fills your chest with a big breath of air.”That earnestness defines this unexpected concert film, which is a movie I likely would have overlooked without an opportunity for an advanced screening at the Capitol Theater.You won’t find anything quite like it at a multi-screen cineplex, but you will find it in downtown Burlington.&nbsp;“New Worlds: The Cradle of Civilization” will be playing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 through Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Capitol Theater.

Bill Murray's "New Worlds" is an unexpected delight

By Beacon Staff The first February snow is coming – and it’s arriving later tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Burlington and the surrounding area that starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1 and continues through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. The advisory is predicting between three and six inches of accumulation for Des Moines and Lee counties in Iowa, Henderson and Warren counties in Illinois, and Scott and Clark counties in Missouri. Strong north winds between 15 and 25 mph may cause blowing and drifting of snow tonight and Wednesday morning, especially on east-west roads. The local forecast for Burlington is calling for a 30 percent chance of rain and snow tonight, turning to mainly snow after 1 a.m. By then, the chance of precipitation will have risen to 90 percent. A total of 1 to 2 inches will likely be on the ground by Wednesday morning, and then the real storm begins. There’s an 80 percent chance of another 1 to 3 inches of snow before 11 a.m. Wednesday, which could push the total to 2 to 5 inches. By then, wind child values will be as low as negative 5 degrees. There’s a 60 percent chance of an additional inch of snow on Thursday, starting early in the morning, marking the end of the predicted precipitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the total accumulation projected to be over two inches, the prohibition of parking on snow routes will likely be enforced in Burlington. The following link contains information and commonly asked questions regarding snow removal in the city of Burlington:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burlingtoniowa.org/DocumentCenter/View/4197/2022-Snow-Route">2022-Snow-Route (burlingtoniowa.org)</a>

By Beacon Staff The first February snow is coming – and it’s arriving later tonight. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Burlington and the surrounding area that starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1 and continues through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. The advisory is predicting between three and six inches of accumulation for Des Moines and Lee counties in Iowa, Henderson and Warren counties in Illinois, and Scott and Clark counties in Missouri. Strong north winds between 15 and 25 mph may cause blowing and drifting of snow tonight and Wednesday morning, especially on east-west roads. The local forecast for Burlington is calling for a 30 percent chance of rain and snow tonight, turning to mainly snow after 1 a.m. By then, the chance of precipitation will have risen to 90 percent. A total of 1 to 2 inches will likely be on the ground by Wednesday morning, and then the real storm begins. There’s an 80 percent chance of another 1 to 3 inches of snow before 11 a.m. Wednesday, which could push the total to 2 to 5 inches. By then, wind child values will be as low as negative 5 degrees. There’s a 60 percent chance of an additional inch of snow on Thursday, starting early in the morning, marking the end of the predicted precipitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the total accumulation projected to be over two inches, the prohibition of parking on snow routes will likely be enforced in Burlington. The following link contains information and commonly asked questions regarding snow removal in the city of Burlington:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.burlingtoniowa.org/DocumentCenter/View/4197/2022-Snow-Route">2022-Snow-Route (burlingtoniowa.org)</a>

