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>.

Recent Obituaries - Dec. 4, 2021

By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots Semi of Love is parked in the Westland Mall parking lot today (Friday, Dec. 3) through noon Saturday (Dec. 4), and volunteers are asking for the public’s help in filling the semi with new, unopened toys for Christmas. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11, 2021. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to more than 800 financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the semi-trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main Street Danville, IA 52623 anytime. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. The Semi of Love opened for business at noon Friday, and will be collecting toys for exactly 24 hours, through noon Saturday. Santa Claus himself was on hand for the opening hours of the toy drive, helping the volunteers load toys dropped off by generous locals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638564185659.jpeg" alt="Santa Claus and his volunteers load the Semi of Love truck Friday, Dec. 3, filling it with brand new toys for financially disadvantaged children. The Semi of Love will be accepting donations through tonight until noon Saturday. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Santa Claus and his volunteers load the Semi of Love truck Friday, Dec. 3, filling it with brand new toys for financially disadvantaged children. The Semi of Love will be accepting donations through tonight until noon Saturday. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots Semi of Love is parked in the Westland Mall parking lot today (Friday, Dec. 3) through noon Saturday (Dec. 4), and volunteers are asking for the public’s help in filling the semi with new, unopened toys for Christmas. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11, 2021. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to more than 800 financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the semi-trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main Street Danville, IA 52623 anytime. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. The Semi of Love opened for business at noon Friday, and will be collecting toys for exactly 24 hours, through noon Saturday. Santa Claus himself was on hand for the opening hours of the toy drive, helping the volunteers load toys dropped off by generous locals.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638564351697.jpeg" alt="Santa poses for pictures at the annual Toys for Tots drive on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo by William Smith. " />
 <figcaption>Santa poses for pictures at the annual Toys for Tots drive on Friday, Dec. 3. Photo by William Smith. </figcaption>
 </figure>

Toys For Tots Semi of Love is Back Today and Saturday and Donations Are Needed

In all the years Notre Dame principal Bill Maupin knew Jim Myers, he never called him by name.

He just called him “Coach.” Everyone did.

“That’s
 just who he was. Jim was the heart of the basketball team,” Maupin 
said. “In his spare time, he would help out other girls in basketball 
who weren’t even our students.”

Myers
 had just begun his 11th season as head coach of the Notre Dame High 
School girls basketball team. He died Friday after a seven-year battle 
with cancer.

“He did so much for the kids. The kids were always his top priority,” Maupin said.

Myers
 continued to coach until the end of his life. Three days before his 
death, he coached his last girl’s basketball game from a wheelchair — 
the season opener against WACO. Two days before his death, Myers 
attended his final basketball practice.

“I’m
 glad he got to keep coaching until the very end. Not being with the 
kids would have been the worst thing for him,” Maupin said.

On
 Monday night (Nov. 29), the girl’s basketball team returned the favor 
by dedicating the game and the season to Myers. A display of roses at 
the game marked his passing.

“He lived and breathed basketball,” Maupin said. “But he was a great guy off the court.”

Myers
 helped lead the Nikes basketball team to a Class 1A state championship 
in 2014. He coached winning teams at Burlington High School and 
Southeastern Community College, as well. He coached the Nikes to over 
100 wins during his tenure at the school.

No matter the circumstances, Myers knew how to get it done.

He
 was also a family man with three children who attended Notre Dame. 
Maupin said Myers went out of his way to engineer social activities for 
parents and students.

“He was just a fun-loving guy,” Maupin said.

Former
 Notre Dame principal Ron Glasgow knew Myers before he became a 
basketball coach. Although he didn’t coach him, Glasgow remembers 
watching Myers running up and down the court for Burlington High School.

Myers
 developed a special bond with his coach, Don Gibbs, who was not only a 
mentor but a trusted and endearing friend throughout his adult life.&nbsp;

During
 his senior year, Myers guided the Grayhounds to a Mississippi 8 
conference championship in basketball and a fourth-place finish in the 
state tournament.&nbsp;

He led the Mississippi 8 in rebounds and was second in scoring.&nbsp;

He
 continues to hold the record at BHS for most rebounds per game. He was 
an All-State selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association.

&nbsp;He was the 1984 All-Hawk Eyeland Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.&nbsp;

After
 graduating from Burlington High School in 1984, Myers played college 
basketball at Wayne State in Nebraska, Southeastern Community College, 
and William Penn College, where he graduated in 1988. He enlisted in the
 United States Navy in 1989 and served aboard the USS Cayuga during 
Desert Shield. &nbsp;

When Glasgow became athletic director of BHS, Myers was already the head basketball coach. And he was a darn good one.

“Jim
 was a really strong fundamentals coach. I was really impressed with the
 way he ran his practices. He did a lot of work in the off-season with 
the kids,” Glasgow said.

More
 importantly, Myers understood the value of hard work — unrelenting, 
never-ending hard work that has value beyond basketball.

“There’s
 just some life lessons you can learn from people like Jim Meyers. I 
think those kids are going to have that benefit throughout their life,” 
said Glasgow.

A believer in community involvement, Myers volunteered his time.

He served on the American Little League Board, coached Little League, and officiated basketball games and flag football games.&nbsp;

Burlington
 City Councilman Matt Rinker called Myers a “great Burlingtonian,” and 
paid tribute to him during the Monday night city council work session.

“He
 will be deeply missed, and his impact in our community will not only be
 felt at Notre Dame but throughout the community. A great man, the life 
of a room. Anyone who knew him was blessed to know him.”

