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Iowa early News Headlines: Thu., Jan. 3rd 2013

News

January 3rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

(MASON CITY) — Three people are dead after a medical helicopter crashed in northern Iowa, while flying from Mason City to Emmetsburg.  Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Matt Klunder said the helicopter was affiliated with Mercy Medical Center and that a pilot and two nurses were killed. The crash occurred about 9 p.m. Wednesday near Ventura.

(DES MOINES) — Four people were injured and an 11-year old girl was killed, during a single-vehicle rollover accident Wednesday afternoon on Des Moines’ northeast side. Four of the victims were from Virginia, while the other was from Illinois.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A public hearing is scheduled today on the Iowa secretary of state’s proposal to purge people from voter rolls if they can’t prove they are citizens. The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa and other civil rights groups claim the rule intimidates voters. They also say Matt Schultz doesn’t have the authority to impose it without the approval of lawmakers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Tax collections in Iowa are up compared to the same halfway point a year ago. Net state receipts totaled more than $3.1 billion from July through December. That’s about $264 million, or about 9 percent, higher than the first six months of the previous fiscal year.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — A judge in northern Iowa has denied a man’s request to delay his upcoming murder trial. Judge Colleen Weiland ruled yesterday that James Farnsworth II will stand trial starting Jan. 14th in Cerro Gordo County District Court. Farnsworth is charged with first-degree murder in the April 14th slaying of Ian Decker.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Department of Transportation says state-issued identification cards that meet new federal security standards will be available soon. The agency will begin issuing driver’s licenses and nonoperator’s identification cards on Jan. 15th that comply with the REAL ID Act. The card verifies a person’s identification and legal presence in the United States.