Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says efforts to cut sexual assault in the military have been successful and similar efforts are needed for civilians. Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, is a retired Iowa National Guard soldier who has focused on efforts to end sexual harassment in the military since taking office. She says there have been more reports by soldiers while overall cases are down. “What that is saying is that more and more men and women serving in the military have greater confidence in the reporting process. They have greater confidence in their commanders that they will be protected when they come forward with allegations of any sexual assault and sexual harassment,” Ernst says. She says reporting assaults is key to addressing the issue. “That is really important because then it gives that command structure the opportunity to investigate that as well as prosecute if that is what the victim or survivor wants to do. So, I do believe it is working,” according to Ernst.

She still isn’t satisfied enough has been done. “I can’t say that it is ever enough,” Ernst says, “I think we have to keep moving forward. I think greater education of our young people when they are coming into the military is extremely important. So,even before they are sworn in they need to understand that this is not acceptable behavior.” The issue has taken center stage outside the military in recent weeks. “When we look on the outside of the military in our civilian population — there are problems there as well — as we have witnessed not just here in the United States Congress, in the political arena….but we see it in all the talk that has been in Hollywood and elsewhere.”

Ernst says the efforts to prevent sexual assault should be the same whether in or our of the military. “We have to keep working on this. Is this something that will be solved overnight, probably not,” Ernst says. “But I do think that it is important that our public is aware that again, it’s never okay to sexually harass someone. It is never okay to assault someone in any circumstance. We’ve got to start teaching this from a very young age, just the respect and dignity of all people.” Ernst says everyone has to take a role in making changes. “We all have a lot of work to do, not just Congress in making laws, or the administration in writing rules. We all have a responsibility in our communities to make sure we are raising people to understand that every life has dignity and we need to respect that,” Ernst says.

Ernst made her comments during a conference call with reporters.

(Radio Iowa)

Des Moines, IOWA — Iowa State Patrol Troopers and local law enforcement officers responded Thursday to a 911 call of  “shots fired” along Interstate I-80, about 20-miles east of Iowa City, and just east of the 265 mile marker at the rest area.

Officials say the suspect then drove west bound and exited at the 265 exit where he fired more rounds at motorists at the BP gas station. Troopers encountered the suspect on County RD X46 where they engaged him and exchanged gunfire. After a brief stand-off Troopers/Officers were able to take the suspect into custody. No injuries were sustained by the suspect or law enforcement.

The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating as a result of officers involved in shooting. The Officers involved and the suspect’s name will not be released at this time.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press….

TOLEDO, Iowa (AP) — A Marion kindergarten teacher has been acquitted of not reporting that a 15-year-old classroom volunteer sexually abused her students. Cedar Rapids television station KCRG reports that a Tama County jury on Thursday found 59-year-old Diane Graham not guilty of failing to report sexual abuse. Prosecutors said Graham was teaching at Starry Elementary when two students told her in August 2016 that they were being abused by the volunteer. Prosecutors said she didn’t report the abuse, as required.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A judge recently appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds has recused herself from a high-profile civil lawsuit. Judge Samantha Gronewald has disqualified herself from overseeing the wrongful termination case brought by former Division of Criminal Investigation agent Larry Hedlund. Gronewald didn’t elaborate on the reason. But records show she and her husband have contributed to former Gov. Terry Branstad and other Republican candidates for years.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Some eastern Iowa hospitals have announced restrictions on visitation in the wake of a vicious flu season that has strained hospitals across the country. Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque and Dyersville and UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital in Dubuque have announced patient visitation restrictions starting Friday because of the respiratory virus.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Cincinnati-based company says it’s closing a Des Moines stockroom over the next four months, affecting the jobs of about 35 workers. The Des Moines Register reports that Cintas acquired the facility when it merged with G&K Services. Cintas said Thursday that the employees are encouraged to apply for open positions at other facilities in the Des Moines market. Cintas offers uniforms, floor care products and other goods and services to its customers.