SHELBY COUNTY — Correctional officers routinely work in high-stress environments where tensions can escalate quickly, requiring constant vigilance and sound judgment. 

NATIONWIDE — The U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step toward updating the nation’s agriculture policy Thursday, passing a long-awaited five-year farm bill as Iowa lawmakers and agricultural groups continue pushing for certainty amid ongoing economic challenges in rural America.

NATIONWIDE — Iowa law-makers, ethanol advocates, and farm leaders are reacting after the U.S. House approved legislation that would allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 fuel blends. 

HARLAN — The Harlan City Council voted to approve a new 28E agreement with Shelby County Ambulance Service without committing any city funds for the coming year. The decision came after extensive discussion about how to cover the mounting costs of ambulance equipment and operations following the county’s takeover of EMS responsibilities from Medivac Corp in late 2023.

HARLAN — Elaine Baughman, a longtime educator, volunteer, and community advocate, was recently recognized as a finalist for the Inspiring Women of Iowa Character Award during the annual Inspiring Women of Iowa luncheon hosted by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and presented by Lincoln Savings Bank.

NASHVILLE, TN — Seventeen Harlan Community High School students and three advisors attended the Business Professionals of America National Competition May 6-10, 2026, in Nashville, TN.
Advisors Chad Swanson, Jacie Stuerman, and Dan Ahrens accompanied the students to the event, which drew more than 6,900 students from 30 states. The conference was hosted at the Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center.

DES MOINES — Shelby County is no longer included in the proposed route for Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon sequestration pipeline after the company announced Wednesday it is refining portions of its Iowa project footprint to “focus on the strongest and most efficient path forward.”

STATEWIDE —Iowa lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 legislative session Sunday, May 3, after an extended weekend of negotiations, approving a property tax overhaul, budget agreements and several policy measures.

AREA — Regular fuel prices climbed sharply this week, with prices topping $4 per gallon in some areas.
In Harlan, one convenience store listed regular gasoline at $3.77 per gallon Monday before raising the price to $4.29 by Tuesday morning.

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors voted to repeal a zoning ordinance regulating hazardous liquid pipelines through strict zoning setbacks, following a final ruling from the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals that found the ordinance was preempted by federal law.

HARLAN — The Harlan Community Library’s Outdoor Revitalization Project is now underway.
Tara Painter, Harlan Community Library Director, said the library will remain open throughout the construction process. When work moves to the front of the building and the south entrance must close, the west entrance will remain open and operational for patrons.

AMES – Drones are emerging as a tool in Iowa agriculture, especially for crop monitoring and pesticide application, but many farmers are still unsure about their benefits and drawbacks, according to the 2025 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

STATEWIDE — Iowa drivers again saw a sharp increase at the pump this week as fuel prices climb alongside a significant rise in global crude oil markets.
According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa rose 33 cents from last week to $3.84 per gallon,  which is 86 cents higher than this time a year ago. Nationally, the average price reached $4.23 per gallon on Wednesday, up 21 cents from the previous week.

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek, a Democrat from Council Bluffs, has entered the 2026 race for the U.S. Senate, outlining a campaign centered on economic relief for working families, government accountability and support for rural communities.

SHELBY COUNTY —  A Harlan man died Wednesday evening, after a motorcycle struck a field sprayer in Shelby County.
According to the Iowa State Patrol, the accident occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. on County Road M16. Authorities reported 19-year-old Jacob Buman was traveling northbound on a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle when he approached a northbound 2010 Apache 715 sprayer operated by 37-year-old Luke Applegate of Shelby.