By Beacon Staff



A now-retired Des Moines County Sheriff’s chief deputy made thousands of dollars in improper purchases, according to a report released Tuesday by the Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand.



The report alleges Jeff White, who retired in 2018, made more than $7,400 in purchases that were not necessary for the operation of the sheriff’s office.



White returned about $3,100 in items to the sheriff’s office. Items valued at more than $4,200 were not returned or could not be located in the sheriff’s office, the report said. Some of the items that remain unaccounted for include an Apple computer and ammunition.



KWQC reported the state auditor’s office was contacted to conduct a special investigation because of concerns regarding the items purchased by White. The auditor’s report has been forwarded to the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.



“We’ve been working at this (investigation) for 18 months,” Des Moines County Sheriff Mike Johnstone said. “We made sure to do a thorough investigation. We wanted to make sure we did the right thing, to make sure the public still has confidence in the department."



Des Moines County Attorney Lisa Schaefer said she has referred the case to the attorney general’s office because of White's former employment in law enforcement, according to KWQC.



During the investigation, Sand identified improper purchases made between Jan. 1, 2016 and Dec. 31, 2018. The purchases included items that were personal in nature or not related to the operations of the sheriff’s office. The purchases also were not approved by someone other than White and were not included in budgeted expenditures.



Of the improper purchases identified, items costing $99 and $79 were returned to the vendor and refunded. While the items returned are reasonable for use in the sheriff’s office, they weren't planned purchases and weren't approved by anyone other than White. Some of the items were not returned until after White’s last day of according to Sand’s report.



Lynn Hicks, a spokeswoman for the attorney general's office, said a charging decision has not yet been made.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Audit Finds Improper Purchases By Des Moines County Deputy

By Beacon Staff



A resident of the SunnyBrook Assisted Living Center tested positive for COVID-19 on April 10 and currently is recovering at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington without the assistance of a ventilator.



Kathy Swann, vice president of sales and marketing for Frontier Management, LLC., said it is the only confirmed case at the assisted living center. Frontier Management, based in Oregon, manages nursing homes across the country, including SunnyBrook in Burlington.

One Coronavirus Cased Reported at SunnyBrook in Burlington

By Beacon Staff



The Iowa Governor’s office reported Des Moines County’s first COVID-19 death on Sunday.



The person was between 61 and 80-years-old. Additional details about the patient, including when the person succumbed to the virus, were not released Sunday afternoon.



Des Moines County currently has 16 diagnosed cases of COVID-19, and five of them have recovered. So far, 233 people living in Des Moines County have been tested for coronavirus.



The number of local COVID-19 cases currently sits at five in Lee County, eight in Van Buren County, 266 in Louisa County (including two deaths), and 31 in Henry in County (including one death).



Iowa reported its highest single-day total of COVID-19 cases Saturday as the state increases testing and targets workers at meatpacking plants and nursing homes that have been hit hard by the new coronavirus. Shearer’s Foods in West Burlington and Doran &amp; Ward Packaging in Burlington have each reported one confirmed case of coronavirus so far.



There were 648 positive tests in a 24-hour reporting period that ended at 10 a.m. Saturday, the Iowa Department of Public Health said in a statement/ That news came one day after 521 new cases were reported and pushed the total in Iowa to over 5,000.



As of 11 a.m. Sunday, April 26, Iowa had recorded 5,476 cases of COVID-19, including 118 deaths. Exactly 286 people have been hospitalized from the virus, and 1,900 have recovered so far. A total of 36,090 Iowans have been tested.

Des Moines County Suffers First Coronavirus Death

By Beacon Staff



A few years ago, tennis enthusiast Brian Japsen took on a Herculean fundraising task — making up a shortfall of $76,000.



With that money, the Burlington Tennis Association could help the city offset the cost of repaving the Dankwardt Park tennis courts. The city received a $106,000 Starker Foundation grant, but resurfacing the Dankwardt Park tennis courts costs about $182,000.



According to Burlington Mayor Jon Billups, the city has been trying to fund the project for several years, hoping to match the grant money without using city funds. Funding that $76,000 shortfall proved to be the biggest barrier.



Japsen has drummed up more than $74,000 in pledges from a variety of donors, including a donation from the Judy and John Arledge Charitable Foundation, as well as another local foundation. Marcia Carman and Cindy Heater also helped with the local fundraising activities.



“We have had very generous donations from tennis players in our area,” Japsen said.



The Burlington Tennis Association presented the Burlington City Council with the first installment of $11,500 last week.



Billups said the fundraising campaign and initial contribution has enabled the city to accept bids on the project.



“The city thanks Brian and Renee (Brian Japsen’s wife), plus all those who pledged donations. Your efforts will benefit the parks and all,” he said.



