By Beacon Staff A Burlington man was arrested Thursday afternoon after eluding police on several warrants pertaining to a person who was held against their will within the Burlington area. Damond Bass, 45, Burlington, was charged on Des Moines County warrants for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, assault causing bodily injury, false imprisonment, first degree harassment, aggravated eluding (of police), and no valid driver’s license. He is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center on no bond pending a court appearance. According to a press release issued by the Burlington Police Department, the department’s Criminal Investigation Division had been following up on a complaint pertaining to a subject who was held against their will at a residence in the greater Burlington area.&nbsp; During the investigation, detectives secured arrest warrants for Damond Bass.&nbsp; On Thursday, Burlington Police officers observed Bass driving and attempted to serve the arrest warrants on him. Bass eluded officers attempts and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, officers lost sight of the vehicle Bass was operating after he crossed Cascade Bridge. His vehicle allegedly squeezed between the barriers blocking Cascade Bridge, knocking the mirrors off the vehicle. Police later located the vehicle, which was unoccupied, near Sacred Heart Cemetery. While searching the area, officers located Bass hiding nearby. Bass was placed under arrest and transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2022/1/1641260146819.jpeg" alt="Damond Bass" />
 <figcaption>Damond Bass</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff A Burlington man was arrested Thursday afternoon after eluding police on several warrants pertaining to a person who was held against their will within the Burlington area. Damond Bass, 45, Burlington, was charged on Des Moines County warrants for assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, assault causing bodily injury, false imprisonment, first degree harassment, aggravated eluding (of police), and no valid driver’s license. He is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center on no bond pending a court appearance. According to a press release issued by the Burlington Police Department, the department’s Criminal Investigation Division had been following up on a complaint pertaining to a subject who was held against their will at a residence in the greater Burlington area.&nbsp; During the investigation, detectives secured arrest warrants for Damond Bass.&nbsp; On Thursday, Burlington Police officers observed Bass driving and attempted to serve the arrest warrants on him. Bass eluded officers attempts and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, officers lost sight of the vehicle Bass was operating after he crossed Cascade Bridge. His vehicle allegedly squeezed between the barriers blocking Cascade Bridge, knocking the mirrors off the vehicle. Police later located the vehicle, which was unoccupied, near Sacred Heart Cemetery. While searching the area, officers located Bass hiding nearby. Bass was placed under arrest and transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Center.&nbsp;

Burlington Police Arrest Man Who Crossed Cascade Bridge in High Speed Chase

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3a3c495d-1988-4914-8fa1-8ed9e8bba57b">Kimberly Kephart-Maxam</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2e54ea9d-c000-41e6-88f6-0f1ea61af2f0">Virginia Davis</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e46fdd26-a407-411a-a9b6-dae3097efa01">Chad Caldwell</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/df095220-df09-4c8f-b11c-27b48a8337e1">Georgia Thompson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f638b75b-ce25-44b4-aaf3-d7148e20a122">Brian 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/3a3c495d-1988-4914-8fa1-8ed9e8bba57b">Kimberly Kephart-Maxam</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2e54ea9d-c000-41e6-88f6-0f1ea61af2f0">Virginia Davis</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/e46fdd26-a407-411a-a9b6-dae3097efa01">Chad Caldwell</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/df095220-df09-4c8f-b11c-27b48a8337e1">Georgia Thompson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f638b75b-ce25-44b4-aaf3-d7148e20a122">Brian Johnson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 31, 2021

A Burlington home caught fire Thursday evening, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the first floor of the house.

According to a press release issued by fire officials, the Burlington Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1413 Gnahn St at 4:34 p.m. The battalion chief arrived at 4:38 p.m. and a box alarm was struck, resulting in a call for off-duty Burlington firefighters with West Burlington responding on automatic aid. Initial engine company arrived at 4:39 p.m.

The firefighters gained access to the interior of the house through a walk-out basement door, and contained the fire to the first floor. Twelve on-duty and five off-duty Burlington firefighters were involved in the response, along with nine West Burlington firefighters.

The house is owned and occupied by Angel Magnuson, and is insured. Damage is estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $20,000 to contents. The residence had multiple working smoke detectors. No one was home at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Police and Fire Departments. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:35 p.m. Superior Ambulance, Alliant Energy and Gas, 1-800-Board-Up, and the American Red Cross also assisted at the scene.

A Burlington home caught fire Thursday evening, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the first floor of the house.According to a press release issued by fire officials, the Burlington Fire Department responded to a reported house fire at 1413 Gnahn St at 4:34 p.m. The battalion chief arrived at 4:38 p.m. and a box alarm was struck, resulting in a call for off-duty Burlington firefighters with West Burlington responding on automatic aid. Initial engine company arrived at 4:39 p.m.The firefighters gained access to the interior of the house through a walk-out basement door, and contained the fire to the first floor. Twelve on-duty and five off-duty Burlington firefighters were involved in the response, along with nine West Burlington firefighters. The house is owned and occupied by Angel Magnuson, and is insured. Damage is estimated at $25,000 to the structure and $20,000 to contents. The residence had multiple working smoke detectors. No one was home at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.The cause of fire remains under investigation by the Burlington Police and Fire Departments. Firefighters cleared the scene at 7:35 p.m. Superior Ambulance, Alliant Energy and Gas, 1-800-Board-Up, and the American Red Cross also assisted at the scene.

No Injuries in Thursday House Fire on Gnahn St.

By Beacon Staff Burlington didn’t have anything close to a white Christmas this year. But New Year’s Day is looking to make up for it. Forecasters with the National Weather
 Service are calling for 8 to 10 inches of snow Saturday, Jan. 1 specifically for Burlington, with a slightly lower estimate of 4 to 7 
inches for the surrounding counties. A Winter 
Storm Watch will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1 until 12 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 2 for most of southeast Iowa, including Burlington, Wapello, 
Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, Keosauqua, Fort Madison, and Oquawka, Ill.&nbsp; 
The entire area affected includes portions of northeast Missouri, east 
central and southeast Iowa and north central, northwest and west central
 Illinois. For now, the watch is calling for heavy snow for that broad area, accumulating anywhere from 4 to 7 inches. The
 more detailed, local forecast for Burlington is a bit nastier, calling 
for 5 to 10 inches of snow. Shortly after revelers ring in the new year,
 there will be a forty percent chance of snow and freezing rain after 
midnight. There’s an eighty percent chance the snow
 and freezing rain will continue into the daylight hours of Saturday, 
turning to all heavy snow after 8 a.m. The high temperature won’t get 
above 24 degrees, and conditions will be blustery. By nightfall, there 
may be 4 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. There’s a 50 percent chance another inch or two of snow will fall after midnight, bringing an end to the winter storm. The
 sun will be out by Sunday morning, and the high will have dropped to 12
 degrees, with a low around zero. No further precipitation is expected for 
daytime Sunday or the rest of the week. Temperatures will climb back 
into the 20s and 30s on Monday, and will stay in that range for the 
remainder of the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1640904115977.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Burlington didn’t have anything close to a white Christmas this year. But New Year’s Day is looking to make up for it. Forecasters with the National Weather
 Service are calling for 8 to 10 inches of snow Saturday, Jan. 1 specifically for Burlington, with a slightly lower estimate of 4 to 7 
inches for the surrounding counties. A Winter 
Storm Watch will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1 until 12 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 2 for most of southeast Iowa, including Burlington, Wapello, 
Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, Keosauqua, Fort Madison, and Oquawka, Ill.&nbsp; 
The entire area affected includes portions of northeast Missouri, east 
central and southeast Iowa and north central, northwest and west central
 Illinois. For now, the watch is calling for heavy snow for that broad area, accumulating anywhere from 4 to 7 inches. The
 more detailed, local forecast for Burlington is a bit nastier, calling 
for 5 to 10 inches of snow. Shortly after revelers ring in the new year,
 there will be a forty percent chance of snow and freezing rain after 
midnight. There’s an eighty percent chance the snow
 and freezing rain will continue into the daylight hours of Saturday, 
turning to all heavy snow after 8 a.m. The high temperature won’t get 
above 24 degrees, and conditions will be blustery. By nightfall, there 
may be 4 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. There’s a 50 percent chance another inch or two of snow will fall after midnight, bringing an end to the winter storm. The
 sun will be out by Sunday morning, and the high will have dropped to 12
 degrees, with a low around zero. No further precipitation is expected for 
daytime Sunday or the rest of the week. Temperatures will climb back 
into the 20s and 30s on Monday, and will stay in that range for the 
remainder of the week.