Corey Stephens will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/12/1638490854451.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>In all the years Notre Dame principal Bill Maupin knew Jim Myers, he never called him by name.He just called him “Coach.” Everyone did.“That’s
 just who he was. Jim was the heart of the basketball team,” Maupin 
said. “In his spare time, he would help out other girls in basketball 
who weren’t even our students.”Myers
 had just begun his 11th season as head coach of the Notre Dame High 
School girls basketball team. He died Friday after a seven-year battle 
with cancer.“He did so much for the kids. The kids were always his top priority,” Maupin said.Myers
 continued to coach until the end of his life. Three days before his 
death, he coached his last girl’s basketball game from a wheelchair — 
the season opener against WACO. Two days before his death, Myers 
attended his final basketball practice.“I’m
 glad he got to keep coaching until the very end. Not being with the 
kids would have been the worst thing for him,” Maupin said.On
 Monday night (Nov. 29), the girl’s basketball team returned the favor 
by dedicating the game and the season to Myers. A display of roses at 
the game marked his passing.“He lived and breathed basketball,” Maupin said. “But he was a great guy off the court.”Myers
 helped lead the Nikes basketball team to a Class 1A state championship 
in 2014. He coached winning teams at Burlington High School and 
Southeastern Community College, as well. He coached the Nikes to over 
100 wins during his tenure at the school.No matter the circumstances, Myers knew how to get it done.He
 was also a family man with three children who attended Notre Dame. 
Maupin said Myers went out of his way to engineer social activities for 
parents and students.“He was just a fun-loving guy,” Maupin said.Former
 Notre Dame principal Ron Glasgow knew Myers before he became a 
basketball coach. Although he didn’t coach him, Glasgow remembers 
watching Myers running up and down the court for Burlington High School.Myers
 developed a special bond with his coach, Don Gibbs, who was not only a 
mentor but a trusted and endearing friend throughout his adult life.&nbsp;During
 his senior year, Myers guided the Grayhounds to a Mississippi 8 
conference championship in basketball and a fourth-place finish in the 
state tournament.&nbsp;He led the Mississippi 8 in rebounds and was second in scoring.&nbsp;He
 continues to hold the record at BHS for most rebounds per game. He was 
an All-State selection by the Iowa Newspaper Association.&nbsp;He was the 1984 All-Hawk Eyeland Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.&nbsp;After
 graduating from Burlington High School in 1984, Myers played college 
basketball at Wayne State in Nebraska, Southeastern Community College, 
and William Penn College, where he graduated in 1988. He enlisted in the
 United States Navy in 1989 and served aboard the USS Cayuga during 
Desert Shield. &nbsp;When Glasgow became athletic director of BHS, Myers was already the head basketball coach. And he was a darn good one.“Jim
 was a really strong fundamentals coach. I was really impressed with the
 way he ran his practices. He did a lot of work in the off-season with 
the kids,” Glasgow said.More
 importantly, Myers understood the value of hard work — unrelenting, 
never-ending hard work that has value beyond basketball.“There’s
 just some life lessons you can learn from people like Jim Meyers. I 
think those kids are going to have that benefit throughout their life,” 
said Glasgow.A believer in community involvement, Myers volunteered his time.He served on the American Little League Board, coached Little League, and officiated basketball games and flag football games.&nbsp;Burlington
 City Councilman Matt Rinker called Myers a “great Burlingtonian,” and 
paid tribute to him during the Monday night city council work session.“He
 will be deeply missed, and his impact in our community will not only be
 felt at Notre Dame but throughout the community. A great man, the life 
of a room. Anyone who knew him was blessed to know him.”Corey Stephens will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Jim Myers Leaves a Lasting Legacy

By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots donation boxes are back in area businesses for the season, and the need for toys will be greater than ever. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to hundreds of financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. On Dec. 3 and 4, the annual Semi Of Love toy drive in the Westland Mall parking will attempt to drum-up enough donations to literally fill up a semi trailer of toys.&nbsp; Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main St., Danville, Iowa 52623. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness has streamlined the process, allowing for cash donations in increments as low as $10. To donate to the bicycle fund, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk" target="_blank">https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk</a> Parents who want to sign up for the program can still get into the registration process. The only requirement to receive toys is a residence in Des Moines County or Henderson County, Ill. The toys are only for children, infant to 13 years old.&nbsp; Registrants do have to provide personal information, including a photo ID, a Social Security card or birth certificates for everyone in the household, and proof of residency, such as a printout of food stamps, a utility bill, water bill, etc. Registration will be open at The Rock House at 2700 Division St., through Friday, Dec. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638329868521.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff The Toys For Tots donation boxes are back in area businesses for the season, and the need for toys will be greater than ever. The annual charity giveaway, organized annually by the Hamilton Walters Marine Corps League, will take place before Christmas, on Dec. 11. More than 10,000 new, unopened toys are given to hundreds of financially disadvantaged children in Des Moines County and Henderson County, Ill. On Dec. 3 and 4, the annual Semi Of Love toy drive in the Westland Mall parking will attempt to drum-up enough donations to literally fill up a semi trailer of toys.&nbsp; Each child, no matter how many in a family, is allocated a certain number of toys designated into categories such as large, small, educational, etc. Donating is easy as buying some toys and dropping by the trailer. Monetary donations will be accepted, and checks can be sent to Toys for Tots, 607 S. Main St., Danville, Iowa 52623. Charity organizers give away more than 100 bikes a year, and many of those are purchased with donated funds shortly before the giveaway. Bickel’s Cycling and Fitness has streamlined the process, allowing for cash donations in increments as low as $10. To donate to the bicycle fund, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk" target="_blank">https://www.bickelsinc.com/events/semi-of-love-toys-for-tots-2021-pg546.htm?fbclid=IwAR29iSL3PWFBssCxEMXNeyZ6LijMKFWZLZOUwwml8jEZWdHzebT8NzEWvBk</a> Parents who want to sign up for the program can still get into the registration process. The only requirement to receive toys is a residence in Des Moines County or Henderson County, Ill. The toys are only for children, infant to 13 years old.&nbsp; Registrants do have to provide personal information, including a photo ID, a Social Security card or birth certificates for everyone in the household, and proof of residency, such as a printout of food stamps, a utility bill, water bill, etc. Registration will be open at The Rock House at 2700 Division St., through Friday, Dec. 3.

Toys For Tots Collecting Donations 

Obituaries have been posted for James Myers and Otto Trousil 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 James Myers and Otto Trousil at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries.</a>

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 30, 2021

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is widely referred to as the holiday season. Holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all take place in this typically six-week window. During this period, there's another, possibly lesser-known, event that can elicit many of the same warm feelings generated by more recognizable holidays.

GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year. Though that typically means the day is celebrated after the calendar turns to December, this year GivingTuesday takes place on Tuesday, November 30.

How can people participate in GivingTuesday?

The organizers behind GivingTuesday note that the day is about all types of giving. Individuals who want to participate can donate money, food and/or clothing; start an advocacy campaign; help a neighbor; or commit an act of generosity. Participants need not make their GivingTuesday efforts part of any official event associated with the day, but those who want to can visit VolunteerMatch.org to look for volunteering opportunities in and around their communities. Employers and even local governments also may sponsor or host events on GivingTuesday. Twitter users also can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to promote causes and/or encourage donations throughout the day. Some organizations may match users' donations up to a predetermined dollar amount, and users can enter #GivingTuesday into the Twitter search engine to discover such efforts. Parents can even help children find ways to participate by visiting GivingTuesdaySpark.org.

