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Dakota Midday: Economic Growth Ahead in Midwest

A new survey of business leaders in South Dakota and eight other Midwest and Plains states suggests that economic growth lies ahead over the next three to six months. That’s according to the latest monthly report  from Creighton University’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index.

The overall Index climbed to 57 in February from 54.8 in January. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth. South Dakota’s overall index climbed to 63.3 last month from 61.2 in January. Along with South Dakota, the survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraksa, North Dakota and Oklahoma.

Ernie Goss, professor of economics and director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, joined Dakota Midday and discussed the report.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.