Winter Storm to Bring in the New Year

In a special session requested by Director Anika McVay, the Burlington Community School
District Board of Directors met on Wednesday, Dec. 29 and approved the
appointment of Monica Myers as the Interim Principal of Burlington High School.

The school board voted unanimously to approve Myers as principal. Board member Darven Kendell was not available for the special meeting.

The same appointment was up for a vote last week during another special board meeting, but failed in a tie 3-3 vote. McVay, who voted against the measure last week, said she felt more informed this week to make a decision.

“I did vote ‘no' last time because I was not given enough information. This was in no way a reflection on the person, but a reflection on the process," she said.

Myers is a lifelong resident of the Burlington area and has served BCSD for over 30 years as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past
six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the Teacher
Leadership and Mentoring Coordinator.

Myers will assume her new interim duties when the
District returns from Winter Break on January 3, 2022.

The school district attorney will be on hand at the next regular school board meeting on Jan. 10 to field questions regarding the current BHS principal, David Keane. The school district has not given an update on his employment status, citing workplace confidentiality. He was still listed as principal on the Burlington High School website as of Wednesday, Dec. 29.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1640803866394.jpeg" alt="Monica Myers" />
 <figcaption>Monica Myers</figcaption>
 </figure>In a special session requested by Director Anika McVay, the Burlington Community School
District Board of Directors met on Wednesday, Dec. 29 and approved the
appointment of Monica Myers as the Interim Principal of Burlington High School.The school board voted unanimously to approve Myers as principal. Board member Darven Kendell was not available for the special meeting.The same appointment was up for a vote last week during another special board meeting, but failed in a tie 3-3 vote. McVay, who voted against the measure last week, said she felt more informed this week to make a decision.“I did vote ‘no' last time because I was not given enough information. This was in no way a reflection on the person, but a reflection on the process," she said.Myers is a lifelong resident of the Burlington area and has served BCSD for over 30 years as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past
six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the Teacher
Leadership and Mentoring Coordinator. Myers will assume her new interim duties when the
District returns from Winter Break on January 3, 2022.The school district attorney will be on hand at the next regular school board meeting on Jan. 10 to field questions regarding the current BHS principal, David Keane. The school district has not given an update on his employment status, citing workplace confidentiality. He was still listed as principal on the Burlington High School website as of Wednesday, Dec. 29.

BCSD Approves Interim Principal of BHS

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6fa9e253-4ba8-4b4a-a2f3-03f3ebd76eea">Jeffrey Grimes</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2005eb23-66a9-456e-8eb0-6f0539441b62">Dorothy Shanstrom</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/29e714bd-4be9-4309-999f-8367d2051881">Jimmy Moyner</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a0c638ea-42e1-4a47-82ee-5f1dc7ba8585">David Cummings</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6c7b691e-ef89-45dc-a58c-844566dbe9fc">James Orth</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/6fa9e253-4ba8-4b4a-a2f3-03f3ebd76eea">Jeffrey Grimes</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2005eb23-66a9-456e-8eb0-6f0539441b62">Dorothy Shanstrom</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/29e714bd-4be9-4309-999f-8367d2051881">Jimmy Moyner</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a0c638ea-42e1-4a47-82ee-5f1dc7ba8585">David Cummings</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6c7b691e-ef89-45dc-a58c-844566dbe9fc">James Orth</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 28, 2021

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/b8948c08-e89d-4d4c-9f8c-672c2a9d0dfc">Richard Gaddis</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2bd3ed22-9018-4300-b1f9-f8ec080e26cc">Marilyn Lloyd</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/09953bbc-63fe-417e-88d8-08d6c7f39e61">Edward Blythe</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/b8948c08-e89d-4d4c-9f8c-672c2a9d0dfc">Richard Gaddis</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2bd3ed22-9018-4300-b1f9-f8ec080e26cc">Marilyn Lloyd</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/09953bbc-63fe-417e-88d8-08d6c7f39e61">Edward Blythe</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 27, 2021

&nbsp;With donations of $100,000 each to the Margaret Hansen Community Impact Fund, Keith Schulz, Jerry Parks, and Dennis Wilson have founded the&nbsp;Century&nbsp;Landmark Society&nbsp;for the Community Foundation of Des Moines County. These funds will increase the Foundation’s ability to assist with important projects throughout Des Moines County. 

The Margaret Hansen Community Impact Fund is an endowment that provides an efficient way to do permanent good in Des Moines County.&nbsp; As an endowment, donations to this fund are eligible for the 25-percent Endow Iowa Tax Credit in addition to the federal charitable deduction, which together can reduce the cost of a donation by as much as 50 percent. 

The mission of the Des Moines County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Des Moines County by providing means for permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of all donors for today and tomorrow. As members of the Foundation board of directors, the trio hopes that their donations will be an example for others who are able to do the same and become part of the&nbsp;Century&nbsp;Landmark Society.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1640637611122.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff &nbsp;With donations of $100,000 each to the Margaret Hansen Community Impact Fund, Keith Schulz, Jerry Parks, and Dennis Wilson have founded the&nbsp;Century&nbsp;Landmark Society&nbsp;for the Community Foundation of Des Moines County. These funds will increase the Foundation’s ability to assist with important projects throughout Des Moines County. The Margaret Hansen Community Impact Fund is an endowment that provides an efficient way to do permanent good in Des Moines County.&nbsp; As an endowment, donations to this fund are eligible for the 25-percent Endow Iowa Tax Credit in addition to the federal charitable deduction, which together can reduce the cost of a donation by as much as 50 percent. The mission of the Des Moines County Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Des Moines County by providing means for permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of all donors for today and tomorrow. As members of the Foundation board of directors, the trio hopes that their donations will be an example for others who are able to do the same and become part of the&nbsp;Century&nbsp;Landmark Society.

