Burlington High School students were dismissed early Friday (Feb. 19) after school officials were alerted to a possible bomb threat.

In a text to Burlington High School parents sent out at 2:39 p.m., the school district said:

“There has been an alleged bomb threat at Burlington High School. All BHS students have been dismissed at this time. Students that do not have transportation will be bussed home even if they are not normally bus students due to the cold temperature. Students who live too close to BHS may walk home. More details will be shared as soon as possible.”

The school district updated the situation with a brief statement Friday afternoon via Facebook, assuring parents that all is well. The statement reads:

“In collaboration with the Burlington Police Department, the threat at Burlington High School has been investigated and it has been determined there is no active threat to any of our buildings, students, or staff. Thank you to local law enforcement and building staff for their quick actions to ensure the safety of our student community.”

By Beacon StaffBurlington High School students were dismissed early Friday (Feb. 19) after school officials were alerted to a possible bomb threat.In a text to Burlington High School parents sent out at 2:39 p.m., the school district said:“There has been an alleged bomb threat at Burlington High School. All BHS students have been dismissed at this time. Students that do not have transportation will be bussed home even if they are not normally bus students due to the cold temperature. Students who live too close to BHS may walk home. More details will be shared as soon as possible.”The school district updated the situation with a brief statement Friday afternoon via Facebook, assuring parents that all is well. The statement reads:“In collaboration with the Burlington Police Department, the threat at Burlington High School has been investigated and it has been determined there is no active threat to any of our buildings, students, or staff. Thank you to local law enforcement and building staff for their quick actions to ensure the safety of our student community.”

Burlington High School Evacuated Due To Alleged Bomb Threat

A Burlington pedestrian was hit by a car Friday night (Feb. 26) near Grove and Summer Streets Saturday night and later died at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.

Jacob Sexton, 35, of Burlington, was walking on Summer Street north of the intersection of West Avenue when he was hit by a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Megan Kalar, 33, of Burlington, according to police. The accident occurred just after 9 p.m.

The Iowa State Patrol, which is handling the accident investigation, did not say if Sexton was crossing the street. Details were scant in the preliminary crash report issued by ISP, and the accident remains under investigation.

No further information was available Saturday afternoon.

By Beacon StaffA Burlington pedestrian was hit by a car Friday night (Feb. 26) near Grove and Summer Streets Saturday night and later died at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.Jacob Sexton, 35, of Burlington, was walking on Summer Street north of the intersection of West Avenue when he was hit by a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven by Megan Kalar, 33, of Burlington, according to police. The accident occurred just after 9 p.m.The Iowa State Patrol, which is handling the accident investigation, did not say if Sexton was crossing the street. Details were scant in the preliminary crash report issued by ISP, and the accident remains under investigation.No further information was available Saturday afternoon.

Burlington Pedestrian Killed By Vehicle

The Burlington/West Burlington United Way campaign is underway through Nov. 30, and the money raised will be donated to 12 area agencies.

A 20-member campaign cabinet and more than 350 area volunteers will work together to achieve the campaign goal of $430,021. The funds raised will be distributed in the 2021 calendar year, with the campaign theme “Supporting. Together. United.”

Contributions to the local campaign stay in the community, with 99 percent of each donation benefiting area residents. The remaining 1 percent is budgeted for staff training, license fees, and for the universal logo and materials that cannot be purchased locally. 

That money is given to 12 local human service and health care agencies caring for clients and needy families in a 40-mile radius service area.

The 12 charities the Burlington/West Burlington United Way serves are Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Boy Scouts Mississippi Valley Council, Burlington Area YMCA, Burlington Homeless Shelter, Crime Stoppers of Greater Burlington, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Hope Haven Development Center, Iowa Legal Aid, Partners, The Nest of Des Moines County, The Salvation Army, and Young House Family Services.

More than 50,000 citizens in the 40-mile radius service area used the programs and services.

To donate, contact Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way, Inc., 218 North 3rd Street, Suite 217, Burlington, Iowa 52601; call (319) 752-7831, or email bwbauwia@burlingtoniaunitedway.org or check out the website at <a href="http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org">http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2020/10/1602701748737.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By Beacon StaffThe Burlington/West Burlington United Way campaign is underway through Nov. 30, and the money raised will be donated to 12 area agencies.A 20-member campaign cabinet and more than 350 area volunteers will work together to achieve the campaign goal of $430,021. The funds raised will be distributed in the 2021 calendar year, with the campaign theme “Supporting. Together. United.”Contributions to the local campaign stay in the community, with 99 percent of each donation benefiting area residents. The remaining 1 percent is budgeted for staff training, license fees, and for the universal logo and materials that cannot be purchased locally. That money is given to 12 local human service and health care agencies caring for clients and needy families in a 40-mile radius service area.The 12 charities the Burlington/West Burlington United Way serves are Alcohol and Drug Dependency Services, Boy Scouts Mississippi Valley Council, Burlington Area YMCA, Burlington Homeless Shelter, Crime Stoppers of Greater Burlington, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Hope Haven Development Center, Iowa Legal Aid, Partners, The Nest of Des Moines County, The Salvation Army, and Young House Family Services.More than 50,000 citizens in the 40-mile radius service area used the programs and services.To donate, contact Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way, Inc., 218 North 3rd Street, Suite 217, Burlington, Iowa 52601; call (319) 752-7831, or email bwbauwia@burlingtoniaunitedway.org or check out the website at <a href="http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org">http://www.unitedwayburlingtonia.org</a>.

Local United Way Campaign Will Assist 12 Area Charities

By Beacon Staff



Police are on the hunt for a dark-colored SUV related to a shooting that occurred around 11 p.m. Monday night in the area of South and 12th Streets.



