Graphic of gunshot detection system from shotspotter.com

Omaha-Council Bluffs is the first community in the region to begin installing a new type of technology that will pinpoint where gunshots ring out in the metro area. Omaha Police Officer Jacob Bettin says the gunfire detection system uses sensors that are being placed all over town in undisclosed locations. “The system identifies the fact that shots have been fired and then notifies law enforcement and informs them of where to go,” Bettin says. 

It can apparently differentiate between gunshots and other loud noises — from fireworks to engine backfires. Much like satellites in the GPS system triangulate a location, this system will use the same technique to let police know the exact location of gunshots. He says, “That allows us to get to the area more efficiently than waiting for the public and allows us to know with greater detail where that incident is occurring and how to safely respond.” 

Bettin says the technology is called the Shot Spotter and it’s being installed following the awarding of a 900-thousand dollar grant from the U-S Department of Justice. “Now, we’re going to have the ability to get there sooner and potentially be able to make an arrest,” he says, “regardless of if it’s a simple shots fired or destruction of property or even a homicide.”

Bettin believes they can make more arrests and help reduce gun crime by using this technology. The system, once operational, will detect where a shot is fired more quickly and accurately than someone who calls 9-1-1. The system should go online later this month. 

(Radio Iowa)

Judi Nelson (center), Registered Nurse at Cass County Memorial Hospital (CCMH), was honored as a Hospital Hero at the Iowa Hospital Association’s (IHA) annual meeting this fall. Presenting the award to Judi are Gary Riedmann, IHA Board Chair, and Pat Markham, CCMH Administrator.

A Registered Nurse at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, was recently honored by the Iowa Hospital Association as one of 10 Hospital Heroes from across the state of Iowa.  Judi Nelson was selected for her efforts in organizing the Every 15 Minutes program for students at Atlantic High School last spring. Every 15 Minutes is a two-day unique educational experience designed to teach students the dangers and consequences of driving while drinking or distracted. 

Nelson organized over 100 volunteers to provide this life-saving educational program, including CCMH staff, community and business volunteers.  After a successful first year, she’s now working to provide the program for Griswold High School in the spring of 2012, and hopes to bring it to CAM High School and back to Atlantic in the future.

Judi was nominated by her co-workers, with letters of support from Atlantic High School Principal Heather McKay and Atlantic Police Chief Steve Green.  The Hospital Heroes were recognized at a special presentation program during the IHA’s annual meeting in Des Moines.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department reports one person was arrested Tuesday on drug charges. 33-year old Nicholas Zacariah Coulter, of Ft. Dodge, was taken into custody at around 9-p.m. Tuesday following a traffic stop on Highway 71, near Hamlin. Officials say Coulter faces charges that include Possession of Methamphetamine/3^rd offense, Possession of Marijuana/3^rd offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Barred. He was being held in the Audubon County Jail, on $5,000 bond.