w/ Ric Hanson

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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – An economist who oversees a monthly economic survey of nine states in the Midwest and Plains says the economic recovery has spread to more industries. The Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose last month to 58.4 from 55.9 in January. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the region’s growth had been limited to agriculture and energy sectors. He says the February survey indicates the growth has spread to most industries, except construction.
 
The survey of supply managers and executives uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say that any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor. The states are Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Authorities in Montgomery County are investigating a non-injury accident that took place Wednesday morning, just west of Red Oak. Officials say a semi driven by David Ficke, of Pleasant Dale, NE, was attempting to make a left-hand turn off of Highway 34 onto Boxelder Avenue, at the same time a car driven by Martha Morton, of Hopkins, MO, was attempting to pass the semi.

As the 2003 Peterbilt semi driven by Ficke turned onto Boxelder, it came into contact with Morton’s 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. Both vehicle came to rest in the intersection. The accident happened at around 10:30-a.m., Wednesday.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Republicans in the Iowa House and that lone Democrat also voted for a bill that would give Iowans the right to use “reasonable force” to stop a crime in a public place. Representative Matt Windschitl, a Republican from Missouri Valley, is the chief sponsor of that bill.
“The basic intent is to provide Iowans the upper hand in their own self-defense,” Windschitl said.

Under current law, Iowans may use “reasonable force” — even “deadly force” to defend themselves in their home or place of business. This bill would extend those legal protections to a person’s vehicle when it comes to using a weapon as self-defense or to prevent a crime. Critics like House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy suggest the proposal would make Iowa the “wild, wild west” again. “Maybe loading groceries in the back of a car in the Walmart parking lot, you look over, somebody’s taking a sack out — boom!” McCarthy said during debate, yelling that last word to signify a gunshot. A couple of hours later, Windschitl responded.

“I trust Iowans,” he said. “I believe in them. Let’s give them an opportunity to defend themselves without the fear of frivolous prosecution.” This bill and the proposal for a constitutional amendment focused on gun rights now go to the Senate, where passage is not likely.

(O. Kay Henderson/Radio Iowa)

Officials with the Cass County ISU Extension service say the Annual 4-H Mardi Gras event in Atlantic is scheduled to take place March 11th, from 2:00PM-4:00PM, at the Cass County Community Center.  All families are invited to attend this low cost, high energy event for youth.

Susan Oliver, Cass County Youth Coordinator says the Sunday event includes fun, food, & carnival-type games for kids of all ages. The cost of admission for the family-friendly event is just 50 cents.  Each game ticket is ten cents.  Clubs set their own rate per game.  Most games are two to five tickets in cost.  There will be 13 club booths including; horseshoes, handmade “Color Wheel of Fortune”, ski ball, target practice with the Safety Education in Shooting Sports (SESS) program, ball toss and more.  There is also a club foodstand.

Cass County 4-H started the Mardi Gras event several years ago, to provide a budget friendly event for families in the community.  It also provides the various County 4-H clubs an opportunity to have fun together while planning and handling the booths.  In addition, the event raises funds for the individual clubs and the overall 4-H program.

To learn more about the 4-H program visit: www.extension.iastate.edu/4h and for detailed local program information at:
www.extension.iastate.edu/cass.

Lenox Police Chief Jon Huggins reports a Lenox man, Joseph Adam Whitehead, pled guilty Tuesday in Taylor County District Court, to a charge of 2nd degree theft, in connection with an investigation into complaints he was paid but failed to perform work on, structures damaged during the May 11, 2011 tornado in Lenox. Whitehead was sentenced serve a term not to exceed 5 years confinement in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections.

In addition he’s required to pay restitution to the victims, fines, court and other costs related to the investigation, amounting to more than $15,470.  Whitehead must also provide a DNA sample to the Department of Corrections, and is prohibitted from owning firearms or ammunition for the rest of his life.

Winds gusting in excess of 45-miles per hour caused an accident this (Wednesday) morning in Shelby County. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 37-year old William Haneline, of Ida Grove, was traveling north on Highway 59 at around 9-a.m., when a gust of wind caught the empty trailer, causing it to topple onto its side. Haneline was not hurt in the mishap, but both the semi tractor and trailer were considered to be a total loss. The road was closed for about one-half hour while crews worked to remove the wreck.