Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa reported seven additional coronavirus-related deaths Tuesday, raising the state total to 3,999. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University report that Iowa’s per capita death rate moved up one notch to the 14th highest in the nation with 126.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Recently updated state data shows 3,952 people died in Iowa in November, the highest single-month death total for the state. Available state data shows that Iowa’s death total last year is the highest single-year total at least since 1915. Deaths through November totaled 31,628. Even without December deaths added in the state already has surpassed 2019 deaths which totaled 30,669.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa woman who defrauded charities by pretending to have cancer was spared from prison Monday after receiving a suspended sentence of up to 25 years. The Globe Bazette reports that 44-year-old Jennifer Hope Mikesell of Northwood was also ordered to pay restitution and continue to seek treatment from a mental health professional. She pleaded guilty in November to a felony charge of ongoing criminal conduct. Mikesell was arrested in December 2019 after being accused of pretending to have cancer and reaching out to local charities and individuals for donations of money, goods and services.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A 19-year-old Sioux City man has been charged in a shooting that killed one woman and injured three other people at a New Year’s party. Sioux City police said Tuesday that Christopher Morales was charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent. Police say Morales forced a person to go into the home where the party was being held. He and others than fired several shots into the house. Eighteen-year-old Mia Kristis was killed and three juveniles were wounded. Police say Morales could face additional charges after forensic examinations are concluded on evidence found at the scene.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — The former city clerk in Westfield has been sentenced to five years of probation in the theft of more than $70,000 in city funds. Fifty-one-year-old Angela Sorensen, of Akron, was sentenced Monday after entering an Alford plea to first-degree theft. She was city clerk in the small northwest town of Westfield from May 2013 to August 2017. An audit found more than $74,000 in undeposited utility collections and improper payments. Sorensen was ordered to to pay restitution of $7,781 — the amount not covered by the city’s insurance carrier. A presentence investigation recommended probation for Sorensen because she has ongoing mental and physical health problems.