It’s a little early in the year to swim in the state’s lakes, but some hardy folks in Ames will take the plunge today (Saturday) to raise money for the Iowa Special Olympics. Special Olympics spokesman David Orth says it’s their eighth annual “Polar Plunge” into Lake Luverne on the Iowa State University campus. Last year he says they had about 360 plungers and they hope to have a at least that many or a few more. While you never know what type of weather you get in Iowa in April, Orth says it’ll likely be warm before people hit the water. He says they’re jokingly calling it the “solar plunge” since the forecast calls for 70-degree weather, but he says the water will still be cold enough. Orth says the event raised nearly 20-thousand dollars last year. He says it’s a fun event and people dress up in costumes and make it a great fundraiser for Special Olympics Iowa. Orth says it’s not too late if you want join others in taking the plunge. He says they’re registering people beginning at four o’clock, with the actual plunge at five o’clock today. Orth says there’s a minimum donation of 50 bucks to take the plunge, or you can pledge support for another plunger by calling 515-966-5520. Lake Luverne is located just west of the Memorial Union on the I-S-U campus.