Forecasters Calling for 3 to 6 Inches of Snow, Starting Tonight

By Beacon Staff The Burlington city council unanimously approved the city’s portion of payment for a new record management system for the Burlington Police Department during a special meeting just before the regular work session Monday, Jan. 31. Aside from obvious benefits in police efficiency, the new system developed will eventually allow citizens to access the daily incident reports. For the last nine months, the incidents log on the Burlington Police Department web page have been blank, even as the arrest log is updated on a daily basis. Since April of 2021, the department has been keeping those particular records by hand. They’ve had no other choice. “In April (of 2021), DESCOM (Des Moines County Communications) went to a new system that would not speak to our current system. So, our records clerks went from everything being dumped from DESCOM’s computer system to them having to hand-write everything,” Burlington Police Maj. Jeff Klein, Major of Operations for the BPD, said at a previous work session. “We can no longer publish to the media, as we used to.” The department last purchased a records management system in 1998, and the incompatibility with DESCOM has hastened the department’s search for a new system. Klein told the city council during a work session on Dec. 27, 2021, that the department had found a system developed by Motorola – but it isn’t cheap. “The total project cost is going to be roughly $900,000. Now before that makes anyone’s jaw drop, that is something split between us, Des Moines County and West Burlington,” Klein said. “The E911 board is going to pick up the cost of the CAD system, and the remaining cost is going to be split 45 percent Burlington, 45 percent Des Moines County and 10 percent by West Burlington.” &nbsp; Klein said the system will not only restore record keeping but will also restore key information relayed to the computers placed in police officers’ vehicles. That information was not as robust as it was before the transition to a new DESCOM system in April, as councilman Matt Rinker discovered while taking a ride-a-long with the BPD. “This will be an all-in-one fix, where we will not only get what we used to get before, but we will get it tenfold,” Klein said. Changing the system won’t be quick; Klein said it will take 12 to 14 months to fully implement. During the special meeting Monday night, Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney assured the council that the Motorola system will work with DESCOM’s system. “We purchased a complete platform,” Denney said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff The Burlington city council unanimously approved the city’s portion of payment for a new record management system for the Burlington Police Department during a special meeting just before the regular work session Monday, Jan. 31. Aside from obvious benefits in police efficiency, the new system developed will eventually allow citizens to access the daily incident reports. For the last nine months, the incidents log on the Burlington Police Department web page have been blank, even as the arrest log is updated on a daily basis. Since April of 2021, the department has been keeping those particular records by hand. They’ve had no other choice. “In April (of 2021), DESCOM (Des Moines County Communications) went to a new system that would not speak to our current system. So, our records clerks went from everything being dumped from DESCOM’s computer system to them having to hand-write everything,” Burlington Police Maj. Jeff Klein, Major of Operations for the BPD, said at a previous work session. “We can no longer publish to the media, as we used to.” The department last purchased a records management system in 1998, and the incompatibility with DESCOM has hastened the department’s search for a new system. Klein told the city council during a work session on Dec. 27, 2021, that the department had found a system developed by Motorola – but it isn’t cheap. “The total project cost is going to be roughly $900,000. Now before that makes anyone’s jaw drop, that is something split between us, Des Moines County and West Burlington,” Klein said. “The E911 board is going to pick up the cost of the CAD system, and the remaining cost is going to be split 45 percent Burlington, 45 percent Des Moines County and 10 percent by West Burlington.” &nbsp; Klein said the system will not only restore record keeping but will also restore key information relayed to the computers placed in police officers’ vehicles. That information was not as robust as it was before the transition to a new DESCOM system in April, as councilman Matt Rinker discovered while taking a ride-a-long with the BPD. “This will be an all-in-one fix, where we will not only get what we used to get before, but we will get it tenfold,” Klein said. Changing the system won’t be quick; Klein said it will take 12 to 14 months to fully implement. During the special meeting Monday night, Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney assured the council that the Motorola system will work with DESCOM’s system. “We purchased a complete platform,” Denney said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burlington City Council OKs payment toward new record keeping system for BPD

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/cefc417e-253c-4a8e-9441-83c55be10aa5">Leaford Walker</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d886119c-0c97-40f6-8a52-d578ca776560">Michael Villarreal</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2da0e44e-afda-48bc-aa45-b96b5d01107f">Benny Dowell</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c167be24-fc75-47a7-8cba-e0abae561669">Gary Gronwoldt</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/cefc417e-253c-4a8e-9441-83c55be10aa5">Leaford Walker</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d886119c-0c97-40f6-8a52-d578ca776560">Michael Villarreal</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2da0e44e-afda-48bc-aa45-b96b5d01107f">Benny Dowell</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c167be24-fc75-47a7-8cba-e0abae561669">Gary Gronwoldt</a>

Recent Obituaries - January 31, 2022

By Tracey Lamm for The Beacon

The sign out front on The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill says “Additional Parking Lot in Back” — which is a good thing because Saturday afternoon it was needed. Every space out front was full mid-afternoon on a chilly January day in West Burlington.&nbsp;

A look inside showed where all of the motorists had gone. They were inside to eat and enjoy the sports bar ambiance at the Broadway, Cafe, Bar and Grille.&nbsp;

The Broadway, 113 Broadway, West Burlington, is a neighborhood staple, once home to Otis Campbell’s Bar and Grill.&nbsp;On Jan. 1, Jesse and Shayna Smith became the new owners, and business has been non-stop since.

Jesse gestured toward seating that was at about 85 percent capacity Saturday and said, “It’s pretty much been like this every day since we took over.”&nbsp;

The Smiths are no strangers to bar operation. They own Doris’ Tavern on Roosevelt Avenue in Burlington. And for a time, Jesse worked the Pub and Grub Food Truck in the parking lot at Doris’. The weather became his stiffest competition.&nbsp;

“It was cold in the winter, windy in the fall — too hot in the summer,” Jesse said.&nbsp;

When the opportunity to purchase the Broadway presented itself,&nbsp;&nbsp;it seemed the next logical step to doing something he had always wanted to do — own a restaurant.&nbsp;

Food truck operation and catering gigs with a friend, Tony Vanorder, plus 20 years of experience behind the meat counter at Hy-Vee, has led to this venture.&nbsp;

“Most everything is scratch-made. We hand bread the tenderloins, cut our own steaks. I would say 70 percent of the original (Broadway) menu is the same,” Jesse said.

As for Shayna, she said she is in it to support her husband.&nbsp;Jesse and Shayna grew up in West Burlington and now live in Fort Madison. The couple has four children, ages 18, 13, 6, and 2.&nbsp;

When asked about finding a balance between work and home life, Jesse said, “We’re still working on that.”

