A semi-truck carrying a large tank for seed storage knocked over a light pole and became stuck on the U.S. 34 on-ramp (heading east onto the Great River Bridge) for roughly three hours Wednesday morning (Oct. 13).

According to the Burlington Fire Department, the grain container was being hauled on a lowboy trailer, and the driver attempted to cut the corner of the curvy ramp too tightly. That caused the tank to scrape against a concrete barrier and knock the light pole over, dislodging it from the trailer.

The fire department said neither the driver nor anyone else was hurt in the accident.

Berg's Towing, out of Galesburg, Illinois, was called to the scene to help remove the semi.  

By Beacon StaffA semi-truck carrying a large tank for seed storage knocked over a light pole and became stuck on the U.S. 34 on-ramp (heading east onto the Great River Bridge) for roughly three hours Wednesday morning (Oct. 13).According to the Burlington Fire Department, the grain container was being hauled on a lowboy trailer, and the driver attempted to cut the corner of the curvy ramp too tightly. That caused the tank to scrape against a concrete barrier and knock the light pole over, dislodging it from the trailer.The fire department said neither the driver nor anyone else was hurt in the accident.Berg's Towing, out of Galesburg, Illinois, was called to the scene to help remove the semi.

Grain Bin Scrapes US 34 Entrance Ramp and Knocks Over Light Pole as Driver Gets Stuck

Des Moines County Sheriff's deputies arrested two suspects on drug charges after conducting a traffic stop.

At about 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle at Division St. and Flint Hills Dr. for an equipment violation. 

The driver was Phillip Daniel Pugliese, 36, of Wayland. The passenger was Pepsi Dawn Smith, 33, of Burlington.

Deputies found about 33 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. 

Pugliese and Smith were arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/10/1633896867411.jpeg" alt="Phillip Daniel Pugliese, 36, of Wayland and Pepsi Dawn Smith, 33, of Burlington." />
 <figcaption>Phillip Daniel Pugliese, 36, of Wayland and Pepsi Dawn Smith, 33, of Burlington.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffDes Moines County Sheriff's deputies arrested two suspects on drug charges after conducting a traffic stop.At about 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 7, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle at Division St. and Flint Hills Dr. for an equipment violation. The driver was Phillip Daniel Pugliese, 36, of Wayland. The passenger was Pepsi Dawn Smith, 33, of Burlington.Deputies found about 33 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material, and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Pugliese and Smith were arrested for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and failure to affix a drug tax stamp.

Pair Arrested on Drug Charges

More than 200 people participated in the annual Burlington Walk To End Alzheimer's on Saturday morning, raising awareness and funds to eliminate a disease that causes severe mental and physical impairment.

Some of the walkers participated virtually, an amenity provided by the Alzheimer's Association due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the participants met for a brief ceremony at Westland Mall, holding flowers of varying hues.&nbsp;

Those who carried a purple flower had lost someone to Alzheimer’s. Yellow flowers were held by caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Those living with Alzheimer’s carried a blue flower. Orange flowers were for anyone who supports the Alzheimer’s Association. One white flower represented the first Alzheimer's patient who will be the beneficiary of a long-awaited cure at some point in the future.

Alzheimer's Walk Engagement Chairman Cody Flietner told stories of those living with Alzheimer's disease during the opening ceremony, breaking into tears midway through his speech.

"I'm thinking of my grandma," he said, taking a brief second to regain his composure.

Flietner also asked for a moment of silence for Alzheimer's Association volunteer Megan Koss. Koss, 39, died Oct. 4 of COVID-19, according to her family.&nbsp;

Last year's Walk To End Alzheimer's did not have a public opening ceremony due to COVID-19, though there was one available online, and this year's ceremony was shorter than usual to help mitigate the possible spread of the virus. Testimonials usually delivered in-person were put online this year.

Walkers at Saturday's event were asked to keep six feet between them when possible, and those who were unvaccinated were asked to wear a mask at all times. Hand sanitizing stations were also present.

Walk organizers originally moved the event from the Port of Burlington to Westland Mall a couple of years ago so participants could walk inside, but that wasn't possible after the pandemic hit.

This year's walk was finally able to happen at the new location, just not inside it. Organizers are hoping the walk can happen inside the mall next year, depending on the status of the pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/10/1633805101224.jpeg" alt="Participants in the annual Burlington Walk To End Alzheimer's hold flowers signifying how Alzheimer's disease has affected their lives. " />
 <figcaption>Participants in the annual Burlington Walk To End Alzheimer's hold flowers signifying how Alzheimer's disease has affected their lives. </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffMore than 200 people participated in the annual Burlington Walk To End Alzheimer's on Saturday morning, raising awareness and funds to eliminate a disease that causes severe mental and physical impairment.Some of the walkers participated virtually, an amenity provided by the Alzheimer's Association due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the participants met for a brief ceremony at Westland Mall, holding flowers of varying hues.&nbsp;Those who carried a purple flower had lost someone to Alzheimer’s. Yellow flowers were held by caregivers for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Those living with Alzheimer’s carried a blue flower. Orange flowers were for anyone who supports the Alzheimer’s Association. One white flower represented the first Alzheimer's patient who will be the beneficiary of a long-awaited cure at some point in the future.Alzheimer's Walk Engagement Chairman Cody Flietner told stories of those living with Alzheimer's disease during the opening ceremony, breaking into tears midway through his speech."I'm thinking of my grandma," he said, taking a brief second to regain his composure.Flietner also asked for a moment of silence for Alzheimer's Association volunteer Megan Koss. Koss, 39, died Oct. 4 of COVID-19, according to her family.&nbsp;Last year's Walk To End Alzheimer's did not have a public opening ceremony due to COVID-19, though there was one available online, and this year's ceremony was shorter than usual to help mitigate the possible spread of the virus. Testimonials usually delivered in-person were put online this year.Walkers at Saturday's event were asked to keep six feet between them when possible, and those who were unvaccinated were asked to wear a mask at all times. Hand sanitizing stations were also present.Walk organizers originally moved the event from the Port of Burlington to Westland Mall a couple of years ago so participants could walk inside, but that wasn't possible after the pandemic hit.This year's walk was finally able to happen at the new location, just not inside it. Organizers are hoping the walk can happen inside the mall next year, depending on the status of the pandemic.

Alzheimer's Walk Marches On

With the $21 million riverfront and downtown revitalization project starting sooner than expected – this month rather than next spring – a number of Jefferson Street business owners are concerned about how it will affect business.

They voiced those concerns during a public meeting Thursday at City Hall, addressing the architects of the project, Veenstra and Kimm. The bulk of the project will be paid for with $17.5 million from a TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery grant awarded to the city in 2018. The rest will be paid for with other grant funds and $2.7 million from the city.

