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A June survey says growth in rural areas of 10 Midwestern and Western states, including Nebraska, has slowed. The report released Thursday says the Rural Mainstreet Index hit its lowest level of the year, 56.7, compared with 58.5 in May. But survey organizers say any survey index score above 50 on the 100-point scale suggests growth in the months ahead. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the global economic slowdown, combined with a stronger U.S. dollar, have pushed agriculture and energy prices lower.
