An investigation into drug activity in Sidney Sunday night, resulted in the arrest of a man from Shenandoah. Fremont County Sheriff’s officials say 22-year-old Jacob Tacker was arrested at around 10:15-p.m., for delivery of a controlled substance/methampetamine. Tacker was being held in the Fremont County Jail on $50,000 bond. The Fremont County K-9 unit and the Iowa State Patrol assisted the sheriff’s office in the arrest.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Figures have dropped for a fifth straight month in a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states, providing continuing evidence of a regional economic slowdown. A report issued Monday says the overall Mid-American Business Conditions Index dropped to 39.6 in December from 40.7 in November, 41.9 in October, 47.7 in September and 49.6 in August.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he again blames manufacturing losses linked to the strong dollar and economic weakness among trading partners. 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.

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

Kentucky Republican Senator/presidential candidate Rand Paul and his wife, Kelley, will return to Iowa on Thursday, January 7th for a two-day, grassroots swing. They will host several ‘Stand with Rand’ Meet and Greets, along with Town Halls focused on Eminent Domain and government abuses.

The couple’s first stop Thursday, is in Council Bluffs for a 10-a.m. “Stand with Rand Paul Meet and Greet” at the Council Bluffs Public Library (400 Willow Ave.). Similar events will take place at 1-p.m. in Sioux City, at the Sioux City Public Library – Wilbur Aafls Branch (529 Pierce Street), and at 4-p.m. in Carroll, at the Santa Maria Winery
(218 West 6th Street).

The senator will also celebrate his birthday with supporters in Des Moines and Davenport. In the final stretch leading up to the Iowa Caucus, Sen. Rand Paul will continue to focus on the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights, and being boldly for conservative ideals that limit the powers of the Washington Machine.

Police in Red Oak report two arrests. Early this (Monday) morning, officers arrested 53-year old James Scott Malmquist, of Red Oak, following an investigation into a reported burglary in progress in the 700 block of N. 1st Street. Upon their arrival, officers located Malmquist a short distance from the residence and took him into custody. He’s been charged with Trespass, Public Intoxication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine – 3rd or subsequent offense. Malmquist was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond.

And, Sunday evening, Red Oak Police arrested 23-year old Cody Dean Johnson, of Red Oak, on a Montgomery County warrant charging him with Contempt of Court. His cash bond was set at $300.

Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report a teenager was arrested early Sunday morning on numerous charges, following a brief pursuit. 17-year Dalton Scott Jipsen, of Elliott, was taken into custody at around 3:30-a.m.,  following a pursuit that began about three-quarters of a mile east of H Avenue and 110th Street, and ended in the 1000 block of I Avenue, west of Elliott.

Jipsen faces charges that include speeding, failure to yield to an Emergency vehicle, failure to maintain control, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Additional charges were pending. Jipsen was processed at the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center and released to the custody of a parent.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday, two Oklahoma women were taken into custody on drug charges Sunday morning, following a traffic stop for an equipment violation, in McPaul.  The driver of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 38-year old Marsha Feldpaush, and a passenger in the car, 52-year old Vicki Johnson, both of Tulsa, OK., were arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia/methamphetamine. Feldpaush was also cited for Driving without a License. Both women were being held in the Fremont County Jail on $300 bond, each.

NASHUA, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 56-year-old man who was found dead in the northeast Iowa town of Nashua. The man was found dead with a gunshot wound on Saturday afternoon. Authorities have identified the person who fired the gun, but are still investigating the circumstances of the shooting. No charges had been filed by Sunday.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) — Two Iowa school districts have decided to stop sharing a superintendent next year, but the Clear Lake and Mason City districts will maintain close ties in other areas. The Mason City Globe Gazette reports Clear Lake’s board recently decided it wanted to hire a full-time superintendent, so it could have a leader focused on the district. Mason City had been sharing 40 percent of Superintendent Anita Micich’s time with the Clear Lake district since 2010.

WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) — Quentin Hart is more focused on how to serve his city well than he is on becoming Waterloo’s first black mayor. The 44-year-old Hart is set to be sworn into office Monday after winning a runoff election last month. Hart, who served on Waterloo’s city council for the past eight years, says others will have to judge the historical significance of his election. Hart says he hopes to be remembered as a hard-working, fair mayor who led Waterloo in a positive direction. Hart’s supporters hope he will be able to unify the city.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The next Powerball winner will have a chance to claim one of the game’s 10 biggest prizes this week when the jackpot grows to roughly $400 million. Lottery officials say no one claimed Saturday’s $334 million prize, although someone from Pennsylvania won $2 million and three players from California, Connecticut and South Carolina won $1 million in the game. The next drawing will be held Wednesday.