OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Declining numbers in a new monthly survey of bankers suggests the economy remains weak in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states. The overall economic index for the region dropped to 46.8 this month, compared with the December reading of 47.8. The November figure was 44.7. Survey organizers say any score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy in the months ahead.

The confidence index reflects expectations for the economy six months out, and it fell to 46.7 in the January survey from 51.2 in December. However, Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says “year-over-year indices are trending higher.” The January number a year ago was 42.8.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched an online quiz . Anyone can take the Save Your Brain quiz online at https://idph.iowa.gov/save-your-brain.  IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “’Save Your Brain’ is based on the most recent science available. The assessment analyzes diet, physical activity, brain engagement and social interaction, and comes up with a list of things an individual can do to lower their risk for dementia or other forms of cognitive decline.” Because of the continuing research in this area, the quiz will be reviewed at least annually to reflect the most up-to-date science.

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in Iowa and the U.S. and cognitive decline and dementia are often contributing factors in other deaths. IDPH is encouraging health organizations, community groups and individuals to access and use the online materials; for example, Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines is using the quiz as part of its dementia risk reduction program. One aspect of the assessment, diet, focuses on the consumption of “brain healthy” foods; research shows some of the best foods for brain health are vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil and wine.

The risk reductions suggested because of the quiz often work together to benefit brain health and it is important to maintain healthy habits in all areas. The goal of the quiz is to identify areas in an individual’s everyday life to improve current and future cognitive health, as well as improve physical health. Quinlisk recommends taking the quiz, working on the suggested improvements for six months, and then taking the quiz again to see how their risk of dementia has been reduced.

SIBLEY, Iowa (AP) — A 39-year-old former football coach and teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child in northwest Iowa has been convicted of a similar crime in Nebraska. Court records say Kyle Ewinger was found guilty Tuesday of sexual assault in Omaha. Prosecutors say that in 2012 and 2013, he assaulted the 9-year-old son of a woman he was dating. Ewinger’s sentencing is scheduled for March 28.

Iowa records say the Sibley-Ocheyedan coach was fired after the district superintendent found Ewinger sleeping in his classroom next to a 10-year-old in October 2015. Ewinger has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault. His trial in Osceola County is set to begin April 10.

A House panel has begun reviewing a bill that would create a new state crime for flying a drone over a prison or jail in Iowa. Representative Jarad Klein, of Keota, says after drones were caught carrying drugs, phones and weapons into prisons in several other states, it’s time to consider taking action in Iowa. “Having a tool in the toolbox for the prosecutors — if they can catch them — to give them an additional charge is more what it’s about,” Klein says. “We’re not talking about having the guards in the towers being able to — with sniper rifles — shoot these things down.”

Klein led an effort in 2014 to establish state regulations for “unmanned aerial vehicles” — which most of us call drones, but it failed to clear the legislature. Klein says regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration have addressed many of the concerns about drones, but he says it’s worth considering safety-related issues at the state level, including flying a drone over drinking water supplies. “That’s been one of the things we’ve talked about. Where are the places we need to make sure are fully secured? I mean, the jails, prisons — these are easy ones,” Klein says. “…We do have more infrastructure that we do need to be safeguarding, so that’s one of the things we need to talk about in the subcommittee and see what cities and counties come back and say. ‘We would like you to do something’ or ‘Absolutely not’ — and give us reasons.”

Just this week, New Jersey’s governor signed a law that makes it illegal to fly a drone while intoxicated in New Jersey. Klein says that proposal is not yet on the radar for Iowa lawmakers.

(Radio Iowa)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Facebook is rolling out a 30-city program it promised last year to help small businesses grow and workers gain the digital computer skills needed to find a job. The company is announcing the first five cities to get a visit from a crew of professionals as part of its Facebook Community Boost program.

Each team will train job seekers on digital and social media skills. Business owners will be offered ways to expand their digital footprint and find new customers. People learning to get online can receive training on digital literacy and online safety. The Des Moines event is set for June 4-8. Other cities scheduled for March, April and May are St. Louis; Houston; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Greenville, South Carolina.

SERGEANT BLUFF, Iowa (AP) — A northwest Iowa school superintendent has been given six months of probation after pleading guilty to drunken driving. Court records say 58-year-old Rod Earleywine also was given a deferred judgment at his Dickinson County sentencing last month. Under a deferred judgment, records of his conviction will be expunged if he completes the terms of his probation.

Earleywine was arrested Aug. 5 in Spirit Lake. The records say Earleywine’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit in two tests. The president of the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Community School District board has declined to comment about the case. On Thursday the district website still listed Earleywine as superintendent.