By Beacon Staff



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds had some good news Tuesday afternoon (June 23) regarding Iowa’s ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.



She said the state is finally stocked with a 90-day supply of PPE (personal protective equipment) for frontline healthcare workers who need it.



“There were some days where we only had a 14-day supply,” she told The Burlington Beacon. “Now, we’re finally seeing that backlog start to pick up.”



After visiting the COVID-19 testing clinic in West Burlington on Tuesday morning, Reynolds traveled to Fort Madison to assist in the delivery of that equipment. Iowa Army National Guard soldiers, Lee County Emergency Management Coordinator Steve Cirinna and others helped unload the equipment outside of Fort Madison City Hall.



Reynolds learned during her West Burlington visit that 60 people a day utilize the drive-thru testing clinic at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds in. West Burlington. Half of those are through the voluntary Test Iowa program, and the rest are required pre-operation tests for patients undergoing surgery.



As always, Great River Health Systems staff at the clinic were clad in full PPE equipment and face shields as they administered nasal swabs. A few months ago, hospital workers were requesting homemade masks stitched by local volunteers to help make up for the PPE shortage.&nbsp;



More than 30,000 of those masks have been produced by volunteers in Burlington and the surrounding area.



Reynolds said her visit was a way to show appreciation for them, the National Guard, and everyone involved in the fight against COVID-19.



“People stepped up and helped provide the necessary PPE to help our frontline workers,” she said.



National Guard soldiers unloaded boxes of gowns, masks, gloves and other PPE equipment from a semi-truck trailer as Reynolds looked on. She noted that the 90 day supply is being distributed throughout the state.&nbsp;



Many of those orders had been previously hamstrung by multiple delays, she said.



“The national shortage was such an issue when we started with COVID-19,” she said.



Reynolds also noted that statewide positive case numbers continue to rise due to an increase in testing. According to the Iowa Department of Health’s website, 10 percent of those who have tested have come back positive.&nbsp;



Roughly one in 12 Iowans have been tested for coronavirus, which equates to 8.33 percent of the state population. Reynolds is among them, having been tested by nasal swab nine days in a row during the height of the pandemic. It was not a comfortable experience, she said, though a necessary one.



“The active rate is continuing to go down, and so are the number of hospitalizations.,” she said. “Iowans that are the most vulnerable — those that are 65 and older and those with underlying conditions — they still need to be careful. It’s in our communities, but for the bulk of the time, people are asymptomatic or it’s like a case of the mild flu.”



Des Moines County has recorded two coronavirus-related deaths so far, as has Lee County. The most recent Lee County death was reported by the county’s health department this past weekend. That death has yet to be tabulated by the state website, however, which still lists Lee County as having one COVID-19 fatality.



Lee County has reported 43 positive cases so far, 30 of which have recovered. Des Moines County has reported 78 cases, 62 of which have recovered.



Statewide, 26,396 Iowans have tested positive for the virus, and 16,706 of those have recovered. The state death toll stood at 689 Tuesday night.



Photo by Joy Mack



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds talks with Maj. General Ben Corell of the Iowa National Guard. Reynolds was visiting Fort Madison on Tuesday as the National Guard delivered personal protective equipment.

National Guard Delivers PPE in Fort Madison During Governor's Visit

By Beacon Staff



A Burlington man sought by police has been arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of a shooting that occurred Monday afternoon.&nbsp;



No one was injured in the shooting, according to Burlington police.



Jody Terrell Fenton Jr., 22, was arrested following a pursuit that began in Burlington and ended in Henderson County, Ill. He was wanted on several Jefferson County, Ohio, warrants for distribution of heroin. He also was wanted on warrants in Des Moines County for possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying weapons, third-degree theft, and failure to appear for a probation violation.&nbsp;



At about 1:33 p.m. on Monday (June 22), Burlington police officers responded to calls of shots fired in the 1500-block of Gnahn Street. Officers were provided a description of a vehicle seen leaving the area.



Officers located a vehicle matching the description after arriving at the scene and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued.&nbsp;



Police chased the vehicle to Henderson County Ill., and officers located several firearms within the vehicle.



Fenton is being held at the Henderson County Correctional Center in Oquawka, Ill., pending a court appearance.



The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8375 or the Burlington Area Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.

Burlington Man Arrested Following Shooting

By Beacon Staff



The Des Moines County Fair is still a go for late July, but it won't have the official participation of the local 4-H.&nbsp;



However, that doesn’t mean 4-H students are barred from participating in the fair. They just won’t do so with 4-H status. The official 4-H livestock shows will be replaced with a youth livestock exhibitor fair.



Any student in fourth to 12th grade, whether they be new to the fair or a previous exhibitor, can compete in the livestock show. Also, first through third graders who present beginner bucket bottle calves can participate.



Since the Iowa State Fair already has been canceled, there was no official avenue for 4-H students to advance beyond the county fair. A decision on static displays at the Des Moines County Fair is still pending.



The Des Moines County Extension Council, which heads up Des Moines County 4-H, made the announcement Monday morning (June 22). A press release from the agency cited “social distancing guidelines, legal considerations and additional precautions taking place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”



“The Des Moines County Fair Board supports the decision made by the Des Moines County Extension Council to withdraw 4-H from this year’s fair and we are moving forward to provide the best experience possible for participating youth,” Travis Holsteen, president of the Des Moines County Fair board, said in the statement.



