(Worldwide) — The 25th Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is set to take place from Friday, February 18 through Monday, February 21. Volunteers from around the world are invited to count the birds they see for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count, then enter their checklists at birdcount.org. Anyone with internet access can participate, no matter what their skill level—it’s a great family activity, too. Officials say a lot has changed since the first Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) was held in 1998. Each year brings unwavering enthusiasm from the growing number of participants in this now-global event. All the data contribute to a snapshot of bird distribution and help scientists see changes over the past 20 years.

Varying weather conditions so far this winter are producing a few trends that GBBC participants can watch for during the count. Jon McCracken, Bird Studies Canada’s National Program Director, reminds participants in Canada and the U.S. to keep watch for snowies. He says, “The GBBC has done a terrific job of tracking irruptions of Snowy Owls southward over the past several years. We can’t predict what winter 2020 will bring, because Snowy Owl populations are so closely tied to unpredictable ‘cycles’ of lemmings in the Arctic. These cycles occur at intervals between two and six years.  Nevertheless, there are already reports of Snowy Owls as far south as Virginia.”

Tufted Titmouse

In addition to counting birds, the GBBC photo contest has also been a hit with participants since it was introduced in 2006. Since then, tens of thousands of stunning images have been submitted. Learn more about how to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count at birdcount.org where downloadable instructions and an explanatory PowerPoint are available. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada and is made possible in part by sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited.

This is a wonderful family program for bird watchers of all ages and is free of charge. All you need is basic knowledge of bird identification! It is not required that you record every species you see, only those that can be properly identified. To participate in the bird count either call the Conservation Board at 712-769-2372 and receive everything you need in the mail (or pick up in the office), or go to the website: http://www.birdcount.org/ and follow the instructions.

Learn how to participate on-line step by step directions, at the following (AREA) locations:

• Atlantic Public Library Community Room; Friday February 18th 10 AM 3rd grade and up
• Anita Public Library; Wednesday February 16th 3:30 PM 3rd grade and up

Get ready to be involved in a great citizen science project! Organizers will show and explain how to participate in the project. They will also include some tips on identifying birds.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – You’re invited to join Cass County Conservation and Atlantic Parks and Recreation, for a FREE, “No school Winter Recreation Afternoon!” February 18th, from 2-until 4-p.m. Activities take place Sunnyside Park, near the Kiddie Korral. Cass County Conservation will have their snowshoes available for check out near Kiddie Korral shelter. The Atlantic Parks and Recreation offers an assortment of winter recreation opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Cross country skis and sleds are available to be checked out from the Parks and Rec Office at (712) 243-3542.

There are several miles of trails around the park for cross country skiing, rustic hiking trails, cleared trails along the hard surfaced road, and there are Fox and Goose trails made for all to enjoy. The Parks and Rec Department is currently hosting a Snow Sculpture Contest with plenty of space for people and snow for everyone to take advantage of. Hot Chocolate will be available!

Be sure and dress for the weather. The event WILL be CANCELLED IF there is no snow.

(Radio Iowa) – Lawmakers working for the past few years on legislation to protect mobile home residents from being priced off the properties have reached a bipartisan compromise. Republican Representative Brian Lohse, of Bondurant, had hoped to do more, but he says the bill’s latest version has the support of mobile home park owners and is likely to pass the House.

“I believe it’s a meaningful bill,” Lohse says. “I believe it has some very good provisions for the tenants and, you know, in the long run maybe we can do other things as issues pop up.” The bill would require notices of rent and utility increases be provided sooner and it would offer some protections from retaliation by mobile home park owners. It would not limit rent hikes. Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls, of Coralville, began working on the issue in 2019 after learning of sizable rent increases at mobile home parks in his area.

“There have been a host of people involved in this conversation. I would say that there are several good things in this piece of legislation that I’m happy to see. There are also a lot of good things that are not in this legislation,” Wahls says. “Of course, that is the nature of compromise…and I do expect that I will likely wind up voting for it.” Wahls made his comments during taping of “Iowa Press” that airs tonight (Friday) on Iowa P-B-S.

Democratic Representative Lindsay James is from Dubuque, where residents of the Table Mound Mobile Home Park say they’ve faced skyrocketing fees after a Colorado company bought the property four years ago. “The challenge of these out-of-state corporations exploiting our residents here in Iowa is significant,” James says. “This bill is not going to be the end-all solution for this. I think it’s one step forward in making sure that these residents have protections.”

The bipartisan bill cleared a House panel this week. There are at least 549 mobile home parks in Iowa and a Legislative Services Agency report found nearly half are owned by out-of-state companies.

(Reporting by Iowa Public Radio’s Katarina Sostaric and Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Supreme Court says defendants do not have to be present in some misdemeanor trials if the person is intentionally trying to delay justice. The case involved Randall Hurlburt of Le Mars man who was convicted after being charged with driving while intoxicated. Hurlbut asked for a new lawyer three times and showed up to some hearings — but didn’t show up for his trial in February 2020 — telling his lawyer he couldn’t get a ride.

The Supreme Court ruling says a misdemeanor defendant who knows his trial date yet deliberately chooses without good cause, to remain absent from his trial cannot then cry foul when the court follows through with the trial. It says the defendant has rights — but the state possesses a compelling interest in the orderly disposition of justice

(Atlantic, Iowa) – During the FFA Sub-District Career Development events on Wednesday, February 9th, 23 members of the Atlantic FFA chapter competed, with seven advancing to District FFA Convention. FFA member Lola Comes competed in FFA Creed placing 1st earning a Gold and advancing to Districts.

FFA Creed: Lola Comes

Dylan Comes competed in the Extemporaneous Speaking category placing 1st earning a Silver and advancing to Districts.

