Lewis, Iowa –Cass County Conservation and the Iowa Bluebird Conservationists and are once again hosting a Cass County Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, December 21st. Those that want to participate in the count will be meeting at Cold Springs State Park in Lewis at 8:00am to divide into groups that will cover different sections of the count circle. Birders are encouraged to dress for the conditions and bring along binoculars and bird books if you have them, otherwise they can be provided.

It is also suggested to either wear or bring along an article of blaze orange clothing for any birding that may occur in parks that allow public hunting, as it will be the final day of deer season. The count will run until 3:30pm that day as we cover a 15-mile diameter circle as thorough as we can. Organizers say participants will meet for lunch at Noon at the Atlantic Pizza Ranch to compare lists and reboot for counting in the afternoon. You are welcome to join for the whole day or just the morning or afternoon sessions. All abilities are welcome whether you are comfortable just birding from a vehicle and roadside or if you would like to walk through areas as well. Weather backup date will be determined if necessary.

Home birders may also contribute to the Cass County Count by watching their home feeder. Feeder counters will need to keep track of the time spent observing and will count the maximum number of a species seen at one time, not a cumulative for the day.

Contact Chris Parks or Lora Kanning at Cass County Conservation if you would like to contribute and we will provide guidelines. The Christmas Bird Count is a valuable research tool for the Audubon Society and is the nation’s longest running citizen-science bird project. This year is the 126th year of the count and the Cass County area is excited to join in again.

Find more information on the Christmas Bird Count at www.christmasbirdcount.org. Chris Parks says “We would really love to know you are planning on coming ahead of time, so please reach out.”

Contact: Chris Parks, Lora Kanning

Phone: 712-520-2103

Email: chparks@gmail.com

(Radio Iowa) – Iowa has a free-standing birthing center again after a law lowered barriers for midwives to operate one. A birthing center is a facility for mothers to have what’s called a natural home birth experience. Midwife Sarah Sorvillo says she decided to open the center because she was already serving communities in maternal care deserts. At least 41 birthing units have closed in Iowa since the year 2000.

“People are just looking to go back to basics, because what has been working isn’t working,” Sorvillo says. “I think that’s just forced people to think outside of the box.” The new center is owned by Heaven Sent Home Birth and is located in Adel. Sorvillo says the local E-M-S is just down the street, which makes it easier to transfer patients, if needed.

She says she’s had conversations with expectant mothers who didn’t feel cared for in medical settings, while they may have to drive more than an hour for an O-B-G-Y-N. Sorvillo says she’s getting appointments for the new center nine months in advance. “I would have clients that would tell me they were just pregnant and they were maybe eight weeks along, and I was already booking for that month,” Sorvillo says. “So we know that there is a demand for these types of services.”

The number of home births in Iowa has almost doubled in the past ten years. Almost 850 people gave birth in Iowa outside of a hospital setting last year alone.

(Sidney, IA) – The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of multiple juveniles following an investigation into the manufacturing and dissemination of obscene material created using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

On November 19, 2025, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports from parents and school officials concerning an image being shared among students at a local Fremont County school. The image depicted multiple juveniles in a state of undress.

Through subsequent investigation, Fremont County Deputies discovered multiple digitally altered photographs on cellular devices in the possession of students at the school. Deputies confirmed that the material, which featured multiple juvenile victims, was being shared between students utilizing social media platforms. The investigation confirmed that the images were non-consensual and digitally fabricated using AI technology.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Deputies arrested three juveniles: two aged 15 and one aged 16. All three individuals face multiple charges in connection with the creation and dissemination of the material.

Juvenile A (Age 15) and Juvenile B (Age 16) were each charged with:

• 6 counts of Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
• 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class D Felony)
• 1 count of Dissemination of Obscene Material (Serious Misdemeanor)

Juvenile C (Age 15) was charged with:

• 6 counts of Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
• 6 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class D Felony)

All juveniles have been processed and transported to and placed in the Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Formal charges have been forwarded to the Fremont County Juvenile Court for further proceedings. Due to the ages of the parties involved, no further identifying information will be released by the Sheriff’s Office.

Important Information Regarding Iowa Law and Online Safety
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that the use of Artificial Intelligence to create or distribute non-consensual sexually explicit imagery—regardless of whether the depicted content is real or fabricated—is a serious criminal offense under existing Iowa law.

Iowa Code § 709.15 (Sexual Exploitation of a Minor), in conjunction with other statutes related to obscenity and harassment, is aggressively applied in cases involving the creation and dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), including material generated through digital means or AI. Creating, possessing, or sharing such images can result in felony charges with severe legal consequences, including registration as a sex offender.

