Story and photos by William Smith Community Editor At its worst, buying a dress is nothing more than an impersonal transaction. No customization or fitting is required. Laura Royer, who opened up the Mae’s Formals dress and formal wear store on Division Street, treats the transaction more like a journey.&nbsp; Finding a dress that fits the body isn’t enough. Instead, Royer wants her customers to discover a dress that fits snugly around their personality. Finding that dress isn’t always easy. “There are girls who have been looking for months to get their hands on a dress,” Royer said. That’s where the customer service end of Royer’s new business kicks in. When customers come into her shop, many know what they want. Others don’t. “A lot of girls think they want something until they try it,” Royer said. It’s Royer’s job to guide them through the decision, utilizing a critical eye and a wide breadth of product.&nbsp;Her store doesn’t have a time limit on how long a customer can try on dresses. There’s no limit on the number of dresses they can try, either.&nbsp;Instead, Royer spends much of her time adjusting the dresses.

“If you see a gown you want in a store and we don’t have it, we can order it in your size and color,” Royer said. Royer even utilizes a program that ensures no two girls will show up at prom or formal dance in the same dress. “It’s prime shopping time right now,” Royer explained. Located inside the former Allstate building at 3204 Division St., Suite A, Royer founded Mae’s Formals because she felt a dress gap existed in the Burlington area. “To find a prom gown or wedding gown, you really had to travel outside of Burlington,” Royer said. “People don’t want to travel an hour and 15 minutes to get a dress.”

Royer recently helped her 16-year-old daughter find a dress and fell in love with the process.&nbsp; Although the store is technically open already, the grand opening is Saturday, Jan. 29.&nbsp;By then, Royer should have new signage. As with everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed dress shipments to a crawl. A lot of girls are shopping for their prom dresses now, and wedding dresses are a year out or more. But those are just the two most prominent kinds of dresses for sale at Mae’s Formals.&nbsp; Winter formal gowns, mother-of-the-bride gowns, tuxedos, flower girl dresses— the shop has a bit of everything. And it all leads to that one magical moment, that moment when the girl looks in the mirror, looks at Laura and says, “I feel pretty.” “You dream of that gown, and then you find the perfect one,” Royer said. “I love seeing the girls' excitement.”

Mae's Formals is located at 3204 Division St., Ste. A. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642894733450.jpeg" alt="Laura Royer, owner of the recently opened Mae's Formals, poses with some of the dresses in her shop." />
 <figcaption>Laura Royer, owner of the recently opened Mae's Formals, poses with some of the dresses in her shop.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith Community Editor At its worst, buying a dress is nothing more than an impersonal transaction. No customization or fitting is required. Laura Royer, who opened up the Mae’s Formals dress and formal wear store on Division Street, treats the transaction more like a journey.&nbsp; Finding a dress that fits the body isn’t enough. Instead, Royer wants her customers to discover a dress that fits snugly around their personality. Finding that dress isn’t always easy. “There are girls who have been looking for months to get their hands on a dress,” Royer said. That’s where the customer service end of Royer’s new business kicks in. When customers come into her shop, many know what they want. Others don’t. “A lot of girls think they want something until they try it,” Royer said. It’s Royer’s job to guide them through the decision, utilizing a critical eye and a wide breadth of product.&nbsp;Her store doesn’t have a time limit on how long a customer can try on dresses. There’s no limit on the number of dresses they can try, either.&nbsp;Instead, Royer spends much of her time adjusting the dresses.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642894808778.jpeg" alt="Laura Royer helps Alishia Machado try on a dress inside her new shop." />
 <figcaption>Laura Royer helps Alishia Machado try on a dress inside her new shop.</figcaption>
 </figure>“If you see a gown you want in a store and we don’t have it, we can order it in your size and color,” Royer said. Royer even utilizes a program that ensures no two girls will show up at prom or formal dance in the same dress. “It’s prime shopping time right now,” Royer explained. Located inside the former Allstate building at 3204 Division St., Suite A, Royer founded Mae’s Formals because she felt a dress gap existed in the Burlington area. “To find a prom gown or wedding gown, you really had to travel outside of Burlington,” Royer said. “People don’t want to travel an hour and 15 minutes to get a dress.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642894892379.jpeg" alt="Local girls shop for dresses at Mae's Formals." />
 <figcaption>Local girls shop for dresses at Mae's Formals.</figcaption>
 </figure>Royer recently helped her 16-year-old daughter find a dress and fell in love with the process.&nbsp; Although the store is technically open already, the grand opening is Saturday, Jan. 29.&nbsp;By then, Royer should have new signage. As with everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed dress shipments to a crawl. A lot of girls are shopping for their prom dresses now, and wedding dresses are a year out or more. But those are just the two most prominent kinds of dresses for sale at Mae’s Formals.&nbsp; Winter formal gowns, mother-of-the-bride gowns, tuxedos, flower girl dresses— the shop has a bit of everything. And it all leads to that one magical moment, that moment when the girl looks in the mirror, looks at Laura and says, “I feel pretty.” “You dream of that gown, and then you find the perfect one,” Royer said. “I love seeing the girls' excitement.”Mae's Formals is located at 3204 Division St., Ste. A. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.

Mae's Formals Opens For Business

By Beacon Staff Eight people (including six children) escaped a Burlington apartment fire without injury early Friday morning (Jan. 21). Burlington firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 116 N. Marshall St. at 2:28 a.m., with the thermometer reading minus seven degrees. Four minutes later, firefighters arrived and found flames and smoke coming from the two-unit apartment house on Marshall Street. The occupants of one of the apartments – Jessica Beeler, Annabele Cable and six children – were exiting the house as firefighters arrived. Police officers kept the occupants warm inside their patrol vehicles until other arrangements could be made. The other apartment in the house was not occupied. The two-unit apartment house, owned by Charles McCabe, sustained extensive fire, smoke, and water damage; the structure is not insured. Damage estimates are still being assessed. There is no renter’s insurance, and the American Red Cross was contacted for victim assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department and is not considered suspicious at this time. Eleven Burlington firefighters responded to the fire, and they were assisted by firefighters from West Burlington, Danville, and Mediapolis responding on mutual aid. Burlington Police, Alliant Energy, and Superior Ambulance also assisted at the scene. Firefighters remained on the scene until 6:25 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff Eight people (including six children) escaped a Burlington apartment fire without injury early Friday morning (Jan. 21). Burlington firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 116 N. Marshall St. at 2:28 a.m., with the thermometer reading minus seven degrees. Four minutes later, firefighters arrived and found flames and smoke coming from the two-unit apartment house on Marshall Street. The occupants of one of the apartments – Jessica Beeler, Annabele Cable and six children – were exiting the house as firefighters arrived. Police officers kept the occupants warm inside their patrol vehicles until other arrangements could be made. The other apartment in the house was not occupied. The two-unit apartment house, owned by Charles McCabe, sustained extensive fire, smoke, and water damage; the structure is not insured. Damage estimates are still being assessed. There is no renter’s insurance, and the American Red Cross was contacted for victim assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department and is not considered suspicious at this time. Eleven Burlington firefighters responded to the fire, and they were assisted by firefighters from West Burlington, Danville, and Mediapolis responding on mutual aid. Burlington Police, Alliant Energy, and Superior Ambulance also assisted at the scene. Firefighters remained on the scene until 6:25 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;

