OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The economy in rural areas of 10 Midwest and Plains states remains strong as healthy rainfall this spring helps crops get established. The overall economic index for the region grew to 60.5 in June from May’s 58.8. That suggests growth in the months ahead. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the monthly survey, says the bankers are optimistic because of the consistent growth in the national economy and improving crop conditions.

The confidence index grew to 60 in June from May’s 54.5. The indexes range from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the months ahead. The index is based on a survey of rural bankers in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Deputies in Audubon County arrested an Atlantic man Tuesday night on weapons charges. 17-year old Jacob Quentin Dvorak was taken into custody at around 10:30-p.m. on charges that include Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon, Carrying Weapons, and Assault Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. The charges follow an investigation into an incident which allegedly occurred on Main Street in Exira at around 2-a.m., Tuesday.

Dvorak was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs. The incident remains under investigation. Atlantic Police assisted in the investigation.

MASON CITY, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad now has the final say on payments for all Medicaid-funded abortions in Iowa.  Branstad on Thursday signed a health care bill that includes a provision that changes the rules for how the state reimburses abortions for Medicaid patients. Previously the state Medicaid program approved the dollars after extensive review. But under the new rules, Branstad will have to sign off on these reimbursement dollars.
 
Iowa’s Medicaid program covers a small number of abortions each year due to rape, incest, fetal deformity or to protect a mother’s life. The new rules effect reimbursements after the abortions, not authorizing the procedures ahead of time.
 
Abortion rights advocates say Iowa would likely be the first state to set such a policy.

The Harlan Police Department reports three people were arrested this week on separate charges. Taken into custody on Tuesday, was:

65-year old David Peters, of Harlan. Peters was arrested following a reported disturbance at the Harlan Public Library. He was initially charged with Public Intoxication and Disorderly Conduct, but after being booked into the Shelby County Jail, Peters was found to allegedly be in possession of a controlled substance. He was subsequently charged with Possessing Contraband in a Correctional Facility.

24-year old Shannon Schow, of Harlan, was arrested Tuesday following a traffic stop. Schow was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. And, 21-year old Michael Tremayne, of Harlan, was arrested Tuesday for OWI, and Driving Under Suspension. The vehicle he was driving was registered to Andrew Whyte, and 28-year old Dane Stevens, of Harlan, reportedly possessed te vehicle. Stevens was cited for allowing an unauthorized person to drive, and for failure to transfer a title.

On June 12th, 29-year old Gabriel Brown was arrested in Harlan after he was found to be in possession of a 2012 Chevy Malibu, that was reported stolen. Brown was brought to the Shelby County Jail and charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle in the 1st degree. That same day, two Nebraska residents were arrested following a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Dollar General parking lot, in Harlan.

Officials say 26-year old Nicholas Denetelli, of Omaha, was arrested on a charge of Carrying Weapons. 22-year old Morgan Kriz, of Kearney, NE, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs. Both subjects were booked into the Shelby County Jail.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports four people were arrested Wednesday, on various charges. 19-year old Benjamin Lee McGhee, of Glenwood, was arrested at around 11:30-p.m. in Glenwood, on a warrant for Violation of his probation. Bond was set at $7,500. 37-year old Sean Eugene Hicks, of Emerson, was arrested just after 8-p.m., on warrants for Burglary in the 3rd degree, Theft in the 1st and 2nd degrees, and Criminal Mischief. Bond was set at $40,000.

53-year old Alfred Charles Barrett, of Glenwood, was arrested at around 6:30-p.m. at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for Violation of his probation. Bond was set at $5,000. And, 51-year old Thomas Michael Horan, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at around 11-a.m. Wednesday at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on three warrants for Theft in the 3rd degree, Ongoing Criminal Conduct, 2 counts of Criminal Mischief, and a separate count of Criminal Mischief. His bond was set at $33,000.