West Burlington IA News-Sports-Opinion

Democrats take over Iowa and now even the pumpkins are taxed.

The Iowa Department of Revenue this year has made Halloween jack-o'-lanterns subject to the state sales tax.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

BPD News Release

Burlington Police responded to a report of multiple gunshots fired in the 400 Block of South Marshall Street in Burlington on October 30th, 2007 just after 10:00 PM. Upon Officers arrival they located 19-year-old Robert Earl Barber of Burlington in the 500 Block of South Marshall Street with a single gunshot wound to his thigh.

A short time later Officers located 22-year-old Ronald Ray Mayfield of 106 N. Leebrick Street in Burlington hiding near a residence one block from the scene of the shooting. Following a short foot pursuit Officers apprehended Ronald Mayfield.

The victim in the shooting was transported to GRMC for medical assistance.

After investigating the shooting it was determined that an altercation had occurred between both subjects in the 400 Block of South Marshall Street. Robert Barber identified Ronald Mayfield as the person that shot him. No weapon has been located at this time.

Ronald Mayfield was arrested for Willful Injury and Going Armed with Intent and is being held at the Des Moines County Correctional Facility under No Bond.

The Burlington Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division is continuing with this investigation

Lt. Darren Grimshaw
CID Commander
Burlington Police Department

No video aired yesterday morning. Just static.

Hummm?

-Falcon

Falcon:

For those interested, DISH Network has the Big Ten Channel on channel 439 at no extra charge for its customers.

-Delighted

Falcon,

With all of the success of the Fun City water park' will the new West Burlington water park have any success? Or will Fun City Water Park hurt business?

From what the advertiser say’s, tourism is at record levels in Des Moines County!

And with all of this tourism Burlington and West Burlington should be getting rich off of sales tax. Do you think property taxes will drop or rise?

Has the Burlington Bees ever had a sell out crowd?

Thanks Falcon.

-OJ

Don't hold your breath waiting for those in power to lower your property taxes. They're too busy spending other people's money to care about the property tax burden they've strapped us with.

-Falcon

Lowest active Hurricane Season in 30-years

What happened to all the global warming alarmists gloom and doom predictions?

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

10/28/07 – 12:05pm at 906 Broadway, West Burlington. Aaron Isaac Collings, 23, 838 S. Starr, Burlington, arrested on warrant for aggravated assault.

10/27/07 – 8:35am at 2411 Valley Street, Burlington. Vashnie Latrice Casson, 21, 2411 Valley Street, Burlington, arrested for fifth degree theft of gasoline.

10/27/07 – 1:55am at Highway 34 & West Burlington Avenue, West Burlington. Julia Ann Oliver, 41, 315 Central, Burlington, arrested on Des Moines County warrant for driving under the influence.

10/26/07 – 9:25pm at 3317 Agency, Burlington. Melodie Marie Nash, 30, 323 South Adams #1, Burlington, arrested for operating while intoxicated second offense.

10/26/07 – 2:30pm at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Jessica Lynn Huether, 21, 711 South A, Bluffs, Illinois, arrested for fifth degree theft.

No video Friday night of last Wednesday’s council meeting. What gives? After a long string of successfully playing the correct video at the correct time, what happened?

Just another replay the old October 3rd meeting again. We’ll see what airs Tuesday morning.

-Falcon

Iowa remains in the nation's top 10 for the rate of meth addiction.

Iowa's meth problem has changed little even though meth lab seizures have plummeted.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Falcon,

Wondered how many of our WB residents wished they had run for mayor/council after they read that the council meeting had been cancelled for lack of attendees. However, I'm sure Mayor Trousil feels he has everything under his control in his "kingdom" of WB. How sad, and something we should worry about.

-Kitty

Falcon,

Concerning the Village shopping center at Agency and WB Avenue (Kohls), are the folks who live along WB Avenue thinking about those parking lot entrances along that street?

Is anyone considering a three way stop at Huston and WB Avenue to slow down traffic and discourage semis and cement trucks who use that street illegally, even when there's no construction? That sealcoat that will be applied to the north end of WB Avenue, from the overpass to Mt. Pleasant St., won't last long with the typical heavy weight traffic.

Probably our Mayor gives permission readily to the cement trucks any time they ask for it.

-Kitty

WBND dominates Columbus 40-14.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon wide receiver Taylor Day (9) straight-arms Columbus defensive back Joseph Zuniga (10) for a first down on an 11-yard completion from quarterback Dustin Guihan during the first quarter of last night’s game in West Burlington. Falcons dominated the Wildcats 40-14.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Wildcat wide receiver Joseph Zuniga (10) can’t find the handle on pass from quarterback Austin Conaway with 1:43 remaining in the first half. West Burlington – Notre Dame’s Taylor Day (9) defending.

Photo by Dan Hockett

WBND running back Ryan Kelley (29) stays on his feet for a 13-yard completion from quarterback Ronnie Cook for a first down in the third quarter.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington – Notre Dame’s Andrew Schilling (7) intercepts pass intended for Columbus wide receiver Tony Martin (25) with five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon running back Jarren Dirth (32) finds the hole to score from four-yards out in the third quarter.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcons celebrate their 40-14 victory over the Columbus Wildcats after the game.

Scoring:
WBND.... 14 07 07 12 40
Columbus 00 00 00 14 14

Records:
WBND 5-4 overall, 5-2 conference
Columbus 2-7 overall, 2-5 conference

Police arrest a Cedar Rapids man after finding him in a public restroom lying beside an inflatable doll.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

10/26/07 – 12:14am at 3500 block of W. Mt. Pleasant Street, West Burlington. Michael Lynn Bibby, 53, 228 E. Maple, Ottumwa, Iowa, arrested for operating while intoxicated 2nd offense.