GivingTuesday is a global effort that emphasizes the power of generosity. Individuals can learn more at GivingTuesday.org. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638250644929.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is widely referred to as the holiday season. Holidays such as Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all take place in this typically six-week window. During this period, there's another, possibly lesser-known, event that can elicit many of the same warm feelings generated by more recognizable holidays.GivingTuesday is held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving every year. Though that typically means the day is celebrated after the calendar turns to December, this year GivingTuesday takes place on Tuesday, November 30.How can people participate in GivingTuesday?The organizers behind GivingTuesday note that the day is about all types of giving. Individuals who want to participate can donate money, food and/or clothing; start an advocacy campaign; help a neighbor; or commit an act of generosity. Participants need not make their GivingTuesday efforts part of any official event associated with the day, but those who want to can visit VolunteerMatch.org to look for volunteering opportunities in and around their communities. Employers and even local governments also may sponsor or host events on GivingTuesday. Twitter users also can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to promote causes and/or encourage donations throughout the day. Some organizations may match users' donations up to a predetermined dollar amount, and users can enter #GivingTuesday into the Twitter search engine to discover such efforts. Parents can even help children find ways to participate by visiting GivingTuesdaySpark.org.GivingTuesday is a global effort that emphasizes the power of generosity. Individuals can learn more at GivingTuesday.org.

How to Participate in GivingTuesday

Obituaries and death notices have been published for: James Myers, Michael Romkey, Darrel Jones, Debra Jay Westlake Mason, James McMahon, Larry Mincer, and Kyle Lange 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 and death notices have been published for: James Myers, Michael Romkey, Darrel Jones, Debra Jay Westlake Mason, James McMahon, Larry Mincer, and Kyle Lange at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 29, 2021

By Beacon Staff Due to a federal mandate issued on Nov. 4, 2021, health care workers across the country are facing termination from their jobs if they aren’t fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022. It is an unwelcome scenario that local healthcare facilities worry could add to an already problematic shortage of qualified workers. "We're concerned about this," said Matt Wenzel, Great River Health System CEO. "Like any other industry right now, there is a workforce shortage." Under the federal mandate, employees must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by the January deadline. The mandate comes from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees reimbursements to hospitals. Failure to comply would result in the loss of Medicare and Medicaid funding. In that event, patients would not be able to submit medical expenses for reimbursement, nor would the hospital receive those funds. More than half of the annual revenue for the hospital system comes in the form of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, according to Wenzel. "We have no choice but to comply," he said. "This isn't just happening at Great River Health System; it's happening to every hospital." At Danville Care Center, most of the nursing home's 35 employees are vaccinated according to Sarah Morehouse, Director of Nursing. She expected the federal mandate might result in the loss of a couple employees at most. "We haven't lost anybody yet," she added. At Great River Health, Wenzel said they are doing their best to support employees. Because of the vaccination schedule, employees must receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Dec. 6, 2021, to continue working. After that date, unvaccinated employees will be required to take a leave of absence or use PTO. Any employees who have not been fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022, will have their employment terminated. At the West Burlington hospital campus, 66 percent of employees are vaccinated, with 59 percent at the Fort Madison campus and 77 percent at the Henry County Health Center. The overall vaccination rate is 67 percent. "We recognize this is an individual decision. People are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. We are trying to do all we can to help our employees through this," Wenzel said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1638041364416.jpeg" alt="A federal mandate requires health care staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. " />
 <figcaption>A federal mandate requires health care staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Due to a federal mandate issued on Nov. 4, 2021, health care workers across the country are facing termination from their jobs if they aren’t fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022. It is an unwelcome scenario that local healthcare facilities worry could add to an already problematic shortage of qualified workers. "We're concerned about this," said Matt Wenzel, Great River Health System CEO. "Like any other industry right now, there is a workforce shortage." Under the federal mandate, employees must receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by the January deadline. The mandate comes from the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees reimbursements to hospitals. Failure to comply would result in the loss of Medicare and Medicaid funding. In that event, patients would not be able to submit medical expenses for reimbursement, nor would the hospital receive those funds. More than half of the annual revenue for the hospital system comes in the form of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, according to Wenzel. "We have no choice but to comply," he said. "This isn't just happening at Great River Health System; it's happening to every hospital." At Danville Care Center, most of the nursing home's 35 employees are vaccinated according to Sarah Morehouse, Director of Nursing. She expected the federal mandate might result in the loss of a couple employees at most. "We haven't lost anybody yet," she added. At Great River Health, Wenzel said they are doing their best to support employees. Because of the vaccination schedule, employees must receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-shot Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Dec. 6, 2021, to continue working. After that date, unvaccinated employees will be required to take a leave of absence or use PTO. Any employees who have not been fully vaccinated by Jan. 4, 2022, will have their employment terminated. At the West Burlington hospital campus, 66 percent of employees are vaccinated, with 59 percent at the Fort Madison campus and 77 percent at the Henry County Health Center. The overall vaccination rate is 67 percent. "We recognize this is an individual decision. People are trying to make the best decisions for themselves. We are trying to do all we can to help our employees through this," Wenzel said.

Healthcare Workers Face Vaccination Deadline

For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event. Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.

A small contingent of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee rebelled against Syrian Greek rulers who desecrated the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and tortured and persecuted those who did not adopt their religious beliefs. After the Maccabees came out victorious, they set out to rededicate the Temple, which included lighting a menorah. They could only find enough oil for the candelabra to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight nights and the Temple was kept holy. This miracle is the inspiration for Hanukkah.

Various iconic Hanukkah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Hanukkah festivities.

The menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Hanukkah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants' homes.

Jews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Hanukkah. The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase "nes gadol haya sham," or "a great miracle happened there."

Frying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning. Jelly-filled doughnuts called "sufganiyot" are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.

In addition to Hanukkah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make "tzedakah" (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Hanukkah. The sixth night of Hanukkah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.

In addition to these traditions, Hanukkah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. It also may be an opportunity for them to share their celebrations and religious customs with non-Jewish friends.

