Good morning, Council Bluffs.

Last week, Vietnam veteran John Bell lost his home in a fire amid a snowstorm in Mondamin—neighbors and local officials are working with the Red Cross and Salvation Army to help him and his dog Baby secure new housing while he stays in a motel.

Eswin Mejia, 28, who is charged with causing the fatal street racing crash in 2016 that killed Council Bluffs native Sarah Root, appeared in court Monday at 12:30 p.m. and faces charges including DUI & vehicular homicide.

Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 24-28 to help residents practice safety plans at home, work, or school.

Monday’s focus on lightning safety stressed that no outdoor area is safe during a thunderstorm—residents should head indoors immediately and wait 30 minutes after the last rumble before resuming outdoor activities.

Council Bluffs police and fire departments conducted an emergency response exercise Monday morning at Abraham Lincoln High School near Bonham Street and Bennett Avenue.

Chief Matt Davis said the drill (using volunteers to act as students and parents) showed both strengths in the plan and areas that need improvement for future emergencies.

Jam 'n' Bread - Music Gathering at Western Historic Trails Center

Local musicians gather to play various genres, including country and bluegrass, while offering free homemade bread to attendees.

Jam 'n' Bread

1-4 p.m. — Western Historic Trails Center — Free homemade bread — Local musicians gather to play country, bluegrass, and blues for a community jam session.

25 IA vs NE Battle of the Borders – AA

Tournament — Apr 5-6 — Council Bluffs Recreation Complex — Entry and gate fees apply — Compete in an exciting regional baseball showdown.

Springfest Kite Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — River’s Edge Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy giant kites, live music, and food trucks at this family-friendly kite festival.

Author Visit with Shelby Van Pelt

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Council Bluffs Public Library — Books for sale — Shelby Van Pelt discusses 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' followed by a Q&A and signing.

JD Souther Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Arts Center at Iowa Western — Tickets required — Experience the celebrated songwriter JD Souther live in concert.

Spring into Giving Scavenger Hunt

3-6 p.m. — Lake Manawa Dream Land Park — Fundraising event — Teams compete in a fun scavenger hunt to support local charities.

Denison-Schleswig vs. Lewis Central Varsity Soccer Match

7:30-9:15 p.m. — Lewis Central High School — Admission varies — Experience an exciting high school soccer conference match with local teams vying for victory.

Music BINGO Game Night

6-8 p.m. — Buffalo Wild Wings — Free to play — Enjoy a twist on bingo with music clips and fun prizes.

Millard North Boys JV Soccer Match

6:30-8:15 p.m. — Lewis Central High School — Free entry — Watch the Lewis Central varsity team challenge Skutt Catholic in a thrilling non-conference soccer match.