No One Injured in Apartment House Fire; Police Kept Occupants Warm in Squad Cars

By Beacon Staff Six Burlington businesses were cited for selling tobacco products to underage buyers during a tobacco compliance check conducted by the Burlington Police Department Wednesday (Jan. 19) and Thursday (Jan. 20). Burlington Police conducted the compliance checks at 32 businesses in the greater Burlington area, and the employees who sold to the underage buyers were cited for supplying tobacco to minors as an employee of the establishment. The offense is a simple misdemeanor, and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division will be notified for potential civil penalties against the tobacco license holders.&nbsp; Businesses that sold to underage buyers are: • Hot Spot Food and Liquor – 1618 Osborn Street • Aqueous Vapor – 420 North Roosevelt Suite No. 140 • Quik Stop – 1812 Osborn Street • Dollar General – 3320 Agency Street • Fareway Grocery Store – 920 Lawrence Drive • Hy Vee Grocery Store – 3140 Agency Street&nbsp; The Burlington Police Department acknowledged the 26 area businesses who were compliant and did not sell to the underage buyers in a press release issued Friday (Jan. 21). Those businesses were:&nbsp; • Beeline Mart – 1532 Osborn Street • BS Mini Mart – 1900 Summer Street • Burlington Jet Stop North – 2760 Mt. Pleasant Street • Burlington Jet Stop South – 901 South Street • Burlington Shell – 130 South Roosevelt Avenue • Casey’s General Store – 3105 West Avenue • Casey’s General Store – 2630 Summer Street • Casey’s General Store – 1911 Des Moines Avenue • Catfish Bend Casino – 3001 Winegard Drive • Circle K – 1012 Maple Street • Circle K – 333 North Roosevelt Avenue • Circle K – 421 North Main Street • Dave’s Not Here – 713 Jefferson Street Suite No. 104 • Dollar General – 1015 Division Street • Dollar General – 3025 West Avenue • Gas Land – 1703 Mt. Pleasant Street • Gas Land – 1204 North 8th Street • Gas Land – 1003 Summer Street • Hy Vee Grocery Store – 939 Angular Street • Hy Vee Gas – 3140B Agency Street • Liquorland – 624 Angular Street • Paddle Wheel – 613 Jefferson Street • River Mart – 2107 Agency Street • Smokin’ Joe’s Tobacco – 110 South Roosevelt Avenue • Walgreens – 3245 Agency Street • Walgreens – 201 South Central Avenue&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff Six Burlington businesses were cited for selling tobacco products to underage buyers during a tobacco compliance check conducted by the Burlington Police Department Wednesday (Jan. 19) and Thursday (Jan. 20). Burlington Police conducted the compliance checks at 32 businesses in the greater Burlington area, and the employees who sold to the underage buyers were cited for supplying tobacco to minors as an employee of the establishment. The offense is a simple misdemeanor, and the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division will be notified for potential civil penalties against the tobacco license holders.&nbsp; Businesses that sold to underage buyers are: • Hot Spot Food and Liquor – 1618 Osborn Street • Aqueous Vapor – 420 North Roosevelt Suite No. 140 • Quik Stop – 1812 Osborn Street • Dollar General – 3320 Agency Street • Fareway Grocery Store – 920 Lawrence Drive • Hy Vee Grocery Store – 3140 Agency Street&nbsp; The Burlington Police Department acknowledged the 26 area businesses who were compliant and did not sell to the underage buyers in a press release issued Friday (Jan. 21). Those businesses were:&nbsp; • Beeline Mart – 1532 Osborn Street • BS Mini Mart – 1900 Summer Street • Burlington Jet Stop North – 2760 Mt. Pleasant Street • Burlington Jet Stop South – 901 South Street • Burlington Shell – 130 South Roosevelt Avenue • Casey’s General Store – 3105 West Avenue • Casey’s General Store – 2630 Summer Street • Casey’s General Store – 1911 Des Moines Avenue • Catfish Bend Casino – 3001 Winegard Drive • Circle K – 1012 Maple Street • Circle K – 333 North Roosevelt Avenue • Circle K – 421 North Main Street • Dave’s Not Here – 713 Jefferson Street Suite No. 104 • Dollar General – 1015 Division Street • Dollar General – 3025 West Avenue • Gas Land – 1703 Mt. Pleasant Street • Gas Land – 1204 North 8th Street • Gas Land – 1003 Summer Street • Hy Vee Grocery Store – 939 Angular Street • Hy Vee Gas – 3140B Agency Street • Liquorland – 624 Angular Street • Paddle Wheel – 613 Jefferson Street • River Mart – 2107 Agency Street • Smokin’ Joe’s Tobacco – 110 South Roosevelt Avenue • Walgreens – 3245 Agency Street • Walgreens – 201 South Central Avenue&nbsp;&nbsp;

Burlington Businesses Cited for Selling Tobacco to Minors

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e6e2cc73-9bdd-4dd9-b801-3f956667a20c">Genny Lunning</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4423d18c-d0a3-498a-9a9c-51c434a6c8b5">Aaron Lebeck</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e6e2cc73-9bdd-4dd9-b801-3f956667a20c">Genny Lunning</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4423d18c-d0a3-498a-9a9c-51c434a6c8b5">Aaron Lebeck</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 20, 2022

By Beacon Staff When the late Bob Brueck helped spearhead a seven-year campaign to renovate the Capitol Theater, he had visions of it becoming a cultural hub for Burlington. With a $1 million renovation project planned for the building that will add a black-box theater and turn the annex into a lounge area, that final vision may be coming to fruition. The Burlington City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Jan. 18 on a resolution that will allow the theater to seek Catalyst grant funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Brueck died this past Sunday, before the plans were officially approved by the council. “We lost one of our heroes, or at least one of my heroes,” Mayor Jon Billups said. According to plan presented to the city at an earlier work session, the project will fully renovate the second floor of the theater annex building, including the currently dormant elevator. The project is set to begin next year. The largest addition will be a black box theater (smaller theater) measuring 1,256 square feet and seating about 100 people. The second floor will also host a full-service bar, four designated practice rooms, one office/practice room, a full office, bathrooms, storage, and a multipurpose room. The new space will provide the theater with the ability to attract different types of shows rather than those currently offered in the theater, and executive director Tammy McCoy said the theater will start showing new releases as well as anime. The new space will also offer a venue for music, dance, theater practice, podcasting, music recording and theater programs performed through a partnership with Southeastern Community College. The college will also be able to utilize the space for other programs, such as the CBIZ class graduation ceremonies. McCoy said bringing in new live shows and movies will broaden the appeal of the theater, bringing more people downtown. If the theater is awarded Catalyst grant funds through the IEDA, the project will start in a timely manner. McCoy said that will be combined with funds from a capital campaign and further grant funding. In other business, the council denied renewing the liquor license for Hot Spot Food and Liquor (also known as Super Saver) on 1618 Osborn St. by a unanimous vote. Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney said there were 13 violations regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors – the most violations the store has racked up. Denney said the store is an extreme outlier and most businesses comply with the law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By Beacon Staff When the late Bob Brueck helped spearhead a seven-year campaign to renovate the Capitol Theater, he had visions of it becoming a cultural hub for Burlington. With a $1 million renovation project planned for the building that will add a black-box theater and turn the annex into a lounge area, that final vision may be coming to fruition. The Burlington City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, Jan. 18 on a resolution that will allow the theater to seek Catalyst grant funding through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Brueck died this past Sunday, before the plans were officially approved by the council. “We lost one of our heroes, or at least one of my heroes,” Mayor Jon Billups said. According to plan presented to the city at an earlier work session, the project will fully renovate the second floor of the theater annex building, including the currently dormant elevator. The project is set to begin next year. The largest addition will be a black box theater (smaller theater) measuring 1,256 square feet and seating about 100 people. The second floor will also host a full-service bar, four designated practice rooms, one office/practice room, a full office, bathrooms, storage, and a multipurpose room. The new space will provide the theater with the ability to attract different types of shows rather than those currently offered in the theater, and executive director Tammy McCoy said the theater will start showing new releases as well as anime. The new space will also offer a venue for music, dance, theater practice, podcasting, music recording and theater programs performed through a partnership with Southeastern Community College. The college will also be able to utilize the space for other programs, such as the CBIZ class graduation ceremonies. McCoy said bringing in new live shows and movies will broaden the appeal of the theater, bringing more people downtown. If the theater is awarded Catalyst grant funds through the IEDA, the project will start in a timely manner. McCoy said that will be combined with funds from a capital campaign and further grant funding. In other business, the council denied renewing the liquor license for Hot Spot Food and Liquor (also known as Super Saver) on 1618 Osborn St. by a unanimous vote. Burlington Police Chief Marc Denney said there were 13 violations regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors – the most violations the store has racked up. Denney said the store is an extreme outlier and most businesses comply with the law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Council: Capitol Theater Will Expand, Super Saver's Liquor License Denied

