• OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- A monthly survey suggests that the continuing drought and lessening export demand for U.S. products are among the drains on the economy in nine Midwest and Plains.
• A report released Tuesday says August's Mid-America Business Conditions Index remained below growth neutral for a second month. It rose to 49.7 from 48.7 in July. June's figure was 57.2.
• The survey of business leaders and supply managers uses a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.
• Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says supply managers remain pessimistic about future economic conditions.
• The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department is looking for women who want to learn about hunting, fishing and other outdoor skills.
• The department's annual "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" workshop will be held Sept. 14-15 at Lake Poinsett. Those who attend can learn skills that include shooting a muzzleloader rifle, catching and cooking a walleye, and hunting waterfowl, deer, turkey and other game.
• Other topics include kayaking, photography and bird watching.
• The workshop is open to those 18 and older. Registration information is available on the department's website.

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