OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — For the first time this year, a monthly survey of bankers in parts of 10 Plains and Western states indicates the regional rural economy is shrinking. The overall index of the Rural Mainstreet survey for November sank to 49.9, the first time it’s dipped below 50 since January and down from October’s 54.3. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy in the months ahead, while a score below 50 indicates a shrinking economy. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the farm sector continues to be weakened by tariffs and low commodity prices.

Jeffrey Gerhart, CEO of the Bank of Newman Grove in northeastern Nebraska, says the tariffs are affecting farmers’ income and are “bad policy from the White House.” Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today (Thursday), announced that USDA is investing $501 million in 60 projects to help improve health care infrastructure and services in rural communities nationwide. Included among the projects is the Glen Haven Home, Inc., in Glenwood, which is receiving $400,000 to provide additional financing to lease and renovate six cottages for skilled nursing care services, memory care, and short-term rehabilitation. The new facility will be able to serve up to 69 residents in family-style living in each cottage. Additional funding includes a $4.6-million Community Facilities Direct Loan and a $641,000 applicant contribution.

And, St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Nursing Home in Carroll, is receiving a little more than $12.6-million in a Rural Development investment used to construct a free-standing cancer center on the campus of St. Anthony Regional Hospital. The center will combine all of the cancer services into one area. The facility will provide improved radiation and medical oncology services and house the upgraded linear accelerator. Currently, cancer services are spread throughout the hospital, and there is not space for an upgraded linear accelerator. Additional funding includes a $3.6-million Rural Development Community Facilities loan guarantee, and a $1.22-million applicant contribution.

Secretary Hazlett said “Creating strong and healthy communities is foundational to increasing prosperity in rural America. Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural leaders to improve quality of life and economic development through modern and accessible health care.” Hazlett made the announcement as part of USDA’s commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which is held annually on the third Thursday of November to focus on the specific health care issues facing rural communities. The Department is investing in 60 projects through the Community Facilities direct loan program. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately 2 million people in 34 states.

(Updated) DAVENPORT, Iowa (AP) — Hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers have been told they were overpaid after a year-long deployment in the Middle East and must make immediate plans to repay the money. The Quad-City Times reports that about 366 soldiers with the 248th Aviation Support Battalion were informed of the issue shortly after returning from Kuwait and Iraq. Lt. Col. Michael Wunn is a spokesman for the Iowa National Guard. He says the overpayments range from $2 to $4,500. He says soldiers have been given multiple options to repay the funds, and many have already taken steps to do so.

Soldiers can write a check to repay their debts, have the Army keep all of their monthly checks until they’re paid off, or have monthly or weekly payments deducted from their pay. “We understand this creates a hardship for those affected,” Wunn said, noting that soldiers don’t have to repay the full amount by the end of the year. Wunn says the problem seems to originate from an issue at the demobilization station at Fort Hood in Texas. He says some battalion members continued receiving active duty pay or entitlements after their active duty ended.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack said it’s unacceptable that a payroll error could cause soldiers financial hardship. “The Army must work with each individual soldier to ensure that they do not face any financial harm or difficulty,” he said. “I encourage any service member in Iowa who was affected by this failure at the Department of Defense to reach out to my office if you are in need of assistance.”

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) — (UPDATED) Dozens of students were sent to hospitals Thursday after a building with high levels of carbon monoxide was evacuated at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in suburban Des Moines, officials said. An overnight security officer detected a strong odor a little before 6 a.m., academy director Judy Bradshaw said. The officer contacted 911 and then used an intercom system to evacuate the 86 students, most of them sleeping. Nearly 60 students with elevated blood levels of carbon monoxide were sent to six hospitals, and Bradshaw said other students who’d been exposed but displayed no symptoms were also taken to hospitals as a precaution. The unnamed security officer was taken as well.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include vomiting, headaches and dizziness, and high exposure can lead to death. Johnson-Grimes Metropolitan Fire Department Chief Jim Clark said at a news conference that his firefighters found the highest level of carbon monoxide in the building basement. There were lower levels in the upper floors where students lived and attended classes during their training to become Iowa law enforcement officers. The academy sits on the grounds of Camp Dodge in Johnston.

Three ambulances carried a total of nine people with the highest carbon monoxide blood figures or severest symptoms to hospitals, Clark said. Because of the sheer number of students affected, he said, many were taken to hospitals in Des Moines Area Regional Transit buses. It’s unclear so far how many — if any — of the students will remain in the hospitals. Also unclear is what caused the carbon monoxide buildup. Bradshaw said that, to her knowledge, the building didn’t have carbon monoxide monitors. The building has been aired out but won’t be used until the problem’s been found and fixed, she said. The Iowa National Guard has arranged for classrooms and barracks space for students next week. Bradshaw canceled classes for Thursday and Friday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Thousands of students, staffers and others have rallied in protest of racist notes and robocalls at Drake University in Des Moines. A police-estimated crowd of 3,500 cheered Wednesday when student speakers said racists aren’t welcome. Several people carried signs condemning the racist acts; others handed out blue buttons that read “Do Better.”

University officials say racist notes were left under the dorm doors of two minority students in the past week, warning them to leave. And officials report that about 250 Drake phones received 75-second robocalls Monday that said African-Americans should be “expelled” to Africa.

A university spokesman says police reports will be filed about the racist notes. Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek says the person or people responsible could be charged with harassment. Any students involved also could face university discipline.

MAURICE, Iowa (AP) — Residents and officials have gathered to celebrate the opening of a new airport in northwest Iowa that’s expected to fuel area business and development. The grand opening of the $32 million Sioux County Regional Airport on Wednesday marked the culmination of a nearly 20-year effort. It features a 5,500-foot  runway that can handle business jets. There’s also a parallel taxiway, a terminal, several hangars, fueling systems, safety approach lighting, a weather station and other features.

The airport replaces airports in Orange City and Sioux Center that were limited by their shorter runway lengths. It sits about a mile from Maurice. Construction began in 2015 at a 493-acre site that was previously farmland. The project was funded by a mix of federal, state and local funding and private sources.