Three Donors Establish Century Landmark Society 

Obituaries and death notices have been published for:

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a02aab51-0a79-4316-8891-d09d18cd179e">Velma (Robinson) Smith</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/59a7d70a-c9cd-4b20-bac2-05b357a70b38">Jessie Butler</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/800f2135-2642-440b-9796-33c3cc51cbf6">Nathan McCullough</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66da3344-bbf8-40e7-9179-c5bbea350b0a">Norma Niemann</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4bc5d045-c0b7-40a4-993c-8dfaaf03095f">Rosemary Hobbs</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c721601b-16b1-4e17-aa4c-6fac0a65da4d">Phyllis Dunn</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/83a08eeb-148b-4ade-a4cf-c52714e7cf3c">Mary Ann Goetz</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries and death notices have been published for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/a02aab51-0a79-4316-8891-d09d18cd179e">Velma (Robinson) Smith</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/59a7d70a-c9cd-4b20-bac2-05b357a70b38">Jessie Butler</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/800f2135-2642-440b-9796-33c3cc51cbf6">Nathan McCullough</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/66da3344-bbf8-40e7-9179-c5bbea350b0a">Norma Niemann</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/4bc5d045-c0b7-40a4-993c-8dfaaf03095f">Rosemary Hobbs</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/c721601b-16b1-4e17-aa4c-6fac0a65da4d">Phyllis Dunn</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/83a08eeb-148b-4ade-a4cf-c52714e7cf3c">Mary Ann Goetz</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 24, 2021

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/2fd18461-4057-4f24-9d4b-78fb6882825f">Patricia Shannon</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6339bbbd-8915-4cb2-bd5c-be593a0e8c9b">Amy Ferris</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/2fd18461-4057-4f24-9d4b-78fb6882825f">Patricia Shannon</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/6339bbbd-8915-4cb2-bd5c-be593a0e8c9b">Amy Ferris</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/edd912dc-e9a5-449a-ace6-8935a4ecdcc2">Mary Lomo</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 21, 2021

The Burlington School Board was divided on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 21) on a measure appointing Monica Myers as the interim principal of Burlington High School.

The vote came during a special school board meeting.

The status of the current principal, David Keane, is unclear. 

School officials nor board members say they can comment on his employment due to workplace confidentiality. Keane was still listed as a principal on the high school website as of Tuesday afternoon.

“As I mentioned in my board report weeks ago and then at the last meeting’s board report, we are prepared, underneath guidance from our attorney, to name an interim (principal) at the high school,” Coen said.

Coen said the school district's attorney would answer questions about Keane’s employment status at the next board meeting in January.

School board members Joel Sieren, Darven Kendell, and Nancy Hoelzen voted to approve the human resources report appointing Myers as interim principal. Board members Anika McVay, Scott Mason, and Christi Burghoffer voted against it.

With a tied vote, the motion failed. School board member Deb Hatteberg wasn’t available for the special meeting. 

After the vote, Sieren, school board president, indicated that Keane no longer performs his functions as principal at the school. 

“So we will continue without leadership at the high school for another few weeks,” Sieren said just before the meeting ended.

Several board members voiced their displeasure regarding the lack of information on the agenda for the special meeting and the hiring of an interim principal. 

Kendell said it felt like a slap in the face to the school board and staff, who were not notified for the past two months about the status of Keane’s employment.

Mason was equally frustrated with the meeting and how Myers was chosen without prior consultation with the board. Burghoffer shared the same concerns.

“We’ve had staff, for the lack of a better term, twisting in the wind at the high school," Mason said. "Now, we’re going to make this change?”

Mason said staff at the school are scared to voice their displeasure at the lack of information. But they do have strong opinions on the matter, based on emails, he added.

“The teachers don’t have a voice,” he said.

Coen said he delayed informing the board and the public about the replacement for two weeks longer than expected due to the death of Monica Myer's husband, Notre Dame basketball coach Jim Myers.

Monica Myers has 30 years of experience in the Burlington School District as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the teacher leadership and mentoring coordinator.

“We looked at Monica Myers' strengths, abilities, experience, and we thought she is the individual to lead this (Burlington High School) in this dire situation,” Coen said. “However, we could not do that when her husband had just passed away. So we bit the bullet and let people kick us around like dogs for two weeks in the best interest of the school district.”

“I’m going to try to put the best person in there, even if I have to get kicked around for two weeks,” Coen said.

By Beacon StaffThe Burlington School Board was divided on Tuesday afternoon (Dec. 21) on a measure appointing Monica Myers as the interim principal of Burlington High School.The vote came during a special school board meeting.The status of the current principal, David Keane, is unclear. School officials nor board members say they can comment on his employment due to workplace confidentiality. Keane was still listed as a principal on the high school website as of Tuesday afternoon.“As I mentioned in my board report weeks ago and then at the last meeting’s board report, we are prepared, underneath guidance from our attorney, to name an interim (principal) at the high school,” Coen said.Coen said the school district's attorney would answer questions about Keane’s employment status at the next board meeting in January.School board members Joel Sieren, Darven Kendell, and Nancy Hoelzen voted to approve the human resources report appointing Myers as interim principal. Board members Anika McVay, Scott Mason, and Christi Burghoffer voted against it.With a tied vote, the motion failed. School board member Deb Hatteberg wasn’t available for the special meeting. After the vote, Sieren, school board president, indicated that Keane no longer performs his functions as principal at the school. “So we will continue without leadership at the high school for another few weeks,” Sieren said just before the meeting ended.Several board members voiced their displeasure regarding the lack of information on the agenda for the special meeting and the hiring of an interim principal. Kendell said it felt like a slap in the face to the school board and staff, who were not notified for the past two months about the status of Keane’s employment.Mason was equally frustrated with the meeting and how Myers was chosen without prior consultation with the board. Burghoffer shared the same concerns.“We’ve had staff, for the lack of a better term, twisting in the wind at the high school," Mason said. "Now, we’re going to make this change?”Mason said staff at the school are scared to voice their displeasure at the lack of information. But they do have strong opinions on the matter, based on emails, he added.“The teachers don’t have a voice,” he said.Coen said he delayed informing the board and the public about the replacement for two weeks longer than expected due to the death of Monica Myer's husband, Notre Dame basketball coach Jim Myers.Monica Myers has 30 years of experience in the Burlington School District as a teacher and in various teacher leadership positions. For the past six years, she has served in a district-wide leadership role as the teacher leadership and mentoring coordinator.“We looked at Monica Myers' strengths, abilities, experience, and we thought she is the individual to lead this (Burlington High School) in this dire situation,” Coen said. “However, we could not do that when her husband had just passed away. So we bit the bullet and let people kick us around like dogs for two weeks in the best interest of the school district.”“I’m going to try to put the best person in there, even if I have to get kicked around for two weeks,” Coen said.

Burlington School Board Split On Interim Appointment To BHS Principal Position; Status of Current Principal Unclear

A Burlington man was arrested on Sunday after an
investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.

On Dec. 12, 2021, Burlington police arrested Harry Tilala,
80, of Burlington for sexual abuse in the third degree. The investigation
resulted from a complaint made on July 27, 2021. 

