Local Man Wins $100,000 at Notre Dame Fundraiser



By Beacon Staff



The winners of the Notre Dame Pot O' Blue and Gold raffle have been drawn, and local resident David Bouge is now $100,000 richer.



Bouge won the grand prize at the Notre Dame fundraiser Saturday night, which was broadcast live on Facebook. Nearly 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Notre Dame. Over the years, the annual event has raised about $3 million for the school.



Notre Dame is a private school, and the raffle is one of its primary fundraisers.



Jason Wagoner, who drew the second-place prize, won $10,000. Mac Law won the third-place prize of $5,000, while Aaron Fisher snagged the $2,500 fourth-place prize. Nita Carlson won't $1,500 for fifth place.



A total of 75 people or groups of people will get some kind of cash prize, at least doubling the $100 ticket price. Twenty of them won $500, while the remaining 50 winners will receive $200.A total of 3,450 tickets were sold.



A complete list of winners can be viewed at the Burlington Notre Dame Facebook page.

Local Man Wins $100,000 at Notre Dame Fundraiser

By Beacon Staff



Robert Morrison is angry — a rage that has only increased since he lost his job in December 2018 at the now-defunct Siemen’s plant in Burlington.



The plant ended operations a few days before Christmas and has stood vacant ever since, partially obscured by weeds as tall as the company sign.“They took a factory that had been in Burlington since 1870 and flushed it down the drain,” said Morrison of Burlington.



Morrison was a guest speaker at a brief campaign stop Wednesday evening (Oct. 7) for outgoing U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack.



Loebsack, who is retiring from the U.S. Congress at the end of the year, was not campaigning for himself. Instead, he stumped for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Theresa Greenfield, congressional candidate Rita Hart, and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.“We need products made in America,” Loebsack said.



Morrison, a 31-year-veteran machinist for Siemens, has been a prominent critic of the plant closure and made sure every presidential candidate who came through Burlington heard his story. The closure marked the end of Siemens' 148-year run as a major employer offering quality wages (average $25 an hour) and benefits in the community. It acquired Dresser-Rand before the closure.



"This difficult decision was made as part of a necessary global plan to enable Siemens to meet the competitive pressures in the energy market by reducing costs while best serving our customers," said company spokesperson Andrew Gumbiner at the time of the closure.



In November of 2018, Bloomberg reported Siemens planned to cut 6,900 jobs worldwide, with most of the layoffs coming from its power and gas division. Many of those jobs were outsourced to other countries.



“We need to pursue a pro-American worker tax and trade strategy. Something the president said he was going to do, but hasn’t done,” Loebsack said, speaking from the gazebo near Bluff Harbor Marina. 



“Bring back critical supply chains to America. We can do the whole supply chain in America if we have a president like Biden.” 



Photo by William Smith



U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack discusses bringing manufacturing jobs back to America on Wednesday while stumping for the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris presidential ticket in Burlington

Loebsack Stumps For Keeping Siemens-Like Manufacturing Jobs In Iowa

By Beacon Staff



In recognition of Construction Week 2020, Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company conducted its fourth annual High School Skills Challenge on Oct. 8. The challenge allows local high school construction trades students to bring classroom lessons into real-world practice.



Participating were Burlington High School, Mediapolis High School, and two teams from Fort Madison High School. The event typically includes five schools with teams rotating through a series of skill stations but was scaled back due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.



The first-place team from Fort Madison High School, led by instructor Clint Kobelt, included Owen Kruse, Kane Williams, and Trey Edwards. It was the third win in four years, and the second in a row, by an FMHS team.



Students spread out on the Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company grounds to construct steel angle platforms with wood stairs. Skills being demonstrated included welding, carpentry, figuring stairs, and cutting stringers.



The annual program also brought high school students into direct contact with local professionals in the construction industry to learn about career opportunities in fields such as the construction trades.



The prize for first place was a $400 Lowe’s gift card to support the school’s construction trades program, while each team member received a new 35-foot tape measure. 



Photo submitted



The winners of Carl A. Nelson &amp; Company’s fourth annual High School Skills Challenge, from left with their teacher, Clint Kobelt, were Fort Madison High School’s Owen Kruse, Kane Williams, and Trey Edwards.

