OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An economist says a survey of bankers in 10 Midwest and Plains states suggests the regional economy is experiencing slow to no growth. The Rural Mainstreet Index rose slightly above growth neutral in March, to 50.1, compared with 48.4 in February. The survey indexes range from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. A score above 50 suggests growth in that factor in the months ahead.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says the region will need to see more increases in farm commodity prices to push the agriculture-based economy back into healthy growth territory. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

A distracted driver caused an accident late Thursday morning about three-miles east of Shenandoah, in Page County. Sheriff’s officials say 49-year old Jennine Ohnmacht, of Blanchard, was traveling north on E Avenue at around 11:50-a.m., when she looked down. As she looked up, she found the 2002 Chrysler Town and County van she was driving was beside a 2005 Sterling tractor trailer, in the northbound lane.

The van clipped the driver’s side of the semi, driven by 60-year old Rodney Long, of New Market. Authorities say the Long’s semi left a little more than 153-feet of skid marks from the tires on both dual trailer axles, and swerved towards the ditch in an attempt to avoid contact with the van. Damage from the mishap amounted to $5,000. No injuries were reported.

The sheriff’s office says Ohnmacht was cited for Driving on the wrong side of a two-way highway.

Sheriff’s officials in Mills County report a Glenwood woman was arrested early this (Thursday) morning on a drug charge. 47-year old Lisa Mae Bolan faces a Possession of Controlled Substance charge. She was taken into custody at around 3:20-a.m. on Highway 275. Bond was set at $1,000.00.

Authorities said also, no injuries were reported following a single vehicle rollover accident Wednesday afternoon. Officials say  Jess Mullanix of Glenwood, was driving a 2004 Dodge 4 Miles eastbound northwest of Glenwood on Ellington at Glover Road, when the vehicle slipped-off the edge of the gravel road and rolled into the south ditch. The vehicle came to rest on its driver’s side. The accident was reported at around 2:25-p.m.

The Atlantic Community School District’s (ACSD) Board of Education will meet in a work session Monday evening at the High School, during which time a Public Hearing will be held on the Proposed 2014-2015 Certified Budget, which sets the rate patrons of the district will pay in terms of property taxes. The proposed budget calls for a 66-cent increase per thousand dollars assessed valuation, from $14.25 per thousand dollars valuation, to $14.91 per thousand.

Last year’s levy generated nearly $5.84-million. This year, the levy will generate a little more than $6.28-million for the district. Business Manager and Board Secretary Mary Beth Fast says the budget incorporates changes in how the districts spends for next year, and how much anticipated revenue is generated.

She says the district is generating money in its management fund to pay for early retirements, property casualty insurance premium. The Board she says has a Physical Plant and Equipment Levy [PPEL] which is up for renewal every 10-years, and a voted PPEL, and revenue from the General Fund. There is no Debt Service fund, because there are no current bond issues, and the Middle School renovation/reconstruction project is paid through the One-cent Local Option Sales Tax [LOST].

During the Board’s meeting on March 10^th, Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein said the districts needs to try and cut more than $803,800 from the budget over the next couple of years. One of the ways the district hopes to accomplish that is through it’s early retirement proposal. Elsewhere, cost reductions could be made across all departments, the cutting of two para-educator positions from the Level 3 Behavior Program, and other, similar savings.

Monday’s work session and public hearing begins at 7:30-p.m. in the Atlantic High School Media Center. The hearing will be followed by action on approving personnel recommendations, and the 2014-2015 proposed certified budget, along with discussion with regard to Capital Projects and the 1-to1 Computer proposal.