“I am a proponent of this (project). I love where we are going to be when we get on the other side,” said Suann Wells, owner of The Beancounter on the 200 block of Jefferson Street. “From here to there scares the living daylights out of me.”

Portions of Jefferson Street will be blocked off for several months at a time during different phases of the construction project, two blocks at a time. Construction is set to begin Oct. 18 of this year and will stretch into 2023. The city has hired engineering consultant Veenstra and Kimm and architecture firm SmithGroup to draw up the plans for the project, with Portzen Construction tapped for the building phase.

Both lanes of Jefferson Street in a specific two-block area will be closed. There will be no parking in those blocks, and the street will be closed with fencing. Sidewalks will remain open, as will foot access to all businesses.

Veenstra and Kimm project manager Leo Foley said he is working with the city to provide as many accommodations to businesses as possible, but it will be far from a perfect situation. Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works, is worried about how the project will impact the Sixth Street bridge into downtown Burlington.

Jefferson Street will be closed at the Sixth Street bridge intersection from May 30 to Oct. 7 of next year, and MacGregor would prefer to avoid closing the bridge if possible. He said the bridge is a vital transportation hub as the primary connector between downtown and the south side of Burlington.

“We have to take a look at that,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;

Eric Renteria, the owner of the Hallmark store on the 600 block of Jefferson Street, said the street closure from May 30 to Oct. 7 will effectively kill his business for those four months. Renteria said his business took a nosedive previously when a portion of Jefferson Street was closed in the aftermath of the Tama building fire.

“I just haven’t heard anything that helps deliver my customers to my store during this very challenging time, and I know it’s coming,” he said.

Janet Earp, owner of pride and groom on Jefferson Street and Central Avenue, will lose Jefferson Street access to her business in just a couple of days. The 800 block of Jefferson Street will be closed through the holidays starting Oct. 18, and most of Earp’s customers are elderly. Most of those customers are bringing dogs with them to get groomed, and the combination could make for a hazardous situation.

“I can’t have 80-year-old people with canes and dogs and leashes walking down here. I can’t walk a block and a half to pick up their dog,” she said.

Earp said there are five parking spots along Central Avenue that her customers can use, but those spots are shared with several other businesses. Since there are no alleyways on that end of Jefferson, she won’t have backdoor parking like those further down the street.

“I have nowhere to park. Parking is atrocious there,” she said.

Despite the improvements the project will make to Jefferson Street, Main Street, and the riverfront, the combined downtown area will be losing about 10 to 15 street parking spaces. That doesn’t sit right with Renteria, who thought the point of the grant was to facilitate transportation.

“I don’t know if I get one more customer on the other side of this, which is of great concern to me,” he said. “We haven’t done one single thing to improve the biggest problem (lack of parking) downtown Burlington has.”

To help smooth the upcoming friction with business owners and residents, the city has posted the construction plan on its website, as well as the information from Thursday’s meeting. The city will update the site weekly with the status of the project, and Veenstra and Kimm are meeting with the Greater Burlington Partnership every two weeks to update mitigation plans.

As long as business owners stay in contact with the city, Foley said the process should be as painless as possible. City manager Chad Bird said the city is already considering further mitigation for the construction, including shuttle buses and creative signage.

Bird inquired, “Instead of just putting a road closed sign at the end of the street, can that sign say, ‘Road closed, but businesses open’? And list them?”

Construction will begin this month on the west section of Jefferson between Central Street and North Eighth Street, as well as on some new boat ramps on the south side of the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Bird said he expects construction to wrap up on both in time for winter. As far as a timeline for the rest of the project, Bird said he expects the entirety of Main Street to be completed by October 2023, all of Jefferson Street by May 2023, and the riverfront by November 2022. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/10/1633750056166.jpeg" alt="Burlington residents Bob Hansen, left, and Chuck Siekman, middle, pore over the plans for the downtown revitalization project funded primarily through the TIGER grant during a public meeting at City Hall on Thursday night, Oct. 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Photo by William Smith." />
 <figcaption>Burlington residents Bob Hansen, left, and Chuck Siekman, middle, pore over the plans for the downtown revitalization project funded primarily through the TIGER grant during a public meeting at City Hall on Thursday night, Oct. 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Photo by William Smith.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffWith the $21 million riverfront and downtown revitalization project starting sooner than expected – this month rather than next spring – a number of Jefferson Street business owners are concerned about how it will affect business.They voiced those concerns during a public meeting Thursday at City Hall, addressing the architects of the project, Veenstra and Kimm. The bulk of the project will be paid for with $17.5 million from a TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery grant awarded to the city in 2018. The rest will be paid for with other grant funds and $2.7 million from the city.“I am a proponent of this (project). I love where we are going to be when we get on the other side,” said Suann Wells, owner of The Beancounter on the 200 block of Jefferson Street. “From here to there scares the living daylights out of me.”Portions of Jefferson Street will be blocked off for several months at a time during different phases of the construction project, two blocks at a time. Construction is set to begin Oct. 18 of this year and will stretch into 2023. The city has hired engineering consultant Veenstra and Kimm and architecture firm SmithGroup to draw up the plans for the project, with Portzen Construction tapped for the building phase.Both lanes of Jefferson Street in a specific two-block area will be closed. There will be no parking in those blocks, and the street will be closed with fencing. Sidewalks will remain open, as will foot access to all businesses.Veenstra and Kimm project manager Leo Foley said he is working with the city to provide as many accommodations to businesses as possible, but it will be far from a perfect situation. Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works, is worried about how the project will impact the Sixth Street bridge into downtown Burlington.Jefferson Street will be closed at the Sixth Street bridge intersection from May 30 to Oct. 7 of next year, and MacGregor would prefer to avoid closing the bridge if possible. He said the bridge is a vital transportation hub as the primary connector between downtown and the south side of Burlington.“We have to take a look at that,” MacGregor said.&nbsp;Eric Renteria, the owner of the Hallmark store on the 600 block of Jefferson Street, said the street closure from May 30 to Oct. 7 will effectively kill his business for those four months. Renteria said his business took a nosedive previously when a portion of Jefferson Street was closed in the aftermath of the Tama building fire.“I just haven’t heard anything that helps deliver my customers to my store during this very challenging time, and I know it’s coming,” he said.Janet Earp, owner of pride and groom on Jefferson Street and Central Avenue, will lose Jefferson Street access to her business in just a couple of days. The 800 block of Jefferson Street will be closed through the holidays starting Oct. 18, and most of Earp’s customers are elderly. Most of those customers are bringing dogs with them to get groomed, and the combination could make for a hazardous situation.“I can’t have 80-year-old people with canes and dogs and leashes walking down here. I can’t walk a block and a half to pick up their dog,” she said.Earp said there are five parking spots along Central Avenue that her customers can use, but those spots are shared with several other businesses. Since there are no alleyways on that end of Jefferson, she won’t have backdoor parking like those further down the street.“I have nowhere to park. Parking is atrocious there,” she said.Despite the improvements the project will make to Jefferson Street, Main Street, and the riverfront, the combined downtown area will be losing about 10 to 15 street parking spaces. That doesn’t sit right with Renteria, who thought the point of the grant was to facilitate transportation.“I don’t know if I get one more customer on the other side of this, which is of great concern to me,” he said. “We haven’t done one single thing to improve the biggest problem (lack of parking) downtown Burlington has.”To help smooth the upcoming friction with business owners and residents, the city has posted the construction plan on its website, as well as the information from Thursday’s meeting. The city will update the site weekly with the status of the project, and Veenstra and Kimm are meeting with the Greater Burlington Partnership every two weeks to update mitigation plans.As long as business owners stay in contact with the city, Foley said the process should be as painless as possible. City manager Chad Bird said the city is already considering further mitigation for the construction, including shuttle buses and creative signage.Bird inquired, “Instead of just putting a road closed sign at the end of the street, can that sign say, ‘Road closed, but businesses open’? And list them?”Construction will begin this month on the west section of Jefferson between Central Street and North Eighth Street, as well as on some new boat ramps on the south side of the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Bird said he expects construction to wrap up on both in time for winter. As far as a timeline for the rest of the project, Bird said he expects the entirety of Main Street to be completed by October 2023, all of Jefferson Street by May 2023, and the riverfront by November 2022.