Fort Madison Wins 2020 High School Skills Challenge

Firefighters Respond To Blaze



Photos by Jeff Abell



Burlington firefighters responded late Saturday evening to a report of a structure fire in the 1400 block of Cleveland Avenue.



Firefighters remained on the scene at 11 p.m. Saturday. No further information was available Saturday evening, and this story will be updated when further details are released by fire officials.

Firefighters Respond To Blaze

Column by Stacey Abell



It’s been one of those weeks. To be honest, it’s actually been more like two or three weeks. For me, back to school season means late hours and long days at the office. Fueled by caffeine and sugar, I have not had much time to cook for myself and still less time to get into the kitchen to test and refine recipes.



Every year, I know this season is approaching and yet I find myself unprepared, especially when it comes to having quick, healthy meal options on hand. After a couple weeks of questionable food choices, I am looking forward to taking the time to make some truly nourishing dishes this weekend. Right now, I’m craving the flavorful salade nicoise that I had prepared earlier this summer.



Salad nicoise hails from Nice, the largest city along the French Riviera. This salad falls under the category of “composed salads” or salade composee, if you’re feeling continental. A composed salad consists of fruits and vegetables prepared and artfully arranged on a plate or platter rather than tossed in a bowl. If you’ve ever had a Cobb salad with its neatly arranged columns of meats, cheese, and diced eggs, then you’ve had a composed salad.



Cookbook author and television personality Ina Garten often prepares composed salads on her program, “Barefoot Contessa.” In regards to the presentation aspect of this dish, she has a particular turn of phrase that I find humorous.



She advises her viewers to be purposeful and not haphazard with the placement of the salad components, else your salad will resemble “a dog’s breakfast.” I’m not sure what a dog’s breakfast looks like, but it probably isn’t something you want at your dinner table.



There is some prep work involved with boiling and blanching the vegetables, but otherwise, this comes together fairly easily. To take your salad to the next level, the green beans can be “pickled” overnight in the refrigerator by submerging them in a simple brine with various herbs and spices.



If you have an almost empty jar of pickles, the process is even easier. Simply blanch the green beans for a minute or two in boiling water, rinse them in cold water, and plop them into your pickle jar with the leftover pickle juice.



In 24 hours, you will have tangy pickled green beans. With garden-fresh tomatoes still plentiful, a classic salad nicoise is the perfect dish for this time of year. Pair it with a crisp white wine, such as pinot grigio, and a loaf of crusty bread.



Salade Nicoise Serves 4 1 head of green or romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces 1 pound small new potatoes, boiled until tender and quartered 4 eggs, hard-boiled and quartered 2 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped ½ cup black olives ½ pound fresh green beans, blanched or pickled 2 5-ounce cans of tuna in oil, drained Salt and pepper to taste Mustard vinaigrette (recipe below) On a large platter or individual plates, place the lettuce in an even layer. Arrange the remaining ingredients on top of the lettuce, keeping Ina Garten’s advice in mind. Drizzle with mustard vinaigrette and add salt and pepper to taste.



Mustard Vinaigrette ½ cup of vegetable oil ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¼ cup white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Dijon or whole grain mustard 1 teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Add all ingredients to a jar, seal the lid tightly and shake until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasonings to taste. You may use all vegetable oil if you prefer and substitute another type of vinegar or even lemon juice for the acidic component. Just make sure to keep the ratio of three parts oil to one part vinegar/lemon juice.



Photo by Stacey Abell

END-OF-THE-SUMMER SALAD NICOISE

By Beacon Staff



Despite the nation's deep economic recession and record-high unemployment rate, most of the 72 graduates of the local Bridges Out Of Poverty Program are working this Labor Day.



For those who have struggled with poverty, the Labor Day holiday is less about picnics and more about building a better life for their families. It's a day that celebrates the honesty of labor in a system that doesn't always work for those who need it the most.



The central focus of the Bridges Out of Poverty program is finding and keep keeping a job — or advancing to a better one. But it takes money and hours to run such an active non-profit program.



“Once they graduate the class, they are put into a support group with a mentor,” said Mona Ash, program coordinator for the adult learning program.



She added: “We need funds to continue doing our work."



With fundraisers and events affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic, Ash thought she could combine the silent sleekness of an online auction with the loud, creative expression of area artists.



That’s how the organization’s first online Chair-ity Auction was born. Hand-painted donated chairs will be up for bid starting Sept. 17, and nearly 30 chairs have been donated.