The full menu is replete with bar and grill staples from fried appetizers to a bevy of meal-size salads, sandwiches, and wraps; approximately eight burger options, plus hand-cut steaks and pizza.&nbsp;

Shayna said the crab Rangoon pizza has become a popular menu item.&nbsp;

Weekly specials include tacos on Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday, and prime rib on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;

Plans are already in place for a reservation-only four-course meal on Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;The number to call and get on the list for this special event is 319-752-8577.&nbsp;

The Broadway Cafe,&nbsp;&nbsp;Bar and Grill is open seven days a week at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. The grill closes at 9 p.m. daily, and the bar remains open until 11 p.m. The location also has room for large parties and events.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643655747037.jpeg" alt="Jesse and Shayna Smith are the new owners of The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill in West Burlington.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by Tracey Lamm." />
 <figcaption>Jesse and Shayna Smith are the new owners of The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill in West Burlington.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by Tracey Lamm.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Tracey Lamm for The BeaconThe sign out front on The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill says “Additional Parking Lot in Back” — which is a good thing because Saturday afternoon it was needed. Every space out front was full mid-afternoon on a chilly January day in West Burlington.&nbsp;A look inside showed where all of the motorists had gone. They were inside to eat and enjoy the sports bar ambiance at the Broadway, Cafe, Bar and Grille.&nbsp;The Broadway, 113 Broadway, West Burlington, is a neighborhood staple, once home to Otis Campbell’s Bar and Grill.&nbsp;On Jan. 1, Jesse and Shayna Smith became the new owners, and business has been non-stop since.Jesse gestured toward seating that was at about 85 percent capacity Saturday and said, “It’s pretty much been like this every day since we took over.”&nbsp;Not a bad way to start out.&nbsp;The Smiths are no strangers to bar operation. They own Doris’ Tavern on Roosevelt Avenue in Burlington. And for a time, Jesse worked the Pub and Grub Food Truck in the parking lot at Doris’. The weather became his stiffest competition.&nbsp;“It was cold in the winter, windy in the fall — too hot in the summer,” Jesse said.&nbsp;When the opportunity to purchase the Broadway presented itself,&nbsp;&nbsp;it seemed the next logical step to doing something he had always wanted to do — own a restaurant.&nbsp;Food truck operation and catering gigs with a friend, Tony Vanorder, plus 20 years of experience behind the meat counter at Hy-Vee, has led to this venture.&nbsp;“Most everything is scratch-made. We hand bread the tenderloins, cut our own steaks. I would say 70 percent of the original (Broadway) menu is the same,” Jesse said.As for Shayna, she said she is in it to support her husband.&nbsp;Jesse and Shayna grew up in West Burlington and now live in Fort Madison. The couple has four children, ages 18, 13, 6, and 2.&nbsp;When asked about finding a balance between work and home life, Jesse said, “We’re still working on that.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643656148043.jpeg" alt="Taylor Lolmaugh, general manager of The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill, prepares a Bloody Mary.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Taylor Lolmaugh, general manager of The Broadway Cafe, Bar and Grill, prepares a Bloody Mary.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>The full menu is replete with bar and grill staples from fried appetizers to a bevy of meal-size salads, sandwiches, and wraps; approximately eight burger options, plus hand-cut steaks and pizza.&nbsp;Shayna said the crab Rangoon pizza has become a popular menu item.&nbsp;Weekly specials include tacos on Tuesday, Thirsty Thursday, and prime rib on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Plans are already in place for a reservation-only four-course meal on Valentine’s Day.&nbsp;The number to call and get on the list for this special event is 319-752-8577.&nbsp;The Broadway Cafe,&nbsp;&nbsp;Bar and Grill is open seven days a week at 11 a.m. for lunch and dinner. The grill closes at 9 p.m. daily, and the bar remains open until 11 p.m. The location also has room for large parties and events.

Broadway owners serving up good times

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Des Moines County will host a Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, Feb. 9. The program, provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), is available at office locations across Iowa.

The local attendance site is the Des Moines County Extension Office. Due to social distancing requirements, preregistration is required. Walk-ins on the day of the program will only be admitted if room allows. The course runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $35 on or before Feb. 2 and $45 after Feb. 2. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact Teresa Friedel at the ISU Extension and Outreach Des Moines County office at 319-671-7165.

The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 1A, 1B,and 1C. Topics covered will include pesticide use and the environment, pesticide labels and comprehension, including restricted entry interval and preharvest interval, and pest management topics.

Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered at this program. Interested participants should bring their CCA number.

Additional information and registration forms for this and other courses offered by the PSEP program can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP" target="_blank">http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643599056477.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Des Moines County will host a Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, Feb. 9. The program, provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), is available at office locations across Iowa.The local attendance site is the Des Moines County Extension Office. Due to social distancing requirements, preregistration is required. Walk-ins on the day of the program will only be admitted if room allows. The course runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The registration fee is $35 on or before Feb. 2 and $45 after Feb. 2. To register or to obtain additional information about the CIC, contact Teresa Friedel at the ISU Extension and Outreach Des Moines County office at 319-671-7165.The course will provide continuing instruction credit for commercial pesticide applicators certified in categories 1A, 1B,and 1C. Topics covered will include pesticide use and the environment, pesticide labels and comprehension, including restricted entry interval and preharvest interval, and pest management topics.Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be offered at this program. Interested participants should bring their CCA number.Additional information and registration forms for this and other courses offered by the PSEP program can be accessed at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP" target="_blank">http://www.extension.iastate.edu/PSEP</a>.

Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, Plant Disease Course Set for Feb. 9; Prereg by Feb. 2

A natural gas leak in the basement in the Art Center forced the tenants of the Art Center, Burlington By The Book, Gypsi on Jefferson and Allied Creator Studios to evacuate their buildings for a few hours today (Saturday, Jan. 29).

The Burlington Fire Department responded to the gas leak at 10:58 a.m., and called Alliant Energy to discover the source of the leak. Alliant Energy workers discovered a couple of leaks, according to fire department officials.

Tammy McCoy, executive director of the Art Center, said two pipes needed their seals tightened – a situation quickly rectified by Frank Millard and Co.&nbsp;Chris Murphy, owner of Burlington By the Book, was back in his shop and open for business by 2:30 p.m. Gypsi on Jefferson closed for the day.

McCoy said tonight’s Iowa street photography exhibit – “Vice Night featuring Adam Kieler" --&nbsp; will go on as scheduled at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend.&nbsp;

A natural gas leak in the basement in the Art Center forced the tenants of the Art Center, Burlington By The Book, Gypsi on Jefferson and Allied Creator Studios to evacuate their buildings for a few hours today (Saturday, Jan. 29). The Burlington Fire Department responded to the gas leak at 10:58 a.m., and called Alliant Energy to discover the source of the leak. Alliant Energy workers discovered a couple of leaks, according to fire department officials. Tammy McCoy, executive director of the Art Center, said two pipes needed their seals tightened – a situation quickly rectified by Frank Millard and Co.&nbsp;Chris Murphy, owner of Burlington By the Book, was back in his shop and open for business by 2:30 p.m. Gypsi on Jefferson closed for the day. McCoy said tonight’s Iowa street photography exhibit – “Vice Night featuring Adam Kieler" --&nbsp; will go on as scheduled at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend.&nbsp;

Gas Leak Forces Downtown Evacuations For A Few Hours

By Beacon Staff 
 
Sen. Tim Goodwin, R-Burlington, has announced his
decision to retire at the end of 2022.&nbsp; 
 
The recently approved redistricting maps placed
Sen. Goodwin and Sen. Jeff Reichman, R-Montrose, in the same newly created
Senate District 50. Reichman’s term will run through 2024. 
 
Goodwin, a Danville native, former public school
administrator, and transportation executive, was elected to the Iowa Senate in
2020, defeating former Sen. Tom Courtney. 
 
“It has been an honor to serve southeast Iowa in
the State Senate,” said Goodwin. “In the Senate, we have accomplished more in
my short tenure than some elected officials achieve in decades. Last year we
gave parents a choice to have their children in school full time, eliminated a
property tax levy, expanded 2nd Amendment rights, and passed a strong bill
supporting law enforcement. This year, we are positioned to implement
generational income tax relief for all Iowans. I am proud to be a part of all
of it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643407456659.jpeg" alt="Sen. Tim Goodwin, of Burlington, announced his upcoming retirement from the State Senate. The redistricting process placed Goodwin in the same senate district as Sen. Jeff Reichman, a fellow Republican. File photo." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Tim Goodwin, of Burlington, announced his upcoming retirement from the State Senate. The redistricting process placed Goodwin in the same senate district as Sen. Jeff Reichman, a fellow Republican. File photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff 
 
Sen. Tim Goodwin, R-Burlington, has announced his
decision to retire at the end of 2022.&nbsp; 
 
The recently approved redistricting maps placed
Sen. Goodwin and Sen. Jeff Reichman, R-Montrose, in the same newly created
Senate District 50. Reichman’s term will run through 2024. 
 
Goodwin, a Danville native, former public school
administrator, and transportation executive, was elected to the Iowa Senate in
2020, defeating former Sen. Tom Courtney. 
 
“It has been an honor to serve southeast Iowa in
the State Senate,” said Goodwin. “In the Senate, we have accomplished more in
my short tenure than some elected officials achieve in decades. Last year we
gave parents a choice to have their children in school full time, eliminated a
property tax levy, expanded 2nd Amendment rights, and passed a strong bill
supporting law enforcement. This year, we are positioned to implement
generational income tax relief for all Iowans. I am proud to be a part of all
of it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Goodwin to retire from State Senate at the end of the year

Children who will be five years old on or before September 15, 2022, may attend&nbsp;kindergarten&nbsp;in the 2022-2023 school year within the Burlington Community School District. Contact your school attendance center as soon as possible for registration information.

