Man travels state warning "Call before you dig"

Whether you’re digging a small hole for a tree or a big one for a basement, you should consult “Iowa One Call” first. Arvin Olson, spokesman for the non-profit agency, will travel the state starting this week, teaching contractors and the general public about the potential dangers of digging.Anyone who’s digging is required -by law- to call “One Call” at least 48 hours before turning over any dirt. The call center coordinates all relevant utilities to mark underground wires, cables and pipes with flags and spray paint. Olson says his brief talks are open to anyone who may be digging.Olson is delivering free breakfast and luncheon talks in 23 Iowa cities over the next three months. Olson says people who don’t use One Call are breaking the law and if they hit something while digging, could face fines of 10-thousand to one-thousand dollars a day.Olson’s talks start today with a luncheon in Ames and they also run this week in Ankeny, Marshalltown, Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Consult the website “www.iowaonecall.com” for the full schedule. Other cities will include: Sioux City, Cherokee, Spencer, Clear Lake, Thompson, Fort Dodge, Carroll, Davenport, Clinton, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Creston, Dubuque, Decorah, Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Ottumwa.