According to police records, at approximately 3 a.m. on July
27, officers were dispatched to the Howard Johnson hotel, 2759 Mount Pleasant
St., in reference to a sexual assault. Officers arrived on scene and spoke
with a woman and her minor daughter; the woman stated her daughter had been sexually
assaulted by Tilala, the owner of the hotel. Detectives interviewed Tilala and executed
a search warrant at his apartment, which is located on the hotel premises.

Cash bond in the amount of $10,000 was posted on Dec. 14,
2021.

By Beacon Staff A Burlington man was arrested on Sunday after an
investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse.On Dec. 12, 2021, Burlington police arrested Harry Tilala,
80, of Burlington for sexual abuse in the third degree. The investigation
resulted from a complaint made on July 27, 2021. According to police records, at approximately 3 a.m. on July
27, officers were dispatched to the Howard Johnson hotel, 2759 Mount Pleasant
St., in reference to a sexual assault. Officers arrived on scene and spoke
with a woman and her minor daughter; the woman stated her daughter had been sexually
assaulted by Tilala, the owner of the hotel. Detectives interviewed Tilala and executed
a search warrant at his apartment, which is located on the hotel premises.Cash bond in the amount of $10,000 was posted on Dec. 14,
2021.

Burlington Man Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5e8b475d-10ea-438a-91db-ac8fe10d31c2">Brad Strong</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8a9c58a-811e-4e12-aa86-8171dcc61e39">Katie Hope</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67c0e95e-d103-4e25-9afe-693d4a5cdd57">Nadine Ibbotson</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/296f0c89-aad4-430f-ac90-6d835b4311ba">Eileen Winegard</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/5e8b475d-10ea-438a-91db-ac8fe10d31c2">Brad Strong</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/f8a9c58a-811e-4e12-aa86-8171dcc61e39">Katie Hope</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/67c0e95e-d103-4e25-9afe-693d4a5cdd57">Nadine Ibbotson</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/296f0c89-aad4-430f-ac90-6d835b4311ba">Eileen Winegard</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 14, 2021

By Beacon Staff Des
 Moines County will receive roughly $1.35 million from a $173 million settlement
 reached between Johnson &amp; Johnson and the state of Iowa for opioid-related 
claims. Des Moines County Attorney Lisa 
Schaefer told the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7 that 
the lawsuit&nbsp; involves a number of states, and the funds will be used 
strictly for opioid treatment and prevention. Burlington
 city manager Chad Bird informed the Burlington City Council during a work 
session Monday, Dec. 13 that the city has opted in for the money as 
well, and will work with the county and local law enforcement to use the
 funds. The money will be paid out over the 
course of eight to 10 years and will be disbursed starting next year.
 Bird said the money is the result of two settlements which were part of $25 
billion lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The
 lawsuit filed by government agencies alleges that Johnson &amp; Johnson
 and three of its opioid distributors downplayed the risks of opioids, 
marketing them to physicians to treat chronic pain. Johnson &amp; Johnson said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but the company has stopped selling opioids in the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639528393224.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Des
 Moines County will receive roughly $1.35 million from a $173 million settlement
 reached between Johnson &amp; Johnson and the state of Iowa for opioid-related 
claims. Des Moines County Attorney Lisa 
Schaefer told the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 7 that 
the lawsuit&nbsp; involves a number of states, and the funds will be used 
strictly for opioid treatment and prevention. Burlington
 city manager Chad Bird informed the Burlington City Council during a work 
session Monday, Dec. 13 that the city has opted in for the money as 
well, and will work with the county and local law enforcement to use the
 funds. The money will be paid out over the 
course of eight to 10 years and will be disbursed starting next year.
 Bird said the money is the result of two settlements which were part of $25 
billion lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. The
 lawsuit filed by government agencies alleges that Johnson &amp; Johnson
 and three of its opioid distributors downplayed the risks of opioids, 
marketing them to physicians to treat chronic pain. Johnson &amp; Johnson said the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing, but the company has stopped selling opioids in the U.S.

DMC/Burlington to Receive Over $1 Million for Opioid Treatment and Prevention

Longtime Burlington City Clerk Kathleen Salisbury has announced her retirement. She has been a city employee for over 42 years; during 36 of those years, she served as City Clerk.&nbsp;

Salisbury has been a leader in the profession by obtaining her Certified Municipal Clerk certification in 1986; she reached the pinnacle of her profession by achieving the Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2006. There are less than 1,400 Master Municipal Clerks worldwide. She has been involved in supporting other clerks in the state through state and regional clerk associations.&nbsp;

Salisbury has modernized the office over the years by implementing a&nbsp; computerized document retrieval system and updating many city policies for permits, records retention, and historical archiving.&nbsp;

Mayor Jon Billups said he was amazed at Salisbury’s unfaltering loyalty to Burlington for over 40 years. He proclaimed, “The city’s many mayors, councilpersons, and citizens owe a debt of gratitude to her for a job well done.”

Salisbury's last day is Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;

Longtime Burlington City Clerk Kathleen Salisbury has announced her retirement. She has been a city employee for over 42 years; during 36 of those years, she served as City Clerk.&nbsp;Salisbury has been a leader in the profession by obtaining her Certified Municipal Clerk certification in 1986; she reached the pinnacle of her profession by achieving the Master Municipal Clerk designation in 2006. There are less than 1,400 Master Municipal Clerks worldwide. She has been involved in supporting other clerks in the state through state and regional clerk associations.&nbsp;Salisbury has modernized the office over the years by implementing a&nbsp; computerized document retrieval system and updating many city policies for permits, records retention, and historical archiving.&nbsp;Mayor Jon Billups said he was amazed at Salisbury’s unfaltering loyalty to Burlington for over 40 years. He proclaimed, “The city’s many mayors, councilpersons, and citizens owe a debt of gratitude to her for a job well done.”Salisbury's last day is Friday, Dec. 31, 2021.&nbsp;

Longtime City Clerk Announces Retirement

Obituaries have been posted for: <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9623b1c8-aee4-4780-8fe5-9f8657f03989">Marcene Dowell</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9cb2c502-2b7e-4a68-95f2-1e457acc734b">Alfred Nellor</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bfbcaed5-e233-475f-8441-da2a691156f9">John Sommers, Sr.</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/39cbdd53-0430-4489-9cce-0bdf74fdf35b">Michael Box</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for: <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9623b1c8-aee4-4780-8fe5-9f8657f03989">Marcene Dowell</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/9cb2c502-2b7e-4a68-95f2-1e457acc734b">Alfred Nellor</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/bfbcaed5-e233-475f-8441-da2a691156f9">John Sommers, Sr.</a> <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/39cbdd53-0430-4489-9cce-0bdf74fdf35b">Michael Box</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 13, 2021

Photos and story by William Smith Sirens
 blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 
11) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Burlington Police, West Burlington, the Des Moines County Sheriff's office,
and other local law enforcement vehicles lined up&nbsp; end-to-end, rolling 
into Dick’s Sporting Goods just after 11 a.m.

As
 the police officers exited their vehicles, 23 area third-graders popped
 out of the passenger side doors with $100 gift cards in their possession and freedom to spend the money any way they liked. 
The police were there to assist and to provide transportation. That is, when they weren't breaking into foam sword fights with their young charges. It
 was the first of two stops for the returning Shop With A Cop event. 
After leaving Dick's, the police procession cruised toward Walmart, the
 degree of fanfare and sirens equally high. In many cases, the kids themselves were enthusiastically operating the sirens.