Hanukkah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It's an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637975441271.jpeg" alt="A special nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used to celebrate Hanukkah. " />
 <figcaption>A special nine-branched menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used to celebrate Hanukkah. </figcaption>
 </figure>For eight nights each winter, candles burn in commemoration of a miraculous and joyous event. Hanukkah, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, commemorates an ancient miracle that occurred after the Jewish people waged a hard-fought battle against religious oppression.A small contingent of Jewish warriors led by Judah Maccabee rebelled against Syrian Greek rulers who desecrated the holy Second Temple in Jerusalem and tortured and persecuted those who did not adopt their religious beliefs. After the Maccabees came out victorious, they set out to rededicate the Temple, which included lighting a menorah. They could only find enough oil for the candelabra to burn for one night. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight nights and the Temple was kept holy. This miracle is the inspiration for Hanukkah.Various iconic Hanukkah traditions have been borne out of that evening in 164 BCE. Below are some of the most prominent traditions associated with Hanukkah festivities.Lighting the menorahThe menorah is traditionally a seven-branched candelabra lit by ritually-pure olive oil used in Jewish places of worship. However, in commemoration of the Hanukkah miracle, a special menorah, called a hanukkiah, is used. This menorah is a nine-branched version that enables a candle to be lit for each day the rededicated Temple candles burned. The middle, highest candle from which the others are lit is called she shamash. The hanukkiah is traditionally placed in a visible space, such as the front window of celebrants' homes.Playing with the dreidelJews were forbidden from studying their own religious texts like the Torah, but they found ways to do so anyway. They would quickly hide their books and take out spinning tops to pretend to be playing with them when the Greeks were watching. In commemoration, these little tops, or dreidels, are taken out on Hanukkah. The dreidels are marked with four Hebrew letters, which represent the phrase "nes gadol haya sham," or "a great miracle happened there."Eating fried foodsFrying foods in olive oil has become tradition and a way to acknowledge the miraculous Temple oil burning. Jelly-filled doughnuts called "sufganiyot" are popular, as are latkes, which are fried potato pancakes.Donations and giftsIn addition to Hanukkah gelt (small chocolate coins) and money given out to children and adults, many Jewish families make "tzedakah" (donations) to nonprofits and other charitable organizations during Hanukkah. The sixth night of Hanukkah has recently become associated with charitable giving and other gifting.Family timeIn addition to these traditions, Hanukkah is an ideal opportunity for Jewish family members to gather under one roof. It also may be an opportunity for them to share their celebrations and religious customs with non-Jewish friends.Hanukkah is a celebratory time that looks back to a significant miracle in Jewish history. It's an opportunity to engage in many different traditions with family and friends.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Obituaries have been published for Michael Keller, Dorothy Buhmeyer, Kathryn Klaus, and Beverly Parker 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 published for Michael Keller, Dorothy Buhmeyer, Kathryn Klaus, and Beverly Parker at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 26, 2021

Story and photos by William Smith The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s local chapter –&nbsp; the Patriotic Quilters of Southeast Iowa – got off to a modest start in 2015, with only three members. Now the charity organization, which does nothing but produce brand new quilts for military veterans, is 61 members strong. The organization has given away nearly 700 quilts since its inception six years ago, and awarded four of the extravagant coverings to four area veterans Friday night (Nov. 12) at the Eagles Club.

Arlyss Fritz, coordinator for the southeast Iowa chapter of the charity, worked alongside fellow volunteers to drape the quilts around the shoulders of the veterans. They were met with thankful smiles. Fritz said the charity’s mission to provide quilts to every veteran they can is never ending. “A veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check, made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to, and including, his or her life. That is valor.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694677005.jpeg" alt="Burlington resident Ronald Mehaffy, who served in the National Guard from 1953 to 1955, and the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, reacts to the quilt he received from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor." />
 <figcaption>Burlington resident Ronald Mehaffy, who served in the National Guard from 1953 to 1955, and the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, reacts to the quilt he received from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith The Quilts of Valor Foundation’s local chapter –&nbsp; the Patriotic Quilters of Southeast Iowa – got off to a modest start in 2015, with only three members. Now the charity organization, which does nothing but produce brand new quilts for military veterans, is 61 members strong. The organization has given away nearly 700 quilts since its inception six years ago, and awarded four of the extravagant coverings to four area veterans Friday night (Nov. 12) at the Eagles Club.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694760860.jpeg" alt="Burlington resident Tim Ruberg, who served the U.S. Army as a radio repairman in Germany, receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor charity." />
 <figcaption>Burlington resident Tim Ruberg, who served the U.S. Army as a radio repairman in Germany, receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of the Quilts of Valor charity.</figcaption>
 </figure>Arlyss Fritz, coordinator for the southeast Iowa chapter of the charity, worked alongside fellow volunteers to drape the quilts around the shoulders of the veterans. They were met with thankful smiles. Fritz said the charity’s mission to provide quilts to every veteran they can is never ending. “A veteran, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve, is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check, made payable to the United States of America, for an amount up to, and including, his or her life. That is valor.”<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637694812948.jpeg" alt="Montrose resident and state senator Jeff Reichman receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of Quilts of Valor. Reichman, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served in the United States Marine Corps for 28 years, which included two tours in Iraq." />
 <figcaption>Montrose resident and state senator Jeff Reichman receives his quilt from the Southeast Iowa chapter of Quilts of Valor. Reichman, who holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, served in the United States Marine Corps for 28 years, which included two tours in Iraq.</figcaption>
 </figure>

The Color of Valor

Obituaries have been posted for David McSorley and Diana Miller 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 David McSorley and Diana Miller at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 22, 2021

A
 few years ago, Burlington resident Misty Cale unexpectedly found her 
calling — cleaning, and more specifically, house cleaning. She is so 
exact and proficient, some of her clients started calling her “Misty 
Clean.”

“I decided I absolutely loved what I did. I was good at it,” Cale said.

Cale
 was working for somebody else at the time, and she knew she wanted to 
take her cleaning expertise further. So, for the first time in her life,
 the single mother of one quit her job. Then, she waited out a 
non-compete clause for a year before starting her own cleaning service.

Cale opened MagiClean Cleaning Service out of her home in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

She worried the worldwide disaster would ruin her business before it got started.

Instead, MagiClean thrived. Cale now has 12 employees, and they are always busy.

“People would just rather leave their house for a little while and have us come over and clean,” Cale said.

Cale
 used to have her cleaning team meet at her house every morning and 
evening. But now, she has a new office in the former Fun Wash Laundry at
 1901 Madison Street.

It’s
 not just an office. Cale has spent the past two months renovating the 
formerly defunct laundry, fixing ceiling leaks, making repairs, and 
repeatedly doing deep cleanings. It has been a hectic sprint toward an 
opening date with plenty of setbacks.

“I hired some people (to make repairs), and they never came back to finish the job,” she said.

So, Cale finished it herself. The MagiClean laundry will open for business for the first time today.

“If you know me, you know that’s how I roll,” she said.

The
 MagiClean laundry is not a walk-in operation. Instead, customers are 
asked to bring their laundry and drop it off. They can make any requests
 they like for detergents and cleaning materials or just leave it up to 
the laundry. Then they simply come back to pick up their clothes.

“We customize to the customer,” Cale said. “It’s a completely contactless service.”

Cale
 lives a couple of blocks from the laundry, and its closure a few months
 ago had an immediate impact on her neighbors. She initially considered 
using the laundry to clean her own supplies and the odd laundry load 
from one of her cleaning clients.

But Cale’s ambition pushed her toward something more.

“One
 night, I had a dream about having a laundromat,” she said, noting the 
dream came after she saw Fun Wash was closed. “I was able to find the 
owner and contact him a week later.”

Cale
 will spend most of her waking hours in the laundry and has shaped the 
interior to fit her personality. Folksy signage created by Pinned It 
Creations adorns the walls, usually hanging over baskets of cleaning 
supplies and other knick-knacks featuring positive messages.

“It is so me,” she said. “I like to stay motivated.”

Though
 customers won’t be coming inside to get their laundry done, Cale said 
anyone who wants to meet or check it out is welcome during regular 
hours.

