Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:45 a.m. CST

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Highway Administration has withdrawn from consideration for the post, a surprise development given his widespread support and qualifications. A U.S. Department of Transportation spokesperson says Paul Trombino III is stepping away from the federal appointment for family reasons. Trombino told colleagues in an email that he had decided to stay in Iowa to take care of his ailing father, whose condition has recently deteriorated.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A key state official says mid-year reductions are possible next session because Iowa’s revenue growth for the current budget year remains below initial projections. Department of Management Director David Roederer said Monday the state’s roughly $7.2 billion budget could be reduced between about $45 million and $90 million when lawmakers return in 2018. Roederer’s comments came after a three-person panel known as the Revenue Estimating Conference presented its latest budget forecast.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say a man who stopped to help what he thought was a stranded motorist in eastern Iowa ended up getting robbed. The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reports that 23-year-old William Grimm was traveling on U.S. Highway 218 around 8 p.m. Friday when he stopped near an exit to assist a man with a green Pontiac Grand Am. Authorities say the Pontiac driver pointed a handgun at Grimm and took his wallet and cash, then drove off in the Pontiac.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Three hunters have been accidentally shot while hunting deer in Iowa with shotguns. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says an 11-year-old boy was struck in the hip on Sunday by his 13-year-old brother when a deer ran between them and they both fired.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A key state official says mid-year reductions are possible next session because Iowa’s revenue growth for the current budget year remains below initial projections. Department of Management Director David Roederer said Monday the state’s roughly $7.2 billion budget could be reduced between about $45 million and $90 million when lawmakers return in 2018.

Roederer’s comments came after a three-person panel known as the Revenue Estimating Conference presented its latest budget forecast. The panelists indicated Iowa’s economy continues to grow but at a slower rate.

Roederer says Gov. Kim Reynolds will have different options in addressing the expected shortfall, including cuts to department budgets. Previous sluggish growth led lawmakers to reduce agency budgets and borrow from reserves.

Reynolds is expected to present budget recommendations in January.

Police in Council Bluffs are investigating the death of a person whose body was found in a vacant lot. Authorities say at around 10:35-a.m. today (Monday), Council Bluffs police officers responded to 1004 1st Avenue, for a report of a dead body. The property is vacant,  and the body was located in a grass lot just north of the building.

A Council Bluffs man told officers that while walking his dog in the area he discovered the body and called police. The death appears to be suspicious in nature and is currently being investigated by detectives of the Council Bluffs Police Department. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of family. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Anyone having possible information is encouraged to call the Criminal Investigation Division at (712) 328‐4728 or Crime Stoppers at (712) 328‐7867.

A teen from Griswold was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital following an accident this (Monday) afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports 17-year old Maria Edna Amos was driving a 2000 Ford Ranger eastbound on Yankton Road, when she lost control of the pickup. The vehicle rolled into the north ditch and landed on its wheels. The accident happened at around 12:23-p.m.

Amos complained of back pain following the crash. Damage to the pickup was estimated at $5,000. Deputies cited Amos for Failure to Maintain Control.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local businesses, will be taking over the Christmas Box Program this holiday season. According to Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith, “The program was started by the Atlantic Jaycees over 20 years ago and helps families and individuals in need of a Christmas dinner.

“When the Jaycees disbanded, there was a need for an organization to take the project on.” Smith said “Personally, I had a hard time handling the thought of community members not having a meal for the holiday’s so as an organization, we knew it was a project we were willing to take on.”

This year, officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and volunteers will help fill boxes with items families and individuals can use to cook Christmas dinner. The boxes will be filled and delivered December 20th to those who have been nominated. According to Smith “The Jaycees put a lot of time, effort and generosity into this program and the Chamber is happy to take it on and help brighten up the holidays for those in our community who need it.”

To nominate a family or individual, or if you are interested in volunteering, contact the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712.243.3017 or chamber@atlanticiowa.com.