No one was injured in the shooting, and police did not discover any property damage in the area. They did find several shell casings.



Multiple shots were fired, but police have not ascertained how many.



The only suspect description is the dark SUV itself. The culprit or culprits fired out the window from inside the vehicle before leaving the scene, and witnesses could not provide a description of the suspects.



Burlington police told The Beacon early Tuesday morning that no motive has been determined yet. Police are asking for the public’s health in identifying the shooter and/or their vehicle.



Those with information should call the Burlington Police Department dispatch number at (319) 753-8366, or Burlington Area Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.

No One Injured in Monday Night Shooting; No Motive Yet Identified

Photos by Jeff Abell



Vandalism can be seen Sunday afternoon at the entrance of the former Temple Israel Synagogue at 830 Division St. in Burlington. Police are investigating and no further information was available on Sunday evening.



On one side of the entryway, the phrase "Break Glass Inn (sic) Case of Fire" is spray-painted in black. A star of David has been painted above the words and it appears that an object has been thrown through the center of the image.



The other side of the door has a similar sentence written on it; the lowest pane of glass is broken and has been spray-painted with the letter "x". A rock surrounded by shattered glass can be seen laying inside the building. Also, what appears to be a peace sign is spray-painted on the door.



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.

Vandalism Reported At Former Synagogue

By Beacon Staff



Casino dice will roll next Monday. Baseballs will soar once again. Crowds of more than 10 people will legally be allowed to gather.



Beginning on Tuesday, June 2, Iowans will even get to listen to live bands inside a bar again.



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds rolled back additional COVID-19 related restrictions Tuesday morning, allowing casinos and amusement parks to reopen next Monday, June 1.



Gaming facilities, bowling alleys, pool halls, and arcades can also reopen June 1, and beginning this Thursday, May 28, bar owners will be allowed to open their doors again.



Racetracks will also be reopening to spectators (at half capacity) June 1, and 34 Raceway just hosted its first race in nine months this past weekend – without a crowd. An announcement about USAC Racing tickets and pit entry sales is slated for tonight on the 34 Raceway Facebook page.



Gary Hoyer, CEO of Great River Entertainment, confirmed to The Beacon that Catfish Bend Casino will be reopening on June 1. The FunCity complex attached to the casino also houses an arcade and bowling alley that is eligible to reopen, though no statement has been issued about FunCity. Hoyer plans on releasing further details later today.



No statement has been issued about the possible return of minor league baseball. Burlington Bees General Manager Kim Parker said she is waiting to hear from Major League Baseball to determine if there will be a 2020 minor league season at all. Until then, no baseball is scheduled.



Sports, recreational activities, leisure, and gatherings of more than 10 are now allowed. Youth and adult events such as baseball, softball, running, biking, tennis, swimming are allowed again as well, though groups and individuals attending must maintain six feet of distance.



Swimming is still tightly restricted, however, which means no pool parties or broad public access in the immediate future. Officials with the West Burlington pool confirmed as much shortly after the governor’s press conference.



“Per Governor Reynolds, pools are only allowed for limited purpose at this time (specifically lap swim and swim lessons). Unfortunately, we are still awaiting more information before we are able to make a decision with regards to our opening,” reads a Facebook post of the West Burlington pool.



Movie theaters are already allowed to reopen, but due to the lack of films, it could still be a little while before the theater inside Westland Mall in West Burlington opens back up to the public. The Fox Theater in Fort Madison also has yet to reopen due to lack of films, though the owners are working to provide a film schedule in the coming weeks.



Westland Mall itself is open, however, as are many of the stores within it.



“The first new movie is not until July 1, so we looking at late June (for reopening), but that could change,” reads a Facebook statement from the Westland Mall.



Reynolds said Tuesday that the state's existing disaster emergency proclamation will be extended through June 25, and more restrictions will be relaxed in the coming weeks.



Reynolds did warn that if Iowans are being irresponsible or if COVID-19 cases spike again, restrictions could be put back in place. The death toll, which is updated several times a day, currently sits at 476. That includes one death in Des Moines County and one death in Henry County.



“That privilege comes with the responsibility of ensuring you’re doing the right thing to protect your health and the health of people you care about,” Reynolds said Tuesday.

Catfish Bend Casino To Reopen Next Week As Reynolds Eases Restrictions

By Beacon Staff



The Des Moines County Courthouse likely will reopen Monday, June 8.



Des Moines County Supervisors have yet to vote on the reopening. However, supervisors Tom Broeker, Bob Beck, and Jim Cary discussed the matter during their Tuesday morning (May 26) board meeting.



Des Moines County Attorney Lisa Schaefer said reopening the courthouse to the public is needed to speed up processing non-jury cases.



The board agreed that it would be in the best interest of the county to get those proceedings rolling again. The June 8 date would follow the June 2 primary election.



Though the board made no action to rescind the closure, which has been in effect since March 18, they can vote on reopening the courthouse on June 2. That is when the board next meets in regular session.



Non-jury hearings won’t start until July 13, and jury trials can’t resume until Sept. 14. They were initially planning for non-jury trials to resume June 1, until the Iowa Supreme court issued a directive pushing those dates back.



“We’re going to have a lot of office staff with not a lot to do, so we’re going to have start figuring out how to keep people busy, or what the other alternatives are,” Schaefer said.



Des Moines County Conservation Director Chris Lee also reported to the board Tuesday, noting that the Memorial Day weekend was busy for county parks and campgrounds. He expects that interest to continue through the summer.



