ATLANTIC, Iowa (AP) — Republican presidential hopefuls Michele Bachmann and Tim Pawlenty are trying to use the downgrade of the nation’s credit rating to their political advantage ahead of this weekend’s Iowa straw poll.

It’s a high-stakes event for both. Bachmann hopes to keep her momentum going with a strong showing while a struggling Pawlenty is looking for a much-needed boost.

Both were packing their campaign schedules ahead of Saturday’s test vote.

In Atlantic, Iowa, Bachmann blamed President Barack Obama’s spending policies for the rating downgrade. The Minnesota congresswoman voted against raising the debt ceiling.

Pawlenty, a former Minnesota governor, echoed that theme while in Ames. He says the decision by the rating agency makes it clear that the federal government is out of control and needs to be cut back.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators from states lining the Missouri River are asking the Army Corps of Engineers to outline plans for next year’s flood preparations. The senators say in a letter sent to top Corps officials on Monday that the agency must learn from this year’s devastating flood season and apply those lessons to next year’s plan. The delegation is also asking what authority the Corps has to make changes to its annual operating plan for the river, and whether any additional authority will be needed. The Corps has come under heavy criticism for its management of the Missouri River, which compromised levees in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri after heavy spring rains and late snow melt.

For the last year, Cass County Home Care and Atlantic community members have been working diligently to collect valuable data to address safety concerns in Atlantic through a project called I-WALK, an Iowa Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.  In late August, a summary of the data will be provided to the community.

The one-hour presentation will address barriers and opportunities identified as well as recommendations for our community to become a safer place for people of all ages.   The presentation is brought to you by Cass County Home Care and conducted by representatives of the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa State University Extension.

The presentation is open to the general public and will be held on Friday, August 26, at 12:00 pm at Cass County Home Care, 1500 E 10^th St, Atlantic.  Attendees should RSVP to Denise Coder, 712-243-7475 or coderda@ihs.org.

Two men were arrested Sunday, in Atlantic. According to Atlantic police, 30-year old Aaron Latus, of Atlantic, was taken into custody on a Fremont County warrant for Serious Injury by Vehicle.

And, 52-year old Carlton Owens, of Minden, was arrested Sunday for shoplifting, or, theft in the 5^th degree, and, carrying a weapon.

Both men were booked into the Cass County Jail.

Republican Presidential Candidate & Congresswoman  Michele Bachman (Rep.-MN), will hold a town hall meeting this morning, in Atlantic.  The Iowa native will speak in the Atlantic room, at the Cass County Community Center, beginning at 11:45-a.m., according to her campaign staff.

Bachman is touring the state prior to Saturday’s Straw Poll, in Ames.