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Iowa early News Headlines: May 7th 2012

News

May 7th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

WASHINGTON, Iowa (AP) — At least six people have been killed in a spate of weekend crashes in Iowa. The deadliest crash happened Saturday afternoon in Washington, Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol says a pickup driven by 56-year-old Randall Graber crossed the center line, hitting a motorcycle head-on. Two people on the motorcycle were killed, and Graber and his passenger were injured.

DES MOINES (AP) — The husband of the University of Iowa president will be paid $54,000 this year to attend school fundraisers, although officials who supposedly approved the position have no recollection of doing so. The university says Ken Mason was appointed in 2007 as both a “presidential fundraiser” and a lecturer in the biology department — earning $107,000 a year. A university spokesman says that Ken Mason’s hire was part of the negotiations to lure his wife away from Purdue University.

DES MOINES (AP) — A new memorial honoring teachers has been installed on the grounds of the Iowa Capitol. The display unveiled Saturday is located on the terrace on the northwest corner of the complex. The granite boulder bears the inscription “TEACHER.” The memorial was funded with private donations.

DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa legislative leaders are expressing confidence they can finish their protracted budget talks and end their session this week. Many lawmakers left the Statehouse last week because measure weren’t coming up for votes. But Republican House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says lawmakers will return today (Monday), to vote on budget bills following negotiations by legislative leaders. The Legislature was scheduled to adjourn nearly three weeks ago.

CEDAR FALLS (AP) — A Waverly man says he’s sorry for defacing a Cedar Falls highway sign with racist graffiti. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports 27-year-old Joshua Beyer apologized Friday as he pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal mischief. As part of a plea deal, Beyer was sentenced to two to five years’ probation.