HARLAN —Prairie Rose Lake in Shelby County has once again been listed as impaired in the 2026 Integrated Report released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 
The impaired waters list evaluates retroactive monitoring data to determine whether a water segment meets established criteria for its designated uses. When a waterbody is classified as impaired, it enters a restoration process under the federal Clean Water Act.

HARLAN — Staff Sergeant Jack Petersen of Harlan recently returned home after a seven-month deployment as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S. led international military campaign to defeat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The Harlan City Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance amending the city’s snow removal regulations during its meeting Tuesday, February 17, following discussion from council members, city staff and residents.

DES MOINES – MidAmerican Energy plans to install an aircraft detection lighting system at its Walnut wind farm in Pottawattamie County by the end of this year, part of a broader effort to reduce nighttime turbine lighting while maintaining aviation safety.

AVOCA —The jury trial for an Avoca man charged in connection with a shooting incident has been continued to March 10.
Shaun Patrick McCarthy, 29, was charged with domestic abuse assault, attempted murder, reckless use of a firearm, going armed with intent, three counts of child endangerment—substantial risk, and willful injury resulting in bodily injury. McCarthy has pleaded not guilty.

STATEWIDE — A House subcommittee has advanced a bill that would allow landowners to renegotiate damage claims and file complaints with the Iowa Utilities Commission or in court for damages and crop yield losses tied to pipeline construction.
Rep. David Young (R, Van Meter), who sponsored the measure, said it is based on “the premise of you want to leave what you found … in the same condition if not better.”

HARLAN — Approximately 10 students at Harlan Community High School walked out of class Friday afternoon to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The walkout was planned and organized by students and was not sanctioned or supervised by the school district.

HARLAN —Schroer & Associates, P.C. has released an audit report for the Harlan Community School District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

STATEWIDE — Iowa continues to report some of the highest cancer rates in the country, and state leaders and researchers say a combination of behavioral, environmental and health care factors are likely contributing.
According to the report, there are currently 805 cancer survivors, which the registry classifies those who are currently living with or who have had cancer. 

HARLAN — HCSD Special Olympians have been busy, competing in a bowling competition and January, and recently attending a basketball skills and cheerleading event February 7.
Eighteen cheerleaders and nine individuals competed in the primary and intermediate divisions. 
The five on five team earned first place, as did the 3v3 team. Six athletes qualified for the state competition, held in Des Moines March 13 and 14. 

HARLAN — SCSB presented the HCSD Education Foundation with a check for $10,000 representing a Giving Tuesday Fundraiser where the bank matched donations.
The Harlan Community Education Foundation has received over $100,000 worth of donations and pledges in its short-term goal of $250,000 for the Endowed Fund for the school district. 

HARLAN — When Kile Magner walks around the community, he makes a point to talk to people.
“I’m trying to get around and at least say hi and so they know my face,” Magner said. “I’m a very social animal so I like to be out talking to people.”
From CNA to CEO 

SHELBY COUNTY — When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the first thoughts are often medical: What’s next? What’s the plan? But very quickly, another truth becomes clear — cancer is rarely faced by one person alone. It is faced by a spouse, a parent, an adult child, a friend, a neighbor, a co‑worker… a whole circle of people who step in and help carry the load.

SHELBY COUNTY — A Malvern man faces multiple charges after a pursuit in Shelby and Pottawattamie Counties Saturday.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, 34-year-old Nicholas James Gragg was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2nd offense, Prohibited Acts, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Eluding, and several citations.