According to the news release, Des Moines County 4-H is home to 320 members in fourth through 12th grades and 78 Clover Kids in grades kindergarten through third grade. Each year, more than 300 4-H students compete at the Des Moines County Fair. A smaller contingent of FFA students compete at the fair as well, and some students are in both organizations.



This year’s DMC Fair will be from July 27 to Aug. 1 at the Des Moines County Fairgrounds, located at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington.

4-H Withdraws From DMC Fair; Students Can Still Show Off Their Livestock

By Beacon Staff



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds arrived in West Burlington an hour earlier than expected Tuesday morning (June 23), using the extra time to check out the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) testing clinic at the Des Moines County Fairground.



Des Moines County Emergency Coordinator Gina Hardin was there to meet her, as was West Burlington Mayor Hans Trousil. Burlington Mayor Jon Billups, who was at work when he was notified of the governor’s early arrival, hurried to Southeastern Community College and met with the governor before she left.



During an exclusive interview with The Beacon, Reynolds touched on the inconsistent reporting of positive coronavirus tests in Des Moines County. Though the numbers have steadied now, for a few weeks, the number of positive cases fluctuated up and down every few days.



Des Moines County Health officials attributed the changing number to a reporting error within the Iowa Department of Public Health, centered around confusion over cases in Des Moines County and cases in the city of Des Moines.



Reynolds could not confirm if that was the case but said she would look into it.



“I don’t know. It might have been. I tend to look at the numbers. So sometimes there are some adjustments when those cases come in,” she said. “I’m not familiar with that, but I can ask and check. That does happen occasionally when they attribute them to the wrong county.”



After her West Burlington visit, Reynolds was on her way to Fort Madison to deliver PPE equipment. Information about that visit will be added later today.



Photo 1 by William Smith&nbsp;



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds talks with Des Moines County Emergency Coordinator Gina Hardin prior to visiting the COVID-19 testing facility in West Burlington. She wore a mask inside the testing facility.



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



Reynolds speaks to health care workers at the COVID-19 testing facility in West Burlington.

Reynolds Visits Local COVID-19 Testing Clinic

By Beacon Staff



Burlington police are seeking assistance from the public in finding a missing teen.



Emmie Pinkston, 17, came to Burlington for a visit and has not been seen since 11 p.m. on Saturday (June 20), Burlington police said on its Facebook page.



If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the Burlington Police Department at 319-671-7001.

Police Seek Info On Missing Teen

By William Smith



Almost 450 black paper squares hung from the ceiling of the large shelter house in Crapo Park Saturday evening, their plainness wrought with symbolism. According to event organizer Ryland McLaughlin, each one represented three Black people killed by police over the past five years.



The purpose of the Juneteenth event was to celebrate racial unity while also recognizing oppression and the after-effects of slavery. Specifically, the holiday celebrates the freeing of the last slaves by Union troops in Galveston, Texas, which came two-and-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.



As McLaughlin noted, tension has been high across the country since the alleged murder of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer.



“People feel like America is at arms right now because of one event. Or two events. But the reality has been almost 400 years of violence and oppression,” McLaughlin said.



To prove her point, she pointed to a row of white squares hanging from the opposite side of the shelter. The squares were filled with the names and accomplishments of Black Americans, as well as the oppression they suffered.



The white information boards stretched nearly the length of the shelter house and still only grazed the depth of Black history.



Shortly before the event started, more than a dozen bikers with the Burlington chapter of the 219 Riderz motorcycle club pulled up in a display of support.



“Black lives matter. Any kind of lives matter. We wanted to come out and show support. There’s too much going on in the world not to show support. We’re all brothers,” said club member Jonathan Harrell of Burlington. “We’re one big family. That’s what our motto is.”



But, Harrell said he understands many people make racial distinctions in hateful ways, pointing out that racism has always been with us. Harrell hopes the solution will be love, even if that means loving those who don’t love you back and avoiding those who would do you harm.



“It hurts that you have stupidity here and there in the world. All people aren’t like that (the police offer who killed Floyd). I just hate that it had to come to this. This should have been stopped a long, long time ago,” he said.



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



Ryland McLaughlin (right), one of the organizers of Saturday's This Is Us Juneteenth event in Crapo Park in Burlington, strikes up a conversation with an event attendee.

Juneteenth: A Frank Discussion About Race

By Beacon Staff



The Lee County Health Department reported the county’s second novel coronavirus (COVID-19) death on Saturday, as well as a newly diagnosed case of the illness.



“LCHD (Lee County Health Department) extends their deepest sympathy to this individual’s family and would like to encourage the public to remain respectful to this family’s privacy during this difficult time. Due to Iowa Code Chapter 22 no other information or details will be released,” reads a statement issued by the health department.



The death had yet to be counted on the state’s coronavirus website as of 10:30 p.m. Saturday, which still lists only one death for Lee County. The health department press release was issued Saturday afternoon.



According to the state website, a middle-aged adult is anyone between 41 and 60 years old. The new Lee County case diagnosed over the weekend, an older adult between 61 and 80 years old, is currently in isolation.



