CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — The Cedar Falls Police Department is now accepting applications for a public safety officer. The northeastern Iowa city is seeking qualified candidates to test for the position, which has a starting annual pay of $51,000, while police academy certified candidates begin at more than $56,000. The maximum pay is more than $74,000. Applicants must have two years of post-high school education consisting of 60 semester or 90-quarter hours from an accredited college or university. Candidates must also meet the minimum hiring standards of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

Testing will be conducted in Cedar Falls on Dec. 2. The deadline for applications is Wednesday. Those interested may email jobs@cedarfalls.com or contact the Cedar Falls Police Department at 319-273-8612.

Gasoline prices at Iowa service stations have risen by as much as a dime a gallon in recent weeks. Mark Peterson, at Triple-A-Iowa, says that’s bucking the norm as prices are usually relatively stable or falling during mid-autumn. “It’s kind of interesting for this time of year, we actually saw a little bit last year as well,” Peterson says. “The price volatility can be attributed to a new trend that’s emerged during October in the last few years and that’s an unexpectedly steady demand for gasoline at the end of the driving season. With prices still being somewhat reasonable, you’re seeing a lot more people starting to travel.”

Gas prices in Iowa are averaging two-52 a gallon, which is two cents below the national average. Peterson says, “What we’ve got right now still could trend up a little bit but I think you’re going to see it start to decrease a little as we get closer to the holidays and some of that traveling starts to decrease with the weather.”

While refineries are making the switch from summer to winter grades of fuel about now, several other factors are involved that will impact pump prices. “OPEC continues to push some prices a little higher because they’re maintaining their production and we are exporting a little bit more than we have in the past,” Peterson says. “Because of that, we’re seeing some modest price increases.”

The state’s most expensive gas is in Cedar Rapids at two-58 a gallon while the Quad Cities and Sioux City are tied for the cheapest gas at two-48.

(Radio Iowa)

A traffic stop early this morning southwest of Corning, in Adams County, resulted in the arrest of two Union County residents. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports a vehicle was pulled over at around 12:17-a.m. near the intersection of Highway 34 and Brooks Road. A Montgomery County K9 unit was called for assistance. The dog alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, which resulted in a probable cause search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle and its occupants turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, a digital scale, used needles, and about $1,255 cash.

The driver of the vehicle, Nathan Hulett, of Creston, was placed under arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Meth – 3rd or subsequent offense. His passenger, Alisha Millslagle, of Creston, was arrested for PCS/Meth – 2nd offense, Possession of Marijuana – 2nd offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Adams County Deputies were also assisted in their investigation, by Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources personnel.