Japsen, a 1978 BHS graduate who has been playing tennis since middle school, gets the satisfaction of helping his city and the firm footing of a springy new tennis court.



“If you take a look around we have the RecPlex, the brand new sports bubble, and two awesome golf courses. Why not great tennis courts?” Japsen said.



Donations are still being accepted for the project. Monetary donations can be mailed to Burlington Tennis Association: 1925 Osborn Street, Burlington, Iowa 52601.



(Editor's Note: Everyday Heroes is an ongoing series featuring people who make a difference in our community. If you want to nominate someone for a story, contact us at burlingtonbeacon@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.)



Photo by Joy Mack



The tennis courts at Dankwardt Park in Burlington are in need of resurfacing. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of tennis enthusiast Brian Japsen, the repaving project is moving forward.

Tennis Enthusiast Helps Paving Project Move Forward

By Beacon Staff



A sizable pile of debris and trash litters the drive leading to the historic Dolbee Cemetery.



The trash, which includes part of a sofa chair, is on local law enforcement’s radar. Pictures of the debris pile, which appears to have been dumped, circulated on Facebook over the weekend.



Des Moines Sheriff Mike Johnstone said he was disgusted by what he saw, noting the matter is under investigation.



Founded in 1848, the Dolbee Cemetery was the second cemetery built on the bluff in Huron Township, more than a dozen miles north of Burlington. The roughly one-acre cemetery has an entrance off Mediapolis Road.



The first cemetery signs at the Dolbee Cemetery were erected in the late 1960s.



Photo by Joy Mack

Dolbee Cemetery Drive Trashed

By Beacon Staff



Edwin Shirts, who owns Mr. Wingbone's Calls. and his nephew, Logan, recently practiced their archery skills at the Dankwardt Park in Burlington. Parks in Burlington remain open, however, playground equipment and skate parks remain closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.



Photos by Anthony Dewitt

Taking Aim

By Beacon Staff



Burlington firefighters responded to a fire at the Autumn Heights apartment complex early Monday morning, only to find a stovetop fire that had already been extinguished.



Local police helped evacuate the seven-story apartment around 2:30 a.m. when the fire alarm sounded. One resident was evaluated for several breathing issues but refused treatment. No one else was injured.



A Burlington police officer who was in the area responded to the first, automated alarm. A resident assistant informed police of a stovetop fire in a sixth-floor apartment by an onsite resident who had mostly extinguished it. Firefighters finished the job and helped remove smoke from the six-floor, staying on site until 4:22 a.m. Monday.



The fire damage was contained to the stove at Apartment 603, as well as surrounding cabinets and counters. The resident was alerted to the fire by smoke alarms.



The fire is considered accidental.

Autumn Heights Apartment Complex Evacuated in the Middle of the Night Due To Stovetop Fire Scare

By William Smith



A multi-tasker with an eternal head (and heart) for business, Ken Schwenker often worked with a phone cradled beneath each ear.



Sometimes, when business at Standard of Beaverdale was really booming, he would attempt a third simultaneous conversation with the customer in front of him. As a prank, Ken’s younger brother Greg once handed him a third phone, even though there was no one on the other end.



“He just busted out laughing,” Greg said, sharing a favorite memory of his older brother.



Ken Schwenker was smart enough to get the joke, genial enough to chuckle, and ambitious enough to get right back to work.



" 'No’ was not in his vocabulary, whatever you asked of him,” Greg said. “And I’ve asked a lot.”



Ken Schwenker died unexpectedly of heart failure Wednesday at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. His family business continues to chug on, manned by relatives working through their grief, just like Ken would have.



“Ken just reveled in being here,” said his sister, Brenda Carson, who works at the store. “This is where he was his best.”



By that measure, Ken Schwenker was at his best most hours of the day. Just like his four siblings, Ken was born into the hardware business his father started.



Ken was the oldest sibling and showed the greatest aptitude for the business. Family members that didn’t move elsewhere usually ended up working alongside him.



“He was the leader. He had to be the role model,” his sister, Sharon Schwenker, said.



Ken has two children; when they were old enough, they too went to work for him.



“We all had an official job until we were 16,” Ken’s daughter, Kathy Schwenker, said.



Schwenker was one of the first in the industry to implement a computerized inventory management system and helped young business owners find their feet in the industry. He took joy in donating to area organizations and projects, often underwriting promotional advertising for community events.



“If people want to see their area improve, then they need to do something because it won’t just happen by itself,” Schwenker said in 2015 when he was honored as a Southeastern Community College Distinguished Alumnus.



Humble to his Iowa core, Schwenker didn’t put on airs. He smoked a pipe and always carried a red handkerchief in his pocket, even when the pocket was on the breast of a suit jacket.