- Black Hawk Elementary, 2804 S. 14th St., (319) 753-5300

- Grimes Elementary, 800 South St. , (319) 753-0420

- North Hill Elementary, 825 N. 9th St., (319) 753-6363

- Sunnyside Elementary, 2040 Sunnyside, (319) 753-5244

Dates and times for&nbsp;Kindergarten&nbsp;Round Up are Wednesday, March 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday, March 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. For additional information, please call the BCSD Administration Building at (319) 753-6791, ext. 1409.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643403690123.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Children who will be five years old on or before September 15, 2022, may attend&nbsp;kindergarten&nbsp;in the 2022-2023 school year within the Burlington Community School District. Contact your school attendance center as soon as possible for registration information.- Black Hawk Elementary, 2804 S. 14th St., (319) 753-5300- Grimes Elementary, 800 South St. , (319) 753-0420- North Hill Elementary, 825 N. 9th St., (319) 753-6363- Sunnyside Elementary, 2040 Sunnyside, (319) 753-5244Dates and times for&nbsp;Kindergarten&nbsp;Round Up are Wednesday, March 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday, March 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. For additional information, please call the BCSD Administration Building at (319) 753-6791, ext. 1409.

Kindergarten roundup set for 2022-23 school year

Since 2005, January 27 has been designated by UNESCO as Holocaust Remembrance Day. This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on January 27, 1945.

Perhaps no person is as readily associated with the unfathomable loss and tragedy of this genocide than a bright, expressive German-Dutch teenager of Jewish heritage.

During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Anne Frank kept a diary during the two years she was in hiding with her family. Despite her confined living space, Anne's creativity soared as she observed those around her and explored her innermost thoughts and longings. In 1944, her hiding place in "the Annex" was discovered; Anne died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, only two months before the liberation of the Netherlands.

Seven short years after her death, Time magazine would hail her diary as "one of the most moving stories that anyone, anywhere, has managed to tell about World War II."&nbsp;

This spring, the University of Iowa will receive one of only a handful of saplings grown from the beloved chestnut tree described by Anne Frank in her diary. To commemorate this occasion, The Iowa Youth Writing Project, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and the University of Iowa German Department are sponsoring a writing contest for junior high and high school students.&nbsp;

Contest winners and honorable mentions for the Anne Frank Sapling Prize will be published in a professionally designed anthology. Some winners will be selected to read at the planting of the Anne Frank sapling on April 29 at the northeast corner of the University of Iowa Pentacrest.

The contest is open to Iowa junior high and high school students. To enter, please respond by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2022, to the following prompt:

Write about a time when you felt isolated or trapped. How did you work through that time, and what did you learn from the experience?

Responses may be written in essay or poem form; length limit in either genre is five double-spaced pages. Email submissions (in editable form, such as .docx, .doc, .rtf) to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:iywp@uiowa.edu">iywp@uiowa.edu</a>.&nbsp;Please indicate in your email's subject line whether you are in junior high or high school (JH/HS), and whether your submission is an essay or a poem.&nbsp;Remember to include your name and email address on the document. This information will be concealed from contest judges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643333653867.jpeg" alt=""The Diary of Anne Frank" has moved and inspired readers around the world for almost 75 years." />
 <figcaption>"The Diary of Anne Frank" has moved and inspired readers around the world for almost 75 years.</figcaption>
 </figure>by Stacey Abell for The BeaconSince 2005, January 27 has been designated by UNESCO as Holocaust Remembrance Day. This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on January 27, 1945.Perhaps no person is as readily associated with the unfathomable loss and tragedy of this genocide than a bright, expressive German-Dutch teenager of Jewish heritage.During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Anne Frank kept a diary during the two years she was in hiding with her family. Despite her confined living space, Anne's creativity soared as she observed those around her and explored her innermost thoughts and longings. In 1944, her hiding place in "the Annex" was discovered; Anne died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945, only two months before the liberation of the Netherlands.Seven short years after her death, Time magazine would hail her diary as "one of the most moving stories that anyone, anywhere, has managed to tell about World War II."&nbsp;This spring, the University of Iowa will receive one of only a handful of saplings grown from the beloved chestnut tree described by Anne Frank in her diary. To commemorate this occasion, The Iowa Youth Writing Project, the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, and the University of Iowa German Department are sponsoring a writing contest for junior high and high school students.&nbsp;Contest winners and honorable mentions for the Anne Frank Sapling Prize will be published in a professionally designed anthology. Some winners will be selected to read at the planting of the Anne Frank sapling on April 29 at the northeast corner of the University of Iowa Pentacrest.The contest is open to Iowa junior high and high school students. To enter, please respond by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2022, to the following prompt:Write about a time when you felt isolated or trapped. How did you work through that time, and what did you learn from the experience?Responses may be written in essay or poem form; length limit in either genre is five double-spaced pages. Email submissions (in editable form, such as .docx, .doc, .rtf) to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:iywp@uiowa.edu">iywp@uiowa.edu</a>.&nbsp;Please indicate in your email's subject line whether you are in junior high or high school (JH/HS), and whether your submission is an essay or a poem.&nbsp;Remember to include your name and email address on the document. This information will be concealed from contest judges.

