OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Figures from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states have risen for the second month in a row, suggesting more improvement in the regional economy. A report issued Tuesday says the Mid-American Business Conditions Index climbed to 50.5 in February from 48.3 in January. 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 a strong U.S. dollar and economic weakness among the nation’s chief trading partners remain a restraint on regional growth. The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

The Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund has been busy donating funds to projects that follow the funds mission statement. According to fund spokesperson Melanie Petty, Grant Petty presented a $400 check to Deb Schuler of the Kiwanis club for their annual bike helmet project. Trevor received a bike helmet when he was in 3rd grade and it brought a huge smile to his face. The Kiwanis have been doing this service project for many years and we are happy to help them out.

Both Melanie and Grant Petty were on hand to present a $500 check to Stacey Platt of the CAM Youth Sports Board. A new scoreboard is going to be placed at the baseball diamond. Trevor’s passion for baseball was undeniable so this donation in his memory really hits home. We are excited to see the CAM Youth Sports Board make continued progress on updating their facilities and are happy we can help.

Governor Branstad will sign a proclamation this Friday, March 4th, marking March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. While gambling is harmless entertainment for most Iowans, gambling can lead to personal and financial problems for others. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), 294,000 adult Iowans experienced a problem related to their gambling in the past year.

During Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Iowans are encouraged to have the conversation about gambling with those they care about. “We know the majority of Iowans who gamble do so because it’s fun and they don’t have any problems as a result of it,” said Eric Preuss of the of the IDPH Office of Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention. “But for those with a gambling problem, many suffer in silence because they don’t know why they developed a problem, what gambling addiction is, or where to get help.”

Have a conversation about how gambling affects your life if you or someone you know shows symptoms of problem gambling, including:

• Thinking a lot about gambling, such as past gambling experiences, future gambling ventures, or ways of getting money for gambling
• Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or with larger bets in order to get the same feeling of excitement
• Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop your gambling without success
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Gambling to run away from problems or to get relief from feeling depressed, anxious, or bad about yourself
• After losing money gambling, often returning another day in order to win back your losses
• Lying to family members, friends, or others in order to hide your gambling from them
• Losing or almost losing a significant relationship, job, or an educational or career opportunity because of gambling
• Relying on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

The Office of Problem Gambling Treatment and Prevention works to reduce the harm caused by problem gambling by funding a range of services for Iowans. These services include outpatient counseling for problem gamblers, concerned persons and family; recovery support services; financial counseling, including budgeting and debt reduction plans; and state-wide information and referral services through 1-800-BETS OFF and www.1800betsoff.org. In addition, the program funds targeted prevention and education services for schools, community groups, casino employees, and other at-risk groups.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF or go to www.1800BETSOFF.org.

A report in the Daily NonPareil says a Treynor man employed by REM Iowa Community Services in Council Bluffs faces charges of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, an aggravated misdemeanor. 54-year old Michael E. Krauth was arrested late Friday morning on a warrant, at REM Iowa’s Council Bluffs office.

A Red Oak man was arrested Monday night for allegedly possessing stolen property. Red Oak Police say 41-year old Troy Alan Myers was taken into custody at around 10-p.m., after officers recovered stolen property from his residence during the execution of a search warrant. Myers was being held on $1,000 bond in the Montgomery County Jail.