But
 she asks that people not walk in after business hours — especially in 
the middle of the night. That is why Cale has installed security cameras
 in nearly every corner.

“We’ve
 actually had quite a few people coming in the middle of the night. It 
was scary, but they were pretty gentle,” she said. “Someone tried to 
break in through a window.”

The
 laundry will be running most hours of the day, and business hours could
 expand in the future. For now, the laundry is open from 4:30 to 7:30 
p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 
Thursday.

“We will have an online booking as well. You might not even have to see us,” Cale said with a grin.

For more information, call MagiClean Cleaning Service at 319-759-4864.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637607897809.jpeg" alt="Misty Cale of Burlington is pictured inside her business, MagiClean Cleaning Service. Photo by William Smith " />
 <figcaption>Misty Cale of Burlington is pictured inside her business, MagiClean Cleaning Service. Photo by William Smith </figcaption>
 </figure>A
 few years ago, Burlington resident Misty Cale unexpectedly found her 
calling — cleaning, and more specifically, house cleaning. She is so 
exact and proficient, some of her clients started calling her “Misty 
Clean.”“I decided I absolutely loved what I did. I was good at it,” Cale said.Cale
 was working for somebody else at the time, and she knew she wanted to 
take her cleaning expertise further. So, for the first time in her life,
 the single mother of one quit her job. Then, she waited out a 
non-compete clause for a year before starting her own cleaning service.Cale opened MagiClean Cleaning Service out of her home in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;She worried the worldwide disaster would ruin her business before it got started.Instead, MagiClean thrived. Cale now has 12 employees, and they are always busy.“People would just rather leave their house for a little while and have us come over and clean,” Cale said.Cale
 used to have her cleaning team meet at her house every morning and 
evening. But now, she has a new office in the former Fun Wash Laundry at
 1901 Madison Street.It’s
 not just an office. Cale has spent the past two months renovating the 
formerly defunct laundry, fixing ceiling leaks, making repairs, and 
repeatedly doing deep cleanings. It has been a hectic sprint toward an 
opening date with plenty of setbacks.“I hired some people (to make repairs), and they never came back to finish the job,” she said.So, Cale finished it herself. The MagiClean laundry will open for business for the first time today.“If you know me, you know that’s how I roll,” she said.The
 MagiClean laundry is not a walk-in operation. Instead, customers are 
asked to bring their laundry and drop it off. They can make any requests
 they like for detergents and cleaning materials or just leave it up to 
the laundry. Then they simply come back to pick up their clothes.“We customize to the customer,” Cale said. “It’s a completely contactless service.”Cale
 lives a couple of blocks from the laundry, and its closure a few months
 ago had an immediate impact on her neighbors. She initially considered 
using the laundry to clean her own supplies and the odd laundry load 
from one of her cleaning clients.But Cale’s ambition pushed her toward something more.“One
 night, I had a dream about having a laundromat,” she said, noting the 
dream came after she saw Fun Wash was closed. “I was able to find the 
owner and contact him a week later.”Cale
 will spend most of her waking hours in the laundry and has shaped the 
interior to fit her personality. Folksy signage created by Pinned It 
Creations adorns the walls, usually hanging over baskets of cleaning 
supplies and other knick-knacks featuring positive messages.“It is so me,” she said. “I like to stay motivated.”Though
 customers won’t be coming inside to get their laundry done, Cale said 
anyone who wants to meet or check it out is welcome during regular 
hours.But
 she asks that people not walk in after business hours — especially in 
the middle of the night. That is why Cale has installed security cameras
 in nearly every corner.“We’ve
 actually had quite a few people coming in the middle of the night. It 
was scary, but they were pretty gentle,” she said. “Someone tried to 
break in through a window.”The
 laundry will be running most hours of the day, and business hours could
 expand in the future. For now, the laundry is open from 4:30 to 7:30 
p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 
Thursday.“We will have an online booking as well. You might not even have to see us,” Cale said with a grin.For more information, call MagiClean Cleaning Service at 319-759-4864.A
 few years ago, Burlington resident Misty Cale unexpectedly found her 
calling — cleaning, and more specifically, house cleaning. She is so 
exact and proficient, some of her clients started calling her “Misty 
Clean.”“I decided I absolutely loved what I did. I was good at it,” Cale said.Cale
 was working for somebody else at the time, and she knew she wanted to 
take her cleaning expertise further. So, for the first time in her life,
 the single mother of one quit her job. Then, she waited out a 
non-compete clause for a year before starting her own cleaning service.Cale opened MagiClean Cleaning Service out of her home in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;She worried the worldwide disaster would ruin her business before it got started.Instead, MagiClean thrived. Cale now has 12 employees, and they are always busy.“People would just rather leave their house for a little while and have us come over and clean,” Cale said.Cale
 used to have her cleaning team meet at her house every morning and 
evening. But now, she has a new office in the former Fun Wash Laundry at
 1901 Madison Street.It’s
 not just an office. Cale has spent the past two months renovating the 
formerly defunct laundry, fixing ceiling leaks, making repairs, and 
repeatedly doing deep cleanings. It has been a hectic sprint toward an 
opening date with plenty of setbacks.“I hired some people (to make repairs), and they never came back to finish the job,” she said.So, Cale finished it herself. The MagiClean laundry will open for business for the first time today.“If you know me, you know that’s how I roll,” she said.The
 MagiClean laundry is not a walk-in operation. Instead, customers are 
asked to bring their laundry and drop it off. They can make any requests
 they like for detergents and cleaning materials or just leave it up to 
the laundry. Then they simply come back to pick up their clothes.“We customize to the customer,” Cale said. “It’s a completely contactless service.”Cale
 lives a couple of blocks from the laundry, and its closure a few months
 ago had an immediate impact on her neighbors. She initially considered 
using the laundry to clean her own supplies and the odd laundry load 
from one of her cleaning clients.But Cale’s ambition pushed her toward something more.“One
 night, I had a dream about having a laundromat,” she said, noting the 
dream came after she saw Fun Wash was closed. “I was able to find the 
owner and contact him a week later.”Cale
 will spend most of her waking hours in the laundry and has shaped the 
interior to fit her personality. Folksy signage created by Pinned It 
Creations adorns the walls, usually hanging over baskets of cleaning 
supplies and other knick-knacks featuring positive messages.“It is so me,” she said. “I like to stay motivated.”Though
 customers won’t be coming inside to get their laundry done, Cale said 
anyone who wants to meet or check it out is welcome during regular 
hours.But
 she asks that people not walk in after business hours — especially in 
the middle of the night. That is why Cale has installed security cameras
 in nearly every corner.“We’ve
 actually had quite a few people coming in the middle of the night. It 
was scary, but they were pretty gentle,” she said. “Someone tried to 
break in through a window.”The
 laundry will be running most hours of the day, and business hours could
 expand in the future. For now, the laundry is open from 4:30 to 7:30 
p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 
Thursday.“We will have an online booking as well. You might not even have to see us,” Cale said with a grin.For more information, call MagiClean Cleaning Service at 319-759-4864.A
 few years ago, Burlington resident Misty Cale unexpectedly found her 
calling — cleaning, and more specifically, house cleaning. She is so 
exact and proficient, some of her clients started calling her “Misty 
Clean.”“I decided I absolutely loved what I did. I was good at it,” Cale said.Cale
 was working for somebody else at the time, and she knew she wanted to 
take her cleaning expertise further. So, for the first time in her life,
 the single mother of one quit her job. Then, she waited out a 
non-compete clause for a year before starting her own cleaning service.Cale opened MagiClean Cleaning Service out of her home in 2019, just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;She worried the worldwide disaster would ruin her business before it got started.Instead, MagiClean thrived. Cale now has 12 employees, and they are always busy.“People would just rather leave their house for a little while and have us come over and clean,” Cale said.Cale
 used to have her cleaning team meet at her house every morning and 
evening. But now, she has a new office in the former Fun Wash Laundry at
 1901 Madison Street.It’s
 not just an office. Cale has spent the past two months renovating the 
formerly defunct laundry, fixing ceiling leaks, making repairs, and 
repeatedly doing deep cleanings. It has been a hectic sprint toward an 
opening date with plenty of setbacks.“I hired some people (to make repairs), and they never came back to finish the job,” she said.So, Cale finished it herself. The MagiClean laundry will open for business for the first time today.“If you know me, you know that’s how I roll,” she said.The
 MagiClean laundry is not a walk-in operation. Instead, customers are 
asked to bring their laundry and drop it off. They can make any requests
 they like for detergents and cleaning materials or just leave it up to 
the laundry. Then they simply come back to pick up their clothes.“We customize to the customer,” Cale said. “It’s a completely contactless service.”Cale
 lives a couple of blocks from the laundry, and its closure a few months
 ago had an immediate impact on her neighbors. She initially considered 
using the laundry to clean her own supplies and the odd laundry load 
from one of her cleaning clients.But Cale’s ambition pushed her toward something more.“One
 night, I had a dream about having a laundromat,” she said, noting the 
dream came after she saw Fun Wash was closed. “I was able to find the 
owner and contact him a week later.”Cale
 will spend most of her waking hours in the laundry and has shaped the 
interior to fit her personality. Folksy signage created by Pinned It 
Creations adorns the walls, usually hanging over baskets of cleaning 
supplies and other knick-knacks featuring positive messages.“It is so me,” she said. “I like to stay motivated.”Though
 customers won’t be coming inside to get their laundry done, Cale said 
anyone who wants to meet or check it out is welcome during regular 
hours.But
 she asks that people not walk in after business hours — especially in 
the middle of the night. That is why Cale has installed security cameras
 in nearly every corner.“We’ve
 actually had quite a few people coming in the middle of the night. It 
was scary, but they were pretty gentle,” she said. “Someone tried to 
break in through a window.”The
 laundry will be running most hours of the day, and business hours could
 expand in the future. For now, the laundry is open from 4:30 to 7:30 
p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and 
Thursday.“We will have an online booking as well. You might not even have to see us,” Cale said with a grin.For more information, call MagiClean Cleaning Service at 319-759-4864.