Iowa teen writing contest inspired by Anne Frank

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8ebae6f0-8ead-424a-b3f9-f97b41af4bbd">Norma "Jeanie" Pleasant</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c3b07b95-2da6-46e5-aaf3-ccce7baa1f1b">William Bauer</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6b1aa5d9-006a-48e6-b2d5-ce558447a806">George Keil</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d7019bb2-65a5-47fe-8b56-c5439bbe758a">Linda Tansey</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8ebae6f0-8ead-424a-b3f9-f97b41af4bbd">Norma "Jeanie" Pleasant</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c3b07b95-2da6-46e5-aaf3-ccce7baa1f1b">William Bauer</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6b1aa5d9-006a-48e6-b2d5-ce558447a806">George Keil</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d7019bb2-65a5-47fe-8b56-c5439bbe758a">Linda Tansey</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 27, 2022

Beacon Staff A Danville man was arrested on 15 warrants Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 25), with some of those related to several high-speed chases in the area in recent weeks. Dallas Michael Garr, 25, has been charged with aggravated eluding of law enforcement, reckless driving, speeding, ignoring a stop sign, one-way street traffic violation, driving on the wrong side of two-lane roadway, driving under suspension, and several other traffic violations. Garr also had an outstanding warrant from Henry County for possession of a controlled substance, second offense. Garr was taken to the Des Moines Count Correctional Center with no bond. According to a press release issued by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Garr at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at his apartment in Danville. Garr isolated himself in the bedroom and refused to surrender to deputy’s commands. In response, the sheriff office’s K-9 was utilized to locate and detain Garr, who was attempting to hide in the bedroom.&nbsp;&nbsp; Garr’s warrants stemmed from a parole violation warrant back in September 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643310494652.jpeg" alt="Dallas Michael Garr was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Photo provided by Des Moines County Sheriff's Office." />
 <figcaption>Dallas Michael Garr was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Photo provided by Des Moines County Sheriff's Office.</figcaption>
 </figure>Beacon Staff A Danville man was arrested on 15 warrants Tuesday afternoon (Jan. 25), with some of those related to several high-speed chases in the area in recent weeks. Dallas Michael Garr, 25, has been charged with aggravated eluding of law enforcement, reckless driving, speeding, ignoring a stop sign, one-way street traffic violation, driving on the wrong side of two-lane roadway, driving under suspension, and several other traffic violations. Garr also had an outstanding warrant from Henry County for possession of a controlled substance, second offense. Garr was taken to the Des Moines Count Correctional Center with no bond. According to a press release issued by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Garr at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at his apartment in Danville. Garr isolated himself in the bedroom and refused to surrender to deputy’s commands. In response, the sheriff office’s K-9 was utilized to locate and detain Garr, who was attempting to hide in the bedroom.&nbsp;&nbsp; Garr’s warrants stemmed from a parole violation warrant back in September 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Danville man arrested on more than a dozen warrants

&nbsp;By Beacon Staff After a federal appellate court struck down an injunction that blocked enforcement of a state law preventing school districts from requiring masks on Tuesday, Jan. 25, the Burlington Community School District suspended the district wide mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors to buildings.&nbsp; In a press release issued Wednesday, Jan. 26, the school district said the decision came in response to the court ruling. “Our district will adhere to and follow guidance from our legal counsel and respect the decision of the courts,” superintendent Pat Coen said.&nbsp; Tuesday's decision holds that the lower court's injunction was overly broad. However, the judges also held that requiring masks is a reasonable accommodation schools can make to protect students with disabilities under federal law and that school boards can put such orders in place. A lower court must reissue a narrower injunction as the case moves through the courts. In a statement, the Iowa Attorney General's Office said it intends to appeal the ruling and noted the current injunction will remain in place for the time being. "The district court’s injunction of the Iowa statute remains in place statewide — and the State will still not be enforcing the statute — until the case returns to the district court," spokesman Lynn Hicks said. "That will likely not happen for at least 21 days, which gives time for the State to seek rehearing of the appeal by the entire Eighth Circuit." The Burlington School Board just voted to loosen mask restrictions at their regular board meeting Monday, Jan. 25, but did not eliminate the mask policy. A group of parents and the advocacy group Arc of Iowa sued the state and Gov. Reynolds in September, seeking to block a law Reynolds signed in May forbidding local government mask mandates. The law has been inactive since October due to a preliminary injunction from a federal judge.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;By Beacon Staff After a federal appellate court struck down an injunction that blocked enforcement of a state law preventing school districts from requiring masks on Tuesday, Jan. 25, the Burlington Community School District suspended the district wide mask mandate for all students, staff, and visitors to buildings.&nbsp; In a press release issued Wednesday, Jan. 26, the school district said the decision came in response to the court ruling. “Our district will adhere to and follow guidance from our legal counsel and respect the decision of the courts,” superintendent Pat Coen said.&nbsp; Tuesday's decision holds that the lower court's injunction was overly broad. However, the judges also held that requiring masks is a reasonable accommodation schools can make to protect students with disabilities under federal law and that school boards can put such orders in place. A lower court must reissue a narrower injunction as the case moves through the courts. In a statement, the Iowa Attorney General's Office said it intends to appeal the ruling and noted the current injunction will remain in place for the time being. "The district court’s injunction of the Iowa statute remains in place statewide — and the State will still not be enforcing the statute — until the case returns to the district court," spokesman Lynn Hicks said. "That will likely not happen for at least 21 days, which gives time for the State to seek rehearing of the appeal by the entire Eighth Circuit." The Burlington School Board just voted to loosen mask restrictions at their regular board meeting Monday, Jan. 25, but did not eliminate the mask policy. A group of parents and the advocacy group Arc of Iowa sued the state and Gov. Reynolds in September, seeking to block a law Reynolds signed in May forbidding local government mask mandates. The law has been inactive since October due to a preliminary injunction from a federal judge.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

BCSD nixes mask requirement for now

Skyler Troutman has joined the Environmental Department of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Klingner) as an environmental technician. He is experienced in the preparation and review of Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, remedial action reports, and a variety of testing services.