Republican State Sen. Tim Goodwin, Republican State Rep. David Kerr, and Democrat State Rep. Dennis Cohoon recently shared their thoughts on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address. The three spoke during the Eggs and Issues virtual forum hosted by the Greater Burlington Partnership on Saturday, Jan. 15 and tackled a number of issues such as workforce recruitment, housing, and infrastructure. Many of those topics were covered in the governor’s speech on Jan. 11, in which she laid out her 2022 agenda. Reynolds proposed Iowans pay a 4-percent flat income tax rate with no tax on retirement income. Her speech also included a cut in taxes, cuts to the state’s unemployment system, and $1,000 retention bonuses for teachers, law enforcement, and correctional officers. She also proposed scholarships to allow parents to pay for their students to attend private schools. Reynolds spoke about the need to increase transparency for parents concerned about the materials available to their students at school and accused some school administrators of pushing their worldview onto students. Specifically, she took issue with books that “contain vulgar and sexually explicit material.” “These books are so explicit they’d be X-rated if they were movies,” she stated. Goodwin said Reynold's speech was spot-on. “Her leadership has put our state in a great position, and there is a lot of momentum going for her re-election campaign,” he said. Kerr also thought it was a strong speech. “I believe the governor has laid out an aggressive agenda to look at it. We haven’t got all the details on all the tax cuts she proposed. I believe there will be more coming on that. The devil is in the details. But I think we are in a great position as a state,” he said. Cohoon had a more mixed view of the governor’s speech. While he was happy to hear about eliminating the tax on pensions, as well as additional recruitment to stem the worker shortage and health care apprenticeships, he was not pleased by the flat tax rate of 4 percent. “The biggest problem I have with that is that it’s really going to benefit the higher income more than the lower- and middle-income people,” he said. Cohoon also took issue with the way the governor spoke about education and teachers instructing students with X-rated materials. But there was good to be taken away from the speech too, he said. “The good news is, the state is in good shape financially,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642627778764.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Tim Goodwin, State Rep. David Kerr, and State Rep. Dennis Cohoon spoke at the recent Eggs and Issues Forum. File photos." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Tim Goodwin, State Rep. David Kerr, and State Rep. Dennis Cohoon spoke at the recent Eggs and Issues Forum. File photos.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Republican State Sen. Tim Goodwin, Republican State Rep. David Kerr, and Democrat State Rep. Dennis Cohoon recently shared their thoughts on Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Condition of the State Address. The three spoke during the Eggs and Issues virtual forum hosted by the Greater Burlington Partnership on Saturday, Jan. 15 and tackled a number of issues such as workforce recruitment, housing, and infrastructure. Many of those topics were covered in the governor’s speech on Jan. 11, in which she laid out her 2022 agenda. Reynolds proposed Iowans pay a 4-percent flat income tax rate with no tax on retirement income. Her speech also included a cut in taxes, cuts to the state’s unemployment system, and $1,000 retention bonuses for teachers, law enforcement, and correctional officers. She also proposed scholarships to allow parents to pay for their students to attend private schools. Reynolds spoke about the need to increase transparency for parents concerned about the materials available to their students at school and accused some school administrators of pushing their worldview onto students. Specifically, she took issue with books that “contain vulgar and sexually explicit material.” “These books are so explicit they’d be X-rated if they were movies,” she stated. Goodwin said Reynold's speech was spot-on. “Her leadership has put our state in a great position, and there is a lot of momentum going for her re-election campaign,” he said. Kerr also thought it was a strong speech. “I believe the governor has laid out an aggressive agenda to look at it. We haven’t got all the details on all the tax cuts she proposed. I believe there will be more coming on that. The devil is in the details. But I think we are in a great position as a state,” he said. Cohoon had a more mixed view of the governor’s speech. While he was happy to hear about eliminating the tax on pensions, as well as additional recruitment to stem the worker shortage and health care apprenticeships, he was not pleased by the flat tax rate of 4 percent. “The biggest problem I have with that is that it’s really going to benefit the higher income more than the lower- and middle-income people,” he said. Cohoon also took issue with the way the governor spoke about education and teachers instructing students with X-rated materials. But there was good to be taken away from the speech too, he said. “The good news is, the state is in good shape financially,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Local Politicians Dissect Governor’s Condition of the State Speech

During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, the DMC Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a motion that would use the majority of the $7.5 million of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds for debt services for the county.

Supervisor Tom Broeker said putting that money toward debt wasn’t possible until a rule change issued by the U.S. Treasury earlier this month. The treasury has simplified the program for small localities seeking revenue recapture.

The board set aside $355,000 of the ARPA money for Danville Telecom’s expansion of broadband internet in the county, which it previously committed to by assisting in grant funding for the project.

Broeker said putting the money toward debt will take care of other items, such as a new record management system for the county and a new phone system.

“Every dollar we save, the taxpayer saves money. And that’s what this (ARPA) was for,” DMC Supervisor Jim Cary said.

In other news, Des Moines County Public Health Administrator Christa Poggemiller says the county has the highest COVID-19 positivity rate she’s seen since last year.&nbsp;Poggemiller reported that the county has a positivity rate of 22 percent of those tested, which equals 239 cases.

The only number she can recall that was higher for the county was 25 percent, which was sometime last year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“Twenty-two percent. That’s not good,” Des Moines County Supervisor Jim Cary said.

Poggemiller said it is important to note that the positivity rate (which is provided by the state) is directly related to the number of tests. She pointed out that Lee County actually has 241 new cases of COVID-19, but due to higher testing, their positivity rate is only 15 percent.

She believes the numbers will come down in Des Moines County based on the reduced number of test kits that are being requested.

“I hope we are at the end of this spike,” Poggemiller said.&nbsp;

By Beacon StaffDuring their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 18, the DMC Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in favor of a motion that would use the majority of the $7.5 million of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds for debt services for the county.Supervisor Tom Broeker said putting that money toward debt wasn’t possible until a rule change issued by the U.S. Treasury earlier this month. The treasury has simplified the program for small localities seeking revenue recapture.The board set aside $355,000 of the ARPA money for Danville Telecom’s expansion of broadband internet in the county, which it previously committed to by assisting in grant funding for the project.Broeker said putting the money toward debt will take care of other items, such as a new record management system for the county and a new phone system.“Every dollar we save, the taxpayer saves money. And that’s what this (ARPA) was for,” DMC Supervisor Jim Cary said.In other news, Des Moines County Public Health Administrator Christa Poggemiller says the county has the highest COVID-19 positivity rate she’s seen since last year.&nbsp;Poggemiller reported that the county has a positivity rate of 22 percent of those tested, which equals 239 cases.The only number she can recall that was higher for the county was 25 percent, which was sometime last year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Twenty-two percent. That’s not good,” Des Moines County Supervisor Jim Cary said.Poggemiller said it is important to note that the positivity rate (which is provided by the state) is directly related to the number of tests. She pointed out that Lee County actually has 241 new cases of COVID-19, but due to higher testing, their positivity rate is only 15 percent.She believes the numbers will come down in Des Moines County based on the reduced number of test kits that are being requested.“I hope we are at the end of this spike,” Poggemiller said.&nbsp;

DMC Supes: ARPA funds to go toward debt, broadband

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/af9eb4c9-cd34-423f-bd68-1fc888780e78">Jacquelin Nelson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3adebc37-1655-4eeb-a200-1ad87cd91216">Melvin Mattoon</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0511fa30-bad3-4dc4-9402-3a9ed7e57c1a">Michael Parrott</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2ef4a45c-03cb-4834-a89f-1744d29a1b20">Geneva Duncan</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8e11be8b-3112-4550-a728-5de7db5d7c52">Christopher Christofferson</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/af9eb4c9-cd34-423f-bd68-1fc888780e78">Jacquelin Nelson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3adebc37-1655-4eeb-a200-1ad87cd91216">Melvin Mattoon</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0511fa30-bad3-4dc4-9402-3a9ed7e57c1a">Michael Parrott</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2ef4a45c-03cb-4834-a89f-1744d29a1b20">Geneva Duncan</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8e11be8b-3112-4550-a728-5de7db5d7c52">Christopher Christofferson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 18, 2022

