HARLAN — Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand urged Iowans to reject partisan politics and embrace bipartisan problem-solving during a campaign town hall at the C.G. Therkildsen Activity Centerin Harlan Thursday, July 2, telling approximately 70 attendees that Iowa’s biggest challenge is not a single policy issue but a political system that rewards division over cooperation.

SHELBY COUNTY — As summer flies by, the start of a new school year is just around the corner, and so is the annual back-to-school shopping season. While many families look forward to preparing for the first day of school, the rising cost of backpacks, notebooks, clothing, and other supplies can create a significant financial strain.

STATEWIDE — Three-quarters of Midwestern homeowners say they are worried about rising home insurance premiums, and a strong majority believe elected officials should do more to address affordability, according to a new poll released Thursday by Climate Power and the Insurance Fairness Project.

HARLAN — Anyone walking through the intermediate building June 1-5 would have quickly realized this wasn’t a typical summer school program.

HARLAN — Middle and high school students are exploring potential career paths and developing hands-on skills this summer through Iowa Western Community College’s youth camps and discovery day programs.

HARLAN — A former City of Harlan employee was fired after purchasing a television for his office with city funds and refusing the city’s request to resign, according to state records.

AREA — Officials with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) announced Driver Steve Herrington received the 2026 Frontline Hero Award from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA),  one of the public transportation industry’s highest honors recognizing outstanding frontline service and dedication to community.

STATEWIDE — Coralville native Zach Wahls is seeking election to the United States Senate, campaigning on lowering costs for working families, defending rural Iowa, and reducing the influence of corporate interests in Washington. Wahls, a 34-year-old Democrat, currently serves as an Iowa State Senator and said his campaign is focused on representing everyday Iowans over political insiders.

GLENWOOD- The Harlan Community Cyclones will be well represented at the Blue Oval starting Thursday after a strong state qualifying meet last Thursday in Glenwood.

ELK HORN — Celebrate Danish heritage during Elk Horn’s 46th Annual Tivoli Fest Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, with food, music, history, Viking demonstrations and family activities across the Danish Villages.

STATEWIDE — The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa celebrated its 40th anniversary Thursday evening during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state. 

STATEWIDE — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has extended the deadline for nominations for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The deadline to nominate a farmer or farm family is now Friday, May 22.

SHELBY COUNTY — Shelby County Auditor Taryn Knapp is reminding residents of important dates and office hours ahead of Iowa’s June 2 Primary Election as absentee and early voting begin across the state.

ELK HORN — Blue Star Mothers of Iowa will bring its statewide outreach efforts to Elk Horn on Saturday, June 6, as the organization continues its mission of support-ing military families, veterans and deployed service members across Iowa.

HARLAN —Harlan Community Elementary students participated in a variety of track and field events at Merrill Field Friday during the annual track and field competition, showing teamwork, determination and plenty of school spirit throughout the day. (Blake West, photos)