Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:48 a.m. CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa authorities have arrested former “The Bachelor” star Chris Soules, alleging that he fled the scene of a deadly traffic accident. The Iowa State Patrol reports that a pickup truck rear-ended a tractor on a highway in Buchanan County on Monday night, sending both vehicles into a ditch and killing the tractor driver, whose name wasn’t released. Soules was jailed Tuesday on a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He starred on season 19 of the ABC reality show in 2015.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A U.S. Senate committee has scheduled a hearing to consider Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s nomination as ambassador to China. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced Tuesday it will hold a hearing May 2 to discuss Branstad’s nomination. A spokesman for the Republican governor says it’s unclear if the committee will vote that day. Branstad will also need approval from the full Senate.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Police in Iowa City have released the name of a homicide victim. Police say the body of 34-year-old Jonathan Wieseler, of Iowa City, was found Sunday morning at an Iowa bail bondsman’s office. The site is located across the street from the Johnson County Jail. A written release Tuesday from police says an autopsy is being conducted by the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office.

OGDEN, Iowa (AP) — An Ames woman who pleaded guilty to theft after prosecutors say she stole nearly half a million dollars from her mother-in-law has been sentenced to prison. The Daily Times Herald reports that 66-year-old Myrna Hockemeier was sentenced Monday to up to 10 years in prison. Authorities say Hockemeier obtained a debit card from her husband’s mother’s bank back in 2007 and spent the woman’s life savings of about $484,000 on gambling and clothes.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A U.S. Senate committee has scheduled a hearing to consider Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s nomination as ambassador to China. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced Tuesday it will hold a hearing May 2 to discuss Branstad’s nomination. A spokesman for the Republican governor says it’s unclear if the committee will vote that day. Branstad will also need approval from the full Senate.

Branstad is scheduled to be in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday for meetings related to his confirmation. Branstad has served as Iowa’s governor for 23 years, making him the longest-serving governor in U.S. history. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to become governor if Branstad is confirmed to the diplomatic post.

Officials with the Harlan Police Department released an uncharacteristically short report, today (Tuesday). In the report, authorities said 44-year old Larry Monroe Lange, of Harlan, was charged Saturday with Public Intoxication, 3rd Offense, after an officer was called to the 1100 block of 9th Street.

Last Friday, 26-year old Timothy McFarland, of Dunlap, was arrested following a traffic stop in the 2300 block of 7th Street, in Harlan. McFarland was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with Driving While Revoked, Failure to Secure Child, and Windshield/Window Requirements.

And, on April 20th, 28-year old Christopher Lawrence Lappe, of Manilla, was cited by officers following a traffic stop on Highway 59 north, of Highway 44.  Lappe was cited for Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Secure Security Against Liability.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A California-based developer has defaulted on a $6 million bond agreement, raising questions about the future of a 12-story art deco structure built in 1933 that has fallen into disrepair in Sioux City. The Sioux City Journal reports that Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust filed for foreclosure on the building earlier this month, saying Mako One Corp., its managing partner Bruce DeBolt and two other limited liability companies owe more than $4.4 million in principal, interest and advances.

Officials with the bank say the default puts the issuance of state and federal tax credits in jeopardy, leaving it at risk of losing “a significant portion” of collateral. The bank has asked a judge to appoint a receiver to take over the property.

An Iowan who gained fame as “The Bachelor” and a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” has been arrested in connection with a deadly traffic accident in Buchanan County. According to sources, Chris Soules, who starred in a past season of the television series “The Bachelor”, was the driver of a pickup that rear-ended a farm tractor on County Road W-45, north of Aurora, at about 8:30pm Monday. Both vehicles ended up in the ditch.

The driver of the tractor, whose name has not been released, was taken to Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, but died from the injuries. Soules allegedly fled the scene of the crash, but was later arrested.

After receiving medical treatment, Soules was taken into custody by the Buchanan County Sheriff on a charge of leaving the scene of a deadly accident. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the fatality.

(Radio Iowa)

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A Nebraska man has been given two years of probation for stealing prescription painkillers while working at a pharmacy in Council Bluffs. Court records show 24-year-old Justin Gardner, of Omaha, pleaded guilty Monday to possession for sale. Prosecutors dropped two other counts in exchange. Gardner was granted a deferred judgment. Under a deferred judgment, the conviction will be removed from Gardner’s record if he successfully completes the terms of his probation.

Gardner also is awaiting trial in Council Bluffs on a charge of sexual abuse. Prosecutors say a woman reported that she had been drinking the night of Feb. 25 and woke up at a friend’s apartment as Gardner sexually assaulted her. She told police he didn’t stop when she told him to. He told investigators the sex was consensual.

Atlantic 3rd Ward Councilperson Ashley Hayes said today (Tuesday), she has accepted a position as Programs Director for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. In the announcement she made on her Facebook page Hayes said she is “Very excited for this opportunity & to serve the Atlantic community in this way!”

The Program Director’s position was previously held by Bailey Smith, who was hired earlier this month as Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce following the departure in February, of former Director Ouida Hargens.