“Not a conceited bone in his body,” Sharon Schwenker said.



When he wasn’t talking business, Schwenker spoke about his travels and his family. Vacations were usually a combination of all three.



“We had a lot of family vacations centered around Ace Hardware conventions, but then we would take another week off,” Kathy Schwenker said.



Unbeknownst to most people, Ken was also a skilled baker. In fact, Ken baked more delectable sweets than his trim figure suggested and consumed far more of his creations than seems possible. Sherry still can’t believe how much he could eat without gaining weight.



“I was jealous. He always stayed skinny,” Sherry said, her voice choked with mirth.



About a month before Ken died, Kathy came back to work for her father. She didn’t take the job to keep an eye on him, though. At age 66, Ken seemed to be in fine health.



“We didn’t see it coming at all. It was a shock to everyone. I thought I was going to have another couple of decades with him,” Kathy said.



She got a handful of weeks instead, blessedly unaware of how it would end. Kathy got to know her father a little better in those weeks.



“I had a desk right behind his, and usually I would stay a couple of minutes after everyone left,” she said.



But it’s her childhood memories of Ken that have crystallized in her heart.



“He loved us. He was a great dad. He would take us out to Bees games and picnics in the park. He tried to teach us to fish, and we couldn’t find bait so he used hot dogs. I remember finding that pretty funny,” she said.



Obituary for Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Schwenker (As posted by Lunning Chapel)



Kenneth “Kenny” Lee Schwenker, 66, of West Burlington died suddenly of heart failure Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at the Great River Medical Center Emergency Department in West Burlington.



Ken was a graduate of Burlington High School 1971 and attended SCC and was later honored as a distinguished alumnus. He then backpacked through Europe before returning to the family business.



Ken was the current president and owner of Standard of Beaverdale, his family business and worked there for his entire lifetime.



He was a member of St. Luke United Church of Christ.



Kenny enjoyed spending time with family, baking and eating sweets and woodworking. He had a very positive attitude for his community and was very involved in and supported many community events.



He loved SCC basketball and fireworks.



Survivors include his wife Diane of Burlington; two children, Katherine A. Schwenker of Burlington and David R. (Barbara Becker) Schwenker of Clive, Iowa; step-children Ben (Diana) Dobson of West Burlington, Sarah Krabill of Ozark, MO, Kyle (Nicole) Dobson of Burlington, Rachel (Matt) Vandervoort of Ozark, MO and Mallory (Justin) Jennings of Burlington; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Dan (Debra) Schwenker of Burlington, Greg (Brenda Smith) Schwenker; two sisters, Brenda Carson and Sharon (Tony) Ashby of West Burlington and by a large extended family.



He was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth, his parents and one grandson.



The private graveside committal service for Ken will be Tuesday, April 7, 2020.



Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will not be having a public memorial at this time. A celebration of life will be at a later date.



A memorial has been established for the Hospice House and Greater Burlington Sports Foundation for the Future Gymnasium Project. Online condolences may be sent by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lunningfuneralchapel.com/?fbclid=IwAR3Suv0gc6cLJAMKM4tyML25cSr5dZ3V2-T3bYStc3CgcJEVhrM-Uhqy2Ew" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.lunningfuneralchapel.com/</a>

Always Working, Always Smiling: Schwenker Left A Lasting Legacy

By Beacon Staff



The Tyson Foods’ pork processing plant in Columbus Junction has suspended operations for at least the next week due to more than two dozen cases of COVID-19 confirmed at the facility.



“In an effort to minimize the impact on our overall production, we’re diverting the livestock supply originally scheduled for delivery to Columbus Junction to some of our other pork plants in the region,” Tyson CEO Noel White said in a statement Monday.



Meat and poultry plants are experiencing varying levels of production impact throughout the country, due to the planned implementation of additional worker safety precautions and worker absenteeism, White said.



Local producers are concerned about the impact this closure will have on their ability to sell hogs.



In addition to taking the temperature of workers at all of Tyson’s locations before they enter company facilities, White said they’ve stepped up deep cleaning and sanitizing of their facilities, especially in employee breakrooms, locker rooms, and other areas to protect team members.&nbsp;



“We’re working to secure an adequate supply of protective face coverings for production workers and have implemented interim protocols for temporary protective coverings while observing food safety,” White said.



Tyson continues to explore and implement additional ways to promote more social distancing in the plants. According to Tyson’s statement, this includes erecting dividers between workstations or increasing the space between workers on the production floor, which can involve slowing production lines.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Tyson Foods In Columbus Junction Hit With Over Two Dozen COVID-19 Cases; Plant Shutting Down Until Next Week

By Beacon Staff



Despite an updated emergency proclamation from the city of Burlington Monday and another proclamation by Des Moines County Tuesday, Burlington Mayor Jon Billups is stressing that nothing has changed.