by Beacon Staff Local residents, many of whom have had difficulty locating at-home COVID-19 tests, will soon have an opportunity to receive free tests sent to their homes. As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, the websites <a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/?fbclid=IwAR1yB7zJq3b4QlPxFw18uWHti18_KltNt_d8XQT7wri6GKcnWtOK8dEXXMo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.covidtests.gov/</a> and <a href="http://usps.com/covidtest?fbclid=IwAR318gOZ2y7OtbCmUh3LlWl0OiEqXWF8Mw7zGhQbHRCbivxCMcH2QQhcSG0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">usps.com/covidtest</a> are accepting orders for free COVID-19 testing kits. This program is part of the Biden administration's plan to distribute 500 million at-home tests via mail. The first tests will ship at the end of January; shipments are currently limited to four rapid tests per valid residential address. No credit card is needed to place an order, and health insurance coverage is not required. Due to shipping time, the public is advised to order these tests to have on hand in advance of exposure to or developing symptoms of COVID-19. In addition to these free tests, private health insurance plans are now required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home coronavirus tests per covered individual per month. This requirement went into effect on January 15, 2022. Depending on the health care plan and pharmacy, insured individuals will either have no up-front cost or will be required to submit receipts for reimbursement. Americans on Medicare won't be able to get tests reimbursed through the federal insurance plan, but Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans are required to fully cover the cost of at-home tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642547467820.jpeg" alt="Free at-home COVID-19 tests are now available to be ordered through government websites." />
 <figcaption>Free at-home COVID-19 tests are now available to be ordered through government websites.</figcaption>
 </figure>by Beacon Staff Local residents, many of whom have had difficulty locating at-home COVID-19 tests, will soon have an opportunity to receive free tests sent to their homes. As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, the websites <a href="https://www.covidtests.gov/?fbclid=IwAR1yB7zJq3b4QlPxFw18uWHti18_KltNt_d8XQT7wri6GKcnWtOK8dEXXMo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.covidtests.gov/</a> and <a href="http://usps.com/covidtest?fbclid=IwAR318gOZ2y7OtbCmUh3LlWl0OiEqXWF8Mw7zGhQbHRCbivxCMcH2QQhcSG0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">usps.com/covidtest</a> are accepting orders for free COVID-19 testing kits. This program is part of the Biden administration's plan to distribute 500 million at-home tests via mail. The first tests will ship at the end of January; shipments are currently limited to four rapid tests per valid residential address. No credit card is needed to place an order, and health insurance coverage is not required. Due to shipping time, the public is advised to order these tests to have on hand in advance of exposure to or developing symptoms of COVID-19. In addition to these free tests, private health insurance plans are now required to cover the cost of up to eight at-home coronavirus tests per covered individual per month. This requirement went into effect on January 15, 2022. Depending on the health care plan and pharmacy, insured individuals will either have no up-front cost or will be required to submit receipts for reimbursement. Americans on Medicare won't be able to get tests reimbursed through the federal insurance plan, but Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans are required to fully cover the cost of at-home tests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Free At-Home Coronavirus Tests Available to Order

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8b654d0d-9a42-486e-ac3d-2546972ff250">Wilma Sloan</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6ae89edb-d869-46ea-9a5e-de629a8ee099">Beverly Vaughn</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/98e3f574-9a87-479c-94b0-5dd10b572108">Jeanne Stewart</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66d93fad-908d-490c-8563-149e51f819cf">David Klaus</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/b6e03051-62d4-4c65-9034-b467cb630db9">Ron Stafford</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9321116f-fa28-4cff-9b17-5a2fa9e4b2cb">Barbara Maus</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d40d08f6-c142-4aad-9542-9c411c9b6fe7">Velma Kay Henry</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/ca8e7587-cf45-4bea-be94-783f593b2870">Kathleen Johns</a>

Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/8b654d0d-9a42-486e-ac3d-2546972ff250">Wilma Sloan</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6ae89edb-d869-46ea-9a5e-de629a8ee099">Beverly Vaughn</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/98e3f574-9a87-479c-94b0-5dd10b572108">Jeanne Stewart</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66d93fad-908d-490c-8563-149e51f819cf">David Klaus</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/b6e03051-62d4-4c65-9034-b467cb630db9">Ron Stafford</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9321116f-fa28-4cff-9b17-5a2fa9e4b2cb">Barbara Maus</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d40d08f6-c142-4aad-9542-9c411c9b6fe7">Velma Kay Henry</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/ca8e7587-cf45-4bea-be94-783f593b2870">Kathleen Johns</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 17, 2022

Each January, Americans honor the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, King would grow up to become one of the most influential people of the 21st century.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January each year. Taking time to learn about some of the many notable moments in King's career is a great way to honor his legacy.

After attending segregated public schools as a child, King was accepted into Morehouse College at the age of 15. Morehouse College was the alma mater of both King's father, a pastor, and his maternal grandfather. While King studied medicine and law at Morehouse, perhaps the first major moment of his career in the ministry occurred while he was a college student. It was at Morehouse where King was mentored by the highly regarded theologian and racial equality advocate Dr. Benjamin Mays. Before his final year at Morehouse, King, now 18, chose to enter the ministry.

Montgomery, Alabama, was a highly segregated city when King and his family relocated to Alabama in the 1950s. Shortly after the King family moved to Alabama, an incident involving a 15-year-old black schoolgirl in Montgomery who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man highlighted racial tensions in the city. Those tensions escalated further nine months later, when 42-year-old Rosa Parks rejected a bus driver's plea that she give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a section designated for black people. As a result of these incidents, King organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for more than a year but ultimately led to the end of racial segregation on all Montgomery public buses.

Southern Christian Leadership Conference

The Montgomery Bus Boycott made King a national figure, and he capitalized on that recognition to help establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The SCLC was a group of civil rights activists devoted to nonviolent protest. As SCLC president, a role he held until his death, King traveled the globe promoting nonviolent protest and civil rights.

King played an integral role in the organization and execution of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963. Estimates suggest as many as 300,000 people attended the march, which is considered a watershed moment for the civil rights movement that shone a light on the injustices faced by African Americans across the country. The march culminated with King delivering his most famous address, which is often referred to as his "'I Have a Dream' speech." King delivered the speech while standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his view of a future for the United States in which all people would have equal rights and opportunities.

In front of an audience at Mason Temple Church the night before he was assassinated, King closed his final speech with these prophetic words: "Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live&nbsp;– a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.&nbsp;Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642459972386.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffEach January, Americans honor the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, King would grow up to become one of the most influential people of the 21st century.Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January each year. Taking time to learn about some of the many notable moments in King's career is a great way to honor his legacy.Morehouse CollegeAfter attending segregated public schools as a child, King was accepted into Morehouse College at the age of 15. Morehouse College was the alma mater of both King's father, a pastor, and his maternal grandfather. While King studied medicine and law at Morehouse, perhaps the first major moment of his career in the ministry occurred while he was a college student. It was at Morehouse where King was mentored by the highly regarded theologian and racial equality advocate Dr. Benjamin Mays. Before his final year at Morehouse, King, now 18, chose to enter the ministry.Montgomery Bus BoycottMontgomery, Alabama, was a highly segregated city when King and his family relocated to Alabama in the 1950s. Shortly after the King family moved to Alabama, an incident involving a 15-year-old black schoolgirl in Montgomery who refused to give up her bus seat to a white man highlighted racial tensions in the city. Those tensions escalated further nine months later, when 42-year-old Rosa Parks rejected a bus driver's plea that she give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a section designated for black people. As a result of these incidents, King organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for more than a year but ultimately led to the end of racial segregation on all Montgomery public buses.Southern Christian Leadership ConferenceThe Montgomery Bus Boycott made King a national figure, and he capitalized on that recognition to help establish the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The SCLC was a group of civil rights activists devoted to nonviolent protest. As SCLC president, a role he held until his death, King traveled the globe promoting nonviolent protest and civil rights.March on WashingtonKing played an integral role in the organization and execution of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963. Estimates suggest as many as 300,000 people attended the march, which is considered a watershed moment for the civil rights movement that shone a light on the injustices faced by African Americans across the country. The march culminated with King delivering his most famous address, which is often referred to as his "'I Have a Dream' speech." King delivered the speech while standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his view of a future for the United States in which all people would have equal rights and opportunities."I've Been to the Mountaintop"In front of an audience at Mason Temple Church the night before he was assassinated, King closed his final speech with these prophetic words: "Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live&nbsp;– a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.&nbsp;Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord."

Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.

On December 31, 2021, beloved actress and comedian Betty White passed away in her sleep just 17 days before her 100th birthday. Though White was known primarily for her roles in such TV classics as "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Golden Girls," she was also a passionate animal welfare advocate. 

Not long after White's passing, a social media campaign known as the "Betty White Challenge" went viral. This challenge encourages White's fans to honor the late actress's memory by donating $5 (or more) to an animal rescue or shelter on White's birthday — Monday, January 17.

Des Moines County Humane Society, P.A.W. Animal Shelter (located in Fort Madison), and Des Moines County Wildlife Rehabilitation are three local organizations dedicated to rescuing, sheltering, and advocating for animals. To participate in the Betty White Challenge, donations may be made to any of these organizations by visiting their respective Facebook pages.