A former western Iowa prosecutor was sentenced to jail Wednesday for stealing drugs and for misconduct in office.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Bill Clinton addressed a crowd in Minneapolis, Minnesota at a fundraiser for his wife's campaign on Tuesday.

Clinton's 50-minute speech, which started about an hour behind schedule, was derailed briefly by several hecklers in the audience who shouted that the 2001 terrorist attacks were a fraud. Rather than ignoring them, Clinton seemed to relish a direct confrontation.

"A fraud? No, it wasn't a fraud," Clinton said, as the crowd cheered him on. "I'll be glad to talk to you if you shut up and let me talk."

When another heckler shouted that the attacks were an "inside job," Clinton took even greater umbrage.

"An inside job? How dare you. How dare you. It was not an inside job," Clinton said. "You guys have got to be careful, you're going to give Minnesota a bad reputation."

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

10/24/07 – 2:16pm, Shelly Marie Branchfield, 38, 3420 Mason Road #110, Burlington, arrested on Davenport warrant for third degree theft.

10/24/07 – 12:40pm at 324 W. Agency Street (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Adam Stephen Miller, 23, 6286 108th Avenue, Burlington, arrested for fourth degree theft.

New basketball coaching staff looks forward to first season with Lady Falcons.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Brad Hoenig (left), new head varsity coach, and Marc Moad (right), new junior varsity coach, for West Burlington girls’ basketball. Both grew up in the Burlington / West Burlington area and bring extensive coaching experience to the Lady Falcons' basketball program.

By Dan Hockett

WEST BURLINGTON – Brad Hoenig will oversee the Lady Falcons basketball program in his first season as West Burlington varsity girls’ head basketball coach. Standing 6-feet 8-inches tall he’ll have a commanding view of his Lady Falcons performance on the court.

Hoenig was raised in Burlington, graduating from BHS in 1990. He went on to earn a sociology degree from Bellevue University at Bellevue, Nebraska in 1996. He and wife Jennifer have two children, eight-year-old Caleb and three-year-old Grace. He works at the Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility.

In the past, he’s coached 9th grade boys tournament basketball teams at Brian High School in Omaha, was Burlington High School boys’ junior varsity assistant basketball coach from 2001-03, and coached West Burlington’s 7th grade girls tournament basketball team last year.

Coach Hoenig aims to improve on the Lady Falcons performance while at the same time letting them have fun while they’re on court or in practice. “I want them to be as competitive as they can be. I would like to improve from last year in both statistics and overall performance,” says Hoenig, adding he wants the girls to “give a 100-percent when they’re on the floor.”

“I want to build the program up to where we have the girls that attend school interested in playing basketball. It’s a fun sport. I grew up playing it. I’ve played it all my life. I just have a lot of fun with it. I want to make the game fun for them and not look at it as something that they have to do, but they want to do and come out and have fun. I want to make the practices fun. I want to make the games fun. When we lose, we lose. When we win, we win. I want to make it more fun and more than a job.”

Hoenig says the key to winning is a good defense and lots of hustle, “I’m going to try to get them to be up-tempo. I don’t really believe in walking the ball up the court. We’re going to try to press. Hopefully by the time our first game comes around, our first home game anyway, people are going to see these girls diving on the floor after basketballs, they’re going to be taking charge, I’m big on defense.”

“Defense is what gets the crowds into it. Offense is good, you’ve got to score, but I think defense gives you the momentum more than anything.”

Marc Moad will take the reins as coach of the junior varsity girls’ basketball team this fall in his first season with the Lady Falcons.

Moad attended high school at West Burlington competing in football, track, basketball, and baseball for the Falcons. He attended SCC for two years and then Western Illinois University for his degree in history and special education. He and wife Nicki have four children, Alexandra – 10, Athena – 8, Adriana – 6, and Anthony – 13 months. He is a teacher for West Burlington School District. He’s glad to be back home in West Burlington.

His coaching experience includes football, basketball, track, wrestling, softball, and baseball.

At the junior varsity level Moad hopes the girls will “learn and have fun. I'm not concerned about wins or losses. I’m concerned about growth as people and how to win, how to lose. How to deal with the strains of a basketball season.”

“Especially at my level, everybody contributes. I like giving everybody playing time. I’m not going to say it’s equal. I’m not going to say it’s all the time. But I do like giving everybody an opportunity. I really don’t believe in a kid going out and not seeing the playing floor for long periods of time.”

Biometric data for school cafeteria raises privacy issue in Oregon.

"This is biometric data collecting," said Jann Carson, the associate director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Portland. "It's the 'Big Brother' theory. The last thing we should do is teach parents and their young children to be casual about turning over personal data, like a fingerprint, just for the sake of speeding up a lunch line."

Lillie Coney, meanwhile, says she's concerned that biometric vendors are using semantics to convince schools that a person's fingerprint image is stored as mathematical points only.

"All biometrics are mathematical points," said Coney, an associate director with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a research group in Washington, D.C., that focuses public attention on emerging civil liberties and privacy issues.

"Now we're seeing schools use the language of marketers who sell this type of technology to convince parents there's nothing to worry about," she said. "Schools should be skeptical of an industry that creates this technology and which then says the data can't be used in other ways."

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Falcon,

"It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything."
-Joseph Stalin

Even Uncle Joe would consent to more than one choice for an office if he could set the rest of the terms. That is better than what the citizens of West Burlington face come November.

