OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – January results from a survey of supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states suggest some improvement in the regional economy but not enough to generate optimism. A report issued Monday says the Mid-American Business Conditions Index jumped to 48.3 in January from 39.5 in December – the first increase in six months.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says falling agriculture and energy commodity prices and global economic uncertainty continue “to restrain supply managers’ expectations of future economic conditions.” The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests economic growth. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

With the potential impact of a severe weather winter storm, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Iowa State Patrol (ISP) is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of all Iowans who may be traveling and offering travel tips.

The Iowa State Patrol offers the following travel tips for those driving during this potential storm:

• Allow proper stopping time by increasing the following distance
• Do not use cruise control on snow or ice covered roadways
• Use caution on overpasses, bridges, and all ramps
• Be alert and focused on driving
• Allow extra travel time
• Adjust the car’s speed to road conditions
• Wear a seatbelt in the front and back seat
• Fully charged cell phone
• Emergency roadside assistance kit
• Use 911 if assistance is needed or 1-800-525-5555

The Iowa State Patrol wants you to arrive safely at your destination. Provide yourself the lowest risk of a collision by driving without any distractions. Failure to maintain control of your vehicle, even in poor driving conditions, could result in an unwanted outcome.
The Iowa Department of Public Safety reminds Iowans and others traveling through Iowa to follow the Iowa Department of Public Safety and it’s Divisions on social media for up-to-date winter weather information, including road reports, pictures and safety tips.

The Red Oak Police Department responded to a call of a shoplifter at the Dollar General Store in Red Oak at 1:37pm Monday.  After investigation officers arrested 75-year-old Bonnie Bee Nosekabel of Nodaway for Theft in the 5th Degree.  Nosekabel was taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $300 cash bond.

One person was injured during a single-vehicle accident Monday morning, in Mills County. According to the sheriff’s report, Troy Schneckloth, of Red Oak, was transported by Malvern Rescue to Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, after the 2004 Chevy he was driving hit a patch of black ice on 370th Street near Ellington Avenue, just after 7-a.m.

The vehicle went off the road to left and into a ditch where it hit a sign and drainage tube. The vehicle continued across a farm drive and came to rest on the opposite side of the drive.

(corrects earlier version to reflect sources as Mills Co. S/O, not Glenwood PD)

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports today (Monday), six recent arrests. 56-year old Debra Ann Fender, of Glenwood, was arrested Friday, on a warrant out of Council Bluffs for Forgery. Her bond was set at $5,000. 61-year old Russell Dean Chatfield, of Monroe City, MO., was arrested Saturday, on a Page County warrant for Assault. His bond was set at $325.

77-year old Ronald Walter Klinker, of Hastings, was arrested Friday, for Driving While Revoked. Bond was set at $2,000. 36-year old Joseph Leeray Bartlett, of Corning, was arrested Saturday, for Driving Under Suspension and Interference with Official Acts. Bond was set at $600. 36-year old Jeremy Lynn Erickson, of Malvern, was arrested Saturday for OWI/1st Offense. His bond was set at $1,000. And, 31-year old Toby Lee McCunn, of Red Oak, was arrested Sunday, on a warrant for Probation Violation. McCunn was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

The Mayor of Glenwood has declared a Snow Emergency, which is in effect from 12-a.m. Tuesday until the snow has ended and roads are plowed. Until that time, no vehicles should be parked, left unattended or abandoned on public streets or in City-owned parking lots, other than in designated overnight parking areas.

(Update 6-a.m. 2/2)

A 21-year-old Council Bluffs woman who was in critical condition following a two-vehicle wreck in Omaha, Sunday, has died from her injuries. The driver of the other vehicle is suspected of drunken driving. According to her relatives, Sarah Root died Monday night at Nebraska Medicine. The crash at 2:15 a.m. Sunday near 33rd and L Streets. A family friend said Root graduated from Bellevue University on Saturday with a bachelor of science degree in crime investigation and a 4.0 grade-point average.

An investigation into a burglary Sunday in Red Oak resulted in an arrest this (Monday) afternoon. Red Oak Police say 42-year old Chris Allen Taylor, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 12:15-p.m. for Burglary in the 3rd degree, and Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree. Taylor was being held in the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center on a $5,000 cash bond.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports two arrests. 31-year old Mitchell Kenneth Venteicher, of Jefferson, was arrested Friday night at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Union County warrant for probation violation. Venteicher was being held in the Union County Jail on $2000 bond.

And, 19-year old Jacob Levi Roach, of Creston, was arrested Sunday night at the Union County Law Enforcement Center on a Union County warrant for possession of controlled substance. Roach was being held in the Union County Jail on $1000.00 bond.

(12-p.m. News)