Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press…

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The use of drones would be strictly regulated under a bill approved by the Iowa House. The bill received overwhelming support yesterday, clearing the House on an 87-12 vote, though several lawmakers expressed concern the bill lacks clarity and might be overreaching.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lawmakers in the Iowa Senate have approved legislation that will establish a task force to study breast tissue density. The bill passed unanimously yesterday and will move to the state House for review. It replaced legislation which would have required breast density data be included in mammogram reports to patients and physicians. Instead, under this plan, the state will set up a task force to review how best to educate patients and doctors on this issue.

STANHOPE, Iowa (AP) — The Department of Natural Resources has lifted a boil advisory for the small central Iowa city of Stanhope. The DNR cancelled the advisory yesterday that had been in place since Friday after two sets of water samples were tested and showed they were clear of bacteria.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) — Two Catholic parishes in the Le Mars area will merge in response to fewer available priests and declining rural population. The Le Mars Daily Sentinel reports St. Joseph and St. James Catholic churches will merge in large part because of declining numbers of priests. At least one of three rural churches in Merrill, Struble and Ellendale also plan to close.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Veterans in Iowa would receive a larger property tax exemption under a bill approved by a legislative panel. A three-member subcommittee unanimously approved the measure Wednesday. The legislation now goes to the full House Ways and Means Committee. Under current law, a property tax credit of $1,852 is available only for certain veterans. The bill would increase the amount to $3,704 for all eligible veterans beginning July 1.

The state appropriates a set amount to local governments to offset these costs. Local governments wouldn’t pay the additional credits in full unless state funding was sufficient. Republican Rep. John Landon, who chairs the subcommittee, says discussion on the bill will continue. Jimmy Centers, a spokesman for Gov. Terry Branstad, says he’s open to any proposals designed to reduce taxes.

Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall has announced her intention to run for re-election. Marshall is currently finishing her third term as County Treasurer. In a press release, Marshall said she “Has always believed in being involved,” and has immersed herself in the workings of the county office.

Tracey J. Marshall

In her bio, Marshall says she received the “e-gov Pioneer Award” in 2003, for implementing online services. She has also completed the Certified Treasurer Program and received the Chancellor’s Certificate in Public Administration: Government Finance Professional. Marshall is on several committees in the Iowa State Treasurer’s Association and is a member of ISAC, NACTFO, and NACo.  She says her office staff is taking ongoing training to ensure the best possible service to Cass County residents.

The first day for Democratic and Republican candidates for county offices to file nomination papers in the office of the Cass County Auditor is Monday, March 3, 2014. Last day to file is Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Nomination papers may be circulated prior to first date for filing as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers and candidate information are available at the office of the county auditor and from the IOWA Secretary of State: www.sos.state.ia.us.

The county positions to appear on the Cass County ballot for the 2014 PRIMARY ELECTION are: District 2 County Supervisor; District 3 County Supervisor; County Attorney; County Recorder; County Treasurer.

LE MARS, Iowa (AP) – Two Catholic parishes in the Le Mars area will merge in response to fewer available priests and declining rural population. The Le Mars Daily Sentinel reports  St. Joseph and St. James Catholic churches will merge in large part because of declining numbers of priests. The Rev. Kevin Richter says the dwindling number of priests is an issue around the country as priests retire and others leave the priesthood only years after being ordinated.

Richter says some smaller communities continue to lose population, while larger cities such as Le Mars remain more stable. He notes that in the Sioux City diocese, 22 of 24 counties have decreasing populations. At least one of three rural churches in Merrill, Struble and Ellendale eventually will close.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Lawmakers in the Iowa Senate have approved legislation that will establish a task force to study breast tissue density. The bill passed unanimously Wednesday and will move to the state House for review. It replaced legislation which would have required breast density data be included in mammogram reports to patients and physicians. Instead, under this plan, the state will set up a task force to review how best to educate patients and doctors on this issue.

Experts say dense breast tissue can make it harder for a mammogram to catch a possible tumor and may increase the risk of breast cancer. But some doctors say this kind of notification could needlessly worry women and the state should leave such matters to physicians.