While
 Shop With a Cop has been a national program for years, it wasn’t 
started in Burlington until 2014 when city councilman Matt Rinker 
approached now-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone. The
 duo quickly formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a board of 
directors. The program is funded through a variety of local businesses 
and agencies that contribute money throughout the year. “This year we raised just over $4,500,” Rinker said. The
 police and kids did more than shop together. Earlier that morning, they
 met at Black Hawk Elementary for an early lunch, some games, and bit of 
bonding time.

Rinker said a more subdued 
version of Shop With A Cop was held last year due to COVID-19, which 
meant the cops had to shop by themselves. They did get to 
deliver the gifts, however, with some help from Santa. “This year, we are back to doing what we did before,” Rinker said with a grin.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269037923.jpeg" alt="The local Shop With a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 11. After a more subdued version in 2020, the officers and children made the most of the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. " />
 <figcaption>The local Shop With a Cop event was held on Saturday, Dec. 11. After a more subdued version in 2020, the officers and children made the most of the opportunity to do some Christmas shopping. </figcaption>
 </figure>Photos and story by William Smith Sirens
 blared through Burlington and West Burlington Saturday morning (Dec. 
11) as a long line of police vehicles snaked through city streets. Burlington Police, West Burlington, the Des Moines County Sheriff's office,
and other local law enforcement vehicles lined up&nbsp; end-to-end, rolling 
into Dick’s Sporting Goods just after 11 a.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269282248.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>As
 the police officers exited their vehicles, 23 area third-graders popped
 out of the passenger side doors with $100 gift cards in their possession and freedom to spend the money any way they liked. 
The police were there to assist and to provide transportation. That is, when they weren't breaking into foam sword fights with their young charges. It
 was the first of two stops for the returning Shop With A Cop event. 
After leaving Dick's, the police procession cruised toward Walmart, the
 degree of fanfare and sirens equally high. In many cases, the kids themselves were enthusiastically operating the sirens.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269333263.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>While
 Shop With a Cop has been a national program for years, it wasn’t 
started in Burlington until 2014 when city councilman Matt Rinker 
approached now-retired Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone. The
 duo quickly formed a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a board of 
directors. The program is funded through a variety of local businesses 
and agencies that contribute money throughout the year. “This year we raised just over $4,500,” Rinker said. The
 police and kids did more than shop together. Earlier that morning, they
 met at Black Hawk Elementary for an early lunch, some games, and bit of 
bonding time.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269547332.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Rinker said a more subdued 
version of Shop With A Cop was held last year due to COVID-19, which 
meant the cops had to shop by themselves. They did get to 
deliver the gifts, however, with some help from Santa. “This year, we are back to doing what we did before,” Rinker said with a grin.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639269596683.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>

Shop With A Cop Makes A Loud, Welcome Return

Over a period of 16 months, the buildings at 712 and 722 Jefferson St. will undergo renovations to transform the first floor of the properties into a brewery and grocery store.

The brewery will feature German and Norwegian beers, as well as a small food menu. At this time, no concrete plans have been made for the second floor.

Kathy and Brandon Bentz, owners of Fusion Tech in Roseville, Ill., purchased the two side-by-side buildings in late November.

Both buildings were constructed by Samuel Scotten, a Burlington native and Chicago businessman, according to records from the State Historical Society of Iowa. 

Dating back to 1912, the structure at 712 Jefferson St. is also known as the Gabeline Implement Building. Several companies selling farm implements operated at the address over the years, including Sears Roebuck &amp; Company. The building was recently occupied by Five Flags, which sold janitorial, pool, and spa supplies. 

The Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson St. was finished in 1915. Various businesses have been located in the first-floor storefronts over the years; the second story was the home of the Knights of Columbus until around 1955. Riverview Designs, Me Time Massage, and Starr Asylum Tattoos currently occupy the first floor.

More details will be coming in a future story in The Burlington Beacon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639254777943.jpeg" alt="The Scotten Building and the Gabeline Implement Building occupy the western half of the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Photo by Stacey Abell. " />
 <figcaption>The Scotten Building and the Gabeline Implement Building occupy the western half of the 700 block of Jefferson Street. Photo by Stacey Abell. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffOver a period of 16 months, the buildings at 712 and 722 Jefferson St. will undergo renovations to transform the first floor of the properties into a brewery and grocery store.The brewery will feature German and Norwegian beers, as well as a small food menu. At this time, no concrete plans have been made for the second floor.Kathy and Brandon Bentz, owners of Fusion Tech in Roseville, Ill., purchased the two side-by-side buildings in late November.Both buildings were constructed by Samuel Scotten, a Burlington native and Chicago businessman, according to records from the State Historical Society of Iowa. Dating back to 1912, the structure at 712 Jefferson St. is also known as the Gabeline Implement Building. Several companies selling farm implements operated at the address over the years, including Sears Roebuck &amp; Company. The building was recently occupied by Five Flags, which sold janitorial, pool, and spa supplies. The Scotten Building at 722 Jefferson St. was finished in 1915. Various businesses have been located in the first-floor storefronts over the years; the second story was the home of the Knights of Columbus until around 1955. Riverview Designs, Me Time Massage, and Starr Asylum Tattoos currently occupy the first floor.More details will be coming in a future story in The Burlington Beacon.

Brewery and Grocery Store Coming to 700 Block of Jefferson Street

By Beacon Staff Burlington
 High School will benefit from several possible renovations over the 
next couple of years, though it will be up to the school board to decide
 early next year which of those potential improvements become reality. The Burlington School District hosted a community focus group meeting at Burlington High School Wednesday, Dec. 8. Matthew
 Wolfert of Bray Architects and Tim Seibert of Carl Nelson and Co. 
previewed those additions during the meeting, which would be funded 
though $30 million in SAVE (Secure an Advance Vision for Education) 
money. SAVE money can only be used for infrastructure projects and is 
generated through Iowa's one-cent sales tax. Carl A. Nelson and Company 
is the construction manager on the project. Chief
 on the list of renovations is a new auditorium with an 800-seat theater
 and stage. That would coincide with an auxiliary gym with two basketball 
courts, though the new gym would not take the place of the current one 
for sports competitions. There would also be a weight room and fitness 
room, all on the first floor of the building, as well as an enclosed 
space linking the high school to the industrial arts building. Many
 of the classrooms would undergo renovations as well, expanding from 
roughly 700 square feet to 900 square feet. The science lab, which is 
badly in need of renovation, would also be updated with new equipment. The
 plans detailed a new kitchen facility and media center and would 
relocate the main office to the front of the building. The library would
 evolve into a common area for students, while maintaining it’s 
functionality. Aside from the building 
renovations, construction behind the scenes of the 1969 building would 
update the antiquated HVAC system – a system as old as the
 building itself. Cost of the new air system 
is estimated to be just under $10 million, though the cost of the 
visible renovations will likely exceed $30 million. The
 air quality upgrade would provide better temperature control, improve 
humidity controls to reduce corrosion of the swimming pool area, add air
 conditioning to the gym and locker room areas and reduce energy 
consumption. All of the air handling units would be replaced. Money
 for that portion of the project would come from ESSER (Elementary and 
Secondary School Emergency Relief) COVID-19 relief fund.