Joe Stalin has earned my write-in ballot to be West Burlington's next Mayor.

-VL

10/24/07 – 4:03am at 400 block of Cottage Grove, West Burlington. Frankie Lee Lewis, 17, 1110 North 8th, Burlington, arrested for criminal mischief, public intoxication, and curfew violation.

10/23/07 – 4:30pm at 1221 South Gear Avenue (GRMC), West Burlington. Leroy Mallett Williams, 37, 420 Maple Street, Burlington, arrested for fourth degree theft of purse.

West Burlington places five on All-Conference volleyball team.

2nd Team All-Conference:
Ashley Goudie (senior)
Sam Gayewski(senior)
Patricia Foote (senior)

Honorable Mention:
Hannah Milligan (senior)
Hannah Newberry (senior)

Gore should explain why it was warmer in 1911 than 2007

Falcon:

Attached is a chart and data on the July temperatures for 1911 versus 2007. The 1911 temperatures were published in the August 1911 Hawk Eye and I got the 2007 data from the National Weather Service on the Internet. The 1911 paper was just a random selection down at the library where I came across the July data.

As can be seen the 1911 temperatures were on average 5.7° warmer than those of 2007. I would like Mr. Gore to explain why it was considerable warmer back in 1911 than 2007 when the influence of automobiles and jet airplanes were few to none, and there were no industrial environmental laws.

From the global warming crowd I’d of expected 2007 to be much warmer than 1911, which was 96 years ago.

-Wondering

Falcon,

Thanks to the West Burlington/Quad Township Fire Department for their help Monday morning on the Burlington Golf Club fire off of Milldam Rd. The Hawk Eye must of chosen to not report on the several hour long incident. Maybe the Hawk Eye belongs to the BGC.

-PC

10/19/07 – 11:20pm at 3351 Agency, Burlington. Tristan James Barnes, 38, 118 Gunnison, Burlington, arrested on Henderson County, Illinois, warrant and operating while intoxicated - first offense.

Walk on the wired side: jacket that lets parents keep track of children.

· GPS technology provides updates every 10 seconds
· Firm says garment gives young more independence (Huh?)

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

10/20/07 – 12:32am at 3351 Agency Street, Burlington. Ashley Ann Linneman, 19, 310 Maple #11, Burlington arrested for operating while intoxicated first offense.

10/19/07 – 3:45pm at 324 West Agency Street (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Josee Rea Seager, 18, 207 Hayes Street, Burlington, cited for fifth degree theft.

10/19/07 – 6:12am at 2845 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington. Richard Franklin Smith, 28, 14876 Washington Road, West Burlington, arrested on Henderson County, Illinois, warrant for deceptive practice.

Lowest National Highway Fatality Rate Ever Recorded

The number of people who died on Iowa’s roads fell from 450 in 2005 to 439 in 2006, which is a decrease of about 2.4-percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

This rate is better than the national average, which is also improving. In 2006, 42,642 people died in traffic crashes in the United States, a decrease of 868 deaths compared to 2005. It represents the lowest highway fatality rate ever recorded.

-Source: AAA

Astronaut Clay Anderson says he wants to come home, but hates to leave the International Space Station, where he's been living since June. Anderson is the first Iowa State University graduate in space and is due to return to Earth early in November.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

An Associated Press investigation found over 2,500 cases over five years where educators were punished for sexual misconduct with students.

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Photo by Dan Hockett

Mediapolis running back Brock Massner (27) is brought down by West Burlington – Notre Dame’s Corey Liggett (84), D.J. LaVeine (63), and Jake Deen (10) during the first quarter of last night’s game in Mediapolis. It was a long night for the Falcons as they found Massner difficult to stop. Mediapolis defeated WBND 37-14.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon running back Ryan Kelley (29) puts his head down as he slips past a pair of Mediapolis tacklers to return a third quarter kickoff for a touchdown to put West Burlington – Notre Dame on the scoreboard.

Photo by Dan Hockett

WBND quarterback Dustin Guihan (8) runs 7-yards for a touchdown as his teammate Beau Belger (60) looks to block his pursuers in the third quarter.

Falcon,

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

A Mexican national suffering from a highly resistant strain of tuberculosis crossed into our country 76 times. From the report, there is no mention this person was doing so illegally. How many illegal Mexican aliens with the same condition are crossing our border?

Our Congressman has told us nothing can be done about illegal immigration. The problem is simply overwhelming. Is the problem that great, or is it simply not profitable to those needing "revenue" to buy votes? What of documented campaign contributions to our Congressman and others like him from those profiting by not enforcing immigration laws?

Closer to home, Governor Chet and Senator Courtney have locals buying tobacco out of state. Taxes on tobacco were raised to "protect our health." Will the tax and spend crowd use these taxes to train and deputized state and local law enforcement so they may protect our health by enforcing federal immigration law?

Our Governor and State Senator did pass same day voter legislation making it easier for illegal aliens to cast an illegal ballot for their benefactors.

Eight hours, or less, of exposure to an illegal alien infected with drug resistant TB is a much greater respiratory health risk than similar exposure to second hand smoke. Who needs cigarettes when we can just keep electing such guardians of our health, well being and national interests?

-SW

Falcon,

Well I got to say first, the BPD does need AR 15's. Because eventually there are going to be one armed bandits, whore house's, crack house's, and casino's on every block and crime will be very repetitive.

And to fight crime the BPD will need machine guns, because the crooks will have them. And a lot more weapons than just guns!