Business Owners Express Frustration With Upcoming Jefferson Street Closures

The mask mandate for the West Burlington School District, passed nearly a month ago, was voted down by the school board Thursday night during an emergency meeting.

Students and staff will no longer have to wear masks starting Friday, Oct. 8.

The board voted 3-0 to end the policy that required students and staff to wear masks inside school buildings, citing a decreased COVID-19 positivity rate in the school. Board members Bruce Thuleen, Andrea Bowen, and Mike Davis voted to end the policy, while board members Lee Boughton and Pam Dodds were not present at the meeting.

The board voted Sept. 20 to consider removal of the mandate if the student COVID-19 positivity rate fell below two percent. Other parameters included a county positivity rate below 11 percent.

Both those thresholds have been met, according to information provided at the meeting. As of Thursday, only two students were positive for COVID-19 – which counts for about half a percent. The Des Moines County positivity rate, meanwhile, is at 10 percent. 

“Should there be increases in illness related to the identified indicators, it (the mask mandate) may be reinstated at a future time,” West Burlington Superintendent Lisa Beames said in a statement on Facebook. “Please continue to take measures to protect you and yours during this time.”

By Beacon StaffThe mask mandate for the West Burlington School District, passed nearly a month ago, was voted down by the school board Thursday night during an emergency meeting.Students and staff will no longer have to wear masks starting Friday, Oct. 8.The board voted 3-0 to end the policy that required students and staff to wear masks inside school buildings, citing a decreased COVID-19 positivity rate in the school. Board members Bruce Thuleen, Andrea Bowen, and Mike Davis voted to end the policy, while board members Lee Boughton and Pam Dodds were not present at the meeting.The board voted Sept. 20 to consider removal of the mandate if the student COVID-19 positivity rate fell below two percent. Other parameters included a county positivity rate below 11 percent.Both those thresholds have been met, according to information provided at the meeting. As of Thursday, only two students were positive for COVID-19 – which counts for about half a percent. The Des Moines County positivity rate, meanwhile, is at 10 percent. “Should there be increases in illness related to the identified indicators, it (the mask mandate) may be reinstated at a future time,” West Burlington Superintendent Lisa Beames said in a statement on Facebook. “Please continue to take measures to protect you and yours during this time.”

No More Mask Mandate For West Burlington School District

Residents of Burlington are invited to a public meeting at 4 p.m. this Thursday at City Hall for discussion of a $21 million riverfront and downtown revitalization project slated to begin construction later this month. The bulk of the project will be paid for with $17.5 million from a TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery grant awarded to the city in 2018. The rest will be paid for with other grant funds and $2.7 million from the city.&nbsp;

“It’s a big one, but it’s exciting,” said Burlington City Manager Chad Bird over the phone on Tuesday. “Anytime we can impact a community by improving amenities and infrastructure is exciting because it has a lasting impact on our residents for a long time.”

The TIGER grant is split into three sections: Jefferson Street, Main Street, and the riverfront. Over the course of the next two to three years, the two roadways will receive a facelift in the form of new amenities including added greenery and planters, permeable pavers, wayfinding maps, improved parking, updated benches, and overhead lighting. The stormwater and sanitary sewers will also be replaced. The total work on Jefferson will stretch from Central Avenue to Front Street while the work on Main will eventually cover all the blocks between Columbia and Division streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the riverfront will receive new docks and boat ramps, as well as improvements to the sea wall to enhance flood mitigation. New moorings will also be added along the sea wall, enabling river cruise ships to dock downtown.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The city has hired engineering consultant Veenstra &amp; Kim and architecture firm SmithGroup to draw up the plans for the project, with Portzen Construction tapped for the building phase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works, construction will begin on Oct. 18 in the west section of Jefferson Street, as well as on some new boat ramps on the south side of the Burlington Memorial Auditorium.&nbsp;

Bird said he expects construction to wrap up on both in time for winter. As far as a timeline for the rest of the project, Bird said he expects the riverfront to be completed by November 2022, all of Jefferson Street by May 2023, and the entirety of Main Street by October 2023.&nbsp;

To attend the meeting remotely, access the following link:<a href="https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/222460685"> https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/222460685</a>

By Mike Anderson&nbsp;Residents of Burlington are invited to a public meeting at 4 p.m. this Thursday at City Hall for discussion of a $21 million riverfront and downtown revitalization project slated to begin construction later this month. The bulk of the project will be paid for with $17.5 million from a TIGER, or Transportation Investment Generation Economic Recovery grant awarded to the city in 2018. The rest will be paid for with other grant funds and $2.7 million from the city.&nbsp;“It’s a big one, but it’s exciting,” said Burlington City Manager Chad Bird over the phone on Tuesday. “Anytime we can impact a community by improving amenities and infrastructure is exciting because it has a lasting impact on our residents for a long time.”The TIGER grant is split into three sections: Jefferson Street, Main Street, and the riverfront. Over the course of the next two to three years, the two roadways will receive a facelift in the form of new amenities including added greenery and planters, permeable pavers, wayfinding maps, improved parking, updated benches, and overhead lighting. The stormwater and sanitary sewers will also be replaced. The total work on Jefferson will stretch from Central Avenue to Front Street while the work on Main will eventually cover all the blocks between Columbia and Division streets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, the riverfront will receive new docks and boat ramps, as well as improvements to the sea wall to enhance flood mitigation. New moorings will also be added along the sea wall, enabling river cruise ships to dock downtown.&nbsp;&nbsp;The city has hired engineering consultant Veenstra &amp; Kim and architecture firm SmithGroup to draw up the plans for the project, with Portzen Construction tapped for the building phase.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to Nick MacGregor, assistant city manager for public works, construction will begin on Oct. 18 in the west section of Jefferson Street, as well as on some new boat ramps on the south side of the Burlington Memorial Auditorium.&nbsp;Bird said he expects construction to wrap up on both in time for winter. As far as a timeline for the rest of the project, Bird said he expects the riverfront to be completed by November 2022, all of Jefferson Street by May 2023, and the entirety of Main Street by October 2023.&nbsp;To attend the meeting remotely, access the following link:<a href="https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/222460685"> https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/222460685</a>