“This makes 42 confirmed cases in Lee County to date, with 30 reported cases as recovered,” the Lee County Health Department said in the release.



Meanwhile, Des Moines County saw a minor spike in coronavirus cases over the weekend, bringing the total up to 74. Exactly 62 of those have recovered, and the death toll for the county still stands at two.



Henry County has reported three coronavirus-related deaths out of 68 cases while Louisa County has reported 13 deaths out of 287 cases.



As of Saturday night, the state death toll stood at 682 out of 25,496 individuals who have tested positive. Of that number, 16,018 have recovered.

Middle-Aged Lee County Resident Succumbs to Coronavirus

By Beacon Staff



In recognition of June being Pride Month, an event celebrating the LGBTQ community was held Saturday in Crapo Park in Burlington.



Unlike previous years and due to concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), this year’s Pride event was scaled back. Despite that fact, Saturday’s event provided an opportunity for fun and fellowship.



Photo by William Smith



Veronica McConnell and Crystal Johnson shop for Pride clothing at the unofficial Pride event in Crapo Park Saturday. The event celebrates the LGBTQ community.

Event Celebrates Pride Month

By Beacon Staff



Thick black smoke rolled upward from Gear Avenue in West Burlington on Friday afternoon, creating confusion among the local populace.



The fire burned for at least a few hours, leading many to believe it was a legal burn — they were half-right.



“A legal burn permit was issued to the property owner. However, the amount of smoke and inquisitive drivers caused police to investigate,” the West Burlington Fire Department said in a press release on Friday.



Upon examination, the fire turned out to be a lot less legal.



“It was determined that creosote timber was being burned; a violation of burning regulations. Fire responded and additional units were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday. The timbers were extinguished,” continues the press release.



The West Burlington Police Department and Four Seasons Construction aided the West Burlington Fire Department at the scene. Officials did not name the property owner, nor did they state if any citations were issued.



Wood-tar creosote is a greasy liquid used to treat lumber and produces a sooty flame when burned. Pressure-treated wood can release harmful or toxic chemicals and contains wood preservatives such as pesticides.



The chemicals help in reducing wood-eating insects, rot, and weathering.



Photo by Joy Mack

Treated Timber Turns Legal Burn Into Illegal Burn

By Beacon Staff



This year’s annual Juneteenth celebration attracted a large crowd on Sunday (June 21) at DeEdwin and Gladys White Memorial Park in Burlington.



Juneteenth is the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in America. The historical significance of the day has not been lost on Burlington residents who attend the local Juneteenth celebration each year.



However, Sunday's event almost didn't happen after the Burlington branch of the NAACP was forced to cancel their participation due to concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



Enter Burlington native Matt Cratton who stepped up to help organize Sunday's event, featuring fun, food, and fellowship.



Photo by William Smith



 Free face painting was provided by Juneteenth volunteers, and Marshawn, 7, of Burlington shows off the colorful design he received on Sunday.

Juneteenth Celebration Offers Food And Fellowship

By Beacon Staff



When Lt. Dennis Jolly arrived at the Salvation Army organization’s thrift store on Friday morning (June 19), his heart sank — crude works of graffiti-covered the side of the thrift store.



He discovered more damage a few feet away — red, orange, and aqua blue spray-paint covered the left side of the Salvation Army’s delivery truck.



Jolly took pictures for insurance purposes, then posted his disappointment (and the photographs) on Facebook. His disgust was reciprocated by the community in the comments of the post.



“Why would someone do this to us?” Jolly said.



The spray-painted doodles stretch all the way up to the driver’s side door, ending in a rough circle of orange paint on the window.



Much of it is illegible, save for a couple of phrases such as “Red Gang."



Lt. Jolly said the vandalism occurred sometime overnight Thursday, causing up to $3,000 in damage. Burlington police are investigating the incident, and Jolly has already called the insurance company. Eventually, the crudely painted tags will be removed.



Jolly has no idea what spurred the vandalism.



The Salvation Army serves free noon meals every weekday. The thrift store raises money used to feed and clothe people with nowhere else to turn, and some of the goods inside the store are given away through vouchers to those who need them. New toys are given away as Christmas presents to less fortunate children through the Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree program.



Anyone with information about the vandalism is encouraged to call the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8366.



Photo by William Smith

Vandalism Reported At Salvation Army

B-Town Comics &amp; Games is your one-stop for everything cool. B-Town has comics, books, gaming and supplies, toys, magazines, Funko POP!s, and much more!



B-Town Comics &amp; Games is located at 609 and 611 Jefferson Street in beautiful downtown Burlington.



FB: B-Town Comic Shop; phone: 319-209-2768; email: btowncomicshop@gmail.com.



(This is a paid ad.)

By Beacon Staff



For the first time in 25 years, volunteers will not paint the homes of the elderly and less fortunate in Burlington this September.



The Burlington/West Burlington Paint-A-Thon has been canceled due to concern about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but event organizer Jim O’Neill plans to bring it back next year. The annual event, which typically enlists more than 600 volunteers to paint over a dozen houses in the course of a week, has aided more than 500 homeowners over the past two-and-a-half decades.



