Nearly 12 percent of new vehicles sold last year were “connected” — meaning they were equipped with devices that collect data and transmit it to the dealer or some other private company. Some even pinpoint slick spots on roads, but Iowa Department of Transportation director Paul Trombino says government agencies like his don’t have access to that information. “They’re the ones collecting the data,” Trombino says. “It’s not coming to us and I think there’s a big question on what happens to the data.”

Privacy advocates say government shouldn’t have access to that kind of data. Nearly all new vehicles have the equivalent of a “black box” to record speed and braking at the time of an accident and U.S. courts are starting to decide vehicle crash cases in which that “black box” evidence is being used. Automakers are even marketing cars that use computerized equipment to avoid accidents. The Iowa D-O-T’s director says if governments ultimately have access to vehicle data, he’s most interested in getting that information to other drivers, so they can avoid crash sites, traffic back-ups and bad road conditions.

“We want to make sure that we’re prepared to get the best advantage for the citizens of the state. And so, what are the things we need to do?” Trombino says. “That’s sort of what’s being debated right now.” Iowa and other states are already using a service called INRIX right now to process data from traffic management centers which collects information from roadway sensors, traffic cameras and accident reports.

(Radio Iowa)

CLARION, Iowa (AP) – Jury selection is scheduled to begin today (Tuesday) for a 33-year-old man charged with killing a Rockwell City police officer. Corey Trott is charged with first-degree murder in the slaying on Sept. 13 of Jamie Buenting. Prosecutors say Trott shot Buenting during a standoff at Trott’s house. Officers were trying to arrest Trott after an assault on his mother.

The trial was moved to Wright County at the request of defense attorneys. In June Rockwell City dedicated a park to Buenting.

Kraft Foods Group is voluntarily recalling 7,691 cases of select varieties of regular Kraft American Singles Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product. A supplier did not store an ingredient used in this product in accordance with Kraft’s temperature standards. While unlikely, this could create conditions that could lead to premature spoilage and/or food borne illness; therefore, the company is issuing the recall as a precaution. Kraft has had no consumer illness complaints for this product associated with this recall. The affected product is limited to four varieties with “Best When Used By” dates of February 20, 2015, and February 21, 2015.

The affected product was shipped to customers across the United States. It was not distributed outside of the United States.

The following varieties are being recalled:

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A monthly economic survey index for nine Midwestern and Plains states rose slightly in August, suggesting growth is ahead. A survey report issued Tuesday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index inched up to 57.2 last month from 57.0 in July. The index had reached a three-year high of 60.6 in June.

Looking six months ahead, the business confidence portion of the overall index climbed to 60.4 from 60.0 in July. It had hit 63.6 in June. The survey results from supply managers are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers at Creighton University say any score above 50 suggests economic growth, while a score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Police in Red Oak report 51-year old Fred Carl Flick, of Red Oak, was arrested early this (Tuesday) morning, for allegedly Supplying Alcohol to a Minor. Flick was taken into custody at around 12:30-a.m. His bond was set at $1,000.  And an 18-year old from Red Oak was cited late Monday night for being a Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Jazmyne Labri George was cited at around 11:30-p.m. and released on a $330 citation.

Red Oak Police report also the arrest Monday night of 18-year old Zachary Aaron Thomas, of Red Oak. He was taken into custody in the 1900 block of east Summit Street at around 11:40-p.m., for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Thomas was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 cash bond.

And a little after 9-p.m., Monday, Red Oak Police arrested 25-year old Patrick James Covey, of Red Oak, on a charge of OWI/1st offense. Covey was also cited for Careless Driving. He was brought to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $1,000 cash bond.

An Atlantic woman charged late last month with two counts of Child Endangerment causing Bodily Injury and 10 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug, is scheduled to appear in court this afternoon for her preliminary hearing. 30-year old Leatha Slausen admitted to injecting her five-year-old daughter Riley with a drug that can cause pain in the body, and treating her with cannabis oil as part of a scheme to raise money for the girl’s cancer treatments. An investigation revealed the girl had no known cancer or other form of terminal illness.

Leatha Slauson’s hearing is set to take place at 2-p.m. in Cass County District Court. She remains in the Cass County Jail on $35,000 cash only bond.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

HAMBURG, Iowa (AP) – Two women responsible for the care of a woman with a seizure disorder who was immobile and unable to speak have been charged with dependent adult abuse. The Omaha World-Herald reports 51-year old Lisa Kay Moody died on Nov. 16th from pneumonia. Fremont County Attorney James Burger says Moody had serious bedsores that reflected inadequate care.

Burger says he has charged 72-year old JoAnn Clark, a home care provider, and 54-year-old Tamara O’Neil, a nurse advising Clark on Moody’s care. Clark’s trial is scheduled for late this month and O’Neil’s is in October. Both say they’re not guilty.

Clark’s attorney, Corey Becker of Sidney, says his client cared very much for Moody after caring for her for years and she will be exonerated. O’Neil’s attorney declined to comment.