The proclamations are simply a show of local solidarity with Gov. Kim Reynold’s existing measures regarding coronavirus. It also is a strong recommendation for locals to keep following state guidelines in place to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



With early spring feeling a lot more like early summer, Billups and local leaders felt it necessary to issue an official decree outlining what is allowed. Going outside is not off-limits, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.



Fresh air is encouraged.



“It was decided by the mayors of Des Moines County and the Des Moines County Supervisors to issue a proclamation supporting her (Gov. Kim Reynolds’) request to act as if there was a shelter order in place,” Billups said in a statement Tuesday morning, which can be viewed in its entirety on his Facebook page.



That means restaurants and businesses that currently offer delivery or curbside service will continue as usual.



Fully aware of the economic impact the virus is having locally, Billups encouraged those who feel comfortable to continue shopping locally, as long as they do so responsibly and by state guidelines.



The updated emergency proclamation for Burlington consisted of several other salient points and updates, including:



• The skate park in Dankwardt Park is closed to public use. • Gatherings of 10 or more people are strongly discouraged until further notice. • Individuals are recommended to not leave their home or place of residence, except to conduct essential activities. The definition of essential has been outlined by the state. Retail stores that sell food still offer the non-food items that have always been available. • Solid waste crews will continue picking up an additional 33-gallon container (up to 40 lbs.) of household waste through May 1 without the use of an additional tag.

Mayor Billups: New Local Coronavirus Proclamations Do Not Add New Restrictions or Closures

By Beacon Staff



A child under the age of 17 has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Henry County, and two new diagnoses of the virus were confirmed in Des Moines County.



The child in Henry County was one of four new cases confirmed by the Iowa Department of Public Health Tuesday. Another was an adult between the ages of 18 and 40, as well as two middle-aged residents between the ages of 41 and 60. That brings the Henry County total up to 13.



The two new cases in Des Moines County are between the ages of 61 and 80, bringing the county total up to three. Louisa County reported 13 new cases Tuesday, bringing the total up to 20. There is only one confirmed case in Lee County at this time.



Gov. Reynolds reported 102 new cases Tuesday, and one more Iowan has died from the virus.



As of Tuesday morning, that brings the total number of positive cases in Iowa to 1,048. Gov. Reynolds also said there have been 1,017 negative tests reported.



A total of 26 Iowans have now died because of complications of COVID-19. The most recent death was an elderly person from Benton County.



There are 104 currently hospitalized coronavirus patients and 341 patients have recovered.



Eleven percent of the total infections have been identified as long-term care residents or staff and 46 percent of the deaths have been long-term care residents.

Henry County Child Diagnosed With Coronavirus; Two More Cases In Des Moines County

Photo by Jeff Abell



An empty swing near a sign announcing park playground equipment is closed to the public is shown Tuesday in Crapo Park in Burlington. The city of Burlington made the move to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Empty Swings, Empty Playgrounds

By Beacon Staff



Police arrested a Burlington man Friday (April 10) for allegedly producing methamphetamine and maintaining a drug house.



Robert Ian Heffernan, 37, of Burlington is charged with manufacturing methamphetamine over 5 grams. He also is charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, maintaining a drug house (methamphetamine), child endangerment, as well as a Lee County warrant for a parole violation.



Police arrested Heffernan after executing a search warrant at 1513 Lincoln St. in Burlington. Agencies involved in the search included the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, Burlington Police Department and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.



Burlington Police Lt. Wayne Thomson said the arrest was just the latest into a multi-agency investigation pertaining to a subject who was manufacturing narcotics in the Burlington area. Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, the Lee County Narcotics Task Force and the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE) are heading up the investigation. Another meth resulted from the investigation on March 30.



Heffernan is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington.

Burlington Man Arrested for Making Meth and Maintaining A Drug House

By Beacon Staff



The defunct JCPenney parking lot at Westland Mall in West Burlington teemed with faithful Easter parishioners Sunday morning, and not one of them came within breathing distance of the other.



Members of the Burlington First Assembly of God Worship Team belted out their love for Jesus as they strummed their guitars on a mobile stage at the south end of the parking, their voices filtering through the car radios of those in attendance.



Unable to leave their vehicles without breaking Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ social distance mandate to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the drivers elatedly pounded their car horns after the opening song. Normally a noise of annoyance, the applause substitute did not go unappreciated.



“Lord, you let there be a way. We didn’t think it was going to happen,” First Assembly of God pastor Scott Collier said.