“I went on Big Hollow Lake, took the family out, and it was just unbelievable the number of kayaks and boats, and people all around the park. We put that new kayak launch a few years ago, and it’s just wildly popular,” he said.



So popular, he said, that lack of parking is becoming an issue.



“So it goes,” Lee said.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/burlingtonbeacon/photos/a.319560488749149/557878901583972/?type=3&amp;eid=ARCzalrEXbiTB4t4b87nsQm_9vvbs8C76iCRTsf8_V83x1Ly7Epy8BuOIRoOl0ABeaBn9f6zFKRAoSGp&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCO5YvUJtWc6EO8WF7nR7RzFMe_UmIgrqA_0T76wUagXkXfr5iWWVIVJpwe6OU1GwvBwxUvvYrBbVa-68lMGqhYEjwY-FBgUcEmWTivzktDymI6Hgs1paYiQwYAvzMrpSDx4wdsmzWKQfgfUb_o3AH-hw3-puyKs_hmrxOVcKA439pA_MozxlcNYpS4q_RTAadTnWJP5os2-lk7ONDp5YesGlotyGcnejfh0nBRKNDWOMTUssoCjcHeZ1rwvRaiP6CDWx-7Mkk2gQzwVKFQkHScEbiVC9i6mtgWuCAYFdRaanyqz3jcdDpCWJSPg27g_YRmoYEKqQH9GiWFnIzrr0c&amp;__tn__=EHH-R"></a>

Des Moines County Supervisors Eye Reopening Of Courthouse

By Beacon Staff



Police arrested a Burlington man Thursday (May 28) for possession of meth and several weapons charges after several gunshots and an alleged argument in the 1200 block of Dehner Street earlier in the day.



Ryan Mason O’Neill, 23, has been charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, going armed with intent, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and interference with official acts.



The Burlington Police Department responded to multiple complaints of shots fired in the 1200 block of Dehner Street at around 12:11 p.m. Thursday.



Upon arrival, officers learned a male and a female had been arguing in the area just before the shooting. Officers located and interviewed the two subjects, which lead to a search warrant of a house on that block.



Police recovered a gun described by witnesses at the home and subsequently arrested O’Neill. No injuries were reported from the shooting incident.



According to Lt. Wayne Thompson with the Burlington Police Department, O’Neill is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington on no bond, pending a court appearance.



Thomson said the incident is still under investigation, and additional arrests are expected.

Argument Leads to Alleged Shooting Incident and Arrest, But No Injuries

By Beacon Staff



Burlington resident Keith Turrill believes he may have contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few months ago.



He is not sure, of course, and likely never will be without a serologic (antibody test), which detects antibodies people develop after becoming infected with the novel coronavirus. Unlike the cotton swab test, the serologic test is not considered reliable by the CDC, which Turrill understands.



Since Turrill did exhibit most of the symptoms of coronavirus and is considered high risk because of his asthma, he figured it would be prudent to get a cotton swab test. Drive-thru testing conducted by health professionals from Great River Health System began Wednesday at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds in West Burlington.



“It went pretty well. I went online, did the survey,” he said, noting that was the first step.



Qualifying For The Test



Before obtaining an appointment to be tested at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds, individuals must first complete a brief survey on the Test Iowa website. Questions range from medical (identifying if you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, etc.) to behavioral, such as how often you are in public. You will also be asked to provide your height and weight.



The website determines if you are eligible for a test, as Turrill was. The option to test in Des Moines County does not appear on the initial confirmation screen (the closest test site presented is Ottumwa). However, if you signify you wanted to be tested at a local clinic by clicking that option, the Des Moines County test site does appear.



From there, you are given a unique identity code and a QR code, which must be scanned at the test site, either with a print-out copy or screen capture on your phone. An email containing this information is also sent.



You must then call the clinic, present your case-sensitive identity code, and then schedule an appointment.



Turrill said he didn’t get his email until after he tested, but it worked out fine. He just presented a copy of the code when he arrived using a screenshot from his phone.



Taking The Test



Turrill scheduled his appointment for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and he waited in line for 15 minutes — mostly due to a large semi truck-trailer in front of him.



“I think they were trying to figure out how to get up on the truck and test them,” Turrill said.



Those who arrive for a test are told not to leave their vehicles, so the truck driver never had to exit.



His test went even quicker, which is the norm.



“They checked my ID, and put the swab in my nose for a few seconds,” Turrill said.



Some people report painful aftereffects, such as Burlington resident Wendi Riggens. Her nose itched and burned for about 30 minutes afterward.



Turrill suffered no post-swab discomfort.



“It felt like blowing your nose,” he said.



Doctors test for COVID-19 by collecting a culture from the mucus in the uppermost part of the throat, behind the nose. A cotton-tipped swab is gently passed through a nostril and into the nasopharynx, which is located over the roof of the mouth. The swab is quickly rotated and removed.



Turrill will know his results about three days after the test, but he’s sure he’s negative. He hasn’t had symptoms in quite some time and mostly stays at home. He’s a photographer, but the pandemic has hurt business.



“I don’t see any return to normal until they get a vaccine,” he said



Photo by Keith Turrill



Health care workers from Great River Health System are shown on Wednesday at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinic in West Burlington.

Coronavirus Testing Moves Forward in Des Moines County

By Beacon Staff



As cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa climbed to 18,792 on Friday, the count in Des Moines continues to confuse locals.



On Thursday (May 28), the reported cases of COVID-19 in Des Moines County rose to 61, then dropped to 59 a day later, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. That number rebounded back to 62 later Friday night (May 29), and remained there as of early Saturday morning (May 30).



Earlier in the month, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said the fluctuation in confirmed positive COVID-19 cases was due to reporting errors. She said. confirmed positive cases in the city of Des Moines were mistakenly attributed to Des Moines County.