Now as for eminent domain the only way to fight that is the same way JESSE JAMES or BILLY THE KID DID. And that is the only way to fight CORRUPT SCUM!

And the definition of CORRUPT SCUM is the same as the movie said, Politicians, Bankers, Businessmen, and anyone who associates with them.

Burlington is full of corrupt SCUM,and before the town will be successful the CORRUPT SCUM must be eliminated!

But that will never happen with so much APATHY in Burlington! My assessment is these people must like it so much that they let it happen, or they are that stupid! Who knows?!

-MOVING OUT

10/17/07 – 3:35am at 3400 block of 406, West Burlington. Blake Lee Keever, 16, 923 North 8th, Burlington, cited for disorderly conduct.

10/16/07 9:25am at 122 Broadway (City Hall), West Burlington. Christy Michelle Pfadenhauer, 30, 13276 Beaverdale Road, West Burlington, arrested for second degree theft for unauthorized use of debit card.

10/16/07 – 1:07am at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Christina Ann Russell, 18, 207 South 8th, Burlington, arrested for fifth degree theft.

Spike has an interesting take on the whole Airport Authority appointment mess.

However, my take differs with Spike on Crowner's statement. I think it's just more political spin from Crowner.

How could he NOT know the appointments were illegal?

-Falcon

Dr William Gray, a pioneer in the science of seasonal hurricane forecasts, calls Al Gore's Nobel Peace Prize "ridiculous" and the product of "people who don't understand how the atmosphere works".

"We'll look back on all of this in 10 or 15 years and realise how foolish it was," Dr Gray said, "The human impact on the atmosphere is simply too small to have a major effect on global temperatures."

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

Falcon,

"Democratic House staffers, who were attending the Bank of America 500 race as part of a fact-finding mission of health and homeland security issues, took the unusual step of getting inoculated against several rare diseases and a sexually transmitted illness.

Republican staffers refused the shots, saying they are not necessary. The recommendation also angered some lawmakers, who thought it was insulting to suggest that race fans might be infectious."

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

I wonder if our Congressman and local office holders of the single party system have also been inoculated against a sexually transmitted illness. As often as they stick it to us, I hope so.

-SYF

Rephrased. Blame the leaders. Some of the card carriers may still believe these elitist asses are looking out for them. They are being screwed also.

Falcon,

"When the polls opened, the gangsters were there to threaten and harass; one look at their sullen faces said Vote for Klenha. The few citizens who dared to dissent were grabbed, dragged to the limo and never seen again. While one thug looked over every voter’s shoulder to check his or her ballot, another gleefully filled out scores of cards for himself, checking Klenha on each one before cramming the wad of tickets into the box. Police were barred from the premises and didn’t fight back. Judges and poll watchers were kidnapped. Homes of Democratic representatives were torched or bombed."

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

If there is political opposition to those to whom the law means nothing, history warns things could get ugly. There will be peace in West Burlington.

-AC

Falcon,

Trousil continues to flaunt being above the law. Where is the law? Trousil, Pat Jackson, Tom Miller, they are all partymates.

In Des Moines County, proper party membership puts office holders above the law? As the top prosecuter in the State of Iowa, the buck stops at Tom Miller's desk.

Since Tom Miller refuses to do anything, the only option is the court of public opinion. As has been suggested here before, write in Joe Stalin for Mayor.

A Stalin victory will draw outside attention. It will be seen as a distress call. If a host of others start asking where are those assigned with enforcing the law, pressure will build.

As long as most say nothing, nothing will change.

-LT

Falcon,

Is every Iowa county and community vulnerable to these lawsuits? Can any bicyclist sue and win? If so then all bicycles should be banned until the law is fixed to prevent this nonsense. An operator of a car isn’t allowed to do this. This is crazy!

CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE

-Concerned

10/13/07 – 1:27am at 300 block of E. Van Weiss, West Burlington. Luis Miguel Hernandez-Mendez, 24, 701 E. Pennington #251, West Burlington, arrested for operating while intoxicated first offense.

10/13/07 – 1:15pm at 550 South Gear (Westland Mall), West Burlington. Diamond Keshion Coleman, 14, 501 Division, Burlington, arrested for fifth degree theft.

9/22/07 – 9:42pm at 1221 South Gear (GRMC), West Burlington. Jill Lavan Miller, 45, 937 Shields Street, Burlington, cited for simple assault.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington firefighters Skylar Limkemann (top) and Brain Reich (bottom) attack a fire burning in the upper level of the Mobile Interior Fire Attack Simulator at the old middle school in West Burlington yesterday. Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Fire Service Training Bureau runs the simulator. Night training is scheduled for 6PM to 10PM today.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington Fire Captain Mike Steward sprays water on flames in the lower level of the Interior Fire Attack Simulator yesterday.

Falcon,

As far as I am concerned, as a West Burlington taxpayer of 30 years, the Mayor did the right thing. We pay for a spot on that board and deserve representation.

-Gus

Sorry, but illegal representation is the same as no representation at all. State code is very clear that city employees can't be appointed. Trousil's illegal appointments could negate every vote taken by both the illegal appointees.

There were plenty of volunteers for the position, but Trousil chose to use illegal appointments of city employees. No doubt Trousil likes the control his signature on their paychecks affords him.

-Falcon

Police Chief does right thing quitting Airport Authority.

Mayor shows No Repect for Iowa law.

West Burlington Mayor Hans Trousil remains steadfastly defiant after illegally appointing two fulltime city employees to the Airport Authority Board. Meanwhile, West Burlington Police Chief Alex Oblein does the right thing and resigns from Airport Authority.