The non-denominational drive-in Easter service was simple and efficient and open to everyone. Parishioners arrived and left as they pleased, some settling into the back pews (the north end of the JCPenney parking lot) shortly after the service started.



Most of the vehicles were separated by a parking space, allowing for social interaction at six feet for those who rolled down their car windows.



Collier reiterated the only rule of the service as he led the radio broadcast prayer.



“Please, do not leave your vehicles,” he said.



Collier didn’t dwell on coronavirus during his sermon, nor did he ignore it. Most churches across Burlington, including First Assembly of God, have been delivering church services online. Collier treated the virus as the constant it is likely to be.



“God, we pray for the essential workers, and we pray your hands to be upon them,” he said.



Upwards of 50 vehicles could be counted at the service, and the only ones wandering around outside were church volunteers taking coffee orders for parishioners. Worshipers who brought their own supplies performed communion within the mobile isolation units that got them there.



“If you can hear me, honk your horns,” Collier said, the air once again filling with a sharp sound. “Be grateful the grave was empty."



Photos by Jeff Abell



Area residents attended a non-denominational drive-in Easter service Sunday at Westland Mall in West Burlington.

Celebrating The Resurrection Of Jesus From A Car Seat

By Beacon Staff



There is another case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Des Moines County, the Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Sunday.



The new case in Des Moines County is that of an adult aged 41-60 years. That brings the total confirmed cases to three in Des Moines County.



In addition to the Des Moines County case, state officials announced seven more COVID-19-related deaths, which brings the total to 41. The seven deaths include two older adults between 61-80 years and four elderly adults older than 81 years old in Linn County, and one elderly adult above the age of 81 from Washington County.



There were 77 new positive cases, including six in Louisa County. The total of confirmed cases in Iowa now stands at 1,587, with a total of 16,005 negative tests.

New COVID-19 Case in Des Moines County; Seven More Deaths Reported

By Jeff Abell



As much as food feeds the body, hope feeds the soul. With both in mind, local food pantries work hard each week to fill empty stomachs and vacant hearts.



That mission has become more challenging due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Unemployment due to business closures has only increased the already high demand for food items throughout the area.



Salvation Army Lt. Dennis Jolly echoed that sentiment, adding that the faith-based charitable organization has seen an uptick in new clients. He said it has been challenging keeping shelves stocked, but so far everyone's needs have been met.



"There are people who are using the food bank for the first time. Some have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus," he said.



Jolly said food donations are always accepted and, once received, they are quarantined for the maximum time required by health guidelines governing COVID-19. The food pantry is open to all and each ready-to-pick-up basket contains several food items.



"Donations are always needed. We can make a dollar go a long way," Jolly said. " It's an honor and a privilege to serve this community."



At the Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa Distribution Center, volunteers have been working to keep food pantries throughout the state stocked. Dylan Lampe, senior manager of marketing and communications, said it has been challenging for the non-profit to keep up with demand.



'We had one order that came in that was 20 times what it normally would be," Lampe said. "It has required us to be creative."



Food pantries also are facing a shortage of volunteers due to the self-imposed isolation of older volunteers. In light of the shortage of manpower, Lampe said volunteer shifts have been reduced at the food bank. The same situation is playing out at the Salvation Army.



"Our older volunteers are just not able to come in but we are getting by," Jolly said, adding that food baskets are distributed by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays to minimize contact.



Despite having to navigate a new normal, non-profit food providers are learning to adapt. If a person is worried about donating a food item due to COVID-19 concerns, Jolly and Lampe say monetary donations are always welcome.



"These are challenging times, and the impact will be felt for a long time, but we will get through this," Lampe said.



To donate food, give a monetary donation, or volunteer, contact the Burlington Salvation Army at (319) 753-2038. To donate to the Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa Distribution Center, contact (641) 682-3403.



To schedule an appointment at Kayla's Cupboard, contact (319) 237-8400. The St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry can be contacted at (319) 752-9332.



Photo by Jeff Abell



Food items ready to be donated to a local food pantry are shown Wednesday in Burlington.

Empty Stomachs, Vacant Hearts: Food Pantries Work To Keep Up With Demand

By Beacon Staff



The Flint River Trail from Starr’s Cave Nature Center to the Starr’s Cave Bridge is closed beginning today (Wednesday, April 15) for trail maintenance and silt removal, according to the Des Moines County Conservation Department.



Conservation officials said spring flooding left behind a large amount of sediment on and around the trail that needs to be removed. The project requires heavy equipment to travel on the trail, thus resulting in the closure notice.



The trail is expected to reopen on Thursday, April 30. For more information, contact Starr’s Cave Nature Center at (319) 753-5808.