Many of the chairs have been set up in the window of The Loft on Jefferson Street, which houses the Bridges Out Of Poverty office.



“People have been walking by (The Loft) and looking at the chairs,” Ash said.



The online auction begins Sept. 17 and stretches through part of October, which means there is still time to donate artistically altered chairs. For more details, check out the Facebook page “Building Bridges A Southeast Iowa Initiative” or call Ash at (319) 754- 8421.



Photo by William Smith



.Mona Ash sits in one of the chairs inside The Loft on Burlington Street. The chairs, decorated by local artists, will be up for bid during an online auction starting Sept. 17.

Buy An Artsy Chair, Help Someone Climb Out Of Poverty

By Beacon Staff



Amy Moyner has taken over as leader of Downtown Partners, Inc. Moyner, a Burlington native, began her role as executive director on Aug. 24.



Moyner graduated from Burlington High School, Southeastern Community College, and the University of Iowa. She and her family have been living in the Chicago area for 10 years.



"What drove me to come back to Burlington was the welcoming community, the vibrant downtown that offers all the conveniences of a big city, and the pride I have for my fellow Burlingtonians," Moyner said. "I am so delighted to be back home."

Moyner To Head Downtown Partners

Burlington By The Book is your local, independent bookseller located in downtown Burlington, Iowa. The store offers a variety of popular bestsellers, children’s books, local and regional favorites, gifts, and much more! Special orders are available, as well as gift certificates.



Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Located at 301 Jefferson St. Phone: (319) 753-9981.

Teriyaki Madness is Burlington’s top choice for teriyaki! For a limited time, Teriyaki Madness is offering a Share-a-Bowl meal pack, which feeds up to six people, for $45! Everything you need to make your dream bowl at home, family-style. Open in Burlington at Mason Road and Roosevelt Avenue, next to All About Eyes, 1035 Lawrence Dr. Ste. 108. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Share-a-Bowl meal pack

By Beacon Staff



A light mist enveloped Friday morning's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Burlington Fire Department’s Central Station. It seemed rather appropriate, given the somber occasion.



This year's ceremony was intended to be online only and streamed on the fire department's Facebook page due to concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). However, police, firefighters, and members of the general public still showed up to pay their respects.



They bowed their heads in respectful silence as Burlington Fire Lt. Todd VanScoy rang the large Central Station bell.



The ceremony began at 7:46 a.m. — the precise moment the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center began 19 years ago. Church and fire station bells across the country rang in unison, commemorating the lives lost during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.



The melancholic chimes from the Central Fire Station bell were replaced by a bagpipe rendering of “Amazing Grace” by retired Deputy Fire Chief Gene Wilkerson. Burlington Fire Battalion Chief Bruce Workman was the keynote speaker, while Burlington Fire Chief Matt Trexel provided the opening address. 



Photo by William Smith



 Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Six of the Iowa Army National Guard plays taps on the trumpet Friday morning during the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony in Burlington.

Remembering 9/11

By William Smith



Cedar Rapids has an apocalyptic feel right now, and its citizens are desperate for help.



For the city of more than 130,000 residents decimated last week when the derecho ripped through Iowa, relief has been arriving in the form of volunteers equipped with a help-your-neighbor mindset.



“Some haven’t seen anyone with chain saws yet and are literally begging, asking: ‘Can you help my neighbor, he’s disabled.’ They don’t know if they have damage yet because the trees are on the roof still,” said Valerie Wagner, bookkeeper for Harmony Bible Church in Danville and Burlington.



Sitting 100 miles away by car, Burlington is one of those far-flung, unlikely Iowa neighbors. Wagner has been receiving first-hand accounts of the damage in Cedar Rapids directly from church volunteers who began streaming into the city on Thursday (Aug. 13).



At least 46,000 Iowans (including large portions of Cedar Rapids) are still without power as of Monday.



“They say you can see the stars in Cedar Rapids. That’s never happened before," said Wagner, who is the point coordinator for the church’s relief efforts.



Worshipers have been departing for Cedar Rapids in waves, armed with chain saws, water bottles, and food to give away. The latest relief group left Danville’s Harmony Bible Church parking lot on Saturday morning (Aug. 15), and it won’t be the last.



“We had a lot of members of our church call and ask how they could help,” said John Deluca, executive pastor of ministries for Harmony Bible Church.



