The Des Moines County News

The Des Moines County News Official Newspaper for Des Moines County. Covering West Burlington City and School; Danville City and School; Des Moines County and more for over 50 years!

09/24/2025

Due to press issues this week’s edition will arrive a day late.

09/20/2025

As of September 30th, ownership of the Des Moines County News will change, and the DMCN will cease to exist, as the new owner will merge the DMCN with another local paper.
I would like to thank Mike Hodges for taking a chance on hiring me as a writer following my retirement from the state. I have always loved journalism, and I believe the small hometown papers define the heart of our Midwestern values. It’s not about drama and selling papers, but rather about our communities and our neighbors.
I also want to thank Donna McGowan in our Wapello office who was always supportive and encouraging, and Dana Royer, may she rest in peace.
My gratitude also to the county and city officials I have worked with the last 7 years. I tried my best to be accurate in my reporting, and appreciate their patience with me as I ventured into journalism. Most were friendly and always willing to answer my questions.
I have not yet decided whether I will continue this journey, but I would like to take this chance to express my gratitude to the communities and the subscribers.

Laurie Cochran

09/18/2025

Beacon acquires 2 local newspapers

Ownership takes effect Sept. 30; focus remains on community coverage

Beacon Staff

The Burlington Beacon is growing its presence in southeast Iowa with the acquisition of two neighboring community newspapers.

Sycamore Media and Burlington Beacon LLC have signed a purchase agreement for The Beacon to acquire the Des Moines County News and the Wapello Morning Sun. Ownership will officially transfer on Sept. 30.

“We are excited to put these newspapers in the hands of someone local who has a proven history of producing good journalism that serves the people who live in these markets,” said Trevis Mayfield, president of Sycamore Media. “The Beacon operation has an impressive commitment to its markets, and we believe it will be a good steward of these newspapers. We would like to thank our employees and wish them and the Beacon team the best going forward.”

For Beacon owner Jeff Abell, the expansion marks a significant step in the newspaper’s mission to strengthen local journalism at a time when many communities are losing their hometown news and sports coverage.

“Our mission has always been to provide journalism that reflects and supports the communities we serve,” Abell said. “These papers share that same spirit, and we’re eager to build on the strong foundation already in place. While there may be a period of adjustment, our goal is to remain a trusted source of news for our readers.”

Abell also expressed appreciation for Sycamore Media’s leadership in maintaining both papers over the years.

“I’d like to thank our friends at Sycamore Media for being great stewards of these newspapers. We are excited to expand on their good work,” he said.

Founded in 2019, The Burlington Beacon has established itself as a locally owned, independent source of news for Burlington and the surrounding area. With the addition of the Des Moines County News and the Wapello Morning Sun, the Beacon team says it will continue to focus on stories that highlight the people, events, and issues most important to readers.

“Local newspapers are more than just a source of headlines,” Abell said. “They’re a connection point for the entire community — sharing school news, celebrating achievements, spotlighting local businesses, and keeping people informed about decisions that affect their everyday lives. That commitment won’t change with this transition.”

Readers of the Des Moines County News and the Wapello Morning Sun can expect the same emphasis on community coverage, and active print subscriptions will be honored. Readers will be informed of any updates related to design, print frequency, distribution, or operations, Abell noted.

“This is an exciting moment not only for our staff, but for the communities these papers serve,” Abell said. “Our goal is simple: to ensure strong, independent local news remains part of the fabric of southeast Iowa.”

09/15/2025

🚧 Traffic Update – Permanent Lane Closure & Right Turn Only Restriction 🚧
Beginning Thursday, September 18, crews will start work to implement a permanent Right-Turn-Only restriction at the frontage road to Walmart’s east entrance (324 W Agency Rd). Work is expected to continue into Friday, September 19, weather permitting.
🔁 What’s Changing:
• Vehicles exiting the east Walmart drive will no longer be able to go straight or turn left onto Agency.
• Eastbound traffic on Agency will no longer be able to turn left into the frontage road entrance at this location.
• Vehicles using the east exit at the shopping center, 411 W Agency Rd, will no longer be able to go straight or turn left onto Agency.
📍 Why the change? This area has been identified as a safety concern due to:
• Frequent traffic congestion
• Limited visibility
• A history of near-miss incidents and collisions, especially involving left turns
⚠️ Please plan ahead, follow posted signage, and use alternate routes if needed. Your cooperation helps keep West Burlington’s roads safer for everyone!

09/11/2025

NOTICE: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WEST BURLINGTON CITY HALL

West Burlington City Hall will be CLOSED during the following times due to staff training and scheduled maintenance:

Wednesday, September 17 – Closed All Day
Thursday, September 18 – Closed from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday, September 19 – Closed from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

09/11/2025

Update on Hwy 61 Project in Burlington:

The Public Works Department announced today that starting Friday, September 12, 2025, the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (Iowa DOT) construction contractor will shift phases on the Highway 61 bridge over Highway 34. This will move traffic from the outside lanes to the inside lanes.

Most traffic will continue with little to no change. The primary impact is that the southbound Highway 61 to eastbound Highway 34 movement will be closed until the project is complete.

09/02/2025

BNSF has notified Des Moines County that the following Railroad crossings will be closed for repairs effective the afternoon of Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, until Friday, September 5th.

• Jimtown Road
• 210th Ave.

Contact BNSF with any general questions at 815-503-3895.

09/02/2025

Iowa DOT opened the Hwy 61 bypass around Mediapolis this afternoon. Please drive with caution as there will be  multiple changes in the traffic pattern. Old Highway 61 will be barricaded at the south and north ends of Mediapolis.

09/02/2025

BEAVERDALE HEIGHTS AREA: 9/3/25 - 9 a.m.
Water service in this area will be disrupted on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, around 9 a.m., as contractors perform repairs and improvements. Water will be restored within a few hours after the disconnection.

08/28/2025

The West Burlington Droppett recycling and redemption site is now open and ready for use at Community Park!

9/4/25 and 12/4/25
08/28/2025

9/4/25 and 12/4/25

YOU could be featured in our Fall 2025 Eastern Iowa Farmer Magazine! Submit your photos of "life on the farm" to eifarme...
08/26/2025

YOU could be featured in our Fall 2025 Eastern Iowa Farmer Magazine!
Submit your photos of "life on the farm" to [email protected]
Please include names of those pictured, a short description, and the name of who is submitting the photo(s). eifarmer.com

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301 Highway 61
Wapello, IA
52653

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+13195234631

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