The annual Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant, however, is still a go for Labor Day weekend. The festival board met Wednesday night (June 18) and confirmed as much, though there will be some changes to the event that will be announced at a later date.



Old Threshers is the largest event in southeast Iowa, followed closely by the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison, which takes place the week following the farm implement extravaganza. The rodeo board confirmed Wednesday that the event will take place as scheduled.



The rodeo and Old Threshers are multi-day events and feature nightly country music concerts. Old Threshers typically attracts about 40,000 people, while the Tri-State rodeo parade has more than 600 entrants each year.



The annual Riverfest concert in Fort Madison is still scheduled for early August. Concert organizers confirmed the event during the Fort Madison’s Tuesday night city council meeting.



The Fort Madison Community Hospital 2020 Golf Classic scheduled for late August, however, has been canceled due to coronavirus.



Burlington’s city-wide spring cleanup also was delayed earlier this year due to worldwide pandemic but is scheduled to return this fall. Items must be set out by 7 a.m. on the day of pick-up.



The clean-up, conducted by Burlington city crews, is scheduled for Sept. 14, Sept. 22, Sept. 30, Oct. 8, and Oct. 16. Appliances, batteries, tires, demolition material, and electronics (including TVs and computers) will not be accepted.

Burlington/West Burlington Paint-A-Thon Canceled; City Wide Clean-Up, Tri-State Rodeo and Old Threshers To Return in September

By Beacon Staff



Daily Amtrak trains going through Burlington are about to become a lot less frequent.



Amtrak service to Burlington and all long-distance trains, save for one, will be reduced to three days a week beginning on Oct. 1.



Amtrak Public Relations Manager Kimberly Woods confirmed the cut in service to The Beacon on Wednesday (June 17). The Washington Post originally broke the story earlier this week, citing an employee memo that was distributed on Monday, June 15.



Woods told The Beacon that the reduction in service will not be permanent. Trains to Burlington will continue to run daily until Oct. 1



“Our goal is to restore daily service on these routes as demand warrants, potentially by the summer of 2021,” she said.



Though Woods would not mention Burlington specifically when asked, the cut does include the California Zephyr corridor, which includes Burlington. As many as 461 stations will be affected, according to Jim Mathews, president and chief executive of the Rail Passengers Association.



Mayor Jon Billups said the city has yet to receive official word from Amtrak regarding the cut, but he wasn’t surprised.



“We’ve been hearing rumblings for a while,” he said. “It’s disappointing, but I understand.”



Though long-distance rail traffic demand is down by 70 percent, it is still faring better than overall ridership, which is down 90 percent. Long-distance routes saw the smallest declines in ridership during the pandemic.



“My family rides the train a lot, and it’s an important piece of transportation for our area,” Billups said.



The long-distance service, which includes 15 routes, is Amtrak’s least profitable and is dependent on government subsidies. Mathews railed against the decision in a statement after the news broke.



“The long-distance services declined the least among Amtrak’s three business lines during the coronavirus-induced slowdown, and its services remain essential to the hundreds of small communities across the United States with fewer options than Philadelphia or Boston or New York City,” he said.



The reduction also includes a 20 percent cut in staffing. The Burlington Depot does not have Amtrak staff, and the Friends of the Depot, a volunteer group that worked with Amtrak to improve the depot, disbanded earlier this year.



“As a first step, we are offering employees a voluntary incentive package,” Woods said.



At the height of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Amtrak ridership was down by 95 percent. The company said last month that it needs nearly $1.5 billion in supplemental funding from the federal government to maintain “minimum service levels,” anticipating ridership will not recover to pre-pandemic levels in fiscal 2021. Even with the supplemental funding, the company said, it would need to cut service and personnel to stay afloat.



Amtrak estimates that ridership in the next fiscal year may drop to 16 million, or roughly 50 percent of pre-pandemic levels.



“Congress is not going to support us indefinitely to run mostly empty trains,” Roger Harris, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief marketing and revenue officer, said in the memo to employees. “We need to demonstrate that we are using our resources efficiently and responsibly.”



The Auto Train, which travels from the Washington suburbs of Lorton, Va., to the Orlando area, is the only long-distance route that will continue to operate daily, Amtrak said.



The following routes will go from daily operations to three times a week: California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco), Capitol Limited (Washington to Chicago), City of New Orleans (Chicago to New Orleans), Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles), Crescent (New York City to New Orleans), Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle), Lake Shore Limited (New York to Chicago), Palmetto (New York to Savannah, Ga.), Silver Star (New York to Miami), Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles) and Texas Eagle (Chicago to San Antonio).



Photo: The Burlington Train Depot is shown.

Amtrak Cutting Daily Train Service Nationwide, Burlington Included

By Beacon Staff



The local community is rallying around a teen who was struck by a vehicle on June 9 while riding his bicycle on Summer Street in Burlington.



That support will become visible this Sunday during a fundraiser at Kenny’s Roller Ranch in Burlington designed to raise money for his medical expenses.



Spencer Weir, 14, of Burlington is at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City. He suffered severe head trauma, broken bones, spinal fractures, and lacerations, and has been on a ventilator.



His family has raised over $10,000 for Spencer’s medical expenses online, but the cost of rehabilitation will be much greater.



