MAYVILLE (AP) - With sales at a crawl and the demand for service work almost nonexistent, employees at Valley Implement have a lot of time on their hands.

"We're looking for things to do," manager Steve Hastings said.

The National Drought Mitigation Center in Lincoln, Neb., says the Red River Valley has moved into a "moderate" drought after weeks of being in the "abnormally dry" category. Areas in Grand Forks, Walsh, Pembina and Cavalier counties have entered "severe drought" territory.

As the rainless days mount, the outlook of small town businesses grows bleaker.

"For the last four to six weeks, our customers are saying, 'Let's wait and see what happens,'" Hastings said. "People who were thinking about buying are still thinking. They're also still deciding on whether to fix something or let it go."

When financial associate Jeremy Strand calls a farmer, the response is predictable.

"They tell me to call back in October and November," Strand said. "They say they want to do something with me, but they need to get the crop off first to see where they sit."

Carl Christian said the number of vehicles he sells at his dealership in Mayville depends on the success of farmers' crops.

"When the farmers have a good year, we have a good year," he said. "When they're happy, we're happy. The farming industry is the livelihood of our business."

Dan Uhlenkamp, manager of a local discount store, said business in Mayville is comparable to the last several years.

"But the last part of the year with back-to-school and Christmas are the telling part of our fiscal year," he said. "So the harvest season will be telling for us."

Hardware store owner Tim Strand said high gas prices also are having an impact on business.

"People have only so many spendable dollars, and they haven't stopped driving," he said.

Bank president Tom Capouch said the consumer climate is more nervousness and worry than fear.

"There's still room for optimism," he said. "But we sure could use some rain."