TIGER Grant Construction Meeting Tonight

Jeffrey Knotts is presumably no longer in the city council race.

The primary election on Tuesday narrowed seven city council candidates down to the six who will go on to run for three open council seats in November.

Voters were to select no more than three candidates; those who picked fewer were counted as an undervote. No overvotes were counted.

According to unofficial election results, a total of 648 people voted on Tuesday, comprising 3.85 percent of the 16,840 eligible voters.

Going into the November election, current Burlington Mayor Jon Billups, mayor pro tem Lynda Graham-Murray and council member Matt Rinker are vying to retain their council seats, while Antonio Bailey, Chris Roepke, and Terry Schnack are attempting to claim them.&nbsp;

The unofficial vote tallies below were provided by the Des Moines County Auditor’s office:&nbsp;

Jon D. Billups – 468 votes, 26.79 percent

Lynda Graham-Murray – 327 votes, 18.72 percent

Chris Roepke – 192 votes, 10.99 percent

Antonio Bailey – 171 votes, 9.79 percent

Terry Schnack – 169 votes, 9.67 percent

Jeffrey Knotts – 136 votes, 7.78 percent

By Beacon StaffJeffrey Knotts is presumably no longer in the city council race.The primary election on Tuesday narrowed seven city council candidates down to the six who will go on to run for three open council seats in November.Voters were to select no more than three candidates; those who picked fewer were counted as an undervote. No overvotes were counted.According to unofficial election results, a total of 648 people voted on Tuesday, comprising 3.85 percent of the 16,840 eligible voters.Going into the November election, current Burlington Mayor Jon Billups, mayor pro tem Lynda Graham-Murray and council member Matt Rinker are vying to retain their council seats, while Antonio Bailey, Chris Roepke, and Terry Schnack are attempting to claim them.&nbsp;The unofficial vote tallies below were provided by the Des Moines County Auditor’s office:&nbsp;Jon D. Billups – 468 votes, 26.79 percentLynda Graham-Murray – 327 votes, 18.72 percentMatt Rinker – 284 votes, 16.26 percentChris Roepke – 192 votes, 10.99 percentAntonio Bailey – 171 votes, 9.79 percentTerry Schnack – 169 votes, 9.67 percentJeffrey Knotts – 136 votes, 7.78 percentUndervote – 197 votes

Council Candidate Eliminated in Tuesday Primary

A Burlington man allegedly ran over a fire hydrant and a stop sign before crashing into a house at the corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Brick Street. 

He then backed into a squad car before being arrested by a Des Moines County deputy.

Richard Laurence Thompson, 34, was arrested Monday (Sept. 27) and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving, failure to maintain control, striking fixtures on a highway, and lack of liability insurance.

According to a press release from the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling at 55 m.p.h. in a 30 mph zone on Sunnyside Ave near Brick Street.

The deputy turned around tried to stop the vehicle when it ran over a stop sign and a fire hydrant. It then crashed into a house at the intersection. The suspect vehicle, a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, then backed into a Des Moines County Sheriff squad car before coming to a stop. 

The driver was detained and identified as Thompson, who showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking. Thompson was transported to the Des Moines County Jai in Burlington.

At the jail, Thompson was asked to complete a standardized field sobriety testing. Thompson failed those tests and was then offered a preliminary breath test. Thompson consented and gave a breath sample over the legal limit. 

Thompson’s bond was set at $1000.00 cash or surety.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1629639586517.jpeg" alt="239124325_819919488713244_5913515535301472004_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>239124325_819919488713244_5913515535301472004_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffA Burlington man allegedly ran over a fire hydrant and a stop sign before crashing into a house at the corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Brick Street. He then backed into a squad car before being arrested by a Des Moines County deputy.Richard Laurence Thompson, 34, was arrested Monday (Sept. 27) and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving, failure to maintain control, striking fixtures on a highway, and lack of liability insurance.According to a press release from the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy observed a vehicle traveling at 55 m.p.h. in a 30 mph zone on Sunnyside Ave near Brick Street.The deputy turned around tried to stop the vehicle when it ran over a stop sign and a fire hydrant. It then crashed into a house at the intersection. The suspect vehicle, a 1996 Chevrolet Caprice, then backed into a Des Moines County Sheriff squad car before coming to a stop. The driver was detained and identified as Thompson, who showed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking. Thompson was transported to the Des Moines County Jai in Burlington.At the jail, Thompson was asked to complete a standardized field sobriety testing. Thompson failed those tests and was then offered a preliminary breath test. Thompson consented and gave a breath sample over the legal limit. Thompson’s bond was set at $1000.00 cash or surety.

Authorities: Burlington Man Ran Over A Stop Sign, Fire Hydrant, Then Crashed Into A House And A Squad Car

By Beacon Staff Edward Stone Middle School in Burlington has been damaged by a student challenge adopted from the popular social media platform TikTok. The "Devious Lick" trend involves students posting videos that show them stealing, damaging, or showing off items taken from school. According to Urban Dictionary, a "lick" is a "successful type of theft which results in an acceptable, impressive and rewarding payday for the protagonist." Burlington Superintendent Pat Coen told the school board Monday night that the challenge went local and caused damaged to a bathroom at Edward Stone Middle School. A garbage can was destroyed, soap dispensers were kicked from the wall, and one soap dispenser was missing. The area had also been toilet-papered. The student who vandalized the Edward Stone bathroom last month has not been identified. "Kids all over the world are doing this, and this aspect of social media is not a positive thing. We are aware of it, and we are taking steps to mitigate that," Coen said at the meeting

