The FCCLA chapter at the Pleasant Hill High School hosted the Region 12 officer screening last week. Pleasant Hill student Haley Cash (left) was elected FCCLA's Region 12 parliamentarian and Elisabeth Mansfield was elected FCCLA's Region 12 reporter for 2012-2013.

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Nineteen students at the Pleasant Hill High School and two teachers took the Polar Bear Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Longview Lake. The group raised over $3,313 for Special Olympics.Plungers included Mallory Purnell, Brittany Hastings, Tiffany Zinn, Allison Josselet, Samantha Cobb, Ashten Link, Erica Loney, Cole Eason, Braxton Williams, Susanna Goodell-Fields, Holly Martin, Jordan Wileman, Brittany Couch, Aubrey Purnell, Sara Baker, Tyler O'Brien, Dylan Ryerson, Jake Wingard and Student Council advisors Carrie Ryerson and Chris Purnell.

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The number of migrating bald eagles at Smithville Lake is low so far this winter, but snowy owls drew wildlife watchers including this viewing area where one of the large, white owls was spotted resting on the dam. Snowy owl watchers at Smithville Lake (in the foreground) included from Abby Lohman and Hailey Mueller of Smithville, Ellie Ford and Georgia Herod of Liberty and Pam Morlan of Smithville. (Photos for the Times by Bill Graham)