Firefighters from Minden and Underwood responded to a structure fire south of Minden, Tuesday afternoon.

Photo from the Minden Fire and Rescue Facebook page.

The call came in at around 4:30-p.m. Officials say upon approach, heavy smoke and flames were showing from a barn, or outbuilding-type structure. Due to lack of water supply, the Neola, Oakland, and McClelland Fire Departments were called-in to provide additional  water support. Personnel from all departments contained the blaze to the lone structure. No injuries were reported. The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A report on a June survey underscores previous survey signs that slower economic growth likely is ahead for nine Midwestern and Plains states. The survey report issued Wednesday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose to 53.0 from 50.4 in May and 52.7 in April.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says “improvements at the national level in housing, retail sales and hiring pushed supply managers to raise their expectations about future economic conditions.”

The survey results from supply managers are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth, while a score below that suggests decline. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

VAN METER, Iowa (AP) – For $5, residents in Van Meter are getting the chance to use a police Taser on a city official. The Des Moines Register reports City Hall is selling raffle tickets as part of a public safety fundraiser, and the winner will get the opportunity to use a Taser on City Administrator Jake Anderson or Councilman Bob Lacy at the Van Meter Fire Association Street Dance on July 18.

Officials say a police officer will assist using the Taser, and the proceeds will go toward helping the police department purchase a second squad car, add speed radar and potentially expand its six-member part-time and reserve force. According to Anderson, the idea came up during a meeting with police about funding. Lacy volunteered for the event so Anderson, who also volunteered, would have competition.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A tip from the public on the potential whereabouts of a longtime Iowa fugitive has led to his arrest in Mexico. The U.S. Marshals Service says authorities in Mexico arrested Mitchell Meyer on Monday. Authorities say Meyer was facing two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in 1999 when he was scheduled to appear for trial in Sioux City. He was released on bond but never appeared.

A deputy marshal revisited the case in 2014 and offered information to local media. It was featured on a “Most Wanted” posting that brought in tips. One indicated Meyer was in Mexico. Meyer has been sent to the U.S. and is being held in Texas before he can be returned to Iowa.