State code section 330A.5 states. “…an elected official or full-time paid employee of a member municipality is not eligible for appointment to the board.”

Trousil has admitted he knowingly violated state law when he appointed former city manager Greg Mandsager and then Police Chief Alex Oblein to the board.

Trousil was quoted in Saturday’s Hawk Eye saying, “Alex did a very good job representing the city’s interests on the board. He stepped down because of all the negativity you guys (the Hawk Eye) generated about his appointment. This whole thing is old news. We did what we did and that’s the end of the discussion.”

We did what we did and that’s the end of the discussion?!? Hardly. The discussion is just starting. This episode creates even more questions.

Mayor Trousil is entirely too comfortable with violating Iowa law. Which begs the question - What other laws are you violating Mayor Trousil?

-Falcon

Wilton takes advantage of several Falcon mistakes.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Wilton defensive back Tigue Snider (30) intercepts pass intended for West Burlington – Notre Dame running back Jarren Dirth (32) on the Falcon 25-yard line with 7:08 remaining in the third quarter of last night’s game at Wilton. Snider’s interception setup Wilton’s fourth touchdown.

The ninth ranked Beavers took advantage of Falcon miscues to score 4 of their 5 touchdowns last night. Wilton blocked a WBND punt and recovered a bad WBND snap over the head of punter Andrew Shilling that led to two touchdowns in the first quarter. Wilton then intercepted a Falcon pass to setup a third touchdown early in the second quarter. Wilton scored their fourth touchdown a few plays after intercepting this Falcon pass in the third quarter. Wilton went on to defeat West Burlington - Notre Dame, 37-0.

Scoring:
WBND 00 00 00 00 00
Wilton 16 08 13 00 37

BPD News Release

Burlington Police arrested 48-year-old Joseph Alan Coupe of #80 Prospect Place in Burlington, Iowa on Tuesday October 9th for 1 count of Lascivious Acts with a Child. This arrest stems from an investigation into a report that Joseph Coupe had been inappropriately touching a 15-year-old female over the past several years.

Burlington Detectives began investigating the sexual abuse last week after the Burlington Police Departments School Resource Officer notified them that a student had told school officials of the ongoing abuse.

The victim, who is known by Joseph Coupe, reported that this abuse has been ongoing for several years. The victim reported no injuries. This investigation is on going with the possibility of additional charges in the future.

Joseph Coupe was arrested at the Burlington Police Department at 4:53 PM on October 9th, 2007 and taken to the Des Moines County Correctional Facility under $20,000.00 bond.

Joseph Coupe had no affiliation with the School System and the arrest had no connection with the Burlington School System other than the victim reported to school officials the abuse was occurring. Joseph Coupe has no affiliation with the Burlington Schools and no abuse occurred on school grounds.

-Lt. Darren Grimshaw
-CID Commander
-urlington Police Department

Photo by Dan Hockett

2007 West Burlington – Notre Dame Junior High Cheerleaders
Front row (l-r): Karrie Albert, Rachel McQuillen
Back row (l-r): Sharon Miller, Alizbeth Etchison, Shelby Standard

10/9/07 – 4:30pm at 550 S. Gear (Westland Mall), West Burlington. Jessica Marie Jape, 27, 728 Swan Street, West Burlington cited for fifth degree theft of merchandise from Maurices Clothing.

File photo by Dan Hockett

The American Queen steamboat, with 436 passengers and 160 crew, will be docked in Burlington Friday morning, leaving for Hannibal at 1PM.

American Queen details:
http://www.majesticamericaline.com/products/Ship.aspx?ID=1

Hillary Clinton woos voters with French fries

Falcon,

The transparency of some who pretend to be one of us while dodging what it takes to earn trust can be absolutely embarassing.

-DWE

10/9/07 – 5:10pm at Agency and West Burlington Ave, West Burlington. Luis Anonio Figures, 23, 976 West Bradley Avenue, Champagne, Illinois, arrested on Johnson County warrant for failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.

10/6/07 – 5:49pm at 1221 South Gear (GRMC), West Burlington. Mariah Shanell Wynn, 42, RR2 Box 60, Oquawka, IL, arrested for fifth degree theft of cell phone.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Patricia Foote (1) and Samantha Gayewski (10) celebrate after winning their first game against Notre Dame last night in West Burlington. Falcons defeated the Nikes in three, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon senior Abby Young (32) is ready to bump the ball back into play during the first game against Notre Dame. Notre Dame started the first game strong leaping out to an early 7-0 lead only to see West Burlington come back to win 25-22.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Nike middle hitter Megan Mahoney (16) hits ball over the fingertips of Falcon Hannah Newberry (13) in the second game of their match at West Burlington. WB defeated Notre Dame, 25-22, 25-18, 25-19.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Notre Dame’s Jaime Giannettino (12) taps ball over net during the third game in West Burlington last night.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Katie Gaudian (11) sets the ball for her teammates during the first game of the JV match against Notre Dame last night in West Burlington. JV-Falcons defeated the JV-Nikes, 21-14, 14-21, 15-7.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon Kaitlyn Caston (14) bumps the ball up to the forward court during the first game.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Notre Dame’s Jerica Skalinski (8) attacks ball over West Burlington’s Mariah Young (31).

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon Heather Schnellbacher (4) bumps ball to forward court during the second game of their JV match against Notre Dame.

Falcon,

http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/1234

If you have the time, wade through this article on the welfare state in Western Europe. It has some universal observations concerning destructive aspects of the nanny state.

Dependence promotes passivity. The people lose any sense of purpose. The state becomes ever more powerful and entrenched. The state and a single party become one in the same.