Making a Clean Sweep

Obituaries have been posted for Larry Clawson, Megan Hines, Owen Laird, Vickie Lucas, and Richard Mellinger 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 Larry Clawson, Megan Hines, Owen Laird, Vickie Lucas, and Richard Mellinger at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 20, 2021

Story and photos by William Smith All they need is $15,000. With that, the Transitions DMC homeless shelter can finally open to everyone who needs a place to stay. “People ask what we need, and what we need is cash,” said Transitions DMC founder Craig Fenton. For the past six years, Transitions DMC has helped the homeless and poor people of the area with various services, while turning the former pawn shop on 515 Main St. into a state of the art homeless shelter. Since then, Fenton has hired Sara Dittner as the chief operating officer, and the building is in use for those who need to grab a cold meal or do their laundry. When the shelter does open, 13 rooms will be available for those who need a place to stay. The interior of the building is finished, except for some tweaks to the kitchen. “This is is a low barrier shelter. You don’t need an ID,” Fenton said. “If you walk in the door and don’t have a place to stay, and we don’t think you will be a danger to our staff, then you stay.” It’s been a monumental operation with multiple moving parts. Transitions DMC was able to utilize federal HUD grants to find hotel rooms for the homeless during the pandemic. Donated money comes from a variety of sources, as well as Fenton’s pocket. “From January 1, 2020, through November 1, 2021, Transitions DMC has served an average of nine households per day with apartment stays. That translates to 6,089 nights of housing for 686 days,” Dittner said.

As a low barrier homeless shelter, Transitions DMC has a close relationship with local police. Officers regularly drop off people who might otherwise go to jail. They’re usually just homeless, or suffering from mental health issues. “The hardest part for people is having an address they can have mail sent to,” Dittner said. Fenton said the police drop off as many as five or six people a week at the shelter, which has an immediate effect for law enforcement. Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Glendening reported several weeks ago that the Des Moines County Jail population was below the max count for the first time in a while. When the jail is overcrowded, prisoners often have to be transported to other jails across the state at great expense. Housing inmates costs taxpayer money as well, even without the transportation. “We think we have a proven track record of making policing a little easier,” Dittner said. “We get business owners calling us first thing in the morning saying, ‘There is someone sleeping in my doorway. Can you help?’ Usually, the answer is 'yes.'” Fenton said some homeless folks aren’t looking for much help, and that’s fine too. He and the rest of the staff at Transitions DMC have identified at least six homeless camps in the Burlington area; they plan on visiting those camps to notify people of their services – no strings attached. “Some people just want a place to take a shower and wash their clothes, and then they want to move on,” Fenton said. That’s all available at the shelter. There’s a kitchen that needs only a new stove to be fully operational (part of the fundraising effort), and a complete laundry room that is already in use. There’s even a recreational room and a meeting room, complete with a pulpit, that can be used for religious purposes.

Despite being a low barrier, emergency shelter, the staff at Transitions DMC includes case workers who want to help residents build a new life for themselves. Having a stable mailing address at the shelter is a good start. “You can’t get a lot of services without a mailing address. It’s hard to get food stamps without a mailing address,” Dittner said. It’s a matter of creating a stable foundation, which often consists of acquiring an ID or a Social Security card. “With this shelter, we can provide short-term housing to give clients time to get through the immediate&nbsp; housing crisis,” Dittner said.

