OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Business remains strong in nine Midwest and Plains states, but a new monthly survey suggests that growth is slowing as concerns about trade and tariffs increase. The region’s overall economic index decreased to 61.8 in June from May’s 67.3, but any score above 50 indicates growth. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the trade concerns and more interest rate increases are likely to slow the region’s economy.

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.
The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Residents in the Des Moines area are cleaning up after deadly floods destroyed homes and submerged cars, and more damage could be revealed as the floodwaters recede.
Heavy rains over the weekend forced the evacuation of numerous homes and businesses in Des Moines and surrounding suburbs. Drake University broadcaster 66-year-old Larry Cotlar was killed when he was swept away by floods on Saturday.

Areas near Fourmile Creek in Des Moines and Walnut Creek in Clive were especially hard hit. Water rushed into ground-floor apartments in parts of Des Moines ruining belongings. Fifty-eight-year-old Ellen James says she lost everything and had to stay in a shelter Sunday night. In Clive, dozens of businesses and homes were also ravaged by floodwater.

Red Oak Police are investigating two hit-and-run property damage incidents that were reported Friday. The owner of a 2014 Ford XPL Sport Utility Vehicle reported to Police their legally parked vehicle was struck as it was parked in the 600 block of E. Elm Street, while the owner was away on vacation. The SUV was side-swiped by an unknown white vehicle, causing about $2,500 damage. And, the owner of a 2010 Ford Fusion told police he parked his vehicle on the east side of N. 3rd Street Friday evening, and went inside his residence. When he came out a few hours later, he noticed a dent in the passenger side door and what appeared to be white paint on the door. There was also a residue of rubber, possibly from the tire or bumper of the other, unknown vehicle. The damage was estimated at $1,500.

A woman from Creston reported to Police, Sunday, that someone had stolen several car wash tokens from her vehicle. The incident occurred while the vehicle was parked near her residence in the 300 block of S. Vine Street. The loss was estimated at five-dollars.