The Sheriff’s Office urges parents and guardians to discuss online safety and digital citizenship with their children.

Key Safety Recommendations:

• Monitor Digital Devices: Know what apps and platforms your children are using.
• Discuss Consent and Consequences: Ensure children understand that creating or sharing non-consensual, explicit, or harassing content—even digitally altered material—is illegal and harmful.
• Report Immediately: If your child is a victim of, or witnesses, inappropriate content sharing, report it immediately to school administration and law enforcement.
• You can learn more on this topic and other ways to keep your children safe online by visiting https://ncmec.org/GAI and https://ncmec.org/netsmartz/home

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our youth and maintaining the safety and integrity of our community both online and off.

(Radio Iowa) – It’s clear property tax changes will be at the top of the agenda for the 2026 Iowa legislative session, but key lawmakers warn coming up with a proposal is complicated. Senate Republican Leader Mike Klimesh of Spillville says changing a 40-year-old system won’t be easy. “To an extent we squeeze a balloon,” Klimesh said, “….but at the end of the day we need to find a way that we can provide property tax relief to Iowans while maintaining the ability for local governments to provide services that continue to make those communities — especially small communities like Spillville — a great, attractive place to live, work and raise a family.”

Representative Gary Mohr of Bettendorf — the Republican who leads the House Appropriations Committee — says previous discussions about a variety of approaches to redesigning the property tax system were valuable. “What we learned last year is it’s a whack-a-mole game, which we didn’t all know,” Mohr said. “Meaning is you do this with property taxes, it has an affect over here that we didn’t think about.” The top Democrats in the House and Senate say the focus should be on reducing residential property tax rates for the people who need it most, including Iowans on fixed incomes. Senate Democratic Leader Janice Weiner of Iowa City says policymakers also need to consider the entire tax ecosystem, including incomes taxes and the state sales tax.

“We can’t just pick one piece and fix it without unraveling a thread that’s going to impact many people,” Weiner said. House Democratic Leader Brian Meyer of Des Moines says House Democrats will offer a proposal to redistribute state funding to local governments to make up for reductions in property taxes. “Where are we allocating money in the state budget? For example, the Iowa House Republicans plowed $23 million into a soccer stadium in Des Moines,” Meyer said. “…We don’t need a soccer stadium in Des Moines. We don’t need to be paying for it, but we’re going to look at some of these budget items that they’ve been doing and we’re going to say: ‘We don’t need that and we need to focus on property tax relief.'”

The lawmakers made their comments at a forum organized by the Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. The organization represents chambers of commerce in a dozen central Iowa counties, including: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren.

(Radio Iowa) – The Board of Regents elected a board member who is a construction engineer who builds bridges to take over as president in a meeting this (Wednesday) morning. New president Robert Cramer says he has three goals. “I think our university should be providing an affordable education with a good rate of return on that investment,” he says. His second goal is to improve the performance across the three state universities. ” To provide academic excellence that from the top to the bottom at our universities. That everybody’s striving for better academic excellence and it comes through merit and through just hard work and keeping that always in the forefront of trying to produce better and better students,” Cramer says.

His third goal addresses the ongoing discussion on campuses about free speech. “To provide a fair and balanced place for vigorous debate,” he says, “And that’s what a lot of our work has been this last year is just to create an atmosphere where students can engage. And college is a great place to learn, to learn new things, to find out what you believe, but we just want a fair and balanced place, where students can do that.” Cramer says those three things can address the idea that the cost of college isn’t worth it for students. ” I think we can flip the narrative on higher education, and that is that here in Iowa, a degree from one of our public universities is a great investment. And it’s going to help these students going forward for the rest of their lives,” Cramer says.

Cramer will replace Sherry Bates who became Board president in 2024 and served on the board 11 years. Cramer read a resolution honoring Bates, saying hundreds of millions of dollars in capital projects where approve for the schools and for healthcare and other facilities. And he says there were successful presidential searches were conducted at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa during her tenure. Regent Kurt Tjaden was elected president pro-tem to replace Greta Rouse, who is stepping out of the leadership role, but staying on the board.

The two new Board members officials take over Thursday.

(Council Bluffs, IA) – The Iowa West Foundation board of directors recently approved $2 million in grant and initiative funding to 24 nonprofits and cities throughout southwest Iowa, with a focus on the most basic needs: food, clothing, and shelter. Brenda Mainwaring, President and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, said in a news release, “Many in our community face significant financial challenges, which leads to struggles with rent and basic needs, including putting food on the table. These grants allow our partners to help community members move toward financial stability.”