The project concept presentation may be accessed at the following link: <a href="https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021">https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639252111663.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Burlington
 High School will benefit from several possible renovations over the 
next couple of years, though it will be up to the school board to decide
 early next year which of those potential improvements become reality. The Burlington School District hosted a community focus group meeting at Burlington High School Wednesday, Dec. 8. Matthew
 Wolfert of Bray Architects and Tim Seibert of Carl Nelson and Co. 
previewed those additions during the meeting, which would be funded 
though $30 million in SAVE (Secure an Advance Vision for Education) 
money. SAVE money can only be used for infrastructure projects and is 
generated through Iowa's one-cent sales tax. Carl A. Nelson and Company 
is the construction manager on the project. Chief
 on the list of renovations is a new auditorium with an 800-seat theater
 and stage. That would coincide with an auxiliary gym with two basketball 
courts, though the new gym would not take the place of the current one 
for sports competitions. There would also be a weight room and fitness 
room, all on the first floor of the building, as well as an enclosed 
space linking the high school to the industrial arts building. Many
 of the classrooms would undergo renovations as well, expanding from 
roughly 700 square feet to 900 square feet. The science lab, which is 
badly in need of renovation, would also be updated with new equipment. The
 plans detailed a new kitchen facility and media center and would 
relocate the main office to the front of the building. The library would
 evolve into a common area for students, while maintaining it’s 
functionality. Aside from the building 
renovations, construction behind the scenes of the 1969 building would 
update the antiquated HVAC system – a system as old as the
 building itself. Cost of the new air system 
is estimated to be just under $10 million, though the cost of the 
visible renovations will likely exceed $30 million. The
 air quality upgrade would provide better temperature control, improve 
humidity controls to reduce corrosion of the swimming pool area, add air
 conditioning to the gym and locker room areas and reduce energy 
consumption. All of the air handling units would be replaced. Money
 for that portion of the project would come from ESSER (Elementary and 
Secondary School Emergency Relief) COVID-19 relief fund.The project concept presentation may be accessed at the following link: <a href="https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021">https://www.bcsds.org/District/Portal/bhs-renovation-project-2021</a>

New Auditorium, New Gym and Expanded Classrooms Could Be Coming To Burlington High School

Everyone knows how he lived the last decade of his life. A peerless volunteer associated with practically every event and charity organization in town, Walz didn’t earn the informal title of “Mr. Burlington” by accident.

He was the heart of the community for more than four decades.

Walz, 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 1. Upon hearing the news, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups immediately ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff. Walz was a retired Burlington Police officer with 31 years of service and had just retired from serving as a courier for the city a few months ago.

“When you needed a volunteer, he was the first to show up and last to leave. He lived the ideal of giving you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Billups said.

Walz was a constant presence in Burlington, upholding a legacy passed down from his father. 

Walz spoke of his father publicly, often at volunteer award ceremonies. He took home the Burlington Emmy in 2012, noting that his dad was plant manager at Champion for 30 years and was very involved in the community.

Walz’s volunteerism began at the age of 9 at the YMCA.

Walz volunteered at Burlington Steamboat Days early on and became a member of the board of directors in 1988. He started shooting the fireworks for Steamboat Days in 1964 and handled fireworks duty for several Burlington events.

Walz was involved with SnowBull since its inception. His volunteer work extended to high school fundraisers, the Snake Alley Criterium, Lions pancake breakfast, annual chili cookoffs, Heritage Days, and Toys for Tots.

Walz inspired those around him to be better, never casting an eye of judgment from the top of his tall frame. Michael Mehler of Burlington worked side-by-side with Walz at countless community events, from Steamboat Days to SnowBull.

“He was like a father to me. He was there for me when I needed someone to be there for me.  My real dad was very violent; Tom was the opposite. He was a very caring person,” Mehler said

This past weekend, during the Toys for Tots Semi of Love toy drive, Mehler would have been volunteering alongside Walz. 

Instead, Mehler dedicated the event to him. Toy donations for the charity were collected at Walz’s visitation Tuesday and again at his funeral on Wednesday.

Walz also wore many hats at Community Field on behalf of the Burlington Bees, such as selling tickets, putting up signs, selling beer, painting, and wrapping hot dogs.

“I just love people. I love Burlington, Iowa,” he was known to say. 

Walz’s life as a Burlington police officer, which started in March of 1980, wasn’t that different from his life as a volunteer.

Instead of being known as “the nicest man in Burlington,” Walz was then known as “the nicest cop in Burlington.”

Every morning after he started his shift, Walz got into his squad SUV and drove around to area schools to ensure children got safely into their buildings.

He often parked his police vehicle in visible spots to remind motorists to slow down and watch for students. 

Everyone from school administrators to children waved at the veteran police officer. He even got nods from drivers.

He continued that routine right up until the day he retired.

For most of his police career, Walz had a piece of a bullet that nearly ended his life buried in his head.

On April 26, 1991, Walz responded to a silent alarm at Jack’s Discount Store (now the former Shopko building). The suspect, Fonso Wires, was hiding in a nearby depression across Roosevelt Avenue. Walz drove his patrol car off-road, pursuing the suspect; Wires popped up and shot at the police cruiser.  

According to police, the bullet shattered as it went through the cruiser’s windshield. A piece of it went through Walz’s hat and entered his forehead before exiting above his right eye.

The hospital released Walz later the same day, but a piece of the bullet and the scar stayed with him for the rest of his life.

Walz later said he forgave his assailant the day of the shooting. 

Walz and Wires met and talked one-on-one during the trial. Wires learned about Walz while sitting in the Des Moines County jail and felt remorse for what he did.

Bob Thompson, who worked as a Des Moines County deputy, worked with Walz the night of the incident. Like all who knew him, Thompson didn’t know many who were as fine a man or police officer as Walz.

“One night, I transported Fonso Wires to jail after he shot Tommy in the head. Another prisoner looked at Fonso and said, ‘You shot the nicest man in Burlington!’ ” Thompson said.

A Beat Cop Becomes A Community Cop

Before joining the police department in 1980, Walz was a reserve police officer from 1977 to 1979.

Walz wanted to remain on the streets — a beat cop, someone people see day in and day out. He wasn’t interested in climbing the promotion ladder to sit at a desk. He had an intense interest in the fire department and often stayed at fire scenes later than the actual firefighters.

“He would be out there after everyone left, cleaning and sweeping up,” Thompson said.

After his death, the Burlington Fire Department put out a tribute calling Walz “a firefighter in a police officer’s uniform.”

Walz didn’t volunteer for the local fame or respect, no matter how much he earned. He did it for the people he helped — and for himself. 

He spoke about how certain things in law enforcement could bring him down emotionally, and his volunteer work acted as a counterweight to that.  

Some claim that Walz never slept while he was working Steamboat Days. He kept a cot inside Memorial Auditorium so he could take cat naps instead.

“He had this lumbering gait to him, and he always had that smirk on his face,” Thompson said. “He would never let me buy my own beer. If you needed help, he was there to help you.”

Retired journalist and columnist Mike Sweet was one of Walz’s best friends; he wrote of their friendship back in 1991.