Do you have doubts? Do you seek proof? Do you think we are immune to what has happened elsewhere? The truth is not out there, it is right here.

Have you made up your mind which candidate to vote for in West Burlington's next municipal election?

-KM

Burlington Council - 4 Year
Top 4 Advance to General Election

William Ell - 31.01%
Matthew Murray - 29.52%
Michael Campbell Jr. - 14.54%
Chuck Griffin - 10.25%
Duane A. Sourwine - 7.57%
John Fenton - 6.78%
Write-in Votes - 0.34%

Burlington Council Vacancy
Top 2 Advance to General Election

Jim Davidson - 56.03%
Jim Ritters - 30.21%
Leonard Johnson - 13.24%
Write-in Votes - 0.52%

8th Graders Give Coach Van Fleet her first victory over Crusaders.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington 8th graders celebrate their first ever victory over Holy Trinity last night in West Point. Falcons defeated the Crusaders in three, 21-14, 18-21, 17-15.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Allison Milligan (23) bumps ball back into play against Holy Trinity during the third game last night in West Point.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington middle hitter Daley LaVeine (12) hits ball with authority over net.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon Emily Siefken (11) bumps the ball from the backcourt.

Falcon,

One of our United States Senators has been ranting about phony soldiers in an attempt to smear one of his critics. Senator Harkin has prior experience when it comes to a misleading record of military experience.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110005497

The object of Senator Harkin's attack has offered his national forum to debate our Senator's accusations face to face. This would be off the Senate floor and comments made not covered by legal immunity granted in the legislative chamber. Is this a theater of operations Senator Harkin has the courage to fly into?

http://thinkprogress.org/2007/10/01/harkin-maybe-limbaugh-was-high-on-drugs-again

Senator Harkin is to be commended for having served in the Navy. A real leader would never infer an exaggerated role for themselves in any operation. As an officer and a gentleman, Senator Harkin should have learned to gather all available accurate information before launching an attack.

-JPJ

10/8/07 – 12:40am at 500 Block of Vernon, West Burlington. Matthew Allen Eastman, 22, 10994 115th Avenue #31, Burlington, arrested on two Henderson County, Illinois warrants for failure to appear on retail theft and original charge violation of conditional discharge.

10/7/07 – 4:30pm at Luers Park, West Burlington. Jarvis Jerome Holston, 18, 401 Cottage Grove, West Burlington, cited for fifth degree theft of a bicycle.

10/6/07 – 1:28am at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Brandi Renee Schmitz, 25, 535 S. 10th #3, Burlington, arrested for OWI first offense.

10/5/07 – 12:42am at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Carla Michele Campbell, 46, 2315 Valley, Burlington, cited for fifth degree theft.

Thank you to all the folks who turned out for our annual pancake and sausage breakfast. We had a great day and hope everyone enjoyed the food. Thank you also for all the support you show us! We really appreciate everything our local businesses and everyone else who donate food, labor, materials, etc to help make this such a success.

Thanks again and we hope to see you at next year's breakfast!

-The West Burlington Fire Fighters

It appears nothing has changed with the Mayor's leadership or lack of it.

Falcon,

I just discovered your blog last night and love it. I lived in West Burlington from 1989 to 2003 before moving to Texas. I went back to the start of the blog and read almost everything that you have written. It appears that nothing has changed with the Mayor's leadership or lack of it. It surprises me that the council is enabling him to do the things that he does. I have known at least three of the council members for a number of years and am kind of shocked at their lack of action.

Dan Hockett is doing a fantastic job providing you with the photography and an occasional article.

Needless to say, I am already addicted to the blog. Keep up the great work!

-Former WB resident in Texas

Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully our good citizens will tire of the Mayor's antics and make a change. Doesn't look like it will happen this time around as his name is the only name on the ballot, but hopefully someday.

-Falcon

And Elementary School Pep Rally

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington Elementary student Juan Barbosa holds up his hand colored banner to show his school spirit during the Homecoming Pep Rally Friday at WB Elementary School.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Elementary teachers showoff their winning form in the hula-hoop contest. Left to right: Alicia Sherwood, Corina Schropp, Jamie Elliott, and Jody Mineart.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Erin Foster, representing the Tigers of New London – Danville, is caged by Trent Ramsdell dressed as a WBND Falcon on the junior class float in Homecoming Friday’s parade.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Homecoming Queen Amy Courtney and King Brady Schach wave to onlookers during Friday’s parade.

Touchdown with 23.8-Seconds remaining gives Falcons a one-point victory over New London - Danville.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington – Notre Dame’s Ryan Kelley (29) hauls in a 4-yard pass from quarterback Dustin Guihan to tie the game at 14-14 with 23.8-seconds left in the game. Andrew Schilling’s point after kick sealed the Falcon’s 15-14 homecoming victory over New London – Danville last night in West Burlington.

Photo by Dan Hockett

WBND running back Ryan Kelley (29) and quarterback Dustin Guihan (8) celebrate after connecting on a 4-yard pass to win the game in the final seconds.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Fans spray silly string in celebration of West Burlington – Notre Dame’s 15-14 homecoming victory over New London - Danville.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcons celebrate with fans at mid-field after the game.