That’s why Kenny’s Roller Ranch is getting involved. Spencer is a regular at the skating rink, and local businesses are donating items that will be raffled off at the fundraiser.



The event will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday (June 21) at Kenny’s Roller Ranch, 8989 Koestner Ave. Admission by donation, all of which will be given to Spencer's family.



To follow Spencer’s progress, visit “Spencer’s Story”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Spencers-story-111243270624090/?__tn__=K-R&amp;eid=ARDyLEw2oXgOf9WFrbCajcomvgUdzBvTcYFoqFg313GCZHeVz09kJFhoaNHUKbv7eKk0IJ3_JKPMHHnD&amp;fref=mentions&amp;__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCyL9tqwv-Xc_wkhwkGR4Blvif7P5MJ9NRS5Jofaeh35gGv0bqY4Po1qIONrgJg_VgUFJJFKNfRGBVp7g4yCTh2RB7NVJL8Us3-ED8x4a1m0roAItZf7GXRPnBwUafyxXUs_AbU9Cp4U-r280kTEtm3z5j7RBbXDxj4uo0GHl1V_Fkxd2OmgS1GVM7BLakHut4WkxPJf63CrOlFTmsozdVLNU5JVGe_xD8NcGqZK-2O3G7JhbuP16HSQo4aHhDPf7p6EEsPhx-FC9JhUAIvifINRWh_OPcpO6glUkpzsRPRFkGMubzuxs1gb6EUyPSxfzqGKozP0jI0dmCLBJQ-7IM">https://www.facebook.com/Spencers-story-111243270624090/</a>&nbsp;on Facebook, which is updated regularly by his family.

Roller Rink Fundraiser Will Benefit Burlington Teen Struck By Car

By Beacon Staff



In the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, many businesses, government buildings, and organizations were temporarily closed this spring.



Now that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has lifted most COVID-19-related restrictions, government buildings are set to reopen while some businesses and institutions will remain closed for the near future.



Burlington City Hall, Burlington Public Works, and the Burlington Wastewater Treatment Facility will reopen to the public this Monday (June 15) after nearly three months of lockdown. As with all city and county reopenings, it comes with a few caveats.



Staff at those buildings must self-screen for illness, and the city will provide protective equipment or safety shields. The city also has established hygiene expectations, including hand-sanitizing stations and increasing the frequency of cleaning.



The Burlington Public Library building remains closed to the public, but the library itself never closed. In addition to allowing online check-out and regular programming on YouTube, the library has curbside checkout. Patrons can also make an appointment to come inside the library and use a computer for one hour, or check out a laptop to use in the parking lot for one hour.



Museum Closures



The Garrett-Phelps House Museum on Columbia Street and the Hawkeye Native’s Log Cabin in Crapo Park, both in Burlington, will remain closed to the public for the rest of the year. The locations are usually opened to the public from the first weekend in May through the last weekend in October.



Several volunteers and employees at the Des Moines County Historical Society are older and thus more vulnerable to the worst effects of COVID-19.



“Their reluctance to act as tour guides and docents right now is certainly understood,” museum director LaVon Worley said.



The Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum, housed in the former public library building, has been shuttered since mid-March. While Reynolds has lifted the restriction allowing museums to reopen, the DMCHS board has not determined when the historic building will resume operation.



“Catfish Corners, our children’s play area, is a big consideration in this decision,” said Robin Schneiderman, executive director of the Des Moines County Heritage Center Museum. “We are disappointed that many tourists will miss out on all three of the museums this season.”



The historical society’s annual fundraiser, Desserts by Design, has also been canceled. The event committee and the Players Workshop volunteers put time and effort into organizing a 100th-anniversary celebration of the Women’s Suffrage Movement and hope the program will be presented at another time.



Swimming Pools



For the most part, the status of the swimming pools in Des Moines County is undetermined. Reynolds has lifted shutdown restrictions on pools, but it is up to each organization to make the final decision.



The Mediapolis Aquatic Center has begun offering season passes. The date for reopening will be announced after this Monday’s city council meeting and announced on the aquatic center’s Facebook page.



The fate of the West Burlington Aquatic Center will be determined by June 19, pool officials said. Burlington city officials have not set a date for the reopening of Dankwardt Park Pool.



“We are currently waiting for repair work to be completed on the liner that was installed in 2016. When the repair is completed, (the) city council will discuss options for the swimming season,” according to a statement on the pool’s Facebook page.



The Huck’s Harbor water park at FunCity in Burlington remains closed. No announcement has been made as to when it will reopen. Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity are back open, as well as the Catfish Bend Casino, Cold Stone Creamery, CocoLoco’s Gift Shop, and Restore RX at The Spa.



The Boogaloo Sports Bar and Grill, arcade, KingPins Bowling, and ZOOM! Go-Karts opened on Thursday, June 11. The Catfish Bend Inn and Spa are reopening on June 18.



PZAZZ! Resort Hotel, Indoor and Outdoor Huck’s Water Park, Tiki Bar, LazerTown, Ballocity, SkyTrail, Gasoline Allie’s Candy Alley are currently closed at this time.

Re-openings, Cancellations, and Uncertainties

By Beacon Staff



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



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



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



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



The fire is considered accidental.