“Tom was a big brother to everybody. He was comfortable with both men and women and had lots of friends. When someone had a problem, he was always first to offer a shoulder to lean on.

Tom is one of those people every town has, the one who donates a disproportionate amount of time to good causes.

Over the years, he always answered when charity called. He volunteered not for honor, but because he is a compassionate man, and because he loves people.

That was why he wanted above all to be a cop, I think.”

Walz’s family gathered in front of Memorial Auditorium Sunday night, leading a candlelight vigil for the retired police officer and community man.

A crowd of more than 50 gathered with them.

Al Ourth, another long-time Burlington volunteer, said he had talked to Walz just a few days before his death. Ourth knew Walz for more than 50 years, volunteering with him during the indoor SnowBull rodeo.

Ourth wore a cowboy hat and SnowBull jacket in memory of Walz’s volunteer service.

“We had just talked, and he said he was fine,” Ourth said with a quavering voice.

The crowd, still raw from Walz’s passing, shared their memories. They laughed about the time Walz shot the Mattress Man — a mechanical advertising gimmick that resembled a person.

It was the only “person” Walz ever shot, and he often joked about the fate of the Mattress Man with his fellow officers.

“I asked him what they (the police department) did to him after he shot the Mattress Man. And he said, ‘I haven’t told anyone yet.’ This was 30 years later,” Thompson said with a laugh.

In a news release, the Burlington Police Department declared that Walz “exemplified the epitome of what the Burlington Police Department aspires to offer its citizens.”

“Tom’s selfless dedication to the people that he served, was on display every day of his career. This dedication did not end after his service in uniform. Tom continued to brighten everyone’s day by providing service to the city as its daily mail courier.”

“Away from the City, Tom was the pillar of dedication to volunteerism,” the message says. “His civic involvements were unrivaled and have set an example of what truly giving back to one’s community should look like.”

“There are no words to adequately express what Tom Walz meant to this Department and to this community,” the statement said. 

“This is a loss that will be felt indefinitely. We offer our condolences to all who knew and loved Tom.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1639205467846.jpeg" alt="Photo by William Smith " />
 <figcaption>Photo by William Smith </figcaption>
 </figure>By William Smith Community EditorTom Walz had enough heart for two lives.Everyone knows how he lived the last decade of his life. A peerless volunteer associated with practically every event and charity organization in town, Walz didn’t earn the informal title of “Mr. Burlington” by accident.He was the heart of the community for more than four decades.Walz, 73, died Wednesday, Dec. 1. Upon hearing the news, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups immediately ordered all city flags to be flown at half-staff. Walz was a retired Burlington Police officer with 31 years of service and had just retired from serving as a courier for the city a few months ago.“When you needed a volunteer, he was the first to show up and last to leave. He lived the ideal of giving you the shirt off his back if you needed it,” Billups said.The VolunteerWalz was a constant presence in Burlington, upholding a legacy passed down from his father. Walz spoke of his father publicly, often at volunteer award ceremonies. He took home the Burlington Emmy in 2012, noting that his dad was plant manager at Champion for 30 years and was very involved in the community.Walz’s volunteerism began at the age of 9 at the YMCA.Walz volunteered at Burlington Steamboat Days early on and became a member of the board of directors in 1988. He started shooting the fireworks for Steamboat Days in 1964 and handled fireworks duty for several Burlington events.Walz was involved with SnowBull since its inception. His volunteer work extended to high school fundraisers, the Snake Alley Criterium, Lions pancake breakfast, annual chili cookoffs, Heritage Days, and Toys for Tots.Walz inspired those around him to be better, never casting an eye of judgment from the top of his tall frame. Michael Mehler of Burlington worked side-by-side with Walz at countless community events, from Steamboat Days to SnowBull.“He was like a father to me. He was there for me when I needed someone to be there for me. My real dad was very violent; Tom was the opposite. He was a very caring person,” Mehler saidThis past weekend, during the Toys for Tots Semi of Love toy drive, Mehler would have been volunteering alongside Walz. Instead, Mehler dedicated the event to him. Toy donations for the charity were collected at Walz’s visitation Tuesday and again at his funeral on Wednesday.Walz also wore many hats at Community Field on behalf of the Burlington Bees, such as selling tickets, putting up signs, selling beer, painting, and wrapping hot dogs.“I just love people. I love Burlington, Iowa,” he was known to say. The Police OfficerWalz’s life as a Burlington police officer, which started in March of 1980, wasn’t that different from his life as a volunteer.Instead of being known as “the nicest man in Burlington,” Walz was then known as “the nicest cop in Burlington.”Every morning after he started his shift, Walz got into his squad SUV and drove around to area schools to ensure children got safely into their buildings.He often parked his police vehicle in visible spots to remind motorists to slow down and watch for students. Everyone from school administrators to children waved at the veteran police officer. He even got nods from drivers.He continued that routine right up until the day he retired.Forgiving the Man Who Shot HimFor most of his police career, Walz had a piece of a bullet that nearly ended his life buried in his head.On April 26, 1991, Walz responded to a silent alarm at Jack’s Discount Store (now the former Shopko building). The suspect, Fonso Wires, was hiding in a nearby depression across Roosevelt Avenue. Walz drove his patrol car off-road, pursuing the suspect; Wires popped up and shot at the police cruiser. According to police, the bullet shattered as it went through the cruiser’s windshield. A piece of it went through Walz’s hat and entered his forehead before exiting above his right eye.The hospital released Walz later the same day, but a piece of the bullet and the scar stayed with him for the rest of his life.Walz later said he forgave his assailant the day of the shooting. Walz and Wires met and talked one-on-one during the trial. Wires learned about Walz while sitting in the Des Moines County jail and felt remorse for what he did.Bob Thompson, who worked as a Des Moines County deputy, worked with Walz the night of the incident. Like all who knew him, Thompson didn’t know many who were as fine a man or police officer as Walz.“One night, I transported Fonso Wires to jail after he shot Tommy in the head. Another prisoner looked at Fonso and said, ‘You shot the nicest man in Burlington!’ ” Thompson said.A Beat Cop Becomes A Community CopBefore joining the police department in 1980, Walz was a reserve police officer from 1977 to 1979.Walz wanted to remain on the streets — a beat cop, someone people see day in and day out. He wasn’t interested in climbing the promotion ladder to sit at a desk. He had an intense interest in the fire department and often stayed at fire scenes later than the actual firefighters.“He would be out there after everyone left, cleaning and sweeping up,” Thompson said.After his death, the Burlington Fire Department put out a tribute calling Walz “a firefighter in a police officer’s uniform.”Walz didn’t volunteer for the local fame or respect, no matter how much he earned. He did it for the people he helped — and for himself. He spoke about how certain things in law enforcement could bring him down emotionally, and his volunteer work acted as a counterweight to that. Some claim that Walz never slept while he was working Steamboat Days. He kept a cot inside Memorial Auditorium so he could take cat naps instead.“He had this lumbering gait to him, and he always had that smirk on his face,” Thompson said. “He would never let me buy my own beer. If you needed help, he was there to help you.”Retired journalist and columnist Mike Sweet was one of Walz’s best friends; he wrote of their friendship back in 1991.“Tom was a big brother to everybody. He was comfortable with both men and women and had lots of friends. When someone had a problem, he was always first to offer a shoulder to lean on.Tom is one of those people every town has, the one who donates a disproportionate amount of time to good causes.Over the years, he always answered when charity called. He volunteered not for honor, but because he is a compassionate man, and because he loves people.That was why he wanted above all to be a cop, I think.”A Candlelight VigilWalz’s family gathered in front of Memorial Auditorium Sunday night, leading a candlelight vigil for the retired police officer and community man.A crowd of more than 50 gathered with them.Al Ourth, another long-time Burlington volunteer, said he had talked to Walz just a few days before his death. Ourth knew Walz for more than 50 years, volunteering with him during the indoor SnowBull rodeo.Ourth wore a cowboy hat and SnowBull jacket in memory of Walz’s volunteer service.“We had just talked, and he said he was fine,” Ourth said with a quavering voice.The crowd, still raw from Walz’s passing, shared their memories. They laughed about the time Walz shot the Mattress Man — a mechanical advertising gimmick that resembled a person.It was the only “person” Walz ever shot, and he often joked about the fate of the Mattress Man with his fellow officers.“I asked him what they (the police department) did to him after he shot the Mattress Man. And he said, ‘I haven’t told anyone yet.’ This was 30 years later,” Thompson said with a laugh.Police Department Remembers WalzIn a news release, the Burlington Police Department declared that Walz “exemplified the epitome of what the Burlington Police Department aspires to offer its citizens.”“Tom’s selfless dedication to the people that he served, was on display every day of his career. This dedication did not end after his service in uniform. Tom continued to brighten everyone’s day by providing service to the city as its daily mail courier.”“Away from the City, Tom was the pillar of dedication to volunteerism,” the message says. “His civic involvements were unrivaled and have set an example of what truly giving back to one’s community should look like.”“There are no words to adequately express what Tom Walz meant to this Department and to this community,” the statement said. “This is a loss that will be felt indefinitely. We offer our condolences to all who knew and loved Tom.”