Doran and Ward Packaging in Burlington have collected fuel, ice, and much-needed grocery supplies for delivery to the Lil’ Drug Store in Cedar Rapids. The Des Moines County Humane Society loaded an SUV with pet food supplies and other amenities over the weekend bound for the Cedar Valley Humane Society in Cedar Rapids.



“At this time, the Cedar Valley Humane Society remains without power,” said Kandi Hillyer, director of the Burlington Animal Shelter.



Making use of a wide range of Cedar Rapids contacts, including Veritas Church and New City Church, Harmony Bible has patched together a volunteer lifeline. Harmony Bible Church member Steve Deggendorf scouts ahead in the days before teams are sent out, providing exact locations for volunteers to help.



Tornado-like storm damage from the Aug. 10 inland hurricane (called a derecho) is the most obvious open wound. Tents dot the yards of homeowners who no longer have roofs. The school year has been delayed due to damage to more than a dozen schools.



Unlike a tornado, the damage from the derecho isn’t constrained to a narrow path. It’s city-wide, and stretches well beyond Cedar Rapids, through central Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds estimated about $4 billion in damage.



The Associated Press has reported 8,200 homes were destroyed or extensively damaged by the storm. On Monday (Aug. 17), President Donald Trump signed an emergency declaration for Iowa to supply federal money for assistance, and he visited the city on Tuesday.



The Burlington Beacon will further explore local aid for the storm-ravaged city later this week through the eyes of a Cedar Rapids woman who grew up in Burlington.



Photo by William Smith



Jeff Allen and Joanne Otto load coolers and water onto a caravan of trucks in Danville's Harmony Bible Church parking lot Saturday morning, shortly before driving the supplies to storm-ravaged Cedar Rapids.

Helping Hands: Church Volunteers, Locals Offer Relief For Storm-Ravaged Cedar Rapids

By Beacon Staff



The sidewalks on Burlington's riverfront got a lot more interesting on Monday.



As an informal Kindness Club project, Nancy Halls, Allison Richert, and Tiara Carter from the Burlington Public Library took chalk in hand to create a colorful obstacle course spanning a city block. The course encourages children to run, hop, spin, among other fun challenges.



Photo by Joy Mack

Chalk It Up To Fun

Pet Bath &amp; Beyond is open for all your pet grooming needs. The business with room to groom is located at 1109 Summer St. in Burlington. Call today for appointments at 319-752-5150. Business hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.



(This is a paid advertisement.)

Pet Bath & Beyond, for all your pet grooming needs

By Beacon Staff



A 61-year-old construction worker died Monday after being pinned by a concrete spreader.



According to the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred in the 16000 block of US 61 during an ongoing paving project. The man from Nichols, Iowa, was extricated from the machine and taken to Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, where he died from his injuries.



The name of the man is being withheld by law enforcement pending notification of his family.

Construction Worker Killed In Accident

Transitions DMC Takes Step Toward Opening Shelter With Donation Sale



By Beacon Staff



A crowd of bargain hunters visited Transitions DMC in Burlington on Saturday. The reason: A yard sale featuring a variety of unique items sold for a good cause.



The Transitions DMC homeless shelter is closed due to ongoing renovations, and executive director Craig Fenton had to clear items out of the building to make room for the work. Unlike most yard sales, organizers asked only for donations.



Transitions DMC recently received funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Iowa Financing Authority. The funds are available as part of the federal response to homelessness that has worsened with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and is effective until the end of 2021.



In March, days after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19, Transitions DMC began placing area homeless people at the Quality Inn and Super 8 motels in Burlington. With the help of local donors, the organization was able to house 56 people for 735 nights over 10 weeks for a cost of $44,485.



The remaining $30,000 of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan money is being used to finish the renovation of the shelter building at 515 S. Main St. in Burlington.



“We have most of our needs met to open our doors to 12 regular nightly guests, except we need bunk bed frames for 24 college twin sized mattresses,” Fenton said in late July. “These beds will be rotated in use to control COVID-19 and other diseases like flu.”



There is no target date for reopening, but Transitions DMC does maintain a network of housing options that include local landlords, hotels, and private housing sources, as well as partnering agencies such as the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Community Action of Southeast Iowa and the Burlington Homeless Shelter.



Photo by William Smith



Locals browse items for sale at the sale Saturday hosted by Transitions DMC in Burlington.

