(Updated 11:55-a.m.)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gun owners will soon be able to keep firearms at their side while visiting the Iowa Capitol under a bill awaiting Gov. Terry Branstad’s signature. The upcoming change has raised questions for security staff about how they would deal with armed visitors.

Branstad has announced he will sign the bill Thursday. The measure would enable about 275,000 residents with weapons permits to carry concealed handguns in the Capitol. People from other states who have weapon permits also could carry firearms in the building.

The legislation also includes a provision establishing “stand-your-ground” protections for gun owners and would allow people to sue local governments for establishing gun-free zones. The Capitol provision will require building security to quickly resolve staffing and training issues before the law takes effect July 1. It mirrors similar legislation around the U.S.

The Glenwood Police Department is once again asking for the public’s help in locating a stolen vehicle. Authorities says a black 2005 Ford Explorer with Iowa license plate EMW 710 was reported stolen from Glenwood. The vehicle has a red “RTR” decal on the back window and a “Lularoe” sticker on the right side of back window.

On Tuesday, Glenwood Police said a lavender colored 1996 Toyota Camry had been reported stolen from Glenwood. The vehicle had Iowa license plate DZX 531.  Anyone with information on the location of either vehicle, should contact the Glenwood Police Dept. at 712-527-4844,

A survey of drivers about things that distract them finds some alarming trends continuing to worsen. Holly Anderson, spokeswoman for State Farm, Iowa’s largest auto insurer, points to growing dangers behind the wheel as cell phones take our eyes, hands and minds off of driving. “The two things that stood out this year are that more people are taking photos with their phones and also they’re taking video while they’re driving,” Anderson says. “So those are two major concerns.”

Nearly all drivers, 91-percent, report owning a smartphone and half say they use them while driving. She says motorists need to use the “two and two” rule, two hands on the wheel, two eyes on the road. “We don’t want people to be using their handheld phones while they’re driving,” Anderson says. “Fifty percent of the 1,000 people we surveyed say they are still doing that. People are also still texting while driving. Texting while driving is actually taking your eyes off the road so that also continues to be a concern.”

Using a hands-free device is equally as distracting as a handheld phone, she says, as it takes your mind away from focusing on driving. This is the 8th year for the survey and Anderson says another clear trend is that parents have a significant influence over their kids, noting, kids will pick up their parents’ driving habits, good or bad. “We know that kids are watching what their parents are doing so if you are a parent, it’s really important that you’re setting those habits now,” Anderson says. “If you’re putting your phone down, we know that your 16-year-old is likely not to text and drive.”

The survey of drivers found: 50% talk on a hand-held phone, 35% text while driving, 29% access the internet while driving, 26% read email behind the wheel, 21% respond to email, 22% access social networks, 23% take pictures, 14% record video, 93% talk to passengers, 23% attend to children and 21% attend to pets in the car. Survey respondents reported using smartphones while driving despite finding them distracting and despite thinking the behavior increases the likelihood of a crash.

(Radio Iowa)

The Union County Sheriff’s Office says officials with Iowa Select Farms at 1152 220th Street,  reported Tuesday morning that sometime over the weekend, someone got into their building and took items valued at $1,400 altogether. The missing property includes a bolt gun, assorted tools and office supplies.

Two Glenwood men were arrested on separate charges, Tuesday. Glenwood Police say 27-year old Thomas Cash was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, and 18-year old Dakota Grund was taken into custody for Theft in the 4th degree. Their bonds were set at $300 and $1,000 respectively.