Des Moines County Humane Society P.O. Box 822 Burlington, IA 52601

P.A.W. Animal Shelter 2031 48th St. Fort Madison, IA 52627

DMC Wildlife Rehabilition 5947 Brush College Rd. Burlington, IA 52601

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1642362778131.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff On December 31, 2021, beloved actress and comedian Betty White passed away in her sleep just 17 days before her 100th birthday. Though White was known primarily for her roles in such TV classics as "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Golden Girls," she was also a passionate animal welfare advocate. Not long after White's passing, a social media campaign known as the "Betty White Challenge" went viral. This challenge encourages White's fans to honor the late actress's memory by donating $5 (or more) to an animal rescue or shelter on White's birthday — Monday, January 17. Des Moines County Humane Society, P.A.W. Animal Shelter (located in Fort Madison), and Des Moines County Wildlife Rehabilitation are three local organizations dedicated to rescuing, sheltering, and advocating for animals. To participate in the Betty White Challenge, donations may be made to any of these organizations by visiting their respective Facebook pages.Donations may also be sent to:Des Moines County Humane Society P.O. Box 822 Burlington, IA 52601 P.A.W. Animal Shelter 2031 48th St. Fort Madison, IA 52627DMC Wildlife Rehabilition 5947 Brush College Rd. Burlington, IA 52601

Betty White Challenge Can Benefit Local Organizations

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d45c5a2f-b63f-4a4f-b63b-ca8e03d84f03">Mary Ann Lukens</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0b3e5f54-423a-4d3e-a978-2b9ad8d09b0f">Kenneth Schwab</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5822bc56-8cad-4bda-b937-b44f22fe42b6">Ralph Cushman</a>

Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d45c5a2f-b63f-4a4f-b63b-ca8e03d84f03">Mary Ann Lukens</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/0b3e5f54-423a-4d3e-a978-2b9ad8d09b0f">Kenneth Schwab</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5822bc56-8cad-4bda-b937-b44f22fe42b6">Ralph Cushman</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 13, 2022

Jim Green, Burlington native and BHS graduate, is stepping down as NASA’s top scientist.

Green is set to retire in early 2022 after four decades with NASA. Green directed NASA’s Planetary Science Division during the Curiosity landing in 2012. He played a lead role in promoting and explaining the Mars rover to the public.&nbsp;

Green also was a consultant for “The Martian,” a film about an astronaut who ends up marooned on Mars.

“I feel tremendously proud about the activities I’ve done at NASA,” Green said in a statement. “In many ways, NASA is not a job. It’s a way of life. We’re always looking for ways to do the impossible.”

Green started his career at NASA by developing the agency’s equivalent to the internet (the Space Physics Analysis Network) in 1980. He is best known for overseeing some of NASA’s biggest space exploration projects in the past 15 years.

Green will assist with the search for his replacement.

“Jim has touched so many important missions over the course of his illustrious career at NASA, not to mention the inspiration he instills in so many who lead the way in space across the board,” said deputy administrator Pam Melroy.&nbsp;

In retirement, Green plans to continue collaborating with NASA.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1641957362388.jpeg" alt="Jim Green" />
 <figcaption>Jim Green</figcaption>
 </figure>Jim Green, Burlington native and BHS graduate, is stepping down as NASA’s top scientist.Green is set to retire in early 2022 after four decades with NASA. Green directed NASA’s Planetary Science Division during the Curiosity landing in 2012. He played a lead role in promoting and explaining the Mars rover to the public.&nbsp;Green also was a consultant for “The Martian,” a film about an astronaut who ends up marooned on Mars.“I feel tremendously proud about the activities I’ve done at NASA,” Green said in a statement. “In many ways, NASA is not a job. It’s a way of life. We’re always looking for ways to do the impossible.”Green started his career at NASA by developing the agency’s equivalent to the internet (the Space Physics Analysis Network) in 1980. He is best known for overseeing some of NASA’s biggest space exploration projects in the past 15 years.Green will assist with the search for his replacement.“Jim has touched so many important missions over the course of his illustrious career at NASA, not to mention the inspiration he instills in so many who lead the way in space across the board,” said deputy administrator Pam Melroy.&nbsp;In retirement, Green plans to continue collaborating with NASA.&nbsp;

Green retires from post as chief scientist at NASA

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d1685b6b-09ee-409a-8c1a-bbd36db298bf">Nathan McCullough</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/72234fd6-1420-4d5e-ac49-0654399885e8">Robert "Shannon" Stump</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/732e5c2b-d681-42d2-b6cd-275766eb5ff7">Kurt Kenley</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/32447dfd-17d8-43f4-a6d0-e0076b1781bd">Gerry Fesler</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6a402a36-22fb-46db-8d48-1e7aeb267d57">Cheryl Levinson</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d1685b6b-09ee-409a-8c1a-bbd36db298bf">Nathan McCullough</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/72234fd6-1420-4d5e-ac49-0654399885e8">Robert "Shannon" Stump</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/732e5c2b-d681-42d2-b6cd-275766eb5ff7">Kurt Kenley</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/32447dfd-17d8-43f4-a6d0-e0076b1781bd">Gerry Fesler</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6a402a36-22fb-46db-8d48-1e7aeb267d57">Cheryl Levinson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 11, 2022

By Beacon Staff The
 Burlington School Board passed the first reading of a modified version 
of its existing mask policy that could ease the current masking 
restrictions. School
 board president Joel Sieren, Deb Hatteberg (who put forth the motion), 
Darven Kendell, and Scott Mason voted for the measure, while Anika McVay 
and Nancy Hoelzen voted against it. Christi Burghoffer abstained. Before
 the vote, Mason, McVay, and Burghoffer said they were for the idea of 
eliminating masks entirely. Sieren, Hatteberg, Kendell, and Hoelzen 
favored a more cautious approach. Since it was 
the first reading of the policy, the modifications won’t be approved 
until the next school board meeting if the votes remain the same. 
School board member Joel Sieren indicated that could be a special board 
meeting. The new policy is modified from the 
one passed October of last year, which created a tier system using 
county COVID-19 positivity rates to determine when students and staff in
 the Burlington school district should wear masks. 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 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. The
 new tier system uses a higher percentage rate of positivity to 
determine mask usage for students and staff, and would be as follows: Tier One — No masks required if the county positivity rate is between 0 and 12 percent. Tier
 Two — Masks required during regular school hours when students are 
present if the county positivity rate is between 12.1 percent and 20 
percent. Tier Three — Masks required at all times when inside district buildings if the county positivity rate 20.1 percent or over. The numbers were negotiated by the school board after two hours of discussion, using Hatteberg’s motion as a starting point. The
 meeting room was packed by local residents, many who spoke out against 
any kind of mask policy. No one in the crowd spoke in favor of a mask 
policy. During the discussion, Sieren pounded 
his gavel several times after hearing outbursts from the audience. He 
also condemned the hateful tone of some of the emails sent by the public 
to the school board, calling some of them “borderline threats.” “We are all up here trying to do the best we can,” Sieren said.

Superintendent Pat Coen was not available for Monday night's meeting. Though the school board had planned on hearing from the school district's attorney regarding the employment status of the current but inactive Burlington High School Principal David Keane, that agenda item was pushed back to the next regular meeting due to Coen's absence. Monica Meyers is the acting interim principal for Burlington High School.

By Beacon Staff The
 Burlington School Board passed the first reading of a modified version 
of its existing mask policy that could ease the current masking 
restrictions. School
 board president Joel Sieren, Deb Hatteberg (who put forth the motion), 
Darven Kendell, and Scott Mason voted for the measure, while Anika McVay 
and Nancy Hoelzen voted against it. Christi Burghoffer abstained. Before
 the vote, Mason, McVay, and Burghoffer said they were for the idea of 
eliminating masks entirely. Sieren, Hatteberg, Kendell, and Hoelzen 
favored a more cautious approach. Since it was 
the first reading of the policy, the modifications won’t be approved 
until the next school board meeting if the votes remain the same. 
School board member Joel Sieren indicated that could be a special board 
meeting. The new policy is modified from the 
one passed October of last year, which created a tier system using 
county COVID-19 positivity rates to determine when students and staff in
 the Burlington school district should wear masks. 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 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. The
 new tier system uses a higher percentage rate of positivity to 
determine mask usage for students and staff, and would be as follows: Tier One — No masks required if the county positivity rate is between 0 and 12 percent. Tier
 Two — Masks required during regular school hours when students are 
present if the county positivity rate is between 12.1 percent and 20 
percent. Tier Three — Masks required at all times when inside district buildings if the county positivity rate 20.1 percent or over. The numbers were negotiated by the school board after two hours of discussion, using Hatteberg’s motion as a starting point. The
 meeting room was packed by local residents, many who spoke out against 
any kind of mask policy. No one in the crowd spoke in favor of a mask 
policy. During the discussion, Sieren pounded 
his gavel several times after hearing outbursts from the audience. He 
also condemned the hateful tone of some of the emails sent by the public 
to the school board, calling some of them “borderline threats.” “We are all up here trying to do the best we can,” Sieren said.Superintendent Pat Coen was not available for Monday night's meeting. Though the school board had planned on hearing from the school district's attorney regarding the employment status of the current but inactive Burlington High School Principal David Keane, that agenda item was pushed back to the next regular meeting due to Coen's absence. Monica Meyers is the acting interim principal for Burlington High School.