Section of Trail Closed Until End Of The Month

By Beacon Staff



Beginning Monday (April 13), road construction will impact Fifth Street from Locust to Walnut streets, according to city officials.



Crews from FYE Excavating will be removing the old roadway, installing new storm sewers, and preparing the road for paving. After the storm sewers are installed on each block, the roadway will be paved, including intersections and driveway approaches.



Each block will be impacted for two to four weeks, depending on the weather, and the construction will affect parking and travel on those roadways. If you have any questions throughout construction, please feel free to contact the city staff on the job site or call the public works office at 319-753-8176.

Storm Sewer Work Will Affect Parking, Travel on Fifth Street

Photo by Anthony Dewitt



With a flick of the wrist, Elijah Kane of Burlington plays a round of disc golf Easter Sunday in Crapo Park in Burlington.

A Flick of the Wrist

By Beacon Staff



In what has become a familiar scene, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds stood at a podium to give her daily televised COVID-19 status report to Iowans. Today, as she did yesterday, she had the grim duty of announcing more deaths related to the novel coronavirus.



At Wednesday's press conference, Reynolds announced four more COVID-19-related deaths and 96 new confirmed cases in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health has not released the ages and locations of the four people who died. Nor have they yet released information regarding those who most-recently tested positive for COVID-19.



Wednesday's announcement brings the state's total number of deaths to 53 with 1,995 confirmed positive cases. In Des Moines County, there are seven confirmed cases of COVID-19.



Reynolds said there are 407 negative tests for a total of 17,847 total negative tests in the state. There currently are 3,048 tests available, and 908 Iowans have recovered for a 46 percent recovery rate, she added.



State health officials confirmed the seventh outbreak at a long-term care facility in Iowa. Wilton Retirement Community in Wilton reported an outbreak this week, the IDPH said. A total of 171 Iowans are hospitalized with COVID-19, with 20 admitted in the past 24 hours. Of those hospitalized, 78 are listed in intensive care and 43 are on ventilators.



There are 7,930 hospital beds available in Iowa, with 533 ICU beds available and 718 ventilators available, according to state health officials.

Four More Deaths Reported; Des Moines County has Seven Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

By Beacon Staff



An unseasonably late winter/spring storm is expected to hit Burlington Thursday afternoon, possibly leaving more than half-a-foot of wet, slushy snow on the ground.



Forecasters with the National Weather Service sounded the snow alarm Wednesday afternoon, warning of 4 to 6 inches of snow between 4 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday for Southeast Iowa and the surrounding area.



The concentrated, local forecast issued by the NWS has a 90 percent chance for 4 to 8 inches in Burlington. The wet, heavy snow will likely start falling by Thursday afternoon or early evening, bringing with it wind gusts of up to 25 mph.



Drifting won’t be a problem with such heavy snow, NWS says, but the clumpy precipitation could down tree limbs and possibly even power lines.



Friday’s high is expected to reach 44 degrees, and the high will climb to 56 degrees Saturday. No further precipitation is forecast for the weekend.

Spring Snowstorm Could Blanket Burlington

By Jeff Abell



"A book is a dream you hold in your hands." — Neil Gaiman, author



Olivia Keller, a Burlington native, is a living testament to Gaiman's sentiment. She is a woman on a mission — to spread literacy awareness. In doing so, she hopes to foster the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of others through greater access to books.



For Keller, 23, promoting literacy has always been a cause that has been dear to her heart. Keller believes in the power of reading to unlock a person's potential — to educate, enlighten, and enrich lives.



"Literacy affects everything we do in life," Keller said.



Keller cites troubling statistics, saying America has a literacy crisis. She said at least 14 percent of our population does not know how to read or write at a proficient level. About 65 percent of fourth-graders are not at a proficient level which makes them four times more likely to drop out of high school.



Although reading has been a long-held passion for Keller, her literacy initiative became a reality this year during her participation in the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program. Keller, who was a runner up for Miss Burlington, chose literacy as her social impact initiative.



"The social impact initiative is a platform cause that is something we care about, have experience with, and want to work to promote," she said. "I chose to do literary awareness and named my social impact initiative Read to Succeed. Learning to read and write is so important."



On the local level, Keller has put Read to Succeed in action. It hasn't been an easy task during this time of social distancing due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, Keller rose to the challenge and utilized social media to get the word out.