All that’s left is the final leg of the journey. As Fenton put it, the shelter is about 95 percent of way towards opening. “Many of our area businesses, churches and individuals have provided significant donations to get our building built and ready to go,” Dittner said, noting that includes handicap accessible bathrooms. Some of the money will be coming from federal and state sources. While Fenton and his staff appreciate item donations such as food and clothing, which come in on a fairly regular basis, monetary donations can be used to buy many of those items wholesale. “We are a couple of weeks away from hearing from the state of Iowa as to if we will be funded for the next couple of years,” Fenton said. Whether or not that money comes through, the shelter will open, Fenton said. He’s been making Transitions DMC work for six years, and he’s not about to stop now. “People who hesitate to help homeless people say they should get just get a job, and go to rehab. Yes, they should do all those things. I agree 100 percent,” Dittner said. “But people need time. We give people time to change their lives.”

To donate, contact Transitions DMC at 319-209-2217 or at <a href="https://www.transitionsdmc.org/">https://www.transitionsdmc.org/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637365241530.jpeg" alt="Craig Fenton, founder of Transitions DMC, looks out the window of one of the 13 rooms inside the soon-to-open homeless shelter at 515 Main St." />
 <figcaption>Craig Fenton, founder of Transitions DMC, looks out the window of one of the 13 rooms inside the soon-to-open homeless shelter at 515 Main St.</figcaption>
 </figure>Story and photos by William Smith All they need is $15,000. With that, the Transitions DMC homeless shelter can finally open to everyone who needs a place to stay. “People ask what we need, and what we need is cash,” said Transitions DMC founder Craig Fenton. For the past six years, Transitions DMC has helped the homeless and poor people of the area with various services, while turning the former pawn shop on 515 Main St. into a state of the art homeless shelter. Since then, Fenton has hired Sara Dittner as the chief operating officer, and the building is in use for those who need to grab a cold meal or do their laundry. When the shelter does open, 13 rooms will be available for those who need a place to stay. The interior of the building is finished, except for some tweaks to the kitchen. “This is is a low barrier shelter. You don’t need an ID,” Fenton said. “If you walk in the door and don’t have a place to stay, and we don’t think you will be a danger to our staff, then you stay.” It’s been a monumental operation with multiple moving parts. Transitions DMC was able to utilize federal HUD grants to find hotel rooms for the homeless during the pandemic. Donated money comes from a variety of sources, as well as Fenton’s pocket. “From January 1, 2020, through November 1, 2021, Transitions DMC has served an average of nine households per day with apartment stays. That translates to 6,089 nights of housing for 686 days,” Dittner said. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637365022683.jpeg" alt="Sara Dittner, COO of the Transitions DMC Homeless Shelter, stands in the kitchen of the homeless shelter while discussing plans to open soon." />
 <figcaption>Sara Dittner, COO of the Transitions DMC Homeless Shelter, stands in the kitchen of the homeless shelter while discussing plans to open soon.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a low barrier homeless shelter, Transitions DMC has a close relationship with local police. Officers regularly drop off people who might otherwise go to jail. They’re usually just homeless, or suffering from mental health issues. “The hardest part for people is having an address they can have mail sent to,” Dittner said. Fenton said the police drop off as many as five or six people a week at the shelter, which has an immediate effect for law enforcement. Des Moines County Sheriff Kevin Glendening reported several weeks ago that the Des Moines County Jail population was below the max count for the first time in a while. When the jail is overcrowded, prisoners often have to be transported to other jails across the state at great expense. Housing inmates costs taxpayer money as well, even without the transportation. “We think we have a proven track record of making policing a little easier,” Dittner said. “We get business owners calling us first thing in the morning saying, ‘There is someone sleeping in my doorway. Can you help?’ Usually, the answer is 'yes.'” Fenton said some homeless folks aren’t looking for much help, and that’s fine too. He and the rest of the staff at Transitions DMC have identified at least six homeless camps in the Burlington area; they plan on visiting those camps to notify people of their services – no strings attached. “Some people just want a place to take a shower and wash their clothes, and then they want to move on,” Fenton said. That’s all available at the shelter. There’s a kitchen that needs only a new stove to be fully operational (part of the fundraising effort), and a complete laundry room that is already in use. There’s even a recreational room and a meeting room, complete with a pulpit, that can be used for religious purposes. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637365112594.jpeg" alt="The laundry room at the Transitions DMC shelter is already in use. " />
 <figcaption>The laundry room at the Transitions DMC shelter is already in use. </figcaption>
 </figure>Despite being a low barrier, emergency shelter, the staff at Transitions DMC includes case workers who want to help residents build a new life for themselves. Having a stable mailing address at the shelter is a good start. “You can’t get a lot of services without a mailing address. It’s hard to get food stamps without a mailing address,” Dittner said. It’s a matter of creating a stable foundation, which often consists of acquiring an ID or a Social Security card. “With this shelter, we can provide short-term housing to give clients time to get through the immediate&nbsp; housing crisis,” Dittner said. <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1637365174817.jpeg" alt="Fenton shows off the amenities found within the shelter's recreation room. " />
 <figcaption>Fenton shows off the amenities found within the shelter's recreation room. </figcaption>
 </figure>All that’s left is the final leg of the journey. As Fenton put it, the shelter is about 95 percent of way towards opening. “Many of our area businesses, churches and individuals have provided significant donations to get our building built and ready to go,” Dittner said, noting that includes handicap accessible bathrooms. Some of the money will be coming from federal and state sources. While Fenton and his staff appreciate item donations such as food and clothing, which come in on a fairly regular basis, monetary donations can be used to buy many of those items wholesale. “We are a couple of weeks away from hearing from the state of Iowa as to if we will be funded for the next couple of years,” Fenton said. Whether or not that money comes through, the shelter will open, Fenton said. He’s been making Transitions DMC work for six years, and he’s not about to stop now. “People who hesitate to help homeless people say they should get just get a job, and go to rehab. Yes, they should do all those things. I agree 100 percent,” Dittner said. “But people need time. We give people time to change their lives.”To donate, contact Transitions DMC at 319-209-2217 or at <a href="https://www.transitionsdmc.org/">https://www.transitionsdmc.org/</a>.

Transitions DMC Homeless Shelter Nearly Ready To Open

Obituaries have been posted for Warren Hohmbraker, Rosel Smith, Beverly Smith, Larry Augustine, Marcus Green, and Merrill Miller 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 Warren Hohmbraker, Rosel Smith, Beverly Smith, Larry Augustine, Marcus Green, and Merrill Miller at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 18, 2021

Obituaries have been posted for Alice Fye, Donald Mueller, Ronald Ellerhoff, Terry Neff, and Vivienne Starling 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 Alice Fye, Donald Mueller, Ronald Ellerhoff, Terry Neff, and Vivienne Starling at <a href="https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries">https://burlingtonbeacon.com/category/obituaries</a>.