Burlington School Board Passes First Reading of Policy Easing Mask Restrictions

After nearly eight years
as the executive director of the Art Center on Jefferson Street, Tammy McCoy
will be leaving -- but she won't be going far.

Now McCoy has her sights
set on improving the stature of The Capitol Theater. She’s executive director
there as well and will be spending a lot more time in the restored theater now
that she’s stepping back from the Art Center.

“This is a good time to
pass the baton at the Art Center,” she said. “I want to stay through the Snake
Alley Art Fair for the transition.”

The baton will go to
current associate director Elizabeth Pappas, who has spent the past six months under
McCoy’s wing, training for the job to come. Hailing from North Carolina, Pappas
has a passion for the arts and joined the board of directors for the Art Center
as soon as she moved into town in 2019.

When McCoy took the Art
Center job in 2014, her biggest concerns were procuring air-conditioning and
keeping the building open. Since then, she has been the driving force behind a
new roof, layout, new windows, and a new program aimed at turning the Art Center
into a centralized, cultural touchstone for Burlington.

There’s always something
happening, whether inside the gallery or at the connected art store.

“I am being handed
something (The Art Center) that’s strong and stable, and Tammy has set a pretty
high bar,” Pappas said. “I’m happy to maintain that and continue to grow it.”

Changes
Are Coming to the Capitol Theater

When McCoy became
executive director of the Capitol Theater, she contemplated the additional
strain such a position would add to her life. She had to think about it.

Then she said “yes,”
without promise of payment. McCoy was already on the Capitol Theater board and
understood the dire situation.&nbsp;

“How could I not? They (the
Capitol Theater board of directors executive committee) had no one else to
ask,” she said.

She credits the board and
the many volunteers for keeping the theater going.

“The Capitol Theater is
alive today because of people in the community. I really believe that,” she
said.

McCoy's initial mission
was to keep the theater afloat, shedding off debt to the point where only the
mortgage note is owed. Now that her full attention can be focused on the
theater, she has bigger plans.

The additions to the theater
will start with a capital campaign later this month. All the familiar programs,
from cover bands to local festivals such as the Snake Alley Festival of Film,
will continue as always. So will the partnership with Southeastern Community
College.

McCoy’s business plan
calls for broadening the theater’s appeal. That includes new film releases and
transforming the theater annex into a bar/lounge area with a liquor license.

“People who utilize the
Capitol Theater, the audience is pretty narrow right now,” she said. “We want
to broaden that.”

Elizabeth Pappas has a
passion for the arts that manifests in fireball of energy. When her husband
Daniel Pappas landed a teaching job at Southeastern Community College (he is a
music instructor and the music program coordinator at the college), she
immediately hopped online to check out Burlington’s art scene.

Seeing the Art Center
made her forget the move to a chillier climate. For a town of its size, it was
far more than she expected.

“I immediately found this
place and wanted to be a part of it. This is the kind of atmosphere I wanted to
be a part of,” she said. “I joined the board and got to see a lot of
behind-the-scenes.”

Pappas grew up in Utah,
playing the violin. She was good enough to earn a scholarship to the University
of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she met her husband.

“I wouldn’t call myself
an artist. But I am very visual,” she said. “When we travel places, the first
thing I want to do is go to a museum. I love being around people who are
passionate about what they do. There is so much value a person can take from
that.”

Pappas sees her role as a
champion for the arts. She was a visual merchandising manager at Banana
Republic for 10 years before coming to Burlington and is not intimidated by the
vast Art Center schedule.

“I’m excited for 2022,
and I’m really excited about class offerings. We are offering up a lot more
variety for teens. We always have fun events, and we’re always coming up with
new ones,” Pappas said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1641849392746.jpeg" alt="Future Art Center executive director Elizabeth Pappas, left, and current director Tammy McCoy, right, pose for a photo together in the mezzanine of the Art Center. Pappas will be taking over as director of the Art Center later this year, while McCoy will focus on her job as executive director of the Capitol Theater. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Future Art Center executive director Elizabeth Pappas, left, and current director Tammy McCoy, right, pose for a photo together in the mezzanine of the Art Center. Pappas will be taking over as director of the Art Center later this year, while McCoy will focus on her job as executive director of the Capitol Theater. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithAfter nearly eight years
as the executive director of the Art Center on Jefferson Street, Tammy McCoy
will be leaving -- but she won't be going far.Now McCoy has her sights
set on improving the stature of The Capitol Theater. She’s executive director
there as well and will be spending a lot more time in the restored theater now
that she’s stepping back from the Art Center.“This is a good time to
pass the baton at the Art Center,” she said. “I want to stay through the Snake
Alley Art Fair for the transition.”The baton will go to
current associate director Elizabeth Pappas, who has spent the past six months under
McCoy’s wing, training for the job to come. Hailing from North Carolina, Pappas
has a passion for the arts and joined the board of directors for the Art Center
as soon as she moved into town in 2019.When McCoy took the Art
Center job in 2014, her biggest concerns were procuring air-conditioning and
keeping the building open. Since then, she has been the driving force behind a
new roof, layout, new windows, and a new program aimed at turning the Art Center
into a centralized, cultural touchstone for Burlington.There’s always something
happening, whether inside the gallery or at the connected art store.“I am being handed
something (The Art Center) that’s strong and stable, and Tammy has set a pretty
high bar,” Pappas said. “I’m happy to maintain that and continue to grow it.”Changes
Are Coming to the Capitol TheaterWhen McCoy became
executive director of the Capitol Theater, she contemplated the additional
strain such a position would add to her life. She had to think about it.Then she said “yes,”
without promise of payment. McCoy was already on the Capitol Theater board and
understood the dire situation.&nbsp;“How could I not? They (the
Capitol Theater board of directors executive committee) had no one else to
ask,” she said.She credits the board and
the many volunteers for keeping the theater going.“The Capitol Theater is
alive today because of people in the community. I really believe that,” she
said.McCoy's initial mission
was to keep the theater afloat, shedding off debt to the point where only the
mortgage note is owed. Now that her full attention can be focused on the
theater, she has bigger plans.The additions to the theater
will start with a capital campaign later this month. All the familiar programs,
from cover bands to local festivals such as the Snake Alley Festival of Film,
will continue as always. So will the partnership with Southeastern Community
College.McCoy’s business plan
calls for broadening the theater’s appeal. That includes new film releases and
transforming the theater annex into a bar/lounge area with a liquor license.“People who utilize the
Capitol Theater, the audience is pretty narrow right now,” she said. “We want
to broaden that.”Taking
the Art Center BatonElizabeth Pappas has a
passion for the arts that manifests in fireball of energy. When her husband
Daniel Pappas landed a teaching job at Southeastern Community College (he is a
music instructor and the music program coordinator at the college), she
immediately hopped online to check out Burlington’s art scene.Seeing the Art Center
made her forget the move to a chillier climate. For a town of its size, it was
far more than she expected.“I immediately found this
place and wanted to be a part of it. This is the kind of atmosphere I wanted to
be a part of,” she said. “I joined the board and got to see a lot of
behind-the-scenes.”Pappas grew up in Utah,
playing the violin. She was good enough to earn a scholarship to the University
of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she met her husband.“I wouldn’t call myself
an artist. But I am very visual,” she said. “When we travel places, the first
thing I want to do is go to a museum. I love being around people who are
passionate about what they do. There is so much value a person can take from
that.”Pappas sees her role as a
champion for the arts. She was a visual merchandising manager at Banana
Republic for 10 years before coming to Burlington and is not intimidated by the
vast Art Center schedule.In fact, she wants to add
it to it.“I’m excited for 2022,
and I’m really excited about class offerings. We are offering up a lot more
variety for teens. We always have fun events, and we’re always coming up with
new ones,” Pappas said.