Through the hashtag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/read2succeed?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBSKiLTZ52oUASxV6vk2Jl_rCl7i1Ryaj7gkRVxZz5NzgS18jWr_s6f6xmWsJVoXG6XukLZHr_gH0OlAF1ifgZWQWbG2JecgQHVIUps4zQQQ5s1dctdyBcmW58b-Rws_tFhHGwzS9djubRk8Gy-yGqRnGzJCxbUhVuSM22SB5BMi58-vDWeYamMRvquRU_BnYB1k0vtTQXK9scBlUfXvJWRRV5tfmkar5PO8ApR6onqdvU56e3RstGlbYKEpFbN_GjjtAJIicefp7PC6UjiNrx8nV6s_whmEux-S1Dy-vmdaoOcIfHnCfe9oFNCttU18Wiln2DAPQMkpSwnOmwy9gw&amp;__tn__=%2ANK-R">#Read2Succeed</a>, Keller put out a call to those with books to donate. The goal is to get books in the hands of people who can't afford or don't have access to reading materials. Also, Keller said it provides a fun activity during this time of self-isolation, like a literary scavenger hunt.



Participating is simple: select books to donate, put them in a box or basket, place them on the front porch, and use the hashtag&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/readtosucceed?source=feed_text&amp;epa=HASHTAG&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARBSKiLTZ52oUASxV6vk2Jl_rCl7i1Ryaj7gkRVxZz5NzgS18jWr_s6f6xmWsJVoXG6XukLZHr_gH0OlAF1ifgZWQWbG2JecgQHVIUps4zQQQ5s1dctdyBcmW58b-Rws_tFhHGwzS9djubRk8Gy-yGqRnGzJCxbUhVuSM22SB5BMi58-vDWeYamMRvquRU_BnYB1k0vtTQXK9scBlUfXvJWRRV5tfmkar5PO8ApR6onqdvU56e3RstGlbYKEpFbN_GjjtAJIicefp7PC6UjiNrx8nV6s_whmEux-S1Dy-vmdaoOcIfHnCfe9oFNCttU18Wiln2DAPQMkpSwnOmwy9gw&amp;__tn__=%2ANK-R">#ReadToSucceed</a>&nbsp;to post your participation information on social media. Keller said it is important to follow all COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.



"My goal with Read to Succeed is to provide those in need (mostly our youth) with books and reading materials so that they may be able to learn and gain confidence with literacy at home," Keller said. "The response has been positive. As word gets out, I think it will grow."



As Keller gears up for the Miss Iowa Scholarship pageant this summer, she has an eye on expanding her local literacy program. Keller is looking at broadening her social media presence and reaching out to news outlets. She also would like to conduct lectures and presentations on the topic of literacy.



"There is so much more I want to do with this. I also work to inform parents and caregivers on the importance of reading to their children and helping them with English homework at home," she said.



For Keller, if one child learns to love reading or improves their writing skills through the initiative, then Read to Succeed is already a success.



"I love to read and I want to help others to love to read," she said.



(Editor's Note: Everyday Heroes is an ongoing series featuring people who make a difference in our community. If you want to nominate someone for a story, contact us at burlingtonbeacon@gmail.com or message us on Facebook.)



Photo by Joy Mack



Olivia Keller of Burlington started the Read to Succeed initiative to promote literacy. She is shown with books to be donated near the Great River Bridge in Burlington.

Keller Advocates For Literacy Through Initiative

By Pat Rynard Iowa Starting Line



The Tyson meatpacking plant in Columbus Junction, where a major outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) turned Louisa County into one of the biggest per-capita hot spots in the country, is restarting some of its operations today (Tuesday, April 21).



The plant closed on April 6 after over two dozen of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus. After the state sent hundreds of testing kits to the southeast Iowa town to conduct surveillance tests of the employees, 166 workers were confirmed to have contracted the virus. Two have since died.



On Monday, multiple sources confirmed to Starting Line that workers were being called back into the plant for work Tuesday. One provided a screenshot of a text message that read, “Team Members of the Kill Floor &amp; Rendo are working tomorrow 4/21/20 at regular start time except those who are sick or tested positive.”



The sources said the “hot room” of the plant, which they say has between 200 and 250 workers, would be restarting.



The company then confirmed on Monday that the Columbus Junction plant would resume limited production Tuesday morning and then slowly ramp up capacity.



It has now been two weeks since the plant shuttered, and Tyson has said they have taken significant steps to clean their facilities and provide for social distancing between employees in places like the break room.



Multiple workers told Starting Line last week that earlier steps at several meatpacking plants in Iowa did not line up with various companies’ statements.



“In an effort to promote social distancing, many company facilities have installed workstation dividers and are providing more breakroom space,” a Tyson press release stated this evening.



As the outbreaks have spread throughout Midwestern meatpacking facilities, states have provided the kind of widespread testing at targeted locations that many argue are necessary to detect who all are infected and get them isolated.



Tyson now has the benefit of knowing who had the virus in previous weeks when testing was conducted, allowing them to keep those employees from reentering the workplace. However, it’s not clear how many of the workers who tested negative may have spent the past week around family members or others living in their homes and communities who might have had the virus and transmitted it further.