Scoring by quarters
NL-D . 02 06 00 06 14
WBND 00 08 00 07 15

First quarter
6:20 NLD Safety, NLD Trail Kelly (66) tackled WBND Ronnie Cook (5) in end zone

Second quarter
2:58 WBND Jarren Dirth (10) 5-yard run, 2-pt conversion pass to Blake Riffle (49) good
0:00.2 NLD Jacob Lerdal (89) 35-yard pass (2-pt conversion failed)

Fourth quarter
7:20 NLD Johnny Siegel (6) 4-yard run (2-pt conversion failed)
0:23.8 WBND Ryan Kelley (29) 4-yard pass (Schilling kick good)

Photo by Dan Hockett

2007 West Burlington Homecoming Queen Amy Courtney (center) gets a hug from last year’s Homecoming Queen Anna Shipley (left) as newly crowned Homecoming King, Brady Schach (right) looks on. Homecoming game between West Burlington – Notre Dame and New London – Danville is tonight. Kickoff is at 7:30PM.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Head Coach Jeff Housel points to bidder during the annual autograph football auction. Crystal Rolof, mother of senior tight end Corey Liggett, won the football with a $225 bid.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Sophomore running back Travis Hall (front) and lineman Edward Perkins (back) lead their teammates during the varsity football players’ “Soulja Boys” dance.

Photo by Dan Hockett

The Junior Class tries to out shout other classmen during the “Stand Up and Yell” contest.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Freshman Taylor Johnson (left) and Kenny Douglas get messy during the “In Your Face” whipped cream contest.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Coach Housel starts the “Tug of War” competition.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Junior Class Tug-of-War competitors Taylor Day (left), Trisha Deen (center), and Jenna Brissey (right) show off their winning form during the championship pull against the sophomore class.

Serving Tomorrow from 6AM till 11AM.

West Burlington Fire Fighter's Association Pancake Breakfast TOMORROW,
Saturday, October 6th from 6 am until 11 am
At the West Burlington Fire Department

Thank you and hope you can make it!

10/3/07 – 2:24pm at 122 Broadway (City Hall), West Burlington. Jane Ann Hutson, 27, and Jason Ricahard Hill, 29, 300 Angular #6, Burlington, cited for fifth degree theft.

10/1/07 – 7:15pm at 1050 South Gear Avenue, West Burlington. Mickel Anthony Simmons, 44, 1110 S. Central Street, Burlington arrested on Des Moines County warrant for failure to appear on fifth degree theft hearing, interference with official acts, and fifth degree theft.

10/1/07 – 7:15pm at 1050 South Gear Avenue, West Burlington. Cheissia Nicole Malloy, 20, 513 S. Marshall Street, Burlington arrested for fifth degree theft.

10/1007 – approx. 1:52pm at 1500 W. Agency, West Burlington. Devante Dureese Steward, 19, 2405 Flint Hills Drive, Burlington, and Carlo Davier Rivera-Morales, 3110 Del Wood Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, both were arrested for disorderly conduct.

Sheriff’s Department uses old West Burlington Middle School for training.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Des Moines County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Glendening (right) delivers a right to the head of fellow Deputy Liz Armenta (left) during the boxing segment of the department’s training exercises yesterday at the old West Burlington Middle School.

By Dan Hockett

WEST BURLINGTON – Des Moines County Sheriff’s Department makes use of the school’s wrestling training facilities at the old West Burlington Middle School during the off season to teach their officers survival skills they may need on the street.

“We do this at least once a year,” said Sheriff Mike Johnstone, “We’re trying to incorporate some different type of fighting that we might encounter on the street and how to counter those types of fighting.”

“This is the first time we’ve actually did the boxing. [Deputies] Chad [McCune] and Kevin [Glendening] are academy trained and they wanted to incorporate some boxing into [the training] and I said sure. Unfortunately some of the folks we run into are prone to fighting law enforcement [and while] we do have other tools, sometimes it comes [down] to hand-to-hand,” said Johnstone, “If you can’t get to your OC (pepper spray), or your asp, or your taser, you’re subject to fighting for your survival.”

Deputies learned how to escape from restraining holds and fight back using only their hands in order to improve their survival skills while out on patrol.

“We did some ground fighting. What to do if you’re on your back on the ground, how to escape [and] how to protect yourself. We did some escape and evasion moves for when you’re on the ground or in a particular type of hold,” Johnstone said.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington Pool Committee members (left to right):
Liz Engle, Tricia Thomann, Kim Bessine, Kim Rector, Marcie Brissey, Amy Pilger, Krista Roberson.

West Burlington Pool Committee members turn over a shovel of dirt during groundbreaking ceremonies yesterday. West Burlington’s new pool will be about three times the size of the old pool and cost 4.2-million dollars. Pool is scheduled for completion in spring of 2008. New pool will be constructed at same location on West Burlington Avenue as the old pool.

Photo by Dan Hockett

City Officials (left to right):
Coucilmembers Rod Crowner & Marc Pilger, City Clerk Kelly Fry, Mayor Hans Trousil, Councilmember Therese Lees, Pool Manager Amy Pilger, Councilmember Rick Raleigh.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington middle-hitter Ashley Goudie (19) has her attack blocked by Central Lee’s Shala Hawes (2) during the second game of their match last night in West Burlington. West Burlington defeated Central Lee in four-games, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15, 25-9.

Records:
West Burlington, 9-12 overall, 4-3 conference.
Central Lee, 5-12 overall, 3-4 conference.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Hannah Milligan (7) gets the dig late in the fourth-game against Central Lee. Milligan’s teammate Patricia Foote sealed the victory over Central Lee in the fourth and final game with 16-straight service points. Falcons led 9-7 when Foote started her run at the service line. When she finished serving sixteen points later, WB had an insurmountable 24-7 lead. Falcons defeated the Hawks, 25-19, 22-25, 25-15, 25-9.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Mariah Young (31) powers the ball past Central Lee’s Caitlin Pardall (16) during the JV match last night in West Burlington. JV-Hawks defeated JV-Falcons, 22-20, 20-22, 15-2.