The Iowa Department of Public Health could not be reached on Friday for further comment on the reporting discrepancies.



COVID-19 Openings And Cancellations



In Burlington, city officials announced Friday (May 29) that playgrounds and skate parks will reopen June 1, while restrooms will open on June 5. Drinking fountains remain closed, but basketball, tennis courts, and frisbee golf are still open to the public.



Dankwardt Park Pool will remain closed, while Flint Hills Golf Course is now open. Summer camps will begin on June 8, and the Burlington Regional RecPlex will open for tournaments on June 1.



The Downtown 5&amp;V Cinema (which is outside) will return for its annual summer season starting on June 6 with a screening of “Frozen II.”



The Burlington Municipal Band has canceled all summer concerts in Crapo Park. The Lee County Fair will be open only to junior 4-H children.



The Des Moines County Fair will go on as originally planned, however, that could still change. Fair officials updated the fair’s status via Facebook Thursday.



“We are proceeding as normal with camping registration and set-up of the campgrounds during fair at this time. Should public health and safety guidelines change we reserve the right to make changes to ensure the safety of all those involved,” the post reads.



Though campers will be welcome, events for the fair are being streamlined to consist of 4-H and FFA livestock events and exhibits. Food vendors will likely still be part of the fair as well, though a final decision won't be made until June 20. Fair organizers are currently exploring safe ways for exhibitors to auction their livestock off after the fair.

Iowa Coronavirus Cases Climbing With More Testing, Des Moines County Cases Yo-Yo

By Beacon Staff



Organizers of a vigil to honor the life of Minneapolis, Minn., resident George Floyd — which is also being dubbed as a Protest Against Racism — will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in front of the Burlington Police Department.



Floyd was allegedly murdered by a Minneapolis police officer on Memorial Day, May 25. A criminal complaint against former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, shows that George Floyd was "non-responsive" for nearly three minutes before Chauvin took his knee off his neck during an arrest.



Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder.



Organizers are stressing that this will be a peaceful vigil. Signs and candles are welcome. After taking a knee in front of the police department, attendees will be invited to march down to the riverfront for a rally protest.



“Please wear a BLACK shirt and bring appropriate signs and candles to light at the riverfront to honor the lives lost! We want this to be a civil protest to spread our message! Violence, obstruction, and vandalism will not be tolerated,” event organizer and Burlington resident Tenyshia Chalupa said in a Facebook post promoting the event.



The Beacon has reached out to Chalupa for further comment.



Those interested in speaking at the protest are encouraged to contact Chalupa on her Facebook page.



The three officers who held Floyd down while Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes have been fired. The story instantly spread when a video of the incident showing Floyd pleading for air went viral.



Since then, protests and riots have erupted across the nation.



Photo courtesy of John Autey/St. Paul Pioneer Press



A man stands atop his car holding a photo of George Floyd as people gather Thursday in Minneapolis to remember and protest his death.

Vigil and Protest in Honor of George Floyd To Be Held in Front of BPD Tuesday Night

Jeff Abell: Owner and general manager.



William Smith: Community editor



Joy Mack: Photographer/videographer



Anthony Dewitt: Photographer



Email: burlingtonbeacon@gmail.com

The Burlington Beacon Staff:

Story and photos by William Smith



Due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, there was no official Memorial Day service on Monday in Burlington and West Burlington.



However, people still visited the Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial in West Burlington, eager to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes.



The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard arrived before the light crowd, working out a truncated ceremony on the spot. The crowd stood at a distance, clustered into small groups of those who arrived together.



Dressed in full uniform, Burlington veteran Mike McCullough read a short speech from the podium, highlighting the importance and origin of Memorial Day. Behind him, black stone slabs etched with the names of the local fallen glinted in the sunlight.



Burlington honor guard member Curt Daughters and Larry Shacklett folded the American flag 13 times. Fellow honor guard member Jim Holtkamp stood beside them and explained the significance of each fold.



Honor guard member Dennis Brobston played taps on his trumpet under the memorial arch, his fellow veterans standing solemnly, holding their rifles in front of them.



The honor guard then stood side-by-side as McCullough saluted them, pointing their rifles at the sky. Empty shells fell to the ground with every rifle crack, a traditional salute to their fallen brothers and sisters.



Ten minutes after it began, the service ended, and the veterans gingerly bent down to collect their spent shells — another Memorial Day tradition of politeness and respect.



Michael Knotts of West Burlington visited the memorial Monday morning to find his father’s name on the stone tablets. Knotts served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. His grandfather also served — as did his uncle, a cousin, and other family members.



“I like to come out here every once in a while,” Michael Knotts said.



The temperature rising with every minute, the veterans cheerily chatted with the crowd and each other then went about their way. They will be back next year, same day, same time.

Remembering The Fallen

By Beacon Staff



An Argyle man who was reported missing earlier in the week was found dead this morning (May 23) after falling from a height of 45 to 50 feet, according to authorities.



Jacob “Jake” Pezley of Argyle was discovered near a railroad bridge in Argyle after several days of searching by family, neighbors, friends, and law enforcement.



“Mr. Pezley was a very well known Lee County resident and it was very apparent from the number of people who came out this morning to do a ground search for him,” Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber said in a press release.



Pezley was last seen in the Argyle area on May 18 and was driving a white 2003 Pontiac Vibe. The vehicle was found near a railroad crossing in the Argyle area on Belfast Road, not far from his residence.



No further details have been released. The subsequent death investigation will be conducted by the Lee County Sheriff's Criminal Investigations Division with the assistance of the Lee County Medical Investigator.



