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/.