Breath new life into your home improvement or restoration project with a piece of local history. The Preservation Station at 213 Valley Street in downtown Burlington offers unique décor, architectural salvage, donated materials, repurposed items, and building supplies.



Open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.



(Paid Advertisement)

The Preservation Station Open Every Saturday

By Beacon Staff



RiverFest 2020 rocked Fort Madison and provided an escape for music lovers. As one of the few music festivals that has managed to survive the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, organizers put safeguards in place to create a safe environment. The four-day music fest at Riverview Park featured a variety of musical acts.



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



Legendary rockers Quiet Riot takes to the stage on Friday night.

Rocking Fort Madison

By Beacon Staff



Another Burlington restaurant has temporarily closed its doors due to coronavirus exposure.



La Tavola Italian Eatery owners Carlo and Cheryl Falcone reported Thursday night (Aug. 13) via Facebook that they had to abruptly close the restaurant Saturday, Aug. 8.



“We were notified of being directly exposed to the coronavirus,” reads the Facebook statement from the Falcones. “Rest assured we have taken all appropriate steps to sanitize and disinfect. This week has given everyone time to get tested and quarantine.”



Cheryl Falcone said anyone who has eaten at La Tavola in the past week shouldn’t have to worry about exposure, relaying the information she received from the Des Moines County Health Department. She did advise that those who have may want to consult their physician for a more informed answer.



The Falcones plans to reopen next week with new safety measures, including mandatory masks for employees and customers.

La Tavola Temporarily Closes Doors Due To Coronavirus Exposure; Will Require Masks Upon Reopening

By Beacon Staff



Martini’s Grille has temporarily closed its doors after one of its employees came into contact with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



Restaurant owner Peter Harman reported the closure Thursday afternoon (Aug. 13) on Facebook, noting that Martini’s will reopen after his team can deep clean the dining establishment. In a written statement, Harman said Martini’s will take all appropriate measures dictated by Great River Medical Center and Des Moines County Public Health.



Also, Harman is requiring all employees to get tested for COVID-19 before returning to work.



Harman said the temporary closure and subsequent safety measures are “a precaution to keep Burlington and surrounding communities, our employees and beloved customers safe.”



“See you soon,” Harman said.

Martini’s Employee Exposed to Coronvirus, Leading To Temporary Closure

By Beacon Staff



When Burlington students return to school Aug. 24, they will be required to wear masks — except when they are six feet away from other people.



The Burlington School Board approved the second and final reading of board policy 903.8 (which partially mandates masks Monday night (Aug. 10) with a 4-3 vote. School board member Darven Kendell expressed concern that the policy is too vague concerning when students have to wear their masks, which is why he voted against it. Board president Dean Vickstorm and board vice-president Tom Courtney also voted against the policy.



The policy was passed in time to go into effect before new teachers began orientation and preparation on Wednesday (Aug. 12). The policy does not require masks at sporting events, but the school board recommends them.



The policy reads (in part) as follows:



“All staff and students are required to wear a shield and/or mask in any area outside of a classroom where social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained during the school day. In classrooms, masks are required if social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained. Masks are required of students on all school buses where social distancing of 6 feet or more cannot be maintained.



Non-medical-grade face masks are encouraged to be worn by all individuals on school grounds, including students, employees, and volunteers throughout the entirety of the day or visit. Masks will be provided to individuals who request them or you may bring your own mask.



Face masks should not be placed on young children under the age of 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or who is unconscious, anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the face mask without assistance.”



In addition to masks, other planned mitigation strategies include:



• Hand sanitizer in all classrooms and common areas and explicit teaching of handwashing and hygiene. • Water fountains will be turned off and students must use individual water bottles or disposable cups. • A hybrid A/B Day schedule to limit class size and bus occupancy, allowing for social distancing in the classroom. • Keeping the same groups of students together to limit the mixing of groups. • Limiting visitors to school buildings. • Modified arrival/dismissal, lunch, and hallway routines to limit hallway congestion.

Burlington School Board Approves (Mostly) Mandatory Mask Policy

By Beacon Staff



The upcoming Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison announced earlier this week that its Sept. 10 headliner, the country musician Hardy, would not be able to perform during the four-day rodeo festival.



