The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) is in the process of moving the state’s 9-1-1 system for cellphones to the next level. Spokesman John Benson, says it’s what they call “next generation” technology. He says the system is a dedicated I-P network that will deliver 9-1-1 calls and moves ahead from what he says is a system that was first developed in the 1960’s. Benson says the new system will allow cellphone users to take advantage of all the features on their phone.

Benson says it gives the ability to text for help from 9-1-1, or send video or other information from handheld devices that can then be sent to first responders. Benson says texting might be the best option in some cases where heavy cell use by regular calls makes it tough to get through.

He says texting is sent in short bursts, and sometimes when someone can’t use a voice line, they can send a text, as it goes down another pathway. Benson says the texting has been tested for 9-1-1 calls in Black Hawk County and they are in the process of upgrading it for use statewide.

Benson says the project will cost about two-point-seven million dollars, which about half coming from a federal grant and the rest from the 9-1-1 surcharge on phones. Benson says it will take about 18 months to get the system built and then running. Iowa is one of 30 states that received federal funding to work on the upgrade.

(Radio Iowa)

One person was killed during a crash between a semi and a pickup truck this (Monday) morning, in Carroll County. The Iowa State Patrol says 80-year old Stanley Ewoldt, of Manning, died when his pickup crossed the center line of Highway 141 and collided head-on with a semi owned by Campbell Trucking, in Guthrie Center, and driven by 63-year old David Webber, of Guthrie Center.

Officials say Webber was traveling west on Highway 141 in a 1997 International tractor-trailer, while Ewoldt was traveling east, when the crash happened southwest of Templeton, at around 8:10-a.m.  Following the impact, both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch.

Ewoldt died at the scene. Officials say he was wearing a seatbelt.  Webber was not injured. The accident remains under investigation, by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa State Patrol.

ATLANTIC, Iowa (AP) — Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty are trying to use the downgrade of the nation’s credit rating to their political advantage ahead of this weekend’s Iowa straw poll.

It’s a high-stakes event for both. Bachmann hopes to keep her momentum going with a strong showing while a struggling Pawlenty is looking for a much-needed boost.

Both were packing their campaign schedules ahead of Saturday’s test vote.

In Atlantic, Iowa, Bachmann blamed President Barack Obama’s spending policies for the rating downgrade. The Minnesota congresswoman voted against raising the debt ceiling.

Pawlenty, a former Minnesota governor, echoed that theme while in Ames. He says the decision by the rating agency makes it clear that the federal government is out of control and needs to be cut back.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators from states lining the Missouri River are asking the Army Corps of Engineers to outline plans for next year’s flood preparations. The senators say in a letter sent to top Corps officials on Monday that the agency must learn from this year’s devastating flood season and apply those lessons to next year’s plan. The delegation is also asking what authority the Corps has to make changes to its annual operating plan for the river, and whether any additional authority will be needed. The Corps has come under heavy criticism for its management of the Missouri River, which compromised levees in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri after heavy spring rains and late snow melt.

For the last year, Cass County Home Care and Atlantic community members have been working diligently to collect valuable data to address safety concerns in Atlantic through a project called I-WALK, an Iowa Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.  In late August, a summary of the data will be provided to the community.

The one-hour presentation will address barriers and opportunities identified as well as recommendations for our community to become a safer place for people of all ages.   The presentation is brought to you by Cass County Home Care and conducted by representatives of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa State University Extension.

The presentation is open to the general public and will be held on Friday, August 26, at 12:00 pm at Cass County Home Care, 1500 E 10^th St, Atlantic.  Attendees should RSVP to Denise Coder, 712-243-7475 or coderda@ihs.org.

Two men were arrested Sunday, in Atlantic. According to Atlantic police, 30-year old Aaron Latus, of Atlantic, was taken into custody on a Fremont County warrant for Serious Injury by Vehicle.

And, 52-year old Carlton Owens, of Minden, was arrested Sunday for shoplifting, or, theft in the 5^th degree, and, carrying a weapon.

Both men were booked into the Cass County Jail.