Recent Obituaries - Nov. 16, 2021

By Beacon Staff There’s
 a sinkhole under the railroad tracks at the corner of Seventh and 
Valley Streets, and if it isn’t fixed soon, a disaster could be in the 
offing. Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager 
for public works, apprised the Burlington city council of the situation 
Monday night (Nov. 15) during the council’s regular meeting. “I
 wouldn’t say this is Armageddon or anything,” MacGregor said. “I don’t 
think it’s going to be where you’re going to have a train in the sewer, 
but there is the possibility that you could have a major collapse in 
that area if we don’t deal with it in a quick manner.” In
 response, the council unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging 
the emergency nature of combined sewer repair work at Seventh and Valley
 Streets. MacGregor estimated the emergency 
repairs could cost upwards of $200,000, though that was a very rough 
estimate. MacGregor said the hole was brought to his attention by the 
BNSF Railroad late last week, and it is significant. MacGregor said city crews used a camera in a manhole, and were able to see water and flaking stone. “You can see clear down through the flow into the Market Street sewer,” he said. A
 permanent fix, which MacGregor hopes to get started as soon as 
possible, would require a construction crew to make a separate entrance 
into the sewer, likely to the west of the railroad tracks. He described 
it as an old, stone arch sewer, 8 foot-by-foot, and the only access 
point is a manhole cover used for cameras. He believes rebar could be 
used as a quick fix. “The break isn’t as severe
 as we saw in the Hawk Eye arch line sewer. We had a bigger collapse 
than we have here. It looks like we just have a section of stone that 
collapsed,” MacGregor said. Once a new access 
point and staging area is created, workers will likely have to don 
underwater scuba type gear to get into the sewer – which can get pretty 
expensive. MacGregor said most of the funds in 
the emergency sewer fund should be available. That figure was not 
available during the meeting.

By Beacon Staff There’s
 a sinkhole under the railroad tracks at the corner of Seventh and 
Valley Streets, and if it isn’t fixed soon, a disaster could be in the 
offing. Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager 
for public works, apprised the Burlington city council of the situation 
Monday night (Nov. 15) during the council’s regular meeting. “I
 wouldn’t say this is Armageddon or anything,” MacGregor said. “I don’t 
think it’s going to be where you’re going to have a train in the sewer, 
but there is the possibility that you could have a major collapse in 
that area if we don’t deal with it in a quick manner.” In
 response, the council unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging 
the emergency nature of combined sewer repair work at Seventh and Valley
 Streets. MacGregor estimated the emergency 
repairs could cost upwards of $200,000, though that was a very rough 
estimate. MacGregor said the hole was brought to his attention by the 
BNSF Railroad late last week, and it is significant. MacGregor said city crews used a camera in a manhole, and were able to see water and flaking stone. “You can see clear down through the flow into the Market Street sewer,” he said. A
 permanent fix, which MacGregor hopes to get started as soon as 
possible, would require a construction crew to make a separate entrance 
into the sewer, likely to the west of the railroad tracks. He described 
it as an old, stone arch sewer, 8 foot-by-foot, and the only access 
point is a manhole cover used for cameras. He believes rebar could be 
used as a quick fix. “The break isn’t as severe
 as we saw in the Hawk Eye arch line sewer. We had a bigger collapse 
than we have here. It looks like we just have a section of stone that 
collapsed,” MacGregor said. Once a new access 
point and staging area is created, workers will likely have to don 
underwater scuba type gear to get into the sewer – which can get pretty 
expensive. MacGregor said most of the funds in 
the emergency sewer fund should be available. That figure was not 
available during the meeting.

Emergency Sewer Repair Will Likely Cost Burlington Upwards of $200,000

All-star Burlington High School running back Bryant Williams isn’t embarrassed by his recent fame — he’s worked too hard to dismiss the fruits of his labor. 

But you’re not going to hear about his accomplishments from him. The 17-year-old high school senior is soft-spoken; he wears his humility as effortlessly as his genial grin. 

He uses the word “we” when questioned about his accomplishments. 

“A lot of us worked out all summer, and we had a good group. We were ready for the season,” he said. 

Williams helped the Burlington High School Grayhounds get to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. He scored the winning touchdown (one of four that game). Even the perpetually unruffled Williams was a bit surprised by that move. 

“It was kind of crazy. That was my first time playing defense. I was blessed to be in that position,” he said. 

Williams’ numbers for the season have been described as “video game-like” by sportswriters. He logged 2,025 yards for the season, scored 27 touchdowns on 194 carries, and broke 22 records, including the all-time rushing record. That last record means a lot to him. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636930465101.jpeg" alt="Photo by Josilyan Thrasher" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Josilyan Thrasher</figcaption>
 </figure>By William SmithAll-star Burlington High School running back Bryant Williams isn’t embarrassed by his recent fame — he’s worked too hard to dismiss the fruits of his labor. But you’re not going to hear about his accomplishments from him. The 17-year-old high school senior is soft-spoken; he wears his humility as effortlessly as his genial grin. He uses the word “we” when questioned about his accomplishments. “A lot of us worked out all summer, and we had a good group. We were ready for the season,” he said. Williams helped the Burlington High School Grayhounds get to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. He scored the winning touchdown (one of four that game). Even the perpetually unruffled Williams was a bit surprised by that move. “It was kind of crazy. That was my first time playing defense. I was blessed to be in that position,” he said. Williams’ numbers for the season have been described as “video game-like” by sportswriters. He logged 2,025 yards for the season, scored 27 touchdowns on 194 carries, and broke 22 records, including the all-time rushing record. That last record means a lot to him. “That was my goal,” he said."I think we only won one game that year," he said with a grin.But that was no reason for Williams to abandon his trademark tenacity. Last year didn’t go much better. Williams was out most of the season with a tear in his calf muscle. Then he came back blazing, hotter than hardly anyone anticipated, except for those who know him. His mother, Tammy Williams, said her son was obsessed with sports at a young age. Bryant himself doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t hitting or catching a ball. “We knew at a young age he had talent,” Tammy Williams said. Bryant is still a teenager and enjoys the usual indulgences during his scarce free time. He loves Chicken McNuggets dipped in barbecue sauce, a post-game favorite since McDonald’s is one of the few restaurants open that late. Football dominates most of his attention outside of school. As for his teammates, his eyes light up when he speaks of them. “He’s a good kid outside of school. He did an Alliant Energy in- internship last summer,” Tammy Williams said. Tammy knew her baby — the youngest of seven children — had a bright future ahead of him. She has done everything she can to facilitate it. Bryant has been invited to and visited several colleges already. One day, Bryant hopes to go pro. For now, his focus is on next season — wherever that may be. “I have a lot of options,” Bryant said <figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/11/1636930638557.jpeg" alt="Bryant Williams and his mother, Tammy, are shown." />
 <figcaption>Bryant Williams and his mother, Tammy, are shown.</figcaption>
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