Good morning, Council Bluffs.

Council Bluffs' 10th annual Winterfest at Bayliss Park took place Friday at 6 p.m.—the event featured festive characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Santa, and the Grinch while introducing a new Maker's Market with 20 local vendors.

City partners including the Public Library, Chamber of Commerce, and Salvation Army helped make the free event a cherished family tradition over the past ten years.

Local author Adam Gochenour published his debut novel that highlights Southwest Iowa spots and said the writing process consumed seven months of his life—he felt drained yet chose to persist.

The new release marks a milestone for his creative work in the region.

Council Bluffs pest control operators will attend a continuing instruction course on December 10 covering pesticide use & the environment, pesticide formulations and labels, and pest management topics.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital partnered with Iowa Western Community College to offer English classes for its workers.

The program aims to boost communication skills (a key part of their job) and will start soon.

Yesterday, Pottawattamie County Public Health hosted the first annual 'Smoke Meats, Not Butts' event at the Health Services Building on 5th Avenue in Council Bluffs to honor the Great American Smokeout and promote quitting tobacco use.

Local vendors and community partners, including the mayor and city officials, joined a smoked meat competition won by Boxer Barbeque — while outreach teams visited schools to share tobacco cessation resources.

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported the first influenza death this season—an older adult from southwest Iowa—and noted that hospital admissions remain low.

The department urged residents to stay home when sick and to talk with their healthcare provider about getting a flu vaccine.

Connections Area Agency on Aging Announces “Steak Your Claim” Raffle

Connections Area Agency on Aging is excited to announce the launch of its Steak Your Claim Raffle, offering the chance to win ¼ of locally sourced beef—complete with processing at a local meat locker—valued at over $1,500. This opportunity is made possible thanks to the generosity of several community donors.

Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker

2-3:30 p.m. — Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center — Family-friendly event — Experience a dazzling performance of the holiday classic tailored for sensory sensitivities.

Breakfast With Santa

9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. — Historic General Dodge House Museum — $15 per person — Enjoy breakfast with Santa and crafts in a festive holiday setting.

Christmas MLS Breakfast and Auction

9-11 a.m. — Grand Venue — Free entry with donation — Enjoy breakfast and support local towns in need through holiday auction baskets.

BEAST EAGLE Album Release Party

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Whiskey Roadhouse — Free entry — Celebrate the release of BEAST EAGLE's new album with a night of killer tunes and good vibes.

Christmas By Candlelight

6-10 p.m. — Historic General Dodge House Museum — $20 Pre-registered, $25 Walk-Ins — Experience the magic of the 1800s with candlelight tours and festive refreshments.

Adult Board Game Night

6:00 – 8:45 p.m. — Council Bluffs Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of classic and new board games in a welcoming community setting.