Changes In Leadership Designed To Grow Capitol Theater and the Art Center

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/fa09572a-b34b-4dcc-aa41-05e6501acc53">Charles Pitzer</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/637fe5b6-a6ff-43ff-9563-a1c70c9da806">Lucy Olson Gajewski</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f3614879-0816-4e7a-9abb-74ab9ab238a7">James Helmick</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/fa09572a-b34b-4dcc-aa41-05e6501acc53">Charles Pitzer</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/637fe5b6-a6ff-43ff-9563-a1c70c9da806">Lucy Olson Gajewski</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f3614879-0816-4e7a-9abb-74ab9ab238a7">James Helmick</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4944eb04-408a-4def-a22a-a5ad7dbd9e77">Lela Tull</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 10, 2022

By Beacon Staff Burlington
 firefighters responded to two fires within 20 minutes of each other 
Friday morning, Jan. 7, and neither blaze resulted in injuries. The
 first fire was called in at 8 a.m. at 1428 Cleveland Ave. Burlington 
firefighters arrived six minutes later to find a smoldering fire in the 
upper story of the house. Residents had made attempts to extinguish the 
fire using a garden hose. The single-family home, owned and 
occupied by Curtis Heath, sustained an estimated $1,000 in damage to the
 structure and $500 in damages to contents. The fire started in 
the upstairs of the residence when embers from a coal burning fireplace 
ignited nearby objects. The homeowner was not present when the fire 
department arrived. Two other occupants of the home were able to escape 
without injury and have been assisted by the American Red Cross. Twelve
 Burlington firefighters responded to the initial call. West Burlington 
firefighters were responding on automatic aid but were canceled en 
route. Burlington Police assisted displaced residents at the scene. Firefighters cleared the scene at 9 a.m. The Second House Fire Nineteen
 minutes later, at 8:19 a.m., Burlington firefighters responded to a 
report of smoke coming from the roof of a home at 1705 Olive St. The 
firefighters, some who were responding from the previous fire scene that
 was still active, arrived at 8:21&nbsp; a.m. to find a small fire in the 
attic of the single-family rental home. One woman had been inside the house and not aware of the fire until alerted by neighbors. She was able to safely escape. The
 rental home is owned by Betty Weinreich of Lomax, Ill., and is occupied
 by Dawn Bennick. Damage is estimated at $5,000 to the structure and 
$1,000 to contents; the house is insured. There were no working smoke 
detectors in the house. The fire was caused by overloaded electrical wiring due to the use of a space heater and is considered accidental. Six
 Burlington firefighters initially responded to the call, with West 
Burlington firefighters responding on automatic aid. Additional 
firefighters responded as they became available from the previous fire 
scene. Burlington Police and Alliant Energy assisted at the scene.&nbsp; Firefighters cleared the scene at 9:36 a.m.

By Beacon Staff Burlington
 firefighters responded to two fires within 20 minutes of each other 
Friday morning, Jan. 7, and neither blaze resulted in injuries. The
 first fire was called in at 8 a.m. at 1428 Cleveland Ave. Burlington 
firefighters arrived six minutes later to find a smoldering fire in the 
upper story of the house. Residents had made attempts to extinguish the 
fire using a garden hose. The single-family home, owned and 
occupied by Curtis Heath, sustained an estimated $1,000 in damage to the
 structure and $500 in damages to contents. The fire started in 
the upstairs of the residence when embers from a coal burning fireplace 
ignited nearby objects. The homeowner was not present when the fire 
department arrived. Two other occupants of the home were able to escape 
without injury and have been assisted by the American Red Cross. Twelve
 Burlington firefighters responded to the initial call. West Burlington 
firefighters were responding on automatic aid but were canceled en 
route. Burlington Police assisted displaced residents at the scene. Firefighters cleared the scene at 9 a.m. The Second House Fire Nineteen
 minutes later, at 8:19 a.m., Burlington firefighters responded to a 
report of smoke coming from the roof of a home at 1705 Olive St. The 
firefighters, some who were responding from the previous fire scene that
 was still active, arrived at 8:21&nbsp; a.m. to find a small fire in the 
attic of the single-family rental home. One woman had been inside the house and not aware of the fire until alerted by neighbors. She was able to safely escape. The
 rental home is owned by Betty Weinreich of Lomax, Ill., and is occupied
 by Dawn Bennick. Damage is estimated at $5,000 to the structure and 
$1,000 to contents; the house is insured. There were no working smoke 
detectors in the house. The fire was caused by overloaded electrical wiring due to the use of a space heater and is considered accidental. Six
 Burlington firefighters initially responded to the call, with West 
Burlington firefighters responding on automatic aid. Additional 
firefighters responded as they became available from the previous fire 
scene. Burlington Police and Alliant Energy assisted at the scene.&nbsp; Firefighters cleared the scene at 9:36 a.m.

Burlington Firefighters Fight Two House Fires Friday Morning

By Beacon Staff Burlington Police had to close down Roosevelt Avenue and divert southbound and northbound traffic for a couple of hours the morning of Thursday, Jan. 6 after a semi-truck and an SUV collided at the intersection with Division Street. No one was seriously injured in the accident, but the semi was positioned crossways across the road, forcing the traffic diversion. The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. According to the Burlington Police Department, Song Yuk Richardson, 67, of Sperry, had been traveling south on U.S. 61 and was waiting in the left turn lane on Roosevelt Avenue to turn east onto Division Street. Richardson said she had the blinking yellow arrow at the traffic light and was struck by a semi-truck headed north on U.S. 61 as&nbsp; she was turning. The semi-truck, driven by Terry Gene Mulvaney, 59, of Lasalle, Ill., was approaching Division Street and Mulvaney saw that he had a green light. Mulvaney, who said he was traveling 38 miles per hour, saw Richardson turning in front of him but did not have time to brake. Officers concluded that Richardson was at fault for the accident and she was issued a citation for failure to yield upon a left turn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1641517460174.jpeg" alt="A collision between a semi-truck and an SUV temporarily shut down Roosevelt Avenue on Thursday morning. Photo submitted. " />
 <figcaption>A collision between a semi-truck and an SUV temporarily shut down Roosevelt Avenue on Thursday morning. Photo submitted. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Burlington Police had to close down Roosevelt Avenue and divert southbound and northbound traffic for a couple of hours the morning of Thursday, Jan. 6 after a semi-truck and an SUV collided at the intersection with Division Street. No one was seriously injured in the accident, but the semi was positioned crossways across the road, forcing the traffic diversion. The accident occurred just after 11 a.m. According to the Burlington Police Department, Song Yuk Richardson, 67, of Sperry, had been traveling south on U.S. 61 and was waiting in the left turn lane on Roosevelt Avenue to turn east onto Division Street. Richardson said she had the blinking yellow arrow at the traffic light and was struck by a semi-truck headed north on U.S. 61 as&nbsp; she was turning. The semi-truck, driven by Terry Gene Mulvaney, 59, of Lasalle, Ill., was approaching Division Street and Mulvaney saw that he had a green light. Mulvaney, who said he was traveling 38 miles per hour, saw Richardson turning in front of him but did not have time to brake. Officers concluded that Richardson was at fault for the accident and she was issued a citation for failure to yield upon a left turn.

Collision Blocks Roosevelt Avenue; No Injuries Reported

One person is dead after mobile home fire at Timberline Estates in West Burlington early Thursday morning.

The person has yet to be identified by police.

Burlington firefighters were called to the fire at 14876 Washington Road, lot 193, at 2:37 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6,  to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters and deputies worked to determine if anyone was inside the mobile home while bringing the fire under control. The fire was brought under control by 3:18 am. Firefighters cleared the scene at 8:35 a.m.

The damage caused by the fire was extensive. During a search of the mobile home a body was located. The body was removed and taken to the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for identification.

The mobile home is owned by Homes in Iowa and is managed by Timberline Estates. Damage estimates are still being assessed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Ten Burlington firefighters responded to the initial call and were assisted by firefighters from Danville, Gladstone, Mediapolis, and West Burlington, who provided manpower and water tenders. 

Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and the Secondary Roads Department, Alliant Energy, and REC also assisted at the scene. There were no other injuries aside from the fatality.

By Beacon StaffOne person is dead after mobile home fire at Timberline Estates in West Burlington early Thursday morning.The person has yet to be identified by police.Burlington firefighters were called to the fire at 14876 Washington Road, lot 193, at 2:37 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, to find a mobile home fully engulfed in flames.Firefighters and deputies worked to determine if anyone was inside the mobile home while bringing the fire under control. The fire was brought under control by 3:18 am. Firefighters cleared the scene at 8:35 a.m.The damage caused by the fire was extensive. During a search of the mobile home a body was located. The body was removed and taken to the Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for identification.The mobile home is owned by Homes in Iowa and is managed by Timberline Estates. Damage estimates are still being assessed.The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department, Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office.Ten Burlington firefighters responded to the initial call and were assisted by firefighters from Danville, Gladstone, Mediapolis, and West Burlington, who provided manpower and water tenders. Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and the Secondary Roads Department, Alliant Energy, and REC also assisted at the scene. There were no other injuries aside from the fatality.