Significant investments include $300,000 to Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs for homeownership and home repair programs as well as $50,000 awarded to the Corporation for Supportive Housing for the Southwest Iowa Supportive Housing Incubator. Both are aimed at addressing the availability of affordable housing, an ongoing need in Council Bluffs and throughout the country. Elly Schofield with Corporation for Supportive Housing, said “The Iowa West Foundation’s support will allow for our organization to equip housing and service providers across southwest Iowa with the knowledge, skills, and connections to create and preserve affordable housing. Specifically, this funding will directly impact up to 50 individuals and families experiencing homelessness in our area and will help close critical gaps in available affordable housing. Together, we are building stronger, healthier communities where every neighbor has the chance to thrive.”

Several grants were awarded to organizations that are working to ensure community members are thriving — not just surviving. These include nonprofits such as Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue, which received $20,000 to expand food recovery efforts in Pottawattamie County. Food recovery is the process of rescuing a surplus of food that would otherwise go to waste in a landfill and redistributing it to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The addition of a specialized food recovery organization in Council Bluffs will also allow other community partners to focus more on the services they do best, while ensuring that fresh food continues to reach individuals and families in need.

A list of Cycle 3 Grants and Initiatives recipients is shown below:

• Advance Southwest Iowa:; Economic Development Support – $225,000
• Anawim Housing: Supportive housing for families at risk of homelessness – $360,000
• City of Corning: Davis Avenue streetscape – $100,000
• City of Council Bluffs: Community events – $40,000
• City of Emerson: Evans Park project – $18,267
• City of Lenox: Toddler Pool renovations – $26,420
• Corporation for Supportive Housing: Southwest Iowa Supportive Housing Incubator -$50,000
• Corning Public Library: Electrical re-wiring and LED upgrade – $22,500
• Dreamweaver Foundation: Merrymakers program for southwest Iowa senior citizens -$7,500
• Food Bank for the Heartland: Mobile pantry program – $17,500
• Habitat for Humanity of Council Bluffs: Homeownership and home repair program – $300,000
• Macedonia Firemen’s Association: Equipment – $7,932
• Neola Volunteer Fire Department: Equipment – $10,000
• New Vision Homeless Services: Operating funding – $125,000
• Omaha Performing Arts Society: Southwest Iowa music & arts education programs – $16,000
• Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue: Nourishing People, Nourishing the Planet – $20,000
• Southwest Iowa Technical Career Hub: Collaborative furniture project – $30,000
• The CommUnity Project: Leadership Development Program for Women of Color in Southwest Iowa – $25,000
• Timothy Lutheran: Timothy Swaddling Clothes – $5,000
• Union Pacific Museum Association: Railroad Days – Celebrating America’s 250th – $25,000
• United Way of the Midlands: United Housing Network – $50,000
• University of Nebraska Foundation: Samuel Bak Museum Field Trips – $16,431
• Unleash Council Bluffs: Sporting event attraction & retention – $50,000
• Walnut Volunteer Fire Department: Equipment – $8,100

This is the third and final grants cycle for the Iowa West Foundation in 2025. Letters of Inquiry are due by Jan. 2nd to be considered for the first funding cycle in 2026. A free virtual grants workshop is scheduled for Wednesday Dec. 3rd. For more information, visit www.iowawestfoundation.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced the Farm Transitions Act, bipartisan legislation to address the impending generational shift in American agriculture and help young and underserved farmers in Iowa carry on their family tradition. In his news release, Nunn said “In Iowa, farming is a way of life that’s passed down from one generation to the next. With over half of U.S. farmland set to change hands in the next two decades, we need to ensure that family farms can stay in the family. This bipartisan bill would give young and beginning farmers better access to the tools, capital, and support they need to build successful operations and keep our rural communities strong.”

Over 95% of Iowa’s 87,000 farms are still family-owned, forming the backbone of a rural economy that contributes more than $159 billion annually to the state. But with two-thirds of Iowa’s farmland now owned by individuals aged 65 and older, experts warn of generational consolidation when these farmers begin to retire. Without a clear path for young and beginning farmers to step in, thousands of farms that have been family-run for generations could be bought up by large corporations or outside investors.

“Strengthening rural America requires real partnerships and lasting solutions,” said Rep. Davis. “These bipartisan bills reflect our commitment to giving rural communities the tools they need to grow, thrive, and prepare for the future. From expanding access to federal rural development resources to supporting the next generation of family farmers, this work is critical to the long-term success of eastern North Carolina and rural communities nationwide. We need more people moving to eastern North Carolina and rural America. These bills will make it easier for eastern North Carolina towns to access rural development technical assistance and for our next generation of farmers to keep our rich agricultural tradition in the east going strong.”

