A survey finds the Midwestern economy improved during February, but Iowa’s economy is still lagging. While the U-S economy has been generally thriving, the Midwest hasn’t seen much growth until the first two months of this year. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says of the nine states involved in the monthly survey, Iowa is dragging behind the region due to the troublecompanies are having in hiring qualified workers. Dr. Goss says the Midwest as a whole is seeing its most promising economic numbers since July of lastyear. Goss says there are signs of inflation which he predicts will mean the Federal Reserve Board will -not- lower interest rates and may even raisethem at its next meeting in May.