One Dead In Timberline Estates Fire Thursday Morning

By Beacon Staff The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved a mask policy for unvaccinated county employees Tuesday morning (Dec. 4) during their regular meeting. The policy will go into effect Monday (Jan. 10) if the Supreme Court upholds the federal vaccine mandate Friday, and will be required of employers who have more than 100 employees. The county employs over 200 people. Supervisors Jim Cary and Tom Broeker said they don’t agree with the mandate, but pointed out the county has no choice but to go along with federal law. Resisting could result in a loss of federal funding, Cary said. The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in challenges to two federal vaccine requirements Friday. Cary and Broeker voted for the mandate, while fellow DMC Supervisor Shane McCampbell voted against it. The policy calls for employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask while working indoors. Those who work outside or alone are not required to wear a mask. Those who don’t comply will be given warnings, a suspension, and will eventually be terminated for non-compliance. On Feb. 9, the testing portion of the policy will go into effect, requiring employees who have not been vaccinated to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. The requirement would cover two-thirds of the nation’s private workforce. Large businesses that refuse to comply with the mandate face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation. The Supreme Court will also hear arguments Friday in a challenge to the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers who are employed at facilities that accept federal funding, such as through Medicare. The Biden administration has estimated that this separate requirement will affect roughly 10 million workers.

By Beacon Staff The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved a mask policy for unvaccinated county employees Tuesday morning (Dec. 4) during their regular meeting. The policy will go into effect Monday (Jan. 10) if the Supreme Court upholds the federal vaccine mandate Friday, and will be required of employers who have more than 100 employees. The county employs over 200 people. Supervisors Jim Cary and Tom Broeker said they don’t agree with the mandate, but pointed out the county has no choice but to go along with federal law. Resisting could result in a loss of federal funding, Cary said. The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in challenges to two federal vaccine requirements Friday. Cary and Broeker voted for the mandate, while fellow DMC Supervisor Shane McCampbell voted against it. The policy calls for employees who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear a mask while working indoors. Those who work outside or alone are not required to wear a mask. Those who don’t comply will be given warnings, a suspension, and will eventually be terminated for non-compliance. On Feb. 9, the testing portion of the policy will go into effect, requiring employees who have not been vaccinated to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. The requirement would cover two-thirds of the nation’s private workforce. Large businesses that refuse to comply with the mandate face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation. The Supreme Court will also hear arguments Friday in a challenge to the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers who are employed at facilities that accept federal funding, such as through Medicare. The Biden administration has estimated that this separate requirement will affect roughly 10 million workers.

Mask Mandate For County Employees Could Go Into Effect Monday

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/901b6a57-b1ea-4ffa-ac73-816b2d0b25f1">Samuel Kurrle</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/52f8dd00-c198-455c-bab4-c5cf5845a079">Mary Lee Crowe</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/901b6a57-b1ea-4ffa-ac73-816b2d0b25f1">Samuel Kurrle</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/52f8dd00-c198-455c-bab4-c5cf5845a079">Mary Lee Crowe</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 5, 2022

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d3fe006d-b5f0-47bc-b028-2932cc7de9ff">John Duttweiler</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c993cd91-c5b5-47f3-9c79-909a21c4eb78">Larry Johnson</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/d3fe006d-b5f0-47bc-b028-2932cc7de9ff">John Duttweiler</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c993cd91-c5b5-47f3-9c79-909a21c4eb78">Larry Johnson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Jan. 3, 2022

By Beacon Staff Jon Billups will continue to serve as mayor of Burlington for the next two years. Billups was unanimously voted into the position for another two-year term by his fellow council members during Monday night’s regular city council meeting. While Billups was one of three council members to retain their council positions during last October’s election, it is up to the council to vote for mayor every two years at the beginning of a new year. “Jon has the pulse of the people,” said returning city council member and mayor pro tem Lynda Graham-Murray. Fellow council member Robert Maupin agreed. “I think Jon has done a good job so far,” he affirmed. Billups thanked the council for voting him in, noting how special it is to receive the approval of your peers. “Still, this is a group effort. Everyone needs to understand that,” he said. Graham-Murray was voted in unanimously as mayor pro tem for another two years while Katie Music was voted in unanimously as city clerk, replacing Kathleen Salisbury who retired at the end of 2021 after 42 years of service. In other business, assistant city manager Nick MacGregor said snow had been cleared from most city streets by Monday night. He said those efforts came in spite of a staff shortage related to the New Year’s Day holiday. “Hats off to you and your crew and city staff,” Billups said to MacGregor. In other news, the council gave the green light to a resolution approving a municipal lease agreement for the purchase of a $900,000 records management and maintenance system for the police department. Burlington Police Major Jeff Klein explained the records systems and the need to update them while asking for the budget request during last week’s city council work session. For the last eight months, he said, the incidents log on the Burlington Police Department website has been blank, even as the arrest log is updated on a daily basis. Since April of 2021, the department has had to keep those particular records by hand. “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 handwrite everything,” Klein explained last week. “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 search for a new system. According to Klein, the cost will be split between Burlington, Des Moines County, and West Burlington, with Burlington and the county each paying 45 percent and West Burlington contributing 10 percent. The E911 board will pick up the cost of the CAD system. While the county and West Burlington will pay their portion up front, the Burlington Police Department will utilize the capital improvement program, paying $64,000 a year for the next five years.&nbsp; The first payment won’t be due until January of 2023, and the department is paying $30,000 up front from the money it has already saved. 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. The information was not as robust as it was before the transition to a new DESCOM system in April, as councilman Matt Rinker discovered during 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, either. Klein said it will take 12 to 14 months to fully implement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1641261501285.jpeg" alt="Jon Billups was unanimously reelected to another two-year term as mayor of Burlington by his fellow council members during Monday night’s regular city council meeting. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Jon Billups was unanimously reelected to another two-year term as mayor of Burlington by his fellow council members during Monday night’s regular city council meeting. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Jon Billups will continue to serve as mayor of Burlington for the next two years. Billups was unanimously voted into the position for another two-year term by his fellow council members during Monday night’s regular city council meeting. While Billups was one of three council members to retain their council positions during last October’s election, it is up to the council to vote for mayor every two years at the beginning of a new year. “Jon has the pulse of the people,” said returning city council member and mayor pro tem Lynda Graham-Murray. Fellow council member Robert Maupin agreed. “I think Jon has done a good job so far,” he affirmed. Billups thanked the council for voting him in, noting how special it is to receive the approval of your peers. “Still, this is a group effort. Everyone needs to understand that,” he said. Graham-Murray was voted in unanimously as mayor pro tem for another two years while Katie Music was voted in unanimously as city clerk, replacing Kathleen Salisbury who retired at the end of 2021 after 42 years of service. In other business, assistant city manager Nick MacGregor said snow had been cleared from most city streets by Monday night. He said those efforts came in spite of a staff shortage related to the New Year’s Day holiday. “Hats off to you and your crew and city staff,” Billups said to MacGregor. In other news, the council gave the green light to a resolution approving a municipal lease agreement for the purchase of a $900,000 records management and maintenance system for the police department. Burlington Police Major Jeff Klein explained the records systems and the need to update them while asking for the budget request during last week’s city council work session. For the last eight months, he said, the incidents log on the Burlington Police Department website has been blank, even as the arrest log is updated on a daily basis. Since April of 2021, the department has had to keep those particular records by hand. “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 handwrite everything,” Klein explained last week. “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 search for a new system. According to Klein, the cost will be split between Burlington, Des Moines County, and West Burlington, with Burlington and the county each paying 45 percent and West Burlington contributing 10 percent. The E911 board will pick up the cost of the CAD system. While the county and West Burlington will pay their portion up front, the Burlington Police Department will utilize the capital improvement program, paying $64,000 a year for the next five years.&nbsp; The first payment won’t be due until January of 2023, and the department is paying $30,000 up front from the money it has already saved. 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. The information was not as robust as it was before the transition to a new DESCOM system in April, as councilman Matt Rinker discovered during 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, either. Klein said it will take 12 to 14 months to fully implement.