Iowa’s economy saw a slight gain during October, while the Midwestern economy dipped, according to the monthly survey of business leaders and supply managers across the nine-state region. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the Midwest, is measured on a zero-to-100 scale with 50 being growth neutral. The region’s economy slipped a full point, from 52-point-5 in September to 51-point-5 in October.

Iowa’s economy is just below growth neutral, meaning it’s shrinking, but did show a glimmer of growth, rising from 48-point-5 in September to 49-even in October. Goss says the survey quizzed supply managers on what they saw as the largest challenge facing the Midwestern economy in the months ahead.

The regional hiring gauge sank below growth neutral during October, as job losses outpaced new hires.

According to U.S. Bureau of Statistics data, Goss says Iowa’s manufacturing sector boosted employment by 0.9% over the past year, with the average hourly wage rate expanding by 2.3%, well below the 3.7% increase in consumer prices.

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Corrections, today (Wednesday), reports Michael LaMarlo Lott, Jr, convicted of Burglary 2nd Degree and Domestic Abuse Assault 3rd or Subsequent Offense in Dubuque County, failed to report back to the Dubuque Residential Facility as required Monday evening.

Michael Lott, Jr.

Lott is a 40-year-old black male, height 6’0″, and weighs 218 pounds. He was admitted to the work release facility on August 17, 2023.

Persons with information on Lott’s whereabouts should contact local police.

(Des Moines, IA) – Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen issued an order approving a settlement with True Bullion LLC DBA Gold Silver International Exchange DBA GSI Exchange LLC (“GSI Exchange”) on October 23, 2023 that permits 14 Iowans who had bought precious metals from GSI Exchange to elect to receive refunds totaling approximately $788,000.  Clients electing to receive this refund will be required to return precious metals to GSI Exchange, which will essentially unwind their transactions.

“Today’s settlement benefits the 14 Iowa clients as it requires GSI Exchange to return money to those who elect to participate in the deal,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said.  “These Iowans were not provided important information when purchasing from GSI Exchange and I’m pleased there was an outcome where that is remedied and the consumers can be made whole.”

The settlement is the result of the coordinated work of state securities regulators from Alabama, Arkansas and Texas, who filed actions that generally alleged that GSI Exchange was acting as an unregistered investment adviser and not disclosing information material to the “spread,” or markup, paid by clients.

Clients residing in Iowa that purchased precious metals from GSI Exchange before July 22, 2021, will be eligible for refunds and will receive instructions and other relevant information from GSI Exchange.  The Iowa Insurance Division’s Securities Bureau is available at 515-654-6600 or securities@iid.iowa.gov to address any questions relevant to the process.

(Pottawattamie County, Iowa) – Pottawattamie County officials say the County is continuing its commitment to make communication with its residents a top priority, by hosting an upcoming town hall meeting in Oakland. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 9th, from 6:30-until 8-pm. The informational discussion will occur inside the Oakland Community Center at 614 Dr Van Zee Road, with no formal deliberation or action from the Board of Supervisors. Pottawattamie County held a similar forum in April, providing an opportunity for residents to hear from County leaders about the latest developments in the County.

County Supervisor Susan Miller says “Our weekly meetings are open to the public, but we understand some residents aren’t able to attend meetings on Tuesday mornings. We hope people stay connected with us through our website and social media platforms, but it’s important we have avenues to present information directly to our residents as well. That’s a key piece in our communication strategies.”

PowerPoint slides are expected to accompany brief presentations by leaders of several County departments during the meeting, before concluding with a question-and-answer forum with those in attendance. Miller says “We’re here to serve the more than 93,000 residents of this county. There are great things taking place in our communities and we want to ensure we continue to provide ways for people to stay informed and celebrate Pottawattamie County as a great place to work, live, and play.”

About the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors: Regularly scheduled meetings for the Board of Supervisors are held every Tuesday at 10:00am. To view live and archived meetings, visit YouTube.com/PottawattamieCountyIA. To learn more about the Board of Supervisors, visit PottCounty-ia.gov/departments/board_of_supervisors.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports a man was arrested a little before 10-a.m. today (Wednesday), in the 120th block of C Avenue, near Wales (IA). Authorities say 39-year-old Cory Ross Smith, of Elliott, was arrested on a Montgomery County Bench Warrant for Violation of Probation. Smith’s bond was set at $2,000.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Nov. 1, 2023 – If you travel on U.S. 30 west of Glidden you need to be aware of a construction project that may slow down your trip. Beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, the Iowa Department of Transportation will close U.S. 30 west of Glidden in Carroll County for culvert replacement.

U.S. 30 traffic will be detoured on Carroll County roads N-38, E-26, and N-41. The detour is expected to be in place until Nov. 12, weather permitting.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A traffic stop at around 9:03-a.m. today (Wednesday), in Red Oak, resulted in an arrest. According to Red Oak Police, 32-year-old Jessica Lynn Hardman, of Red Oak, was arrested in the 1200 block of N. 1st Street, on a charge of Driving Under Suspension. Hardman was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on bond amounting to $491.25.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, today (Wednesday), approved the renewal of a liquor license for the 4-H Building on the Adair County Fairgrounds, and a Right-Of-Way contract for the N24 Prussia (Township) culvert project. Adair County Engineer Nick Kauffman shared the details…

Kauffman said also, he was satisfied with a Purple Wave Auction of some of the Adair County Secondary Roads Department equipment.

Kauffman said he held interviews Monday with two people who then accepted offers for positions within the County Roads Department. Their pre-employment paperwork is in the process of being filled-out and filed.  And, he spoke with regard to project updates and other Secondary Roads Dept. activities.

Kerry Aistrope, with ISU Extension, presented a report to the Supervisors, along with an invoice for a grant reimbursement, with regard to 4-H Summer Camps.

In addition to the popular grilled cheese sandwich camp, there was a pizza challenge for the younger kids.

“All-in-All,” she said, “We did 19 total camps this year,” including an Adair Library Camp, where the younger kids read a book and work on some crafts. Next summer, she said, they hope to conduct a similar camp for the Stuart Library.  The summer 4-H interns conducted the day-camps last June and much of the summer in other areas, such as the Adair County Fair. Kerry said “They were immensely important to us.”