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

By Beacon Staff



A Henry County resident has died of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).



According to the Iowa Department of Public Health press release published Saturday, the resident was between 41-and 60 years old.



Two additional COVID-19 deaths were reported Saturday as well — a 61-to-80-year from Linn County and 61-to-80-year-old from Polk County. There are now 786 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Iowa and 14 deaths from the virus.



There have been a total of 9,454 tests in Iowa so far.



The Lee County Health Department confirmed the county’s first COVID-19 diagnosis on Friday.



Health Department officials said the diagnosed individual is self-isolating at home. Officials said no further information about the person will be released.



Lee County is the last county in southeast Iowa to confirm a case of the virus. Des Moines County also has one confirmed case, as does Louisa County. Henry County has six confirmed cases, and Van Buren County rose to five cases on Friday.

Henry County Resident Dies From COVID-19

The Mississippi River still is on the rise and will crest slightly higher than originally predicted.



The current forecast from the National Weather Service has the river topping out at 17.9 feet Wednesday (April 1), which is just a tenth-of-a-foot below major flood stage. As of Sunday night (March 29), the river was sitting at 17.55 feet.



The river is expected to immediately start dropping after the Wednesday crest and slowly will drop down to about 17.4 feet by Saturday night.



City crews erected Hesco sand barriers extending from the permanent flood wall more than a week ago, ensuring the swollen river won’t be a major problem — at least for now. The river slowly has been crawling toward the 17.9-foot crest for the past week and was originally predicted to get no higher than 17 feet.



Heavy rain would cause the river to steady and possibly rise again, but that’s not in the forecast. The weather service is calling for clear skies most of the week, and chances of rain below 50 percent Thursday and Friday.



Photo by Joy Mack



Hesco flood-barriers are shown Sunday along Burlington's riverfront.

Swollen Mississippi River Will Soon Start Receding

Column by Stacey Abell



Many of my favorite recipes are inspired by the foods and flavors of other cultures. As of late, I have been pondering the responsibility I have when I present recipes inspired by a culture that is not my own.



This line of thinking was sparked by an NPR article entitled, “When Chefs Become Famous Cooking Other Culture’s Food.” I am not a chef, nor am I famous, but I felt like the topic addressed in this article is one that I had not previously considered.



This particular article centered on Rick Bayless, a chef and restaurateur. The following question was asked: is it okay for a guy from Oklahoma to become the nation’s ambassador for Mexican cuisine?



Bayless has spent years traveling through Mexico and studying the food, culture, and language, and has managed to establish one of the top fine dining establishments in Chicago, focusing on Mexican haute cuisine. Detractors believe that his advantages of race and class have allowed him to succeed, while the ventures of chefs born into the culture but without those privileges have not been as profitable.



Overall, the consensus in the comment section seemed to be that if the food was well-made with a passion for quality and a knowledge of and respect for the culture that inspired it, there shouldn’t be a problem. After all, California-born Julia Child made a name for herself by introducing French cuisine to home cooks across the United States. Still, this remains a complex issue with strong opinions on all sides.



I like to experiment and play with different ideas and ingredients. My recipes may not be as authentic family recipes that have been passed down through the generations (and I don’t present them as such), but I love the influences that the cultures of the world have added to my palette of flavors.



With all of that being said, I’ve been craving goi cuon, or fresh spring rolls recently. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to go to a Thai or Vietnamese restaurant, and I don’t have any rice paper wrappers in my pantry. So, I decided to try my hand at a deconstructed spring roll or spring roll salad. I transformed my usual hoisin dipping sauce into a vinaigrette and included all of my favorite spring roll ingredients.



I prefer butter lettuce in my spring rolls, but any leaf lettuce will do. Red lettuce would make an especially pretty presentation with the burgundy tinge to its leaves. Poached, sliced chicken breast could also be substituted for the shrimp. This salad makes the perfect light meal and can even make the trip to work if packed in a Mason jar.



Spring Roll Salad Makes 4 servings



1 8-ounce package rice vermicelli 1 head butter lettuce 1 cucumber, peeled and julienned 2 carrots, peeled and cut into ribbons ½ cup cilantro, loosely packed ¼ cup mint leaves, loosely packed ¼ cup green onions or chives, minced ½ pound cooked shrimp ½ cup cashews or peanuts, chopped



Dressing: ¼ cup hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons sugar



Place rice vermicelli in a large heat-proof bowl. Bring some water to a boil (enough to cover the noodles). Pour boiling water over the noodles and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Drain, rinse in cool water, and set aside.



Tear the butter lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in a serving bowl. Add the carrot ribbons, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and green onions to the bowl and toss to combine. With kitchen shears, cut the rice vermicelli a few times into shorter pieces. Mound the rice noodles in the center of the bowl and arrange the shrimp around it. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the top and garnish with additional cilantro and/or mint leaves if desired.



Combine dressing ingredients, stirring until sugar is dissolved.



Drizzle dressing over top just before serving and toss to combine.



This salad can also be layered into Mason jars, starting with the carrots and cucumbers on the bottom, noodles, and shrimp in the middle, and lettuce and garnishes on top.



