Often when Christmas lights are put up, trees are decorated, and boxes are filled with presents, people trade their health for a season of sitting on the couch. New Years resolutions are less than a month away, however many people fail to follow through, leaving them with extra weight and health issues than planned.

The State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has compiled a list of tips and tricks to help the people of Iowa stay active even with a snow blanket outside. While it may be difficult to want to go outside with the cold, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes. Make sure you are properly bundled up while you partake in fun winter activities, such as going for a nature walk, building a snow fort, or perhaps participating in an outdoor scavenger hunt.

If you are stuck inside, stay off of screens and get active instead. Family puzzles are a great way to bond, host a board game tournament, or try camping in the living room by building a tent.

Regular activity shouldn’t stop just because it is cold. There are many gyms that are open long hours during the day, allowing even those with crazy work schedules to attend. Running on a treadmill is a great substitute for running outside. If running isn’t your thing, try riding on a stationary bike at the gym. It is uber important to stay active during the winter. Exercise increases aerobic fitness, strengthens muscles and bones, helps build immunity, makes weight control easier, and can even improve sleep.

Concerned residents observing an unknown man on their back porch called the West Burlington Police Department around 11:40am on Saturday. Officers were dispatched to the 400 block Ramsey Street and located a subject at the intersection of Huston and Ramsey.

Officers asked a male what his name was, and he proceeded to tell officers a false name. The male, later identified as Elbert Oneal, took off and fled from officers for approximately five blocks.

Officers lost sight of Oneal in the 400 blk of Neva Pl. A short time later a resident on Ruthella St advised they had observed a male running into their shed.

The officers used every resource at their disposal, as K9 Maverick was deployed and Oneal was soon located inside. Officers of the Burlington Police Department and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office were able to detain Oneal without incident.

As well as having six warrants for his arrest, Elbert Oneal is charged with Interference with Official Acts and Providing False Identification Information.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Burlington Notre Dame students were released early on Monday after a Carbon Dioxide leak in the school. Today, Tuesday December 5^th, class has been canceled as the school is experiencing a leak. The heating system has to be turned off to ensure safety, therefore the facilities are unable to maintain a suitable temperature for students and staff. There will be no daycare services today either.

The basketball game between Central Lee and Burlington Notre Dame has been changed to being played in Central Lee. There is no change of time for the game, however.

The BNSF Railway has announced a toll increase for 2024 regarding the Fort Madison Bridge. Beginning January 1^st, 2024, residents using the bridge, which connects Illinois and Iowa, will now pay $3. A second increase will occur in January 2025, of $4 per car.

These tolls are used exclusively for maintenance and operation of the auto portion. However, the last increase of the current rate, $2, was set all the way back in 2012. BNSF Railway believes the maintenance and operating costs of the auto portion far exceed the tolls currently collected.

Motorcycle drivers will pay $1.50 for this coming year, and $2 in 2025.

Two Rivers Bank and Trust customers might find themselves in the middle of a scam. Fraudulent texts have been sent out stating the Two Rivers is reaching out about an $840 charge from C&T, asking the customer to click on a link.

If you receive this text, do not click on anything. This message is not from Two Rivers Bank and Trust. If you have any questions, please call their customer support center at 888 226 6063.