“We wanted to thank the many volunteers who came out this morning and those who have looked tirelessly for Mr. Pezley. His family appreciated it greatly, as did your sheriff,” Weber said.



The Lee County Emergency Management, Lee County Ambulance Service, Iowa State Patrol, Farmington Fire and Rescue, Des Moines Township Fire and Rescue, Donnellson, and West Point Police Departments, Iowa Department of Transportation, BNSF Police Department and the Lee County Reserve Unit assisted in the search.

Argyle Man Found Dead Near Railroad Crossing

By Beacon Staff



West Liberty Foods has reported eight positive cases of COVID-19 at its meatpacking plant in Mount Pleasant.



The company reported two of those cases Wednesday, May 20, then confirmed another six cases Friday, May 22.



West Liberty Food has been providing regular updates on the COVID-19 count in all its facilities via Facebook since the end of April. The company said anyone at the Mount Pleasant plant who is at an elevated risk has been notified.



Henry County currently has 57 cases of COVID-19, while Des Moines County has reported 56 cases.



A testing site for Des Moines County is opening Wednesday (May 27) at the county fairgrounds (on the Southeastern Community College campus). The entrance is on Gear Avenue. Appointments must be made in advance through&nbsp;<a href="http://www.testiowa.gov/?fbclid=IwAR0sclGxlcXtwe-sCZbrXWtUjLb_mq9bkWU1FICw1PZN7bsJwRe18iqrdF4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.testiowa.gov</a>&nbsp;beginning Tuesday (May 26).



Saturday marked the second time in three days that Iowa has recorded a daily high in deaths due to COVID-19.



The Iowa Department of Public Health reported 26 more deaths Saturday, topping Thursday’s previous high by five.



The state’s total coronavirus death count climbed to 90 for the week and now sits at 447.

Coronavirus confirmed at West Liberty Foods In Mount Pleasant

By Beacon Staff



West Burlington’s annual Independence Day celebration has been canceled due to concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.



But the fireworks will go on. City councilman and event chairperson Andy Crowner made the announcement Thursday morning (May 21) in a press release.



“We feel it is important that at this time, when our city and our nation needs to pull together, that we recognize the fight that formed this great independent nation so very long ago,” Crowner said in the release.



The city of West Burlington is planning on having a fireworks show to celebrate the holiday.



“We are still working out some details, but we are planning on having the show in an area where it is easy to see from a large number of vehicles to provide for social distancing. Final details will be announced when they are available,” Crowner said.



Additional celebration events are being discussed, such as a live-stream of speakers from the city hall. The annual raffle to fund the fireworks may still happen as well. If it does, tickets will be purchased online.

West Burlington Fourth Of July Celebration Canceled, Fireworks Still Will Take Place

Game review by William Smith



If I reviewed every Batman game, I wouldn’t have time to write anything else.



There are literally dozens to choose from, ranging in quality from laughably horrible to the best experiences gaming has to offer — kind of like the movies.



So I’ve narrowed it down to three, starting with the best.



“Batman: The Video Game” (Nintendo Entertainment System, 1990)



Unfortunately, the best Batman game is the most difficult. We’re talking 1980s Nintendo hard. Throw your controller at the screen “Battletoads” hard.



Like most kids, I rented it from my local video store. Then I died, over and over again, unable to reach the second level. I never played it again —until last week. I’m no better a gamer than I was 30 years ago, and was forced to turn the rewind/slow-motion function on in my emulator to stand a chance.



It was only through blatant cheating I discovered how tight the controls are. How ingenious the level design is. How superior art design can trump ancient technology.



The movie tie-in is limited here, especially since Batman wears his traditional blue suit rather than the black Michael Keaton version. This feels like a fresh Batman story told through kinetic action rather than words.



If you want another great Batman game in this style, try the Sega Genesis version. It’s a completely different game with similar mechanics, and nearly as good.



“Batman Returns” (Super Nintendo, 1993)



Much easier, much prettier, and much longer than the Nintendo original, this direct film tie-in to “Batman Returns” is a rarity — a one player beat-em-up that never gets boring.



The Super Nintendo really flexes its muscle with lavish graphics and meticulous detail, even allowing the player to smash store windows by throwing baddies into the background.



The challenge feels much more balanced here, though I was never quite able to finish the game in my early teenage years. It was so fun, I kept renting it anyway.



If anything, “Batman Returns” is just a bit too lengthy, especially without the modern convenience of saving your game. The only way to take a break back in the 90s was to pause the game for hours at a time, which inevitably ended in parental chiding about burning images into the TV screen.



“Batman” (Arcade, 1990)



Not a bad game by arcade platforming standards, but a hollow shell compared to the two games above.



It’s still a lot better than the “Superman” arcade game and is the only game on the list that faithfully recreates the original Michael Keaton “Batman” film. Nearly scene-by-scene, surprisingly enough.



That means you throw Jack Nicholson into a vat of green acid at the beginning of the game to turn him into the Joker, then throw him off the clock tower to his doom at the end.



Ironically enough, Joker’s death in the arcade game is actually more dramatic than the film, portraying his final fall in a detailed, Hans Gruber from “Die Hard” fashion. It makes the 20 minutes that come before more than worth it.

Critiquing The Batman

By Beacon Staff



A Burlington man was arrested on a federal warrant for dealing narcotics Thursday (May 21), following an investigation by the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force that is still ongoing.



Adam Brent Branton, 39, is charged with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, and was also arrested on a federal warrant for possession of a firearm by a felon.



A number of police units coordinated to execute a search warrant at 313 South Sixth St., including the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force, the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, the Burlington Police Department and the Des Moines County Tactical Response Unit.