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/10/1633217216132.jpeg" alt="244252524_846540972717762_3493828860553816458_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>244252524_846540972717762_3493828860553816458_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon Staff Edward Stone Middle School in Burlington has been damaged by a student challenge adopted from the popular social media platform TikTok. The "Devious Lick" trend involves students posting videos that show them stealing, damaging, or showing off items taken from school. According to Urban Dictionary, a "lick" is a "successful type of theft which results in an acceptable, impressive and rewarding payday for the protagonist." Burlington Superintendent Pat Coen told the school board Monday night that the challenge went local and caused damaged to a bathroom at Edward Stone Middle School. A garbage can was destroyed, soap dispensers were kicked from the wall, and one soap dispenser was missing. The area had also been toilet-papered. The student who vandalized the Edward Stone bathroom last month has not been identified. "Kids all over the world are doing this, and this aspect of social media is not a positive thing. We are aware of it, and we are taking steps to mitigate that," Coen said at the meeting

Edward Stone Middle School Bathroom Damaged By TikTok Challenge

The sewer separation construction project on Locust and Main streets has continued well beyond the targeted end date. That being the case, it has created a lot of "heartache," according to Nick MacGregor of the city's public works department. 

Construction began on Aug. 23, and the closure of the intersection was intended to last for a week. Due to unforeseen sewer infrastructure design, however, it will not open until mid-October. MacGregor spoke to the city council during the closing minutes of Monday's council meeting.

“You don’t encounter that very often, where you have one sewer line inside another,” MacGregor said. He noted that two water lines have been moved, but sanitary connections have to be installed.. 

The construction is part of the initial phase of a decades-long sewer separation project. Two of the three sewer basins are already separated by storm and wastewater. However, the basin currently being separated is the largest and most complex. Burlington is under mandate by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/9/1632270711037.jpeg" alt="Photo by William Smith" />
 <figcaption>Photo by William Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe sewer separation construction project on Locust and Main streets has continued well beyond the targeted end date. That being the case, it has created a lot of "heartache," according to Nick MacGregor of the city's public works department. Construction began on Aug. 23, and the closure of the intersection was intended to last for a week. Due to unforeseen sewer infrastructure design, however, it will not open until mid-October. MacGregor spoke to the city council during the closing minutes of Monday's council meeting.“You don’t encounter that very often, where you have one sewer line inside another,” MacGregor said. He noted that two water lines have been moved, but sanitary connections have to be installed.. The construction is part of the initial phase of a decades-long sewer separation project. Two of the three sewer basins are already separated by storm and wastewater. However, the basin currently being separated is the largest and most complex. Burlington is under mandate by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency.<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/9/1632270775824.jpeg" alt="Photo By William Smith" />
 <figcaption>Photo By William Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>

Sewer Work At Main and Locust Taking Longer Than Expected

In West Burlington, 343 tiny American flags, planted in the shape of New York's former twin towers, decorated the lawn next to the fire department.

In Burlington, 343 chairs — each with a photo of a fallen firefighter — sat in front of the fire department.

In both instances, the number represents the 343 firemen lost in the 9/11 attack 20 years ago today. 

As always, each department held a separate ceremony on Saturday, staggered so locals could attend both if they pleased. Flags were posted. Moments of silence were held not only for the firefighters but all 2,977 souls lost in the attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/9/1631845101964.jpeg" alt="241415142_834402323931627_5020801894957179660_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>241415142_834402323931627_5020801894957179660_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffIn West Burlington, 343 tiny American flags, planted in the shape of New York's former twin towers, decorated the lawn next to the fire department.In Burlington, 343 chairs — each with a photo of a fallen firefighter — sat in front of the fire department.In both instances, the number represents the 343 firemen lost in the 9/11 attack 20 years ago today. As always, each department held a separate ceremony on Saturday, staggered so locals could attend both if they pleased. Flags were posted. Moments of silence were held not only for the firefighters but all 2,977 souls lost in the attack.Photo by William Smith

Remembering 9/11

A Danville School District official said Tuesday an issue that arose after a high school student wore blackface at a volleyball last week has been addressed and the student apologized.

"I am sorry for the uneducated decision I made to paint my face black for the blackout night," the student posted on the school district's Facebook page.

Danville High School hosted a “blackout” night at which fans were dressed in black attire. A photograph of a student wearing black face paint and a nun costume at a volleyball game caused a stir on social media last week. In response to the incident, Superintendent Thomas Ward said the student will participate in ethics training.

"We're trying to set up sensitivity classes with the student. I call it sensitivity training. The student involved then will come back and teach our kids," Ward said. "I know the student well, and there wasn't any intention of discrimination."

Ward said the student entered through the ticket booth, and the school district is now reviewing its policies and procedures. He said the district does not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. 

The student also said in his Facebook apology, in part: "I had zero intent of being racist. It didn’t even cross my mind. As for the nun costume, it is a trend on social media. I wasn’t trying to make fun of any religion. I would like to apologize to the African American community, my friends and family, my church and my community."

By Beacon StaffA Danville School District official said Tuesday an issue that arose after a high school student wore blackface at a volleyball last week has been addressed and the student apologized."I am sorry for the uneducated decision I made to paint my face black for the blackout night," the student posted on the school district's Facebook page.Danville High School hosted a “blackout” night at which fans were dressed in black attire. A photograph of a student wearing black face paint and a nun costume at a volleyball game caused a stir on social media last week. In response to the incident, Superintendent Thomas Ward said the student will participate in ethics training."We're trying to set up sensitivity classes with the student. I call it sensitivity training. The student involved then will come back and teach our kids," Ward said. "I know the student well, and there wasn't any intention of discrimination."Ward said the student entered through the ticket booth, and the school district is now reviewing its policies and procedures. He said the district does not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind. The student also said in his Facebook apology, in part: "I had zero intent of being racist. It didn’t even cross my mind. As for the nun costume, it is a trend on social media. I wasn’t trying to make fun of any religion. I would like to apologize to the African American community, my friends and family, my church and my community."

School Official: Student Issue Addressed in Danville; Teen Apologizes

On Tuesday night (Sept. 14), the West Burlington School Board voted to institute a mask mandate for all staff and students.

The new mask policy, which resumes the school’s mask policy from the previous school year, goes into effect Thursday (Sept. 16).

The vote came in at 3-1, with board members Bruce Thuleen, Andrea Bowen and Pam Dodds voting in favor of the motion. Board member Mike Davis voted against it. 

On Monday, a federal judged blocked the state law banning schools from imposing mask mandates. Other Iowa communities have taken similar action.

The school district began alerting parents about the new mandate Tuesday night via a text statement.

“The district will require masks when 3 feet social distancing cannot be maintained and in common spaces,” West Burlington Superintendent Lisa Beames said in the statement. 

“This decision will be continually revisited as additional data becomes available,” Beames said in the statement.