With over 370 million acres of farmland expected to transition ownership in the coming decades, the Farm Transitions Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stand up the Commission on Farm Transitions—Needs for 2050, which was originally authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill but never formally established. The Commission would evaluate the major challenges facing the next generation of producers, including land affordability, access to credit, tax and lending barriers, and the effectiveness of existing USDA programs. It would also assess the role of mentorship, technical training, and foreign ownership in shaping the future of American agriculture—an expansion of the original Commission mandate.

The Farm Transitions Act would require the Commission to deliver a comprehensive set of policy recommendations to Congress within two years, with an emphasis on ensuring young and beginning farmers have access to the land, resources, and support they need to keep family farms strong for the next generation.

(Greenfield, IA) – An historical re-enactor and Iowa book author on the First Trains Robbery West of the Mississippi River, spoke by telephone to the Adair County Board of Supervisors during their meeting this (Wednesday) morning, to request the recovery of railroad rails associated with Jesse James train robbery. Turkey Creek is associated with Jesse James because the first-ever robbery of a moving train occurred near its bridge on July 21, 1873, just west of Adair, Iowa. The James-Younger gang derailed the Rock Island Railroad train by dislodging a rail on the curve near the Turkey Creek bridge

Gene Stevens said he and another James historical enthusiast explored the site together.

An expert looked at the track pictures Steven took, and verified the time period they are from.

Stevens said he hopes the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad will assist in making pieces of the track available to area museums. He thinks pieces of the track will be a great addition to the Jesse James monument near Adair.

Jesse James Historical Park (Adair County photo)

Supervisor Jerry Walker said the ground the track lays on is owned by the Adair County Conservation Department. Adair County Conservation Director Dominic Johnson said he doesn’t have a problem with the request, but he would like a piece of the track for the historical Adair County Historical Museum.

Supervisor Jodie Hoadley said the group would need to have proof of insurance to cover any accidents associated with the removal of the rails. Stevens said he thinks the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad has the necessary insurance, but will double-check to make sure. The Board unanimously approved the request to recover rails for the specified use.

In other business, the Adair County Board of Supervisors held a Public Hearing on a FY 26 Budget Amendment. Auditor Mandy Berg…

Following the hearing, the Board approved the Budget Resolution as presented, and an associated Appropriations Resolution.

(Glenwood, IA) – The Glenwood Police Department reports one person was arrested late Tuesday night. 40-year-old Troy Stephen Kramer, of Plattsmouth, NE, was arrested at around 11:50-p.m. in Glenwood. Kramer was charged with Possession of Marijuana/1st offense, and held in the Mills County Jail on a $1,000 bond.

(Clarinda, IA) – Page County Attorney, James L. Varley’s office has released a report on activities in the Iowa District Court for Page County, covering the week of November 3rd, 2025. Mr. Varley reports:

45-year-old Matthew Ross David Buckridge, of Council Bluffs, appeared in court with counsel, and denied violating the terms and conditions of probation. The Judge found Buckridge in violation of the terms of probation, which was revoked. The original sentence of 5 years of incarceration was imposed.

35-year-old Bradley Aeron Haley, also of Council Bluffs, appeared by counsel and admitted to violating the terms and conditions of probation. Haley’s probation was revoked, and the original sentence of 5 years was imposed. The sentence will run concurrently with his Cass County case and consecutively to his Harrison County case.

42-year-old Joshua Daniel MacVenn, of Braddyville, appeared pro se (representing himself), and pled guilty to Driving While Barred. He was sentenced to 2 days in jail, with credit given for time served and fined $855. MacVenn was also ordered to pay court costs and surcharges.

33-year-old Jessie Marie Patterson, of College Springs, appeared by counsel and pled guilty to Operating While Under the Influence, Second Offense. She was sentenced to 2 years of incarceration, suspended and placed on probation. As conditions of probation, Patterson was ordered to obtain a drug/alcohol evaluation, attend and successfully complete the Drinking Driver’s School, and reside at the Residential Correction Facility until maximum benefits are achieved. She was ordered to pay a fine of $855, suspended, court costs, surcharges and court-appointed attorney fees.

Separately, Patterson admitted to violating the terms and conditions of probation. Her probation was modified to require the defendant to reside at the Residential Correctional Facility until maximum benefits are achieved.

“All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”