CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Two people are dead and two police officers have been injured in a crash in Cedar Rapids. A police news release says the officers were helping control traffic around a different crash on Interstate 380 early Saturday morning when a vehicle slammed into the back of a police car.

Police say the crash killed two people in the vehicle that hit the police car. Two officers inside the police car were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their injuries. Police have not detailed the extent of the officers’ injuries, but say the officers’ conditions are being monitored.

All southbound lanes of the interstate at the 1st Ave West exit were still blocked by mid-morning Saturday. Police have not released the names of those killed or the injured officers.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) – The Cedar Rapids Police Department is looking for a few good men and women. The department is accepting applications for officers through Jan. 12. The hiring process is an intense and competitive process that takes months to complete. A schedule of important dates for the 2016 recruitment process includes the collection of applications, a physical agility and written test on Feb. 4 and polygraph screenings and tests through mid-March.

Applications may be downloaded from the Cedar Rapids Police website at www.cedar-rapids.org/police , or application packets may be picked up from police headquarters.

National “Dining-In Day” takes place next Saturday, Dec. 3^rd. Kim Brantner, ISU Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist in family life says “It is a day to plan for and enjoy time with your family. Families are busy today. Sharing a meal gives families a chance to get caught up with each other and maybe even get to know each other better.”

Research shows that the whole family benefits from having a meal together. Benefits include better nutrition, improved family communication, and fostered family traditions. Barbara Fuller, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist in nutrition and wellness, says “Preparing and sharing a meal together also offers an opportunity to teach life skills. Families can plan a healthy meal, learn to budget and shop for the ingredients, and prepare meals together.”

To get your family started, visit your county Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office, for Healthy & Homemade calendars and cookbooks, or ask about family conversation cards. Or visit Spend Smart, Eat Smart at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings/. The website features easy to prepare and budget-friendly recipes, short videos, shopping tips, and more.

Dining In Day is an initiative of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. The goal is 200,000 families will take the pledge and eat dinner together. Take the pledge at http://www.aafcs.org/FCSday/.

Suicide is a leading cause of death for Iowa teenagers and a new study finds Internet use is among the top contributing risk factors. Dr. Benjamin Shain authored the report for the American Academy of Pediatrics and says more than five hours of daily internet use is linked with high levels of depression. He warns parents that blocking access to a teen’s online social network likely won’t help the situation.

“It interferes with having the good relationship which you need for providing support and guidance. It can have a net negative affect,” Shain says. “Whatever you gain in terms of decreasing screen time and monitoring, I think you’re losing much more in terms of being able to provide support and guidance.”

Last year in Iowa, a state report says 414 Iowans died by suicide, an increase of 22 deaths from 2014. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Iowans between the ages of 15 and 34. In addition to prolonged internet use, bullying is also consider a major risk factor in teen suicide. Shain, a child psychiatrist, says online bullying can be as serious as face-to-face bullying.

“Both bully victims and bully perpetrators are affected and the group that’s affected the most is the group who are both victims and perpetrators,” Shain says. “They had the highest increase in mental-health concerns, suicidal thoughts and behaviors and suicides.”

Shain says one of the best ways for parents to help prevent youth suicide is to talk openly and calmly with their kids. If you are considering suicide, you can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

(Radio Iowa)

Law enforcement officials in Creston and Red Oak report two, non-injury accidents took place Friday afternoon. Police in Creston say a 2016 Toyota Scion driven by 75-year old James Morris, of Creston, was traveling north on S. Elm Street in Creston at around 12:25-p.m. Friday, when he saw someone driving on the wrong side of the median that went through the railroad tracks near W. Union Street. When Morris swerved to get out of the way, his car crossed the median and struck two City of Creston-owned Street signs & poles. Damages amounted to $3,500.

And, Red Oak Police say 16-year old Andrew Shalters, of Red Oak, was cited for Failure to Yield, following an accident that happened at around 2:45-p.m., Friday, at 8th and Oakwood Avenue, in Red Oak. Damage to the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving, was estimated at $750. No additional information is currently available.