Troutman holds an Associate of Science / Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College and a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Iowa State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1643168382944.jpeg" alt="Skyler Troutman of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Submitted photo)" />
 <figcaption>Skyler Troutman of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Submitted photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>Skyler Troutman has joined the Environmental Department of Klingner &amp; Associates, P.C. (Klingner) as an environmental technician. He is experienced in the preparation and review of Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, remedial action reports, and a variety of testing services.Troutman holds an Associate of Science / Associate of Arts degree from Southeastern Community College and a Bachelor of Science in environmental science from Iowa State University.

Troutman joins Klingner & Associates, P.C.

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board passed the second and final reading of a modified version of its existing mask policy that eases the current masking restrictions if COVID-19 positivity rates fall low enough. Board member Nancy Hoelzen was the only vote against the modified policy. The policy utilizes a tier system informed by county COVID-19 positivity rates to determine when students and staff in the Burlington School District should wear masks. The biggest change, besides upping the positivity rate percentages, is making masks optional at extracurricular activities, including sporting events.&nbsp; The policy reads as follows: Tier One – No masks required with a positivity rate between 0 and 12 percent. Tier Two&nbsp;– Masks required during regular school hours when students are present, including zero hour, Pieces, and Club M, with a positivity rate between 12.1 and 20 percent. The original tier system, broke down as follows:&nbsp; Tier One — No masks required if the county positivity rate is between 0 and 5 percent. Tier Two — Masks required during regular school hours when students are present, including zero hour, Pieces, and Club M, if the county positivity rate is between 5.1 percent and 12 percent. Tier Three — Masks required at all times when inside district buildings if the county positivity rate is 12 percent or greater (including extracurricular activities). Dr. David Carlson of Family Medicine (part of Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center) said the current positivity rate for the county has been between 25 and 30 percent. As of Tuesday, Jan. 25, the rate was just at 25 percent.

According to the mask tier policy, that means masks remain mandatory in school during class, until the positivity rate drops below 12 percent. “Our medical system is at a breaking point,” Carlson said. He noted that up to 15 people have to wait in line at the emergency room and said COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire through the community. “We’re stretched very thin, and we need the public to take this pandemic seriously,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff The Burlington School Board passed the second and final reading of a modified version of its existing mask policy that eases the current masking restrictions if COVID-19 positivity rates fall low enough. Board member Nancy Hoelzen was the only vote against the modified policy. The policy utilizes a tier system informed by county COVID-19 positivity rates to determine when students and staff in the Burlington School District should wear masks. The biggest change, besides upping the positivity rate percentages, is making masks optional at extracurricular activities, including sporting events.&nbsp; The policy reads as follows: Tier One – No masks required with a positivity rate between 0 and 12 percent. Tier Two&nbsp;– Masks required during regular school hours when students are present, including zero hour, Pieces, and Club M, with a positivity rate between 12.1 and 20 percent. The original tier system, broke down as follows:&nbsp; Tier One — No masks required if the county positivity rate is between 0 and 5 percent. Tier Two — Masks required during regular school hours when students are present, including zero hour, Pieces, and Club M, if the county positivity rate is between 5.1 percent and 12 percent. Tier Three — Masks required at all times when inside district buildings if the county positivity rate is 12 percent or greater (including extracurricular activities). Dr. David Carlson of Family Medicine (part of Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center) said the current positivity rate for the county has been between 25 and 30 percent. As of Tuesday, Jan. 25, the rate was just at 25 percent. According to the mask tier policy, that means masks remain mandatory in school during class, until the positivity rate drops below 12 percent. “Our medical system is at a breaking point,” Carlson said. He noted that up to 15 people have to wait in line at the emergency room and said COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire through the community. “We’re stretched very thin, and we need the public to take this pandemic seriously,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burlington School Board Eases Limits on Mask Restrictions; Masks Now Optional at Extracurricular Activities 