Dylan Comes – Extemporaneous Speaking

Cooper Jipsen competed in the Ag Welding contest placing 1st earning a gold and advancing to Districts.

Cooper Jipsen – Ag Welding

Lola Comes said, “I’m happy that I tried something so far out of my comfort zone. It took hours of practicing, but I really loved this competition. I am definitely looking forward to Districts!”

DJ Shepperd: Ag Sales

Brett Dreager – Torch Welding

DJ Shepperd competed in Ag Sales earning a Gold placing 2nd and advancing to Districts.

Jackson McLaren: Ag Broadcasting

Jackson McLaren competed in the Ag Broadcasting CDE placing 2nd earning a Gold and advancing to Districts. Brett Dreager competed in the Torch Welding contest placing 3rd earning a Silver and advancing to Districts. Dan Freund competed in the Public Speaking contest placing 3rd earning a Silver and advancing to Districts. DJ Shepperd said, “I had a lot of fun and it was a good way to prepare for Districts in a few weeks.

Dan Freund: Public Speaking

The Chapter Program team of Aspen Niklasen, Claire Pellett and Malena Woodward placed 4th earning a Silver and will be the alternate to Districts. Wyatt Redinbaugh competed in the Job interview earning Silver placing 5th.

In the Farm Business Management Test Atlantic FFA had 7 members compete, Wyatt Redinbaugh placed 2nd, DJ Shepperd 3rd, Aspen Niklasen placed 11th, Dan Freund placed 12th, Dylan Comes placed 13th, Logan Eilts placed 17th and Malena Woodward placed 18th out of 40 individuals taking the test.

In the FFA Freshman Greenhand Quiz, Atlantic FFA had 5 members participate. McKenna Sonntag placed 14th, Lola Comes placed 23rd, Danielle Bennett placed 50th, Mia Kloewer placed 81st and Mackanize Brown placed 100th. Approximately 120 FFA members from Southwest Iowa took the Greenhand Quiz this year.

FFA advisor Eric Miller commented, “I was proud of all the hard work members put into preparing for their event.”

(Story by Atlantic FFA Reporter Aspen Niklasen; Photos Courtesy Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller)

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – Authorities in Iowa report 46-year-old Chad Michael Schaefer, of Omaha, was sentenced December 8, 2021 in Council Bluffs U-S District Court, to 57 months in prison for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm. His term of imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release. According to court documents, Schaefer pleaded guilty to the charge on September 2, 2021.

On October 9, 2020, a police officer reported his vehicle was burglarized and a Smith and Wesson rifle was stolen. A neighbor also reported his vehicle was burglarized and a wallet was taken. A credit card from the stolen wallet was used in the early morning hours shortly after the burglary in Omaha. Detectives obtained surveillance footage from the stores where the stolen credit card was used and were able to identify Schaefer as the suspect.

Schaefer also had messages on his cellular phone linking him to the stolen rifle. At the time of the offense, Schaefer was a
convicted felon and drug user.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and Council Bluffs Police Department investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – A Council Bluffs man, 43-year-old Mitchell Wayne Bochnicek, was sentenced December 8th in Council Bluffs U-S District Court, to serve 120 months in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. His term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Bochnicek pleaded guilty to the offense on September 2, 2021.

On January 21, 2021, Bochnicek was stopped by law enforcement regarding his vehicle bearing an incorrect registration plate. After attempting to identify Bochnicek, the officer performed a pat down and located a scale in his pocket. The officer then located methamphetamine, baggies, a scale, a loaded firearm, and $1,392 inside the vehicle. Bochnicek admitted the methamphetamine and the paraphernalia belonged to him.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department and the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa said today (Friday), 24-year-old Diamond Marie Logan, of Council Bluffs, was sentenced on February 8th to 120 months in prison for Transportation of a Minor. Logan’s term of imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Logan pleaded guilty to the charge on September 7, 2021. Her sentence was handed down in Council Bluffs U-S District Court.

On November 18, 2020, two teenage girls ran away from a residential group home located in Omaha. They first went to a home in Omaha but were later picked up by Logan who then drove the girls to her house in Council Bluffs. On December 2, 2020, the FBI located one of the teenagers in Omaha who then assisted in locating the second teenager. The two girls disclosed that Logan posted them on an online website for purposes of prostitution.

The FBI searched through the online website and found that between October and December 2020, Logan posted numerous ads for prostituting the girls. Logan arranged prostitution at her home in Council Bluffs and also drove one of the girls from Council Bluffs to Omaha for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.

United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Council Bluffs Police Department, Omaha Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Iowa.

Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Judicial Branch today (Friday), announced it is ending the requirement masks be worn during court cases, beginning on Monday. The rule was put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the surges from the delta and omicron variants.

Judges will still be able to require face coverings as they see necessary. The Iowa Supreme Court said in a News release,  “The current general mask requirement, a temporary measure reinstituted principally to address the rise of infectious COVID-19 variants, may again be discontinued, with judges retaining discretion to address COVID-related safety measures in proceedings as necessary on a case-by-case basis.”

WINTERSET, Iowa – Feb. 11, 2022 – The intersection of U.S.169 and 8th Avenue in Winterset, in Madison County, will be converted from a two-way stop to an all-way stop intersection beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 23, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s District 4 Office.

The Iowa DOT will use digital message signs along the roadway beginning on Friday, Feb. 11, to provide motorists advanced notice of the pending change to the intersection. Other additions to the intersection will include stop ahead signs, all-way stop plaques, and temporary red flags. Additional pavement markings will be added in the spring, weather permitting.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through the 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot.gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.