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.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports that at around 7:30-p.m. Friday, a single-vehicle accident occurred on Quincy Road. A 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven by 26-year old Derrick Lee Behlers, of Atlantic, was eastbound on Quincy Road when Behlers reportedly swerved to miss a deer and entered the south ditch. The vehicle came to rest on its top. No injuries were reported.

Damage to the vehicle is estimated at $5,000. Upon investigation, Behlers was charged with OWI 2nd Offense, and he was cited for Failure to Maintain Control. Behlers was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released the following day on his own recognizance.

Officials with the Atlantic Police Department have issued a report on a couple of accidents. Authorities say last Thursday, Lori Blum, of Marne, was attempting to park in front of the Olsen’s BP store at around 8:50-a.m., when her vehicle hit the ice machine, causing $3,800 damage to the machine, and $1,500 damage to the vehicle. No injuries were reported.  And, on Dec. 2nd at around 9:05-p.m., vehicles driven by Kim Petersen, of Atlantic, and Shelbi Williamson, of Exira, collided near the intersection of 7th and Mulberry Streets.

The accident happened while Petersen was driving westbound on 7th Street and turning onto Mulberry. Williamson was headed north on Mulberry and stopped at the stop sign. Petersen made a left turn onto Mulberry onto Mulberry, and in the process, struck Williamson’s vehicle on the left front corner. Petersen complained of injuries and was checked by Medivac personnel, but declined transport to the hospital. She was cited for Turning at Intersection. Williamson was cited for Failure to provide proof of insurance.