Instead, the world’s fourth best selling rap artist of all time, Nelly, will be taking the stage that night. Country music star Mark Chesnutt still is scheduled to headline Sept. 11, with Trace Adkins closing the four-day rodeo Sept. 12.



The Tri-State Rodeo has been an annual Lee County event since 1948, attracting thousands of people from throughout the country who set up tents and RVs in the campground right next to the rodeo arena.



The Lee County Board of Health, backed by the Lee County Board of Supervisors, issued a public statement several weeks ago recommending the event be canceled due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.



Rodeo organizers said to be safe, they have canceled all the pre-rodeo festivities from Sept. 5-8. There will be social distancing markers, and masks (which are encouraged), and will be handed out at the event. All rodeo staff and participants will undergo temperature checks.



The Tri-State Rodeo itself runs Sept. 9 through Sept. 12, and tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tristaterodeo.org/?fbclid=IwAR35VjOt_2suEZ9Y00sEa4JyQrb8tXiiGrAATi983NE-QDT7Wf8Br9x1_HU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.tristaterodeo.org</a>

Nelly Is Coming to the Tri-State Rodeo In September

By Beacon Staff



The Iowa State Patrol’s tactical team was called in to help arrest a Mount Pleasant man Thursday (Aug. 13) evening during an assault involving a firearm.



Dustin Kindig, 31, was arrested and charged with going armed with intent, four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, first-degree burglary, two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and violation of a protective order.



The Henry County Sheriff’s office received the call about 5:50 p.m., responding to the 2200 grid of Dakota Avenue. Aside from the Iowa State Patrol, they were assisted by the Des Moines County Sheriff’s office, Henry County Sheriff’s Reserves, and Henry County Health Center Ambulance.

State Patrol Tactical Team Called to Henry County For Armed Assault; No Shots Fired

By Beacon Staff



An Iowa State Penitentiary correctional officer was assaulted by two inmates at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday (Aug. 13), suffering lacerations that were treated at Fort Madison Community Hospital.



The officer, who was released from the hospital after his treatment, was conducting rounds on a unit when two inmates began assaulting him with closed-fist punches and kicks. The officer utilized defensive techniques as additional staff quickly responded to the assault and took control of the situation by using a combination of pepper spray and physical restraining techniques.

Two Inmates Assault Iowa State Penitentiary Guard

By Beacon Staff



Another Lee County resident has died of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



The Lee County Health Department reported the news on Friday (Aug. 14). This makes the fifth coronavirus related death in Lee County. The fourth was reported Wednesday (Aug. 12), and the third death was reported two weeks ago July 31.



As of Friday, Des Moines County still had only two reported coronavirus deaths.



The Iowa Department of Health also, on Friday, identified six additional cases of COVID-19 in Lee County, consisting of two adults, three middle-aged people, and one older adult.



Eleven new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Lee County Thursday (Aug. 13), and 40 cases have been reported in the county since the third death was announced July 31.



That makes 139 confirmed cases in Lee County as of Friday, with 57 having recovered.



In Des Moines County, 209 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, and 111 of those have recovered. Seventeen new cases have been reported in Des Moines County since Wednesday (Aug. 12), as well as four recoveries in that same time-frame.



Statewide, 50,943 people have tested positive for the virus. Of that number, 39,943 have recovered, and 967 have died. A total of 546,288 Iowans have been tested, breaking down to about one in every six Iowans. A total of 9.3 percent of those who tested came back positive for the virus.

Lee County Suffers Fifth Coronavirus Death, Two Days After Fourth Death Reported

Burlington Police Arrest Men Who Allegedly Stole Guns and Money During A Strong Arm Robbery



By Beacon Staff



Two Burlington men have been arrested for a strong-arm robbery (robbery at weapon point) that occurred last month in the 1100 block of Summer Street.



Jonathan Robert Harian, 28, and Tevin Devontaye Cross, 28, have both been charged with first-degree robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon.



The Burlington Police Department received a complaint about the robbery on July 20. The robbery didn’t result in injuries, but police were informed that multiple firearms and an undisclosed amount of cash were stolen.



Burlington detectives and officers from the department’s Problem-Oriented Policing division investigated the incident, identifying the two suspects.



Lt. Wayne Thomson of the Burlington police said in a press release on Friday (Aug. 14) that Harian and Cross are being held at the Des Moines County jail in Burlington on a no-bond pending a court appearance.