By Beacon StaffOn Tuesday night (Sept. 14), the West Burlington School Board voted to institute a mask mandate for all staff and students.The new mask policy, which resumes the school’s mask policy from the previous school year, goes into effect Thursday (Sept. 16).The vote came in at 3-1, with board members Bruce Thuleen, Andrea Bowen and Pam Dodds voting in favor of the motion. Board member Mike Davis voted against it. On Monday, a federal judged blocked the state law banning schools from imposing mask mandates. Other Iowa communities have taken similar action.The school district began alerting parents about the new mandate Tuesday night via a text statement.“The district will require masks when 3 feet social distancing cannot be maintained and in common spaces,” West Burlington Superintendent Lisa Beames said in the statement. There is no set length for the mandate. “This decision will be continually revisited as additional data becomes available,” Beames said in the statement.

West Burlington School Mask Mandate Starts Thursday

Voters in the New London School District approved a $5.375 million bond on Tuesday. The funds will be used to create additional classrooms at Clark Elementary School, construct a new gymnasium space, and add parking.

A total of 485 votes were cast, with a final tally of 328 supporting the bond and 157 against. The bond vote exceeded the needed 60 percent approval required, with 68 percent of voters in favor.

The school plans to turn the Clark Elementary School gymnasium and multipurpose room into additional classrooms. New parking will be added to help the flow of traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.

By Beacon StaffVoters in the New London School District approved a $5.375 million bond on Tuesday. The funds will be used to create additional classrooms at Clark Elementary School, construct a new gymnasium space, and add parking.A total of 485 votes were cast, with a final tally of 328 supporting the bond and 157 against. The bond vote exceeded the needed 60 percent approval required, with 68 percent of voters in favor.The school plans to turn the Clark Elementary School gymnasium and multipurpose room into additional classrooms. New parking will be added to help the flow of traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.

Bond Passed in New London Will Be Used For School Improvements

The human remains found this month north of West Point have been identified by authorities.

Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber has confirmed that the remains near 110th Street off of X23 in northern Lee County are 54-year-old West Point resident Darren Bunnell.

Bunnell has been missing since June 14, and was the subject of several searches by West Point police, the Lee County Sheriff’s office and other emergency agencies. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations has also been involved with the search.

Officials said they do not believe there was foul play associated with the incident.

By Beacon StaffThe human remains found this month north of West Point have been identified by authorities.Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber has confirmed that the remains near 110th Street off of X23 in northern Lee County are 54-year-old West Point resident Darren Bunnell.Bunnell has been missing since June 14, and was the subject of several searches by West Point police, the Lee County Sheriff’s office and other emergency agencies. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations has also been involved with the search.Officials said they do not believe there was foul play associated with the incident.

Human Remains Identified As Missing West Point Man

The Des Moines County Public Health Department needs a new home, and funds from the federal government could make that goal possible.

The building at 522 N. Third St. in Burlington is more than 90 years old and unable to meet the demands of a 21st-century public health department, particularly during a global pandemic.

“COVID-19 has really highlighted some of the things that this building does not meet the needs for,” said Public Health Director Christa Poggemiller, noting the limited parking spaces and positioning of the building on a steep hill, which makes it difficult for people with limited mobility to access.

“Our front lobby area,” Poggemiller continued, “with COVID-19 mitigation strategies to maintain a six-foot distance, if we do that in our lobby area, I think at best we could probably get three people in there.”

Poggemiller and the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors hope to finance a new public health building by using a portion of the $7.5 million the county will receive from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). 

Supervisor Tom Broeker said half of the county’s allocation has been received. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, local governments will receive the remaining balance about 12 months after the first installment.

During a work session Tuesday afternoon, preliminary discussions were held on features of the future building. Board members agreed that a new public health department is needed and should qualify as an acceptable way to use the government’s ARPA funds.

“I’m dedicated to getting this done,” said supervisor Jim Cary. “It’s necessary.”

The county does not have a location in mind yet for the new facility and, at this point, is only workshopping the idea.

Poggemiller presented a “wish list” of features to the board, including an ADA-compliant public restroom, large waiting room, drive-through bay for vaccines, immunization clinic, environmental health office, and enough office space to comfortably accommodate the department’s five nurses and future hires, among other items.

By Elizabeth MeyerThe Des Moines County Public Health Department needs a new home, and funds from the federal government could make that goal possible.The building at 522 N. Third St. in Burlington is more than 90 years old and unable to meet the demands of a 21st-century public health department, particularly during a global pandemic.“COVID-19 has really highlighted some of the things that this building does not meet the needs for,” said Public Health Director Christa Poggemiller, noting the limited parking spaces and positioning of the building on a steep hill, which makes it difficult for people with limited mobility to access.“Our front lobby area,” Poggemiller continued, “with COVID-19 mitigation strategies to maintain a six-foot distance, if we do that in our lobby area, I think at best we could probably get three people in there.”Poggemiller and the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors hope to finance a new public health building by using a portion of the $7.5 million the county will receive from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA). Supervisor Tom Broeker said half of the county’s allocation has been received. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, local governments will receive the remaining balance about 12 months after the first installment.During a work session Tuesday afternoon, preliminary discussions were held on features of the future building. Board members agreed that a new public health department is needed and should qualify as an acceptable way to use the government’s ARPA funds.“I’m dedicated to getting this done,” said supervisor Jim Cary. “It’s necessary.”The county does not have a location in mind yet for the new facility and, at this point, is only workshopping the idea.Poggemiller presented a “wish list” of features to the board, including an ADA-compliant public restroom, large waiting room, drive-through bay for vaccines, immunization clinic, environmental health office, and enough office space to comfortably accommodate the department’s five nurses and future hires, among other items.

County Hopes to Use Federal Pandemic Funds to Construct New Public Health Building

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley had some tough news for area business owners Wednesday morning (Aug. 25) regarding the current labor shortage.

It’s not going to get better anytime soon.

“I think businesses are going to be on the defensive for the next three years,” he said.

Grassley, a Republican, spoke during a private event organized by the Greater Burlington Partnership, which allowed local business owners, city officials, and others to ask questions and voice their concerns.

The labor shortage and rising employee wages were chief among them. One small business owner said she was worried about how to stay competitive in a market with rising worker wages.

Grassley blamed the $300 extra unemployment benefit as the primary reason behind the labor shortage and applauded Gov. Kim Reynolds for shutting down the program in Iowa on June 1.

Grassley suggested cutting benefits to encourage more people to work.

“If we want people on welfare to go work, as they make more money, they should gradually lose their benefits. Not lose them on a cliff-like effect. Then you’re worse off than if you’re on government programs. Work incentives in the welfare program works,” he said.

Matt Wenzel, president and CEO of Great River Health Systems, said the labor shortage is especially bad for finding nurses. He said the hospital currently has 242 positions it is trying to fill and blamed staffing centers for driving up the salary of nurses.

