IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Flood Center has doubled the number of its flood sensors across the state.  Center engineer Dan Ceynar says the online database fed by the 100 sensors provides real-time monitoring of water levels in Iowa’s rivers and streams.  Using an internal cell modem, the sensors update the database every 15 minutes. The sensors use sonar to determine how fast water levels are rising. Ceynar says the sensors don’t compete with the U.S. Geological Survey’s 170 gauges that provide a similar service across Iowa.
 
Lori McDaniel is Iowa Department of Natural Resources supervisor of flood plain management and dam safety. McDaniel says there is a potential for a mixture of the two sensor arrays.

Police in Red Oak say two people were arrested early Sunday afternoon on drug and other charges, following an investigation into a domestic incident. Officials say 33-year-old Johnathon Wade Ray, of Red Oak, was arrested on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance 3rd offense, and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. And, 35-year-old Mandy Jo Perry, of Red Oak, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failing to pay child support. The arrests occurred after Red Oak police officers were sent to an apartment complex following a call about a woman being threatened with a pistol. When officers arrived, they found Ray and Perry allegedly arguing. Upon further investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant to search their apartment. 

During the search, officers discovered numerous items of drug paraphernalia, items suspected in the manufacturing of controlled substances, approximately 10 grams of suspected marijuana, several types of prescription pills not legally possessed, and around $2,800 in cash, but no weapons were found. Ray was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $50,000 bond. Perry was also being held in the Red Oak Jail, awaiting transport to Audubon County. The investigation continues, with additional charges pending. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office assisted Red Oak Police in making the arrests.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Tuesday), for a Harlan woman who died in a crash Friday afternoon on Interstate 80, in Pottawattamie County. The Iowa State Patrol says 22-year old Nicollette “Nikki” Johnston died when her car crossed the median near Avoca, and was struck broadside by a semi.

The accident happened about two-miles west of the Avoca exit, at around 1-p.m., Friday. Officials says Johnston’s 2006 Saturn was traveling west on I-80, when, for reasons unknown, the car went out of control, entered the median, spun counterclockwise and came to rest on the eastbound lanes of I-80, where it was struck broadside by a semi. The truck impacted the car on the driver’s side, causing it to enter the median, where it came to rest.

The semi, driven 45-year old Bret Roberts, of Estherville, crossed the median and came to rest on the westbound lanes of I-80. The accident, which remains under investigation, closed the interstate in both directions, for nearly 4 hours. A Mass of Christian Burial service for Nikki Johnston will be held 11-a.m. Tuesday, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, in Harlan.