Photo by Stacey Abell

Of Food and Culture

Photo by Jeff Abell



The view of Jefferson Street in downtown Burlington marked a stark contrast from a typical busy Saturday afternoon. Rather than cars filling parking stalls and shoppers darting in and out of retail shops, Jefferson Street was mostly silent save a few retail stores offering curbside delivery.



On Thursday, non-essential retail shops were ordered by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds to close their storefronts to foot traffic in an attempt to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Downtown retailers are offering delivery and shipping for their customers and those who do shop are urged to support small businesses.

Silent Street

By William Smith



Frank Hawkins’ eyes filled with dog-eared memories, his recollections of the first Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner ripened by the past quarter-century.



Hundreds of volunteers swarmed the Burlington High School cafeteria Thursday, preparing a Thanksgiving meal that would feed nearly 2,000 people.



Hawkins was nearly at a loss for words as he looked on, his heart swelling with what he called the eternal Thanksgiving paradox. Every act of giving is automatically packaged with the personal satisfaction of having given — no refunds accepted.



“I am an instrument of giving thanks, yet I am thankful,” he said.



Hawkins was one of the founders of the dinner 25 years ago, and still makes the trip from his home in Overland Park, Kan., every five years to offer words of encouragement to the volunteers. Following the opening prayer Thursday, Hawkins watched the controlled cafeteria chaos unfold around, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth.



“It is ... ” he said, pausing as he searched for the appropriate superlative, “Wonderful.”



Not all the founders were able to see the 25th anniversary of the dinner. Sharon Ford, the late director of Community Action of Southeast Iowa, died a few years ago. Her adopted children showed in her stead, sharing memories of their late mother.



Lois Blythe, another Thanksgiving dinner founder, still works the event every year, rounding up volunteers months ahead of time. Her entire family works at the event.



“It’s just what we do,” she said.



The Genesis of a Thanksgiving Tradition



Hawkins came up with the idea of a free Thanksgiving dinner after attending a similar free feast in Illinois. As the manager of JC Penney at the time, he wanted a way to enjoy Thanksgiving while still being nearby to get the store ready for Black Friday.



But the convenience soon becomes a secondary motive, irrelevant compared to the joy of feeding the community. The dinner was and still is for everyone. Those who couldn’t afford a Thanksgiving meal. Those stuck at home while the family is elsewhere. Families that don’t have the time to cook. Passerbys who hear about free turkey.



There was no specific “type” at Thursday’s dinner. Just people who wanted to share an experience that is often taken for granted every other day of the year.



“We’re receiving as we’re giving,” Hawkins said.







&nbsp;


<img width="1024" height="768" src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-1024x768.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o-600x450.jpg 600w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/78845147_447721612599702_6926690648149983232_o.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"> 
										<img width="1024" height="768" src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-1024x768.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-768x576.jpg 768w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o-600x450.jpg 600w, https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2019/11/79483750_447721745933022_8339900038616449024_o.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px">											
Photos by William Smith
Two founders of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, Lois Blythe (in photo 1 shown working at the volunteer stand) and Frank Hawkins (in photo 2 shown taking a moment to pray), attended the event on Thursday at the Burlington High School cafeteria.

The Wonderful Thanksgiving Paradox

The Des Moines County Public Health Department has opened a “virtual” emergency operations center (EOC) to serve as the centralized command and control for the area’s response to COVID-19.



The EOC will receive and distribute COVID-19 related information. They will also assist area emergency responders and health care agencies with supply acquisitions related to the virus.



The EOC is open in conjunction with the Des Moines County Emergency Management Agency and Great River Health Systems.



Iowa is experiencing a surge in new positive cases of the coronavirus with 56 new cases and two additional deaths, public health officials reported Friday.



Iowa now has 235 positive cases, including cases in Des Moines and Henry Counties, and three deaths.



The Department of Public Health identified the latest deaths as an adult over the age of 81 in Poweshiek County and an Allamakee County resident between 61 and 80 years old. Both died Thursday night.



Public health officials said 32 Iowa residents are hospitalized. The virus now has been found in 46 of Iowa's 99 counties.



The most recent cases mark the largest single-day increase. On Thursday the state reported 34 new cases.

Fighting Coronavirus Through A Virtual Operations Center

By Jeff Abell



It was a bittersweet feeling for retail businesses forced to close their shops to the public on Thursday.



Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all non-essential retail owners throughout Iowa to shutter their doors to in-store foot traffic to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak sweeping the globe. The order remains in effect until April 7.



In downtown Burlington, some retail stores stayed open later as the 10 p.m. closure deadline loomed large for businesses who will take a financial hit from prolonged closure. Most small business owners expect to remain operational despite storefronts being closed to the public.



B-Town Comics and Games, Burlington By The Book, and Red Screen Door were a few of the downtown stores that stayed open late before the closure order took effect. Red Screen Door owner Doreen Johnson Roy scrambled to get the word out that her business would be open later than normal to accommodate walk-in customers.



"I was having a hard time getting my video to post last night saying that we were going to stay open later. So, we only had one person come in," she said.



Johnson, like most small business owners, has been working hard to offer customers alternative shopping options, such as curbside pickup, delivery, online gift cards, and social media.



"We are running a shipping special until further notice. I will continue to be at the stores as much as possible, however, all my people will be going on unemployment, so I'll be running back and forth," she said.