He said traveling nurses fighting the pandemic can make 10 times more money in New York and large areas, draining local resources and driving up the wages locally.

Grassley pointed out VR (virtual reality) nursing as a possible solution. Wenzel said the hospital does use the program, and it helps. But not enough to offset staff shortages.

“We are already in a depressed condition across the country, and hospitals are shutting down. This is not fair market economics,” Wenzel said.

While answering a related question regarding whether Medicare should be allowed to negotiate medication prices with drug companies, Grassley said he is against it.

“If you have the government negotiating, they end up dictating. That usually reduces what’s available for the doctor,” he said. “I would deal with that by allowing the importation of prescription drugs in the United States, bring more competition to our local markets, and that would, in turn, reduce prices. But not in a dictator way.”

State Sen. Tim Goodwin, a Republican, of Burlington asked one of the final questions. He asked if the September deadline to vaccinate all U.S. soldiers was too quick. He believes up to 50 percent of the military may leave due to the requirement, and he wants to make sure they are honorably discharged.

Grassley said those decisions are entirely up to the president since he is the commander-in-chief. But it’s not what he would do.

“I wouldn’t require a vaccine of anybody,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1630117379647.jpeg" alt="239586510_824533184918541_583053433473392526_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>239586510_824533184918541_583053433473392526_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffU.S. Sen. Charles Grassley had some tough news for area business owners Wednesday morning (Aug. 25) regarding the current labor shortage.It’s not going to get better anytime soon.“I think businesses are going to be on the defensive for the next three years,” he said.Grassley, a Republican, spoke during a private event organized by the Greater Burlington Partnership, which allowed local business owners, city officials, and others to ask questions and voice their concerns.The labor shortage and rising employee wages were chief among them. One small business owner said she was worried about how to stay competitive in a market with rising worker wages.Grassley blamed the $300 extra unemployment benefit as the primary reason behind the labor shortage and applauded Gov. Kim Reynolds for shutting down the program in Iowa on June 1.Grassley suggested cutting benefits to encourage more people to work.“If we want people on welfare to go work, as they make more money, they should gradually lose their benefits. Not lose them on a cliff-like effect. Then you’re worse off than if you’re on government programs. Work incentives in the welfare program works,” he said.Matt Wenzel, president and CEO of Great River Health Systems, said the labor shortage is especially bad for finding nurses. He said the hospital currently has 242 positions it is trying to fill and blamed staffing centers for driving up the salary of nurses.He said traveling nurses fighting the pandemic can make 10 times more money in New York and large areas, draining local resources and driving up the wages locally.Grassley pointed out VR (virtual reality) nursing as a possible solution. Wenzel said the hospital does use the program, and it helps. But not enough to offset staff shortages.“We are already in a depressed condition across the country, and hospitals are shutting down. This is not fair market economics,” Wenzel said.While answering a related question regarding whether Medicare should be allowed to negotiate medication prices with drug companies, Grassley said he is against it.“If you have the government negotiating, they end up dictating. That usually reduces what’s available for the doctor,” he said. “I would deal with that by allowing the importation of prescription drugs in the United States, bring more competition to our local markets, and that would, in turn, reduce prices. But not in a dictator way.”State Sen. Tim Goodwin, a Republican, of Burlington asked one of the final questions. He asked if the September deadline to vaccinate all U.S. soldiers was too quick. He believes up to 50 percent of the military may leave due to the requirement, and he wants to make sure they are honorably discharged.Grassley said those decisions are entirely up to the president since he is the commander-in-chief. But it’s not what he would do.“I wouldn’t require a vaccine of anybody,” he said.Photo by William Smith

Grassley Talks Labor Shortage and Other Issues in Burlington

School officials, local lawmakers, teachers, and community members crowded into the new Corse Early Childhood Center Thursday morning, cutting the ribbon on a wrap-around childcare and preschool facility.

Located inside Corse Elementary School in Burlington, the facility provides quality childcare and early education for Burlington families.

Burlington School District Superintendent Pat Coen's exuberance could hardly be contained. He was joined by local lawmakers who attended the ribbon-cutting, including state Sen. Tim Goodwin, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and state Rep. Dennis Cohoon.

“By gosh, we’re going to help people who work who have kids. We’re going to help the community. We have it all coming together right now, and we’re ready to serve your children,” Coen said.&nbsp;

The district offers childcare for children ages 1-5 and 3-year-old preschool-age students at Corse Early Childhood Center. In addition,  Community Action Head Start and 4-year-old preschool programs continue to be offered at Corse.&nbsp;

Southeastern Community College also has dedicated classroom space in the building for its Education and Early Childhood programs, including opportunities for concurrent enrollment for high school students. SCC President Michael Ash was also in attendance at the event and touted the partnership with the college, as did Coen.

.Parents will have access to the SmartCare parent portal that will allow them to stay connected with teachers.&nbsp;

Enrollment is available now. To register, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bcsds.org/CECC">https://www.bcsds.org/CECC</a>&nbsp;or call Corse Early Childhood Center at (319) 753-2707 for tuition rates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1630117172227.jpeg" alt="240680944_825465484825311_2147613174625122880_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>240680944_825465484825311_2147613174625122880_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffSchool officials, local lawmakers, teachers, and community members crowded into the new Corse Early Childhood Center Thursday morning, cutting the ribbon on a wrap-around childcare and preschool facility.Located inside Corse Elementary School in Burlington, the facility provides quality childcare and early education for Burlington families.Burlington School District Superintendent Pat Coen's exuberance could hardly be contained. He was joined by local lawmakers who attended the ribbon-cutting, including state Sen. Tim Goodwin, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and state Rep. Dennis Cohoon.“By gosh, we’re going to help people who work who have kids. We’re going to help the community. We have it all coming together right now, and we’re ready to serve your children,” Coen said.&nbsp;The district offers childcare for children ages 1-5 and 3-year-old preschool-age students at Corse Early Childhood Center. In addition, Community Action Head Start and 4-year-old preschool programs continue to be offered at Corse.&nbsp;Southeastern Community College also has dedicated classroom space in the building for its Education and Early Childhood programs, including opportunities for concurrent enrollment for high school students. SCC President Michael Ash was also in attendance at the event and touted the partnership with the college, as did Coen..Parents will have access to the SmartCare parent portal that will allow them to stay connected with teachers.&nbsp;Enrollment is available now. To register, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.bcsds.org/CECC">https://www.bcsds.org/CECC</a>&nbsp;or call Corse Early Childhood Center at (319) 753-2707 for tuition rates.Photos By William Smith

A School District Childcare Option For Working Parents

The BNSF bridge in Fort Madison will be shut down for five weeks for repairs, but the closure won’t begin until after the Tri-State Rodeo.