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a2d8334c-3df7-4e4c-9408-5bfd406e5271">Lisa McCoy</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1600fcdb-d41e-4c4c-812d-cb855fe5ee74">Gerry Walker</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5a182656-0a96-4ea1-8000-288a579a626a">Audrey Tapke</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c701daf6-bed7-4e17-aa08-07edbe14e8ea">James Marland, Jr.</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/72bb658f-5ed0-465c-a505-189b8d8fc77d">Ella Mae Osborne</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5ef1903b-5d3b-46e0-ad81-f1633caef3d7">Eloise Beckman</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/da0abedb-ca5a-4d6a-9b8e-cb31dfbea5f6">Warren Johnson, Jr.</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a2d8334c-3df7-4e4c-9408-5bfd406e5271">Lisa McCoy</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/1600fcdb-d41e-4c4c-812d-cb855fe5ee74">Gerry Walker</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5a182656-0a96-4ea1-8000-288a579a626a">Audrey Tapke</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c701daf6-bed7-4e17-aa08-07edbe14e8ea">James Marland, Jr.</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/72bb658f-5ed0-465c-a505-189b8d8fc77d">Ella Mae Osborne</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5ef1903b-5d3b-46e0-ad81-f1633caef3d7">Eloise Beckman</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/da0abedb-ca5a-4d6a-9b8e-cb31dfbea5f6">Warren Johnson, Jr.</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 24, 2022

By Kaelen Wiegand for the Beacon

It’s Girl Scout cookie time, and this year there is a new flavor that is an adventure for the taste buds.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Everyone’s favorites, such as Tagalongs, Samoas, and the ever-popular Thin Mint, are back. However, they have been joined by a new taste sensation — the Adventureful.&nbsp;

The new edition is a brownie cookie with a caramel filling and drizzle with a dash of sea salt. It’s inspired by the many adventures the Girl Scouts enable young girls to have.

Girl Scout cookie season has begun with online and in-person sales. On Feb. 18, cookies will arrive for door-to-door and cookie booth sales.

If you can’t wait until February, Girl Scouts have an online ordering service called Digital Cookie. Sales from Digital Cookie still benefit your local troop.&nbsp;

To order from Digital Cookie, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://girlscoutstoday.org/" target="_blank">girlscoutstoday.org</a>, hover over the Cookie+ tab on the green ribbon at the top of the page, and click ‘Buy Cookies’ at the top of the drop-down menu. This brings you to a Google map to find your local troop and their order page, which the girls customize with their own pictures and goals.

The Digital Cookie service has been active for the last several years but, in 2021, it increased in popularity, accounting for 30 percent of cookie sales.&nbsp;

Maura Warner, a former girl scout and the vice president of marketing for the Girl Scouts, fondly spoke about girls as young as five, initially extremely shy and unsure of themselves. Through the cookie program and other experiences, she’s seen them gain confidence, become more outgoing, and begin to learn to advocate for themselves.

Warner said the mission of the Girl Scouts is to make girls feel capable of completing their goals and have confidence in their entrepreneurial skills. A large part of this goal is allowing girls to be active in nature and teaching them to give back to their community. Girl Scouts gives young girls opportunities to take action against problems they see in their community.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://girlscoutstoday.org/" target="_blank">girlscoutstoday.org</a>&nbsp;for more information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642999224326.jpeg" alt="There's a new cookie on the scene - the Adventureful. This brownie cookie has a caramel filling and drizzle with a dash of sea salt. Photo from www.girlscouts.org." />
 <figcaption>There's a new cookie on the scene - the Adventureful. This brownie cookie has a caramel filling and drizzle with a dash of sea salt. Photo from www.girlscouts.org.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Kaelen Wiegand for the BeaconIt’s Girl Scout cookie time, and this year there is a new flavor that is an adventure for the taste buds.&nbsp; &nbsp;Everyone’s favorites, such as Tagalongs, Samoas, and the ever-popular Thin Mint, are back. However, they have been joined by a new taste sensation — the Adventureful.&nbsp;The new edition is a brownie cookie with a caramel filling and drizzle with a dash of sea salt. It’s inspired by the many adventures the Girl Scouts enable young girls to have.Girl Scout cookie season has begun with online and in-person sales. On Feb. 18, cookies will arrive for door-to-door and cookie booth sales.If you can’t wait until February, Girl Scouts have an online ordering service called Digital Cookie. Sales from Digital Cookie still benefit your local troop.&nbsp;To order from Digital Cookie, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://girlscoutstoday.org/" target="_blank">girlscoutstoday.org</a>, hover over the Cookie+ tab on the green ribbon at the top of the page, and click ‘Buy Cookies’ at the top of the drop-down menu. This brings you to a Google map to find your local troop and their order page, which the girls customize with their own pictures and goals.The Digital Cookie service has been active for the last several years but, in 2021, it increased in popularity, accounting for 30 percent of cookie sales.&nbsp;Maura Warner, a former girl scout and the vice president of marketing for the Girl Scouts, fondly spoke about girls as young as five, initially extremely shy and unsure of themselves. Through the cookie program and other experiences, she’s seen them gain confidence, become more outgoing, and begin to learn to advocate for themselves.Warner said the mission of the Girl Scouts is to make girls feel capable of completing their goals and have confidence in their entrepreneurial skills. A large part of this goal is allowing girls to be active in nature and teaching them to give back to their community. Girl Scouts gives young girls opportunities to take action against problems they see in their community.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://girlscoutstoday.org/" target="_blank">girlscoutstoday.org</a>&nbsp;for more information.

Local