According to Burlington Police Lt. Wayne Thomson, Branton is being held on pending a court appearance, and additional arrests are expected.

Federal Warrants Lead To Burlington Drug Arrest

By Beacon Staff



More than 250-yard signs featuring the faces of Burlington High School’s 2020 graduates lined the lawn outside the school Thursday, May 21, stretching for over a quarter of a mile.



School staff, board members, and volunteers stood behind the signs for three hours, waving and congratulating the seniors as they circled the school. The students will be able to take the signs home later this evening.



That’s just the beginning of the celebrations planned for BHS’s seniors. A virtual graduation commencement will air at 3 p.m. May 31, and another graduation celebration is being tentatively scheduled for July.



Photo courtesy of Brandi Coleman: Burlington High School senior Kira Harris (Photo 1) stands next to a sign honoring her as a 2020 graduate.

Honoring 2020 Graduates

By Beacon Staff



For the first time since the worldwide pandemic forced the Burlington Public Library to close its doors and eliminate curbside service, locals can once again check out physical items.



While the library building itself isn’t open for business quite yet, curbside checkout returned today, May 19.



Checking out materials will require a modicum of forethought, which means it is too late to order anything for pickup today. But there’s still time for an order for Wednesday.



The Curbside Library will run from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and orders for materials must be placed by 5 p.m. the day before making the pick-up.



Library staff has been pulling and prepping materials non-stop, measuring out socially safe spaces just outside the entrance.



Materials include books, music, movies, and other items. All digital services will continue as they have for the past couple of months.



The summer reading program begins June 1, and the library now offers the option to research old editions of newspapers through an archive.



The digital scans of older editions appear much as they do in microfiche form, but patrons no longer need to be inside the building to access the service.



To access the archive, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbpia.ent.sirsi.net%2Fclient%2Fen_US%2Fdefault%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1LzYjLEkMLw4Bdh1DRvToGdTTyObCexy7hDVMWqo662ZHOnnPewdQV9J8&amp;h=AT1iDt3h8htV120QHo5OCyk803CwvjBRRmi-_oW_H3mJEbONwJEBzmlzgYnqzdw6ipwHgNigRM4Wc5u-pGZYh15rg_fUWGF7uWq51j4Gd4AayswXlpqitXhfdJj0II3N1bRJ9cCOi-gpqx8MbhUlkxmDYK--9c_B0Xm2EGxALsOP2SK_Qh6ofc2u-cqHvvzZssDvm8lVGksBXAXLbb5ygNLBfKGuOWiQUXnj-S2ftqkXue24N1DFtprxPKaEdIVPII-qWYIKN-6GFuccUwcJVeQB6vMtZnEZS4LPBbEaXYSs4M91sdBamAE7ZER1GAFGg_22aURyjvLJE4QQl5C0-nlX_1v6b2-NP65JCb77-oHW3X9cWW2YaGqqNIHQJu0wLm8KotFSfak9UqK-2ERPvdnklcpCbptPEMtQiEErX9QIuBprEOXHR-7LRvuhjFvbS8M_pqwAyFGVsOhlEgA0NFh-Nd3nhwuhczUgavCsYsYEXPNg8jovdyJJ5B44TqMoGX5PibCbJnaO98_vNuHpsD5mWV257KHi6S42EKWoGddDvJg83OcUMT8s1UTbvaleMPalwy9DQdqu7MqJNbh-7kJBZU1VQRC43vVqk4Z9xaN6vL00tDObZ5NTEVfc-yFWaJZvAZ6IjN5FaY29OpAngvA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://bpia.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/</a>&nbsp;This short video will allow you to log in and navigate Newspaper Archives:&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/dcolzNlrDaY?fbclid=IwAR1LedZv98Zioqe4SbqDGvcnb_I_SEP9-SkV8mLtZNq1CbxFJg5qv9FCsO8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://youtu.be/dcolzNlrDaY</a>



You can sign up for a library card here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/u7jyung?fbclid=IwAR270Yoj0LwcG5wcumaAw518WgcobT79kyZmn7ebF8TVjitJPppzWFf7NjM" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://tinyurl.com/u7jyung</a>



Photo courtesy of the Burlington Public Library

Library Now Offering Curbside Services

By Beacon Staff



Unlike the graduating classes that went before them, the seniors of 2020 were robbed of their graduation glory by a worldwide pandemic.



That’s life, and the seniors get it. Safety comes first, and once school was canceled for the rest of the year, they figured traditional graduation ceremonies might be delayed or canceled. However, they didn’t expect to be handed their diplomas while dropping off their school laptops.



Twin siblings Spencer and Sidney Ellsworth, both 18, didn’t realize they had received their diplomas until their mother, Mary Hofmann, discovered them with other paperwork they had picked up from the school last week.



“It was kind of lame,” Spencer said.



Their mother had a stronger reaction.



“I missed their big moment,” she said. “I wish the principal could have handed them their diplomas.”



The twins’ stepbrother, Brandon Hofmann, also a 2020 graduate, felt just as deflated. BHS has a virtual commencement planned for May 31, as well as some form of an in-person ceremony in July. The district announced the plans on the school Facebook page Tuesday, May 19.



Brandon recently joined the Iowa Army National Guard, and ships out at the end of the summer for basic training. He and his two siblings will still get to attend prom in late June, as well as the proposed July event if it happens.



“This (virtual commencement) is not intended to replace a formal ceremony but rather to provide each student recognition on that date since, under current circumstances, schools are unable to hold their traditional ceremonies. BCSD is still hopeful that a ceremony at Bracewell Stadium can be held in July if restrictions are lifted. A specific date has not yet been selected due to a high level of uncertainty,” reads the BHS Facebook page.



