Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey suggests economic growth in rural areas of 10 states in the Plains and the West will continue slowing down in the next few months. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss said Thursday that crop prices are significantly lower than last year, and that’s a drag on the economy in rural areas.

The overall economic index from the monthly survey of bankers declined to 48.2 in September from August’s already weak 48.3 reading. The survey indexes range from 0 to 100. Any score below 50 suggests decline in the months ahead.

The bankers continue to doubt the economy. The confidence index fell to 33.4 in September from August’s 39.9.

Atlantic High School Guidance Counselor Craig Fredin reports the Iowa Association for College Admissions Counseling will sponsor a College Fair on Tuesday, September 23th, at Atlantic High School from 2:00-3:15 PM. Fredin, who serves as the site coordinator for the event, announced that 60 representatives from post-secondary institutions will be present to speak about opportunities at their colleges, vocational and technical schools, and military services.

The Iowa Association for College Admission Counseling has established 30 College Day/College Night programs throughout the state to provide a supportive environment for students to obtain information and appropriate counseling helpful in their college selection process.

Students, parents, or interested adults from Atlantic and surrounding communities are invited to attend.

The Harlan Police Department Thursday (Today) released a report on arrests and incidents. Officials said on Tuesday, 59-year old Jeffrey Stehr, of Harlan, was arrested after officers investigated a report of someone taking two steaks from the Fareway Store without paying for them. Steher was charged with Theft in the 5th degree.

On Sunday, 27-year old Joey Ranney, Jr., of Harlan, was cited for several offenses after officers investigated an accident at the corner of Highway 59 and Cyclone Avenue, where a 2011 Jeep driven by Ranney allegedly struck the back of a 2014 GMC driven by Stephanie Frank, of Alta. Ranney left the scene of the accident, but his vehicle was later located at the J-J Jensen Sports Complex. Ranney was cited for Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, failure to stop in an assured clear distance, failure to maintain control, and leave the scene of an accident. Damage from the crash amounted to $7,000.

On Sept. 9th, Harlan Police charged 26-year old Matthew Peters, of Avoca, with five counts of Theft in the 5th degree, after he allegedly took money from the deliveries he was making for Pizza Hut. A complaint was filed with the Shelby County Clerk of Court, and Peters was given a date to appear in court. The previous day (Sept. 8th), 37-year old Ryan Schwery, of Earling was charged with Theft in the 5th degree and aiding and abetting, while at the Shelby County Jail. The charges stem from an incident whereby he allegedly calling 27-year old Lachelle Petersen, of Elk Horn, and asking her to call the Harlan Pizza Ranch and order several pizzas that would not be picked up. The allegedly ordered about $105 worth of pizzas. Petersen was subsequently charged with Theft by deception and Theft in the 5th degree.

On Sept. 6th, 34-year old Nicholas Gaer, and 28-year old Marcus Erwin, both of Harlan, were arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct, following a disturbance in the 600 block of Market Street, in Harlan. And on Sept. 5th, 31-year old Michael Gifford, of Harlan, was cited for Harassment in the 1st degree, following a complaint by a Council Bluffs man.

The H-PD said they are also investigating an incident of criminal mischief on Sept. 7th, durign which the Harlan water tower at Highway 59 and Cyclone Avenue, was defaced with gold spray paint.