The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports they will be releasing swans at four locations in southern Iowa in May, as part of its statewide trumpeter swan restoration effort. Swans will be released on May 6 at Pin Oak Marsh at 1:30 p.m.; on May 11 at Viking Lake State Park near the restaurant beach area at 1:30 p.m.; on May 12 at Lake Icaria Recreation Area on the north side of lake at the east boat ramp at 9:30 a.m.; and on May 12 at Lake Anita State Park, at 1:30 p.m. Each location will receive two swans except Lake Icaria, which will receive four swans.

Directions to each release site are available on the calendar of events listing on the Iowa DNR’s website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation.

Filmmaker Steve Harryman plans to collect video footage and conduct interviews at Viking Lake State Park, Lake Icaria, Lake Anita State Park and at a restored wetland with nesting swans, for his upcoming documentary “Return of the Trumpeter Swans.” Harryman is working in conjunction with the Trumpeter Swan Society.

Each release will feature a program on trumpeter swans and an opportunity for attendees to see, touch and get photos with the largest waterfowl in North America. The all-white birds can weigh up to 32 pounds and have a wingspan reaching up to eight feet.

Trumpeter swans were once common in Iowa, but were gone from the state by the late 1880s. By the early 1930s, only 69 trumpeter swans remained in the lower 48 states.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A California-based developer has defaulted on a $6 million bond agreement, raising questions about the future of a 12-story art deco structure built in 1933 that has fallen into disrepair in Sioux City. The Sioux City Journal reports that Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust filed for foreclosure on the building earlier this month, saying Mako One Corp., its managing partner Bruce DeBolt and two other limited liability companies owe more than $4.4 million in principal, interest and advances.

Officials with the bank say the default puts the issuance of state and federal tax credits in jeopardy, leaving it at risk of losing “a significant portion” of collateral. The bank has asked a judge to appoint a receiver to take over the property.

An Iowan who gained fame as “The Bachelor” and a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” has been arrested in connection with a deadly traffic accident in Buchanan County. According to sources, Chris Soules, who starred in a past season of the television series “The Bachelor”, was the driver of a pickup that rear-ended a farm tractor on County Road W-45, north of Aurora, at about 8:30pm Monday. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch.

The driver of the tractor, whose name has not been released, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, but died from the injuries. Soules allegedly fled the scene of the crash, but was later arrested.

After receiving medical treatment, Soules was taken into custody by the Buchanan County Sheriff on a charge of leaving the scene of a deadly accident. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the fatality.

(Radio Iowa)

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A Nebraska man has been given two years of probation for stealing prescription painkillers while working at a pharmacy in Council Bluffs. Court records show 24-year-old Justin Gardner, of Omaha, pleaded guilty Monday to possession for sale. Prosecutors dropped two other counts in exchange. Gardner was granted a deferred judgment. Under a deferred judgment, the conviction will be removed from Gardner’s record if he successfully completes the terms of his probation.

Gardner also is awaiting trial in Council Bluffs on a charge of sexual abuse. Prosecutors say a woman reported that she had been drinking the night of Feb. 25 and woke up at a friend’s apartment as Gardner sexually assaulted her. She told police he didn’t stop when she told him to. He told investigators the sex was consensual.

Atlantic 3rd Ward Councilperson Ashley Hayes said today (Tuesday), she has accepted a position as Programs Director for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. In the announcement she made on her Facebook page Hayes said she is “Very excited for this opportunity & to serve the Atlantic community in this way!”

The Program Director’s position was previously held by Bailey Smith, who was hired earlier this month as Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce following the departure in February, of former Director Ouida Hargens.

The name of the teenager is being released who died in a weekend all-terrain vehicle accident near Forest City. Family members are on record as having identified the victim as Colby Schleuger. The Iowa State Patrol says an ATV being operated by the teen went into a ditch on a gravel road west of Forest City about 6 o’clock Sunday evening. Schleuger was a freshman at Forest City High School.

It’s the second fatal incident in just over two weeks in Winnebago County involving a child on such a vehicle. 11-year-old Carter Trunkhill of Woden was killed in a Utility Task Vehicle rollover west of Forest City and north of Crystal Lake on April 8th.

(Radio Iowa)

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The Creston Police Department reports 37-year old Juliann Edsall, of Creston, was arrested Monday evening on a Union County warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card (with the charges amounting to less than $1,000). Edsall was transported to the Ringgold County Jail and later released on $2,000 bond.

And, a Creston woman reported to Police Monday night, that sometime between 10-a.m. Monday and 2-p.m., someone kicked-in the garage door at her residence, causing about $50 damage. The incident remains under investigation.

The area’s top news at 7:06-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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MARION, Iowa (AP) – A July trial has been scheduled for an Iowa kindergarten teacher who prosecutors say didn’t report that a 15-year-old volunteer sexually abused her students. Court records say 59-year-old Diane Graham has pleaded not guilty to failure to report child abuse. Her trial is set to begin July 31.

Court records say Graham was a teacher at Starry Elementary in Marion when two students told her in August that they were being abused by the volunteer. Prosecutors say Graham did not report the abuse, allowing it to continue for two more months.

The student volunteer was convicted as a juvenile last month of fondling three kindergarteners. His legal fate will be decided at a disposition hearing scheduled for Friday.