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.

Billups Elected As Mayor; $900,000 Record Management System for BPD Approved

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>

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