City Mourns "Mr. Burlington"

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/94506ad0-6045-429c-97e0-fe1ce50fb045">Gregory McNamee</a>

<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3efbed85-e6ca-43e0-84c5-9af0b479b36e">Larry Johnson</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for:<a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/94506ad0-6045-429c-97e0-fe1ce50fb045">Gregory McNamee</a><a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/posts/3efbed85-e6ca-43e0-84c5-9af0b479b36e">Larry Johnson</a>

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 7, 2021

Eagle View Community Health System is now providing convenient access to health care services for Burlington Community School District students, employees, and family members of employees. The school-based health center provides the following services: treatment of acute illness and injury, chronic care management, well-child visits, women's health, COVID-19 testing, mental health counseling, and more. By offering these services within the school, students miss less classroom time and parents can phone into appointments without having to leave work. The Eagle View School-Based Health Center is located on the Burlington High School campus at 421 Terrace Dr.; appointments can be made by calling (319) 753-9653.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638916031929.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Eagle View Community Health System is now providing convenient access to health care services for Burlington Community School District students, employees, and family members of employees. The school-based health center provides the following services: treatment of acute illness and injury, chronic care management, well-child visits, women's health, COVID-19 testing, mental health counseling, and more. By offering these services within the school, students miss less classroom time and parents can phone into appointments without having to leave work. The Eagle View School-Based Health Center is located on the Burlington High School campus at 421 Terrace Dr.; appointments can be made by calling (319) 753-9653.

Eagle View Partners with BCSD to Provide School-Based Healthcare

Obituaries have been posted for Rhonda Wilson, Frances Carruthers, Bill Brumback, and Newton Colburn at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849254343.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for Rhonda Wilson, Frances Carruthers, Bill Brumback, and Newton Colburn at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 6, 2021

By Beacon Staff For much of her life, Chanelle Nichols never had anyone in her corner. She spent her childhood in foster care and institutions. When Nichols aged out of foster care, she needed support and guidance. She found it in the Burlington Building Bridges program as a way to improve not only her life, but that of her 10-year-old son, Reece Ackerman. “It really helped me find myself. Once I started figuring out myself, it was so much easier, because I’ve never really had anybody in my corner." Now she co-facilitates the program with director Mona Ash, helping others climb their way out of the poverty cycle. She’s been paying it forward since graduating from the program seven years ago, with no thoughts of getting anything in return. “With my Bridges family, I can keep giving back,” she said. Tuesday afternoon, that good will and effort finally came back to Nichols in the form of a free car, a car Nichols desperately needed. “My car has been hanging on by zip-ties for the past five years,” Nichols said, tears in her eyes. The car – a refurbished, 2014 Ford Focus with just over 70,000 miles – is courtesy of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program along with car donor GEICO and vehicle repair partner Deery Collision Center, where the car was presented. Nichols signed-up for the program two years ago, but could hardly believe she was chosen to actually get a car. Ackerman got a little something extra from GEICO hidden in the back seat – a gift basket full of toys. “Thank you!” the wide-eyed 10-year-old said. Nichols, who works at RonDavoo, knew exactly what she was going to do with the car on her first trip. “I’m going to RonDavoo so I can honk the horn and show them the car, like I told them I would,” she said with a laugh. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,750 vehicles valued at more than $38 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638849028546.jpeg" alt="Chanelle Nichols embraces her son, Reece Ackerman. Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Chanelle Nichols embraces her son, Reece Ackerman. Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff For much of her life, Chanelle Nichols never had anyone in her corner. She spent her childhood in foster care and institutions. When Nichols aged out of foster care, she needed support and guidance. She found it in the Burlington Building Bridges program as a way to improve not only her life, but that of her 10-year-old son, Reece Ackerman. “It really helped me find myself. Once I started figuring out myself, it was so much easier, because I’ve never really had anybody in my corner." Now she co-facilitates the program with director Mona Ash, helping others climb their way out of the poverty cycle. She’s been paying it forward since graduating from the program seven years ago, with no thoughts of getting anything in return. “With my Bridges family, I can keep giving back,” she said. Tuesday afternoon, that good will and effort finally came back to Nichols in the form of a free car, a car Nichols desperately needed. “My car has been hanging on by zip-ties for the past five years,” Nichols said, tears in her eyes. The car – a refurbished, 2014 Ford Focus with just over 70,000 miles – is courtesy of the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program along with car donor GEICO and vehicle repair partner Deery Collision Center, where the car was presented. Nichols signed-up for the program two years ago, but could hardly believe she was chosen to actually get a car. Ackerman got a little something extra from GEICO hidden in the back seat – a gift basket full of toys. “Thank you!” the wide-eyed 10-year-old said. Nichols, who works at RonDavoo, knew exactly what she was going to do with the car on her first trip. “I’m going to RonDavoo so I can honk the horn and show them the car, like I told them I would,” she said with a laugh. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council have donated more than 2,750 vehicles valued at more than $38 million.

Giving the Gift of Transportation

Obituaries have been posted for Charlotte Spiekermeier, Tom Walz, William Mathews, Lynne Smith, Mary Lou Banks, and Brenda O'Brien at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637106055246.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>Obituaries have been posted for Charlotte Spiekermeier, Tom Walz, William Mathews, Lynne Smith, Mary Lou Banks, and Brenda O'Brien at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

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