• RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) -- Cleanup of tree branch debris in the wake of an early October blizzard in western South Dakota has wrapped up in Rapid City but continues in Sturgis.
• Rapid City Public Works Director Terry Wolterstorff says the amount of branches and limbs that was cleaned and chipped in that city was enough to cover about 18 football fields 10 feet deep. He says the debris cleanup cost about $2.5 million, and that doesn't include snow removal.
• The Rapid City Journal reports the city hopes to get reimbursed by the federal government for much of the cost.
• KEVN-TV reports that crews in Sturgis are still working to remove hundreds of tree branches damaged by the storm that brought up to 4 feet of snow. The work there could continue another two weeks.
•

• OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- A monthly economic report suggests supply managers surveyed in nine Midwestern and Plains states are optimistic about the regional economy over the next six months.
• The confidence index for the Mid-America Business Conditions Index jumped to 66.5 last month from 57.2 in November. However, the overall index rose just 2 points, to 53.2 from 51.2 in November.
• Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says businesses tied to agriculture continue to report softer 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 growth, while a score below that suggests decline.
• The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
•

• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- A South Dakota banking official says people considering taking out short-term loans should make sure they understand the payment terms

(Continued on page 13)