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.

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

By Beacon Staff



As Broom Closet owner Lydia Gittings has said repeatedly over the years, pagans don’t worship the devil.



Their goal is not sinister, and not nearly as dramatic.



“We just like to have fun,” Gittings said.



“It’s kind of a hippie thing,” she said in a previous interview. “We believe in the spirit of the trees and stones, and it is very similar to Native American spirituality.”



Saturday’s seventh annual Pagan Fest in Dankwardt Park in Burlington was open to people of all beliefs. Gittings and her fellow volunteers made everyone feel welcome.



“We want to have it out in the open so the public can see that we’re your neighbors,” Gittings said.



The event celebrated the upcoming Autumn Equinox, which is a time of thanksgiving in the pagan tradition.



Photo By William Smith



 Broom Closet owner and Pagan Fest organizer Lydia Gittings of Burlington welcomes those who formed a ritual circle Saturday in Dankwardt Park to kick off the seventh annual Pagan Fest.

Pagan Fest Casts A Successful Spell

Photo by Anthony Dewitt



A view of the Great River Bridge in Burlington as seen at sunset from the Carmen blacktop in Illinois.

Bridge At Sunset

By Beacon Staff



More than 200 bikers braved a 100-degree heat advisory Saturday afternoon (July 18), lending their tires to a good time and an even better cause.



Sponsored by District 18 of ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education) of Iowa, the roughly 100-mile ride raised money for Great River Hospice in West Burlington and Lee County Hospice in Fort Madison.



“It (the ride) keeps getting bigger,” said Randy Hiland, ABATE district events coordinator said in a previous interview.



Hiland said the event got its start through the late Edward Scott of Burlington, who lost his wife while in hospice care. Scott was a regular volunteer for the Great River Hospice House.



“We were looking for a ride to do, and he came to us and explained what hospice is about,” Hiland said.



Saturday's ride started at Doris’ Tavern and ended at the Eagles Club in Fort Madison. In previous years, the ride has raised as much as $15,000.



The hospice house is not funded by Great River Health Systems in West Burlington. It operates on money from donations and fundraisers.



Photo by William Smith

Biking For Those Who Can’t

By Beacon Staff



The roar of engines could be heard throughout downtown Burlington on Friday evening (July 17) during the Jefferson Street Cruise Night. The monthly event attracts all make and models of vehicles.



Photos by Anthony Dewitt

Cruising Through Downtown Burlington

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Improve Your Life With 	FF Massage

By Beacon Staff



Two Burlington projects were among 15 historic preservation projects throughout Iowa receiving nearly $22 million in Iowa Economic Development Authority tax credits.



McConnell Lofts LLC received $3.6 million for its market-rate housing development at Fourth and Valley streets.



Y&amp;J Properties received $7.7 million to renovate the historic Baul grocery warehouse at the corner of Fifth and Valley streets. It, too, is for market-rate housing.



Besides the two Burlington projects, ventures in Brooklyn, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Dubuque, Indianola, Muscatine, Red Oak, Sioux City, Toledo, and Waterloo also received grants.



Officials said they received 23 applications seeking $33 million in tax credits. About $22 million was available in this registration round. According to IEDA, projects are scored based on readiness, financing, local support, and participation.



The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides a state income tax credit to projects for rehabilitation of historic buildings. The program promotes the retention of unique, character-defining buildings and building features that contribute to a community and neighborhood. Rehabilitation must meet the federal Department of Interior standards.

Two Burlington Projects Get State Tax Credits

By Beacon Staff



The Heritage Trust's Garden Tour featured seven properties in Burlington, each a botanical wonder to behold.



The event held Saturday attracted an enthusiastic group who were treated to a variety of unique and colorful gardens. The properties toured included Mike and Joni Bence, 719 Lewis St.; Mack and Nancy McKee, 1121 S. 12th St.; Jim and Penny Sudbeck, 2616 West Ave.; Darlene Troute, 400 North St.; Dustin and Kage Evans, 616 Columbia St.; Susan and Dick Hoisington, 1015 N. Fifth St.; and Kim Mercer, 1024 N. Fourth St.



Photo by William Smith



Penny Sudbeck's dog, Dot, takes stock of his owner's garden on Saturday at 2612 West Ave. in Burlington.

Touring Burlington's Garden Beauty

By Beacon Staff



The Snake Alley Festival of Film, scheduled for July 30 through Aug. 2, has been postponed with no set replacement date. The four-day event showcases the best short films from around the world.



Festival organizer Tadd Good made the announcement during a live stream on the festival’s Facebook page at 8 p.m. Sunday (July 12). He said the festival committee will keep an eye on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers, and the 125-film marathon will take place on a safer weekend. Right now, COVID-19 cases are continually rising across the country.



Good said the same movies that were scheduled for the end of July will still play at the delayed festival, whenever that may be.



“The festival is not canceled,” he said. “Even if it’s early next year, we will have it.”



Though the awards have been crafted and the T-shirts printed for sale, Good said it’s simply not safe to have filmmakers travel cross country right now. He also said some volunteers did not feel comfortable working at the festival.



“We have the best volunteers. They still wanted to help in any they could, but I just couldn’t put that on them,” he said.



Though Good had made modifications to the festival to accommodate for social distancing, including requiring masks, it would be too reckless to put groups of people in a theater, he said. Seating, which is normally around 400 inside the Capitol Theater, would be reduced to 75 with proper social distancing in place.



Good said many of the filmmakers would have to be excluded if the festival was held in three weeks since Iowa is on the COVID-19 hotspot list. Those who live on the East Coast would have to quarantine for two weeks when they returned home from Iowa.



The festival was already delayed once this year because of the virus, and Good said he hates doing it a second time.



“We would be having the festival just to have it and get it over with, and we don’t want to do that,” he said. “We want to give the filmmakers the festival they deserve.”