Mary Hofmann has been in constant contact with other parents and the school board, trying to come up with a plan. Drive-through graduations, personal visits from the principal, and staggered commencements that limit the number of people in the building at the same time are just a few options.



“There are ways to do it,” she said.



BHS is also planning to festoon the school grounds with yard signs featuring photos of the graduating seniors.



The contrast between BHS’s plans and West Burlington High School is as stark as the divide that runs down the Hofmann family’s street — at least in the amount of detail provided. Located on the edge of West Burlington, one side of the street falls under West Burlington jurisdiction. The Hofmans fall on the Burlington side of the narrow lane.



West Burlington’s first graduation option has been set for June 20. If that doesn’t work, a postponement date has been set for July 25. A virtual commencement will be held in August if that falls through.



“We believe that holding an in-person ceremony is very important to our school community and we will strive to make that happen, even if in a limited (restricted) guest capacity,” West Burlington High School Principal Bruce Snodgrass said in a letter sent to parents and students.



Every school is handling graduation differently. Notre Dame, which has a small graduating class, is recognizing seniors at a 10:30 a.m. Baccalaureate Mass this Sunday, May 24, online. Each senior also has recorded personal videos that have been airing on Notre Dame school’s Facebook page.



Mediapolis is planning on having an in-person graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on July 11. Danville High School has yet to publicly announce their plans.



Burlington’s virtual graduation ceremony will be live-streamed and broadcast on the district’s Mediacom channel. The ceremony will consist of videos from speakers, recordings of previous music performances, and slides of students.



Each student will be allotted two slides, a formal one containing their picture and a list of their accomplishments and extracurricular activities, and an informal one displaying a collage of senior-submitted photos.



Life moves fast for a teenager. The three siblings are bored and cooped-up, their social contact limited to their workplaces. All three are essential workers in Burlington, and that weighs heavy on Hofmann’s mind.



She wants them to have some kind of social release that emulates that final walk as a high school student. A chance for recognition, and a chance for the 2020 seniors to bid farewell to their classmates.



“We’ll have a party here,” she said, noting that all safety precautions would be followed.



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



Spencer Ellsworth, left, his twin sister Sidney Ellsworth, in the middle, and their stepbrother Brandon Hofmann, right, are shown in their caps and gowns. 



Area high schools are handing graduation differently due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and seniors have been forced to cope with being honored in a less traditional way.

Three BHS Siblings Hoping For More Than Virtual Commencement May Get Their Graduation Wish Afterall

Game Review by William Smith



My adoration for Michael Jackson’s music wasn’t uncommon. His fourth album, “Dangerous,” was the first CD I ever purchased. “Thriller,” still the best-selling album worldwide at 66 million copies, was my second.



I even purchased the incomparable feature-length music video “Moonwalker” on VHS, which the arcade and Sega Genesis are based on.



Ironically enough, working arcade versions of the Moonwalker arcade game aren’t nearly as common. Developed by Sega, the game’s arcade board ran on the company’s suicide battery, which rendered the game unplayable at the end of its lifespan.



Nothing truly dies in the digital age.



A typical beat-em-up with an a-typical, isometric perspective, the laughable lunacy that defined the music video is faithfully adapted here, to a disturbing degree. Jackson shoots blue lightning from his hands like a Sith Lord — your main means of attack. Reach a certain point in the game’s five, beautifully rendered (if annoyingly brief) levels, and he turns into a killer robot.



He later transforms into a futuristic (by 1980s standards) prototype sports car. Then a silver spaceship.



If you have a special attack stored up, Jackson forces all the on-screen baddies to dance with him in unison, causing them to explode. It’s usually to the strains of “Bad,” but there are some earlier songs in there too.



Like the majority of the gorgeous beat-em-ups that populated arcades at the time, the game ends 20 minutes after it starts. Mr. Big, portrayed by a cartoonishly top-knotted Joe Pesci, is finally vanquished.



It’s a blast while it lasts, lacking the challenge of a continuous system that would erase the player’s progress. Once you die, just pump in a few more quarters to pick up right where Michael and his chimpanzee Bubbles (who’s in the home version as well) left off. Each death replenishes your dance attack, layering the game with a macabre subtext that certainly wasn’t intended. Those moves are too slick not to die for.



Thanks to the modern conventions of the MAME arcade emulator, it doesn't cost anything to play now. And if that makes you feel guilty, just remember the arcade machine was designed with a timed kill switch, much like Jackson’s legacy.

Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker (Arcade, 1990)

By Beacon Staff



The Burlington Civic Music program is returning for its 91st season in September, bringing 10 diverse music performances to Memorial Auditorium and the Capitol Theater.



According to executive director Barbara McRoberts, eight of those shows will be at the auditorium, while the other two will take place at the Capitol Theater in downtown Burlington. The shows are scheduled through the end of 2020 and into 2021.



To ensure current seats or best seating at Memorial Auditorium, Burlington Civic Music is encouraging previous and new season subscribers to order their tickets now for the 2020-2021 season.



Prices for reserved season seats at the auditorium are $130 for the main floor, $115 for the first balcony, $115 for the second balcony, and $20 for students. The cost includes all 10 shows. Tickets for the two Capitol Theater shows can be purchases separately and are $20 for each show.



To order season tickets or for more information, call 319-752-0336 or email BurlingtonCivicMusic@gmail.com.



All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.



