OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have dropped slightly after rising for three months, but they still point to economic growth.  A report issued today (Monday) says the Mid-American Business Conditions Index declined to 50.1 in April from 50.6 in March.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline.  Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says “continuing weakness in the region’s agriculture and energy sectors remains an obstacle to improving overall growth.”

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County say a man from Union County was arrested this (Monday) morning on a drug charge, north of Villisca. 32-year old Jason Michael Merboth, of Creston, was arrested at around 1:45-a.m., following a traffic stop at the intersection of Highways 34 & 71. Merboth was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.

And, Police in Red Oak, Sunday, arrested, cited, and then released from custody, a 17-year old from Red Oak. Coltan James Wasson, of Red Oak,  was arrested at around 5:20-p.m. at a residence in the 100 block of E. Joy Street in Red Oak. He was charged with Simple Assault and later released to the custody of his mother.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:40 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Drunken driving deaths in Iowa increased to 123 last year, but the number of driver’s license revocations is down. Officials say the decline is likely a result of having fewer officers on the road, so there are fewer arrests. More people may also be taking cabs instead of driving after they have been drinking.

RED OAK, Iowa (AP) — Sen. Charles Grassley will join a national group in southwest Iowa to talk about taxpayer preferences. The National Taxpayer Advocate Service has announced it will hold a public forum at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Red Oak. Those who attend will get the chance to talk about what how the IRS can better help them comply with their tax obligations.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Center for abused children in Sioux City raising $2 million to expand the facility. The project will triple the space at the Mercy Child Advocacy Center and make the facility more confidential and secure.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa lawmakers put aside philosophical differences to adjourn the legislative session, because at one point their disagreements came down to less than $15 million. There were lengthy private meetings over less than $500,000 given to family planning facilities like Planned Parenthood. Lawmakers were also at odds over $9.7 million for salaries to the Iowa Department of Transportation.