Louisa County currently has 215 cases. That’s the equivalent of over 1,900 cases per 100,000 population. Only a small handful of places in the entire country have higher per capita rates than that. Louisa County’s rate has now surpassed New York City’s and New Orleans’. Surrounding Iowa counties like Muscatine, where many plant workers live, has also seen soaring case numbers.

Tyson's Columbus Junction Plant Is Restarting

By Beacon Staff



Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the continued closure of Iowa schools during a press conference Friday morning, (April 17).



Schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year to curb the spread of coronavirus.



School districts will continue to offer distance learning opportunities, both online and through paper packets distributed to students, for the remainder of the school year. In a reversal of an earlier policy Reynolds put in place, students will not be required to make up the time missed during the shutdown.



The Burlington School District responded to the closure of the school’s official Facebook account.



“We are committed to continue providing learning opportunities and services for our students during this challenging time. We continue to update our plans and will share information and updates as they are available. Please continue to check our school website,&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcsds.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3ky8t4FTKte-CkxMKqfn12PDAkrCtYp-ItIbwBnmlpJwyCNbeq4IRnaBU&amp;h=AT26j0UkxUY27_a2ywGpoyyzeWlTSt1KFCZ2JIAlV7WWCkNOCbEBqnDZyyjwk-NkpcLN7uLerdYAznt5scZdv4gGaA_I82oN8X0RhLPVjA9GLC77wPV0II5PsYBUhi5H33X1qlq-M30JNZ8Emw_ecu3gb_nMzjBlVRqONbNftB6r9ec31BPiWUjcBu4699BY37ipTKaNfDDuNL7F3lXAgylJgKpmlUDh-mMovIoxYKuT7yNgI2jcFnoffOA80-w7BQAoQCZDgcdMYBCNa3n1EKn0sKk8Og2ifbbM1qH4pq7X9Q1-7cD-KmsN7inMpiTLiZ_dJcOmVuD5GZpu40hw_ZJAgjbbaty8K1cnOWWEAnwg9Mfq7sXif3CLiVf1KxU9bNQmNZlT2XJTTLTjMvetpOOGNeZWWy1_wVLZzrv2RlRNyZ0Z-JuDNAxOJVZFMcGZEGDhrVom1xGFSJoBO0C7YY59JQpeLIDi-plQevibvlgGxU_V290Cs7A5w2ZNz7qnQ59E6Ms2XFgy-hcqfcZS60nrFQsFjUrd2rwggYJ-PV92PN8jbAFfA8TlNEkQQuCDmQpBMnIPNzc_9E6R2VfmGLsaf8EJnoT5n06pFRhvuNb0wuaJGMlX70HJouGf7nVdmHy9kxo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.bcsds.org</a>&nbsp;for regular updates or call our school closure hotline, (319) 753-9698, for assistance,” the statement reads.



Burlington Notre Dame responded in much the same way on its Facebook page.



“The school is working on contingencies regarding this. We will have something out to you next week,” the statement reads.



The West Burlington School District had a materials pick-up event Wednesday that will allow students the chance to learn at home. The district has not officially responded to the governor’s new declaration.



All high school spring sports are canceled as well. The cancellation covers boys' and girls' track and field, soccer, golf, and tennis. There will be a decision made on summer sports (baseball and softball) by June 1. For now, those sports are suspended until that decision is made.



The governor also announced Friday that she will waive the late-August start date requirement, which could allow school districts to start the 2020-2021 academic year earlier than Aug. 23.



"Maybe there's a possibility for schools to start three weeks early and start some of that remediation so that we can start to see where the kids are at and help provide them the instruction they need to get them there to where they should be," Reynolds said.



Schools are required to submit a "return to learn" plan to the Iowa Department of Education by July 1 that could include things like summer school classes, enrichment activities or other programs designed to address disruptions to learning.



The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Schools In Iowa Will Remain Closed For The Rest Of This Academic Year

By Beacon Staff



A Burlington man was arrested Saturday (April 18) in connection with a shooting earlier that morning.



Burlington Police Lt. Wayne Thomson said the person who was shot was taken to Great River Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries. The person was not identified.



Jilvone Sherlon Lee Watts, 21, of Burlington was arrested after police responded to the area of Flint Hills Drive and Argyle Court regarding multiple reports of shots fired shortly before noon. He has been charged with willful injury, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon and going armed with intent.



Upon arrival, officers located two subjects matching the description of individuals seen in the area at the time of the shooting. Officers made contact with the individuals and discovered one of them had sustained a gunshot wound.



Watts is being held without bond at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington pending a court appearance.



Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8366 or the Burlington Area Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.