• Thursday, Sept. 17: Shaun Johnson Big Band and Tonic Sol-fa. Last seen and heard in Burlington in 1997, Shaun Johnson and Tonic Sol-fa are described as a “five-man swinging sensation.” His big-band experience is rare for traditional pop, fusing a big band spirit with an inventive edge. • Friday, Oct. 9: Gentri — The Gentlemen Trio. Gentri delivers a signature sound described as “cinematic pop.” That means arrangements with lush orchestrations and rich, dynamic three-part harmonies, combining classic hits with original songs. • Tuesday, Nov. 3: Dhamaal Dancers and Singers. This new show pays homage to the rich culture and traditions of India passed down through generations. Drawing on mythology, traditional dance, and a variety of Indian musical styles, these legendary dances tantalize senses with acrobatic flair and world-class music. • Saturday, Dec. 19: A Country Christmas With David Kroll. Civic Music welcomes David Kroll to the concert series as a vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader. Sporting a musical career that began in Burlington as a 16-year-old, Kroll moved to Nashville in 2007. A Burlington resident once again, his Country Christmas show has become an area favorite. Special guest Bethany Shane will join him. • Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021: Sultans of String. Riding a wave of international success, this Canadian string super-group combines acoustic strings with electronic wizardry. Their sonic tapestry of Spanish flamenco, Arabic folk, Cuban rhythms, and gypsy-jazz fill the hall. This performance will take place at the Burlington Capitol Theater. • Monday, Feb. 8, 2021: “Wings” Dublin Irish Dance. Dazzling dance, theatrical performances, and the vibrant emotion of Celtic music. These world champion dancers and performers from Riverdance present a captivating portrayal of Irish culture. • Thursday, March 25, 2021: Catapult: Magic Shadows. Dancers transform their bodies into seemingly impossible shapes from the world around us. • Thursday, April 22, 2021: FLY Dance Company: The Gentlemen of Hip-Hop. Originally an experiment combining hip-hop movement with classical music by Antonio Vivaldi, the company crosses street dance with classical choreographic principles. Known for their high-energy performances, clever staging, and clean-cut artistry designed to cross all audience boundaries, FLY has trained and inspired a generation of dance students. • Monday, May 3, 2021; Chicago Harp Quartet. A leading harp ensemble in the U.S., Chicago Harp Quartet has played in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Ravinia Festival. • Saturday, May 15: The Texas Tenors. These classically trained and versatile tenors have become classic performers.



Besides their evening performances, five of the season’s artists will provide free hour-long student concerts on the same day as their shows. Adults must be accompanied by a student to attend.



All student concerts begin at 1 p.m. at the venues of their evening performances. This season’s student concerts are Shaun Johnson and Tonic Sol-fa, Gentri – The Gentlemen Trio, Sultans of String, Catapult: Magic Shadows, and FLY Dance Company.

Civic Music Bringing 10 Diverse Different Concerts to Burlington

By Beacon Staff



Two West Burlington men were arrested Tuesday for causing more than $10,000 worth of damage to 30 vehicles in the South Hill area of Burlington.



Jeremy Lee Hand, 20, and Xavier Zane Sourwine, 18, are charged with first-degree criminal mischief and are being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Center in Burlington on $25,000 bond pending a court appearance.



Lt. Wayne Thomson, who issued a press release Tuesday afternoon, did not specify the nature of the damage to the vehicles. Several complaints from residents in the area on April 19 led to an investigation by the Burlington Police Department and the eventual arrests.

West Burlington Men Damage 30 Burlington Vehicles, Held on $25,000 Bond

By Sandy Dockendorff and William Smith



Des Moines County’s sudden drop in COVID-19 cases Friday has been attributed to a reporting error by the Iowa State Health Department.



Seven cases originally coded to Des Moines County were supposed to be coded to the city of Des Moines in Polk County. Friday’s Des Moines County COVID-19 cases were adjusted from 46 to 39 to reflect the error correction.



But questions about which cases were misreported, and when those cases were reported, have yet to be answered.



The Des Moines County Health Department confirmed the reporting error Friday, but could not clarify if the incorrectly coded cases were reported in the past week, or earlier than that. The county’s COVID-19 cases increased from 31 at the beginning of last week to 46 on Thursday, before being corrected to 39 Friday.



Without further detail about the timing, it is unknown if Des Moines County saw a spike of 15 cases in the past week, or just eight. The Des Moines County Health Department did note on Friday that the situation in Des Moines County is very stable.



Meanwhile, a coronavirus outbreak of 22 people at a Wapello nursing home in Louisa County was confirmed Friday.



Wapello Specialty Care announced Friday that 10 residents of the facility have contracted COVID-19, as well as 12 employees. Identities of the patients won’t be released, but family members have been notified, as well as staff and residents.



“We have been and will continue to screen all staff at the beginning and end of their shift for signs and symptoms of COVID-19,” facility administrators said in a press release on Friday.



A case of Pediatric Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome was also reported in eastern Iowa Friday night by the Polk County Pediatric Medical Collaborative — the first in Iowa.



The syndrome is possibly connected to COVID-19, and an outbreak in New York has resulted in over 100 cases and at least three child deaths.



In addition to inflammation, symptoms include rash, abdominal pain, and vomiting.



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds addressed the inflammatory syndrome during her Friday morning press conference, saying no cases had yet been identified. That was several hours before the first case was reported later that night.



Overall, Iowa hospitalizations for COVID-19 have decreased in the past week. The Iowa Department of Health reported the fewest patients on ventilators Friday than at any time in the past two-and-a-half weeks. Half as many people were hospitalized between Thursday and Friday then from the previous 24-hour reporting period.



Coronavirus case numbers have not been updated by the health department as of Saturday morning. According to Friday’s numbers, 374 new cases were reported, 18 more have died, and 330 have recovered.