Not all retail businesses heeded the governor's call to temporarily close, including Family Video in Burlington. Manager Dane Feenstra said he was uncertain if Family Video was required to close. He added the decision to close is not his but rather that of regional managers.



"It was confusing on whether we had to close so we continue to operate. We've been busy today but that may be because other places are closed. At this point, I'm going to obtain all the relevant information and pass it along," Feenstra said, adding: if he is told to close, he will comply.



Burlington Mayor Jon Billups said he has addressed confusion regarding the closure order. He said business owners uncertain of whether to close should seek guidance from the state or the city.



"There are questions about what is essential and what is not," he said.



As for small businesses struggling during this new economic reality, Steve Frevert, executive director of Downtown Partners, reminded area residents to shop locally at this difficult time.



"Our downtown merchants pride themselves on customer service and are working to provide goods to their customers in every way possible. I encourage people to keep supporting them," he said on Friday. "This crisis will pass, and we want our retailers to emerge strong and ready."



Billups praised Burlington residents for adhering to public health guidelines during the pandemic. He added that the city response to the coronavirus, including closing facilities and buildings, has been effective so far.



"Thankfully, Iowans are law-abiding and respectful," he said.



Feenstra echoed the mayor's sentiment, adding, "I've seen a lot of true human kindness and empathy."



Photo by Jeff Abell



 B-Town Comics and Games stayed open Thursday evening before the 10 p.m. state-mandated deadline for the closure of non-essential businesses took effect. The business offers customers curbside delivery, home delivery, online gift cards, and free shipping on most items.

Retail Businesses Cope With Closures

By William Smith



When she’s at school, 11-year-old Grace “Red Death” Copeland hardly makes a squeak, her introverted nature at odds with her bombastic moniker.



Not that she goes by “Red Death” in the classroom.



“They say at school she is very shy,” her mother Tabitha Copeland said.



But every Monday night (which will resume after the coronavirus threat passes) at Kenny’s Roller Ranch in Burlington, Grace embodies a crimson reaper. She roars as a youth member of The Big City Brawlers roller derby team, her long red hair bound by a hard-shelled helmet.



“I enjoy it because I get to hit people,” Grace said, casting her eyes downward after the uncharacteristic admission.



“Hit” is a pretty broad term in roller derby, more accurately described by a hip or shoulder bump. It’s the only legal way to make contact in the sport and by far the safest.



Big River Brawlers coach Carrie Vass demonstrated in early March on fellow team member Dominick Schaefer, who just happens to be her son. With only nine current team members, including three adult coaches, age and gender classifications hardly matter.



“You have to try to get underneath them and go up,” Vass said, nearly knocking Schaefer over as she demonstrated.



Any kind of hitting or striking is strictly forbidden. The biggest hazards are errant elbows flying in close quarters, the danger fairly equivalent to a basketball game. Vass is a certified member of the regional Dark River Derby Coalition, providing her the qualification to run the team safely.



“We stress safety first, but it can get pretty rough. We’ve had some bloody noses,” Vass said.



Just like learning to dribble in basketball, the first, second and third lessons in roller derby cover the basics of skating. It’s an increasingly rare skill in the digital age.



“My very first job was at a skating rink. I was on the speed skating team, and my mom used to watch roller derby all the time,” Vass said.



Back then, roller derby was more akin to pro-wrestling — part sport, part staged entertainment — with ladies duking it out while avoiding alligator pits.



Vass joined the team shortly after it was founded nine years ago, still harboring fond memories of her skating past. Her dry-rotted skates from a decade earlier fell apart on first use, but it didn’t matter. Vass was hooked again.



“It’s so much fun you don’t realize how tired you are until it’s over,” she said with a laugh.



Roller derby is 100 percent legit these days, but don’t confuse it with the hard-hitting action in the movie “Whip It,” either. The Big River Brawlers only participate in the much safer flat-track derby, not the banked courses that look like NASCAR tracks from the movie and old TV broadcasts.



“We play wherever we can find a scrimmage,” Vass said.



In a sport as niche as roller derby, that isn’t always easy. Though the team mostly sticks to Iowa and the tri-state area, they’ve traveled as far as St. Louis for a game. The combined comraderies and adrenaline rush is too addictive to ignore.



“I do a spin class and I do yoga, but that’s not enough,” Tabitha Copeland said, “There’s no challenge.”



While much safer than it used to be, roller derby still maintains the over-the-top spirit of the sport’s heyday. Schaefer goes by the name “Deadpool” on the court. Grace’s personality transforms when she’s wearing skates, opening a spigot of pent-up aggression that defines her moniker of Red Death.



And much to her delight, Grace’s mother has watched her carry that newfound confidence off the court, into everyday life. The sport doesn’t define Grace, but it has made her a more well-rounded person.



And she expects to keep rolling for years to come.



(Editor's Note: During the coronavirus outbreak, roller derby has been put on temporary hiatus. The interview for this story was conducted before mandates were issued.)



Photo by Anthony Dewitt



The Big City Brawlers roller derby team members are shown earlier this month practicing at Kenny's Roller Ranch in Burlington. The flat-track roller derby organization offers co-ed adult and co-ed junior, ages 8 to 17, teams.