BPD News Release

Burlington Police responded to a residence at 120 S. Central Ave in Burlington along with the Burlington Fire Department at 3:46 AM following a report of smoke and a strange smell coming from the rear of the residence. After an initial investigation of the cause of the smoke it was determined that a possible meth lab may have been found.

Investigators with the Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement were called to the scene to assist with the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for the residence at 120 S. Central where investigators located items used in the manufacture of meth, drug paraphernalia, suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription pills.

Two individuals were arrested at 120 S.Central following the investigation. 21-year-old Shawn William Dickenson of 120 S.Central was arrested for Manufacturing Methamphetamine and 29-year-old Drake David Fenton of 10404 130th St. in Burlington was also arrested for Manufacturing Methamphetamine. Both were taken to the Des Moines County Correctional Facility and are being held under a $25,000.00 Bond.

This investigation is continuing with additional arrests possible.

Lt. Darren Grimshaw
Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force
Burlington Police Department

10/1/07 – 12:23pm at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Rebecca Lynn Fuentes, 21, and Jeremy Dean Raymond, 30, 1412 Agency, Burlington, arrested for 5th degree theft.

10/1/07 – 12:35pm at 324 W. Agency (Wal-Mart), West Burlington. Jeremy Dean Raymond, 30, 1412 Agency, Burlington, arrested on Henderson County, Illinois, warrant for failure to appear on driving under influence (DUI).

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Hannah Milligan (7) goes low for the dig to keep the ball in play late in the third game of their match against Highland last night in West Burlington. The Huskies cruised over the Falcons in the first 2-games 25-13, 25-15. West Burlington fought back to make it close in the final game but fell short 21-25.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon middle-hitter Ariel Bloomberg (35) hits the ball over Highland’s Chelsea Miller (12) and Kristi Branham (8) early in the third game. After dropping the first 2-games 25-13, 25-12, West Burlington led Highland through much of the third game before the Huskies finally pulled ahead to win 25-21.

Records:
West Burlington, 8-12 overall, 3-3 conference.
Highland, 20-4 overall, 6-0 conference.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington head coach Corina Schropp (far right) talks to her players during a timeout in the third game.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Saya Tazawa (33) bumps the ball into play during the third game.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon Samantha Gayewski (10) dives to keep ball in play during their second game against Highland last night in West Burlington. Highland defeated the Falcons 25-13, 25-15, 25-21.

Photo by Dan Hockett

Falcon setter Patricia Foote (1) sets the ball for teammate Ashley Goudie (19) in the second game.

Photo by Dan Hockett

West Burlington’s Trisha Deen (2) bumps the ball into play during the third game.

Falcon,

Excellent insight by "Sick of it All" into Des Moines County's leading authority of Architectural taste, Supervisor Jeff Heland. Heland's praise of outlawing metal buildings reminds me of another great moment of artistic taste in service of the single party state. Der Fuehrer denounced "degenerate art" and banished it from the Third Reich.

http://fcit.coedu.usf.edu/holocaust/arts/artDegen.htm

Music in service of Der Fueher's single party state was provided for the brown shirts. They were given an anthem to sing in the beer halls from which their party system sprang. Perhaps a hymn to Heland is in order. Let Heland's praises be sung in the local halls that provide his single party base of power.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/horstwessel.html

What a friend we have in Heland
Metal buildings now nowhere
Remake Sodom and Gomorrah
Right or wrong Jeff does not care
Petty vengeance make them suffer
Higher taxes they must bear
Ballots recourse will not offer
Only Helands name is there

http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/f/wafwhij.htm

-HW

9/29/07 – 8:35am at 701 E. Pennington #107, West Burlington. David Scott Graves, 28, 701 E. Pennington, West Burlington, arrested on prohibited acts warrant.

Did Heland use his political clout to “stick it to” a church that disagreed with his views?

Riverside Baptist Church empty lot and engineered metal building at 313 Emmett Street

Falcon,

I saw the photos of Jeff Heland’s overgrown property and the church’s metal building only a block away and I just had to write.

There is a not-so-coincidental connection with Supervisor Heland, his gay-rights agenda, the church only a block from Heland’s house, and Burlington’s new architectural ordinance that bans metal buildings.

Heland’s long history of supporting the radical gay and lesbian political agenda is well known. He was on Burlington’s civil rights commission when they pushed for passage of a “gay rights ordinance” in the city. That ordinance was successfully blocked in large measure by local churches that fought and defeated it.

One of the churches that helped successfully defeat that gay-rights ordinance is none other than the church only a block away from Heland’s property.

The church owns the large empty lot next to the metal building. I can’t help but think the church may want to build on the lot sometime in the future. Many churches today have limited budgets and turn to engineered metal buildings for cost effectiveness, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.

Did Heland use his political clout and backroom arm bending to prevent the church building a cost effective metal building just to settle a score with the same church that dared to disagree with him?

Heland can be vindictive. Just ask anyone that has voiced an opinion different from his at local Democrat central committee meetings.

Why else would a bad law (that most thought was dead) be quickly resurrected and passed. Why else would Heland be so quick to call in to a local radio show to congratulate the council on its passage? It wasn’t because Heland cares about beautiful neighborhoods. Just look at his property.

The dots are pretty easy to connect on this one.

-Sick of it all

Jeff Heland's property at 200 Emmett Street