According to the Pen City Current, the work was originally set to begin the day after Labor Day  — which is the day before the Tri-State Rodeo begins. Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld found out last week about the bridge closure and reached out to BNSF with the help of Lee County Economic Development Group president Dennis Fraise to convince the railroad to wait one more week.

“We will still be closed for five weeks with a reopening date of Oct. 16,” Peter Skosey, BNSF executive director of State Government Affairs wrote in an email to Fraise and Mohrfeld. “Will continue to update if something changes and as we progress through the project.”

The Tri-State Rodeo, which typically brings in 50,000 visitors, kicks off Sept. 8, with pre-rodeo events starting Saturday, Sept. 4.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1629639820874.jpeg" alt="news-briefs-rect42.jpg" />
 <figcaption>news-briefs-rect42.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe BNSF bridge in Fort Madison will be shut down for five weeks for repairs, but the closure won’t begin until after the Tri-State Rodeo.According to the Pen City Current, the work was originally set to begin the day after Labor Day — which is the day before the Tri-State Rodeo begins. Fort Madison Mayor Matt Mohrfeld found out last week about the bridge closure and reached out to BNSF with the help of Lee County Economic Development Group president Dennis Fraise to convince the railroad to wait one more week.“We will still be closed for five weeks with a reopening date of Oct. 16,” Peter Skosey, BNSF executive director of State Government Affairs wrote in an email to Fraise and Mohrfeld. “Will continue to update if something changes and as we progress through the project.”The Tri-State Rodeo, which typically brings in 50,000 visitors, kicks off Sept. 8, with pre-rodeo events starting Saturday, Sept. 4.

Fort Madison Bridge To Close For Five Weeks, But Not Until Tri-State Rodeo Is Over

The Burlington City Council has awarded the TIGER grant-funded Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Project to Portzen Construction, Inc., in Dubuque. The winning bid was for about $21.4 million.

That construction project is divided into two portions — redevelopment of Main and Jefferson streets and redevelopment of the riverfront. The bid on the Main and Jefferson streets portion of the project came in at $14,807,421.65, while the riverfront work came in at $6,633,284.41 

The unanimous decision by the council continues a process that began in March 2018 when the city was awarded a $17 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Portzen Construction was the lowest bidder (of two companies) on the roadway improvement (Main and Jefferson Streets) by over $2 million and was the only bidder on the riverfront revitalization part of the project.

Previous bids were higher than estimated due to a COVID-19-related increase in construction costs. 

City manager Chad Bird said there may be money to be saved once the city sits down with the contractor and arranges a construction schedule. The combined bid from Portzen Construction came in at $3,785,120.56 over the city engineer's estimate for the work.

“There might be cost savings in moving parts around a little bit,” Bird said.

TIGER grant funding will be used to modernize several aspects of Main and Jefferson streets in downtown Burlington. Some of the improvements associated with this project include:

• Pavement replacement on Jefferson Street from Central Ave to Front Street.

• Pavement and road replacement on Main Street from Court Street to Angular Street.

• Sewer separation on Main street from Maple Street to Market Street.

• Green infrastructure improvements on Jefferson and Main Street.

• A new 10-foot shared-use path connecting the riverfront trail from Market Street to South to Angular Street.

• New bus facilities at the Burlington Depot.

• Various aesthetic and boat ramp improvements at the riverfront.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1627968427214.png" alt="Screen Shot 2021-08-02 at 10.36.57 PM.png" />
 <figcaption>Screen Shot 2021-08-02 at 10.36.57 PM.png</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe Burlington City Council has awarded the TIGER grant-funded Downtown Riverfront Revitalization Project to Portzen Construction, Inc., in Dubuque. The winning bid was for about $21.4 million.That construction project is divided into two portions — redevelopment of Main and Jefferson streets and redevelopment of the riverfront. The bid on the Main and Jefferson streets portion of the project came in at $14,807,421.65, while the riverfront work came in at $6,633,284.41 The unanimous decision by the council continues a process that began in March 2018 when the city was awarded a $17 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Portzen Construction was the lowest bidder (of two companies) on the roadway improvement (Main and Jefferson Streets) by over $2 million and was the only bidder on the riverfront revitalization part of the project.Previous bids were higher than estimated due to a COVID-19-related increase in construction costs. City manager Chad Bird said there may be money to be saved once the city sits down with the contractor and arranges a construction schedule. The combined bid from Portzen Construction came in at $3,785,120.56 over the city engineer's estimate for the work.“There might be cost savings in moving parts around a little bit,” Bird said.TIGER grant funding will be used to modernize several aspects of Main and Jefferson streets in downtown Burlington. Some of the improvements associated with this project include:• Pavement replacement on Jefferson Street from Central Ave to Front Street.• Pavement and road replacement on Main Street from Court Street to Angular Street.• Sewer separation on Main street from Maple Street to Market Street.• Green infrastructure improvements on Jefferson and Main Street.• A new 10-foot shared-use path connecting the riverfront trail from Market Street to South to Angular Street.• New bus facilities at the Burlington Depot.• Various aesthetic and boat ramp improvements at the riverfront.

City Council Awards $21.4 Million TIGER Project To Dubuque Construction Company

Two female juveniles from Muscatine were arrested Monday (Aug. 16) after a silver passenger vehicle driver sped through Mediapolis at about 80 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Shortly before getting pulled over by the deputy, the driver ramped the passenger vehicle out of the ditch north of the town.

Because they are juveniles, the ages and names of the girls will not be released by the Des Monies County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, a deputy was able to catch up to the silver passenger vehicle north of Mediapolis. As the deputy attempted to stop the girls, the vehicle swerved into the north ditch and became airborne before coming back to rest on the roadway.

The driver was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, having no valid driver’s license, and possession of alcohol under the legal age. The passenger was charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2021/8/1629639586517.jpeg" alt="239124325_819919488713244_5913515535301472004_n.jpg" />
 <figcaption>239124325_819919488713244_5913515535301472004_n.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffTwo female juveniles from Muscatine were arrested Monday (Aug. 16) after a silver passenger vehicle driver sped through Mediapolis at about 80 mph in a 35 mph zone.Shortly before getting pulled over by the deputy, the driver ramped the passenger vehicle out of the ditch north of the town.Because they are juveniles, the ages and names of the girls will not be released by the Des Monies County Sheriff’s Office.According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, a deputy was able to catch up to the silver passenger vehicle north of Mediapolis. As the deputy attempted to stop the girls, the vehicle swerved into the north ditch and became airborne before coming back to rest on the roadway.The driver was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, having no valid driver’s license, and possession of alcohol under the legal age. The passenger was charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age.No further details have been released.

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