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dexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth while a score below 50 suggests decline for that factor.
• The overall index figure was 49.7 in August, 48.7 in July and 57.2 in June.
• Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says "growth in the regional economy is definitely moving lower."
• The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- Gov. Dennis Daugaard is urging South Dakota businesses and government agencies to hire military veterans.
• The governor says businesses with job openings should consider hiring veterans because they make excellent employees.
• State Labor Secretary Pam Roberts says 18 Labor Department offices across South Dakota have veterans' employment representatives who help veterans enter the civilian workforce.
• In a proclamation declaring November as a month to hire veterans first, the governor notes that more than 800 South Dakota veterans were discharged from the armed services from July 2011 to June 2012.
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• MADISON, S.D. (AP) -- The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission is considering increases to nonresident hunting and state park entrance fees.
• Commission members are meeting in Madison Thursday to vote on the proposals.
• Various nonresident small game and waterfowl hunting fees would increase by as much as $15. The changes are expected to generate and additional $1.1 million in revenue for the state in 2013.
• Another proposal would bump the cost of an annual park license by $2 to $30 per vehicle. The fee for a second vehicle would go up $1 to $15.
• Group lodging fees at Mina Lake, Shadehill, Lake Thompson, Palisades and Newton Hills would also increase.
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• BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) -- A University of Oregon professor will discuss how the study of geography can help solve some of the world's most pressing problems

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