A business that caught fire early this (Monday) morning in Oakland is a complete loss. Flames consumed the Buck Snort Restaurant at 310 Dr. Van Zee Road. Pottawattamie County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Reynolds told KJAN News the fire began at around 3-a.m., after being seen by employees of the Casey’s Store across the Street.  Upon arrival, a Deputy dispatched to the scene found heavy smoke coming from the business, which was reportedly being sold.

The fire apparently started in the kitchen area and spread from an old roof line to a new roof line before flames spread further. Firefighters were forced to enter into a defensive mode when the smoke and flames became too intense for them to enter.

Firefighters from Oakland, Carson, Hancock and Macedonia battled the flames. The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been notified, as part of a standard procedure.

Three people were arrested on separate charges early Sunday morning, in Creston. According to Creston Police, 45-year old Randy Etheridge, of Lenox, was arrested at around 1:45-a.m. for OWI/1st offense. At around 2:35-a.m., 28-year old Adam Drake, of Creston, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct. And at approximately 4:10-a.m., 43-year old Steven Jehn, of Creston, was arrested for 2nd offense Public Intoxication.

Jehn and Etheridge were subsequently released from the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond, each, while Drake was released from custody on a promise to appear later, in court.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – A July survey suggests there will be slow to no economic growth over the next three to six months in nine Midwest and Plains states. A survey report issued Monday says the overall Mid-America Business Conditions Index slumped to 50.6 in July from 53.0 in June.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says businesses tied to agriculture and energy “continue to report pullbacks in economic activity, and this is spilling over into the broader regional economy.”

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.