Still, the one-month modest decline in the index is in line with the general trend of economic expansion since 9/11 (terrorist attacks) and the weakness of 2002.

We're not a heavy user of energy. You may start to see an impact on electricity (rates) because we use gas for generation plants.

The broad sweep of expansion shows clearly in the percentage change for the same month a year ago.

Tourism and construction continue along strong growth paths, bumping up against capacity constraints. Capacity constraints work to hold the rate of expansion.

We're seeing adjustments that are below the radar like the coal(-fired power) plant Nevada Power wants to build in Ely.

Families here have wishes and desires no different from people in Omaha.

Cost of living, it is a concern to be sure.

Someone might find low taxes agreeable, but not the way tax revenues are spent, such as on education.

The volume of traffic is not that much greater, but they're still coming and they're coming with more money.