FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall.

If tuning in to KILJ, you will hear this test in the early afternoon. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 1:20 p.m. central time on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.

For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”

Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.

Important information about the EAS test:

The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.

The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.

With the fall season officially here, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is excited to announce their activities and events calendar for the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October will be filled with opportunities to support victim-survivors within their 8-county service area.

DVIP’s 9th annual Shop for Safety will be held at the Hy-Vee’s of Washington, Mount Pleasant, Burlington, & Fort Madison on October 4th from 4-7pm. Each year, this event fills their shelter pantry for 6 months with all donations going directly to women, children, and families. Shopping List items include: gift cards, diapers, paper towels, hygiene items, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry soap, tylenol and ibuprofen, and cleaning supplies. To view the full list of items, visit the Top Needs List on our website at dvipiowa.org/top-ten-needs

“We are so pleased to be continuing Shop for Safety in our southern counties, and we are grateful for the support our communities have given us over the course of its 9 year run,” says Alta Medea, Director of Community Engagement for DVIP. “In the past 5 years, DVIP has served 38% more victim-survivors in this area of our service region. It is vital for us to meet the increased need and continuously provide the best possible resources across all 8 of our counties.”

To donate or volunteer, visit our website at dvipiowa.org

Join DVIP in giving back to emergency service providers. DVIP will be hosting a baked goods drive which will give back to the EMTS, firefighters, and police and sheriff’s departments who serve victim-survivors in all 8 service counties. Please join DVIP in preparing a little sweet treat for all these public safety officials do for victim-survivors. If you would like to donate baked goods, please contact 319-359-9353 by October 6th.

Did you know that purple is the national color used to represent those most vulnerable in your communities? On October 20th, join your communities by wearing PURPLE to support Victim-Survivors. Be sure to share your photos with DVIP on social media & use the hashtag #PurpleForAPurpose, and tell us why YOU wear purple.

The DVIP works hard to serve its communities with the goal to end domestic violence in all its forms. Violence by an intimate partner is the single greatest cause of injury to women. Trauma and its impact on women, men, and children has been well documented as a significant public health concern. For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victims/survivors and provide safety solutions and life-changing resources. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 15 children will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.

About the Domestic Violence Intervention Program: DVIP provides comprehensive services to victim-survivors of intimate partner violence. For over 40 years, DVIP has offered support, resources, and safety to individuals in an eight-county service region which includes Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren, and Washington counties. DVIP’s services include a 24/7/365 hotline, shelter, safety planning, advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, emergency pet programs, and more. Individuals who need help should call their hotline at 1-800-373-1043.

The Mt. Pleasant Panther Marching Band will travel to Cedar Rapids this weekend for two competitions. In what will be a busy Saturday for the highschoolers, they will be heading to both competitions looking for honors.

At 10:30am, the band will perform at the Bands Across the Prairie competition at Prairie High School. They will then travel across town for a 4:15pm performance at Kingston Stadium in the Five Seasons Invitational.

The Mt. Pleasant High School Panther Marching Band will have two more competitions before the curtain closes on what has been a great season. Competing in Kahoka, Missouri on October 7^th and heading to Davenport for a performance at Brady Street Stadium for State Marching Band Festival on October 14^th.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office received information of illegal drug use in August 2023. An investigation began with detectives from the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force in and around Mediapolis and Des Moines County.

As a result, a residential search warrant was obtained and executed at 110 Maple Drive, Mediapolis.

Bradley Michael Miller, age 39, of Mediapolis, IA was placed under arrest for the following:

– Gathering where controlled substances used, D felony.

– Possession of firearm by prohibited person, D felony.

– Possession of ammunition by prohibited person, D felony.

– Possession of a controlled substance 1st offense, methamphetamine, serious misdemeanor.

– Possession of drug paraphernalia, simple misdemeanor.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office and Southeast Iowa Narcotics Task Force was assisted by the Burlington Police Department and the West Burlington Police Department.

Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation is hosting a low-cost Microchip and Vaccination Clinic on Saturday, October 7th from 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m.  The clinic will be held at the Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation, 1986 Gear Avenue in Fairfield.  No appointment is necessary.

This clinic is open to the public; offering micro-chipping by a licensed veterinarian for $25, which includes free registration of the chip.  Microchips are small, rice-sized chips that are implanted in the “scruff” between your pet’s shoulder blades. If your pet is lost, veterinary clinics and animal shelters can painlessly scan your pet and contact you.

Rabies vaccinations, as well as yearly vaccinations for both dogs (DA2PP, Bordatella) and cats (FVRCP), are also being offered for only $15 each.  Dog toenail trims for $15 and cat toenails $10.

They ask that you please bring your dogs on leashes and place your cat in a carrier for this event.

All proceeds benefit the animals and programs of Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation. www.noahsark.org