DES MOINES – The former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent made his initial appearance before a United States Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa on a criminal complaint charging him with being an illegal alien in possession of firearms. According to allegations in the criminal complaint, 54-year-old Ian Roberts is accused of possessing four firearms on September 26th during an arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Roberts will remain detained in federal custody pending further proceedings.

DES MOINES— Governor Kim Reynolds authorized a disaster proclamation for Calhoun County, Iowa effective immediately through November 1. The USDA has confirmed a positive case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a commercial turkey flock. This proclamation allows state resources from Iowa Homeland Security, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and other agencies to assist with tracking and monitoring, rapid detection, containment, disposal, and disinfection.

IOWA – Unseasonably warm weather with dry conditions and gusty winds will lead to increased fire danger, especially in cropland on Saturday. The National Weather Service warns that fires can spread rapidly once started. Burning is discouraged and extra caution should be taken when using farming and outdoor equipment. Temperatures will be near-record highs in northern Iowa on Saturday. Temperatures will approach 90 in the northwest and be in the upper 80s elsewhere.