HARLAN – The board of the Shelby County Historical Society (SCHS) has approved the hiring of a Grants and Development Coordinator.    Museum Manager Nathan Buman said, “The Grants and Development Coordinator will oversee all aspects of the organization’s grants, fundraising and membership.”    “I believe that bringing this person on board in this position will continue moving us forward as we strive to become a premier destination in weste

    COUNTY – Elected officials and their deputies in Shelby County will see a 2.25 percent salary increase and a potential one percent additional increase next year based on performance review under a proposal approved by the county’s board of supervisors Tuesday, Dec.

    HARLAN – Small business development along Highway 59 south of the Settle Inn hotel took a step forward this month as city officials in Harlan move to re-plat the lots to allow for future development, including the possibility of a new restaurant, The Buck Snort.    The Harlan Personnel and Finance Committee met with a restaurant representative Thursday, Dec.

    REGIONAL – Farmland values in Shelby County and surrounding counties dropped considerably for the third straight year, according to a survey released this month by Iowa State University.    Shelby County’s farmland values dropped 7.18 percent from $8,288 per acre to $7,693 per acre from 2015 to 2016, according to the survey.  Similar drops were seen in adjoining counties (see accompanying graphic).    The decline regionally and statewide i

    COUNTY -- Gene Gross, Chair of the Shelby County Community Foundation, announced that approximately $114,600 in grant funds are available for Shelby County nonprofit organizations and that applications are due no later than February 1, 2017.    Application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form are online at: omahafoundation.org/swiowa.

    COUNTY -- There are two ways to win in the Harlan Newspapers’ First Baby of 2017 contest. The first baby born at Myrtue Medical Center will be the recipient of several great prizes from greater Shelby County merchants.

  Over the holiday weekend seven windows were broken out of vehicles parked on the street in various locations in Harlan according to the Harlan Police Dept.  The total damage to all vehicles is in the area of $3000.  It appears that at least some of the vehicle windows were possibly broken out by a BB or pellet type gun.  Shelby County Crimestoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person/persons responsible. 

    ELK HORN -- Kaitlyn Christensen brought a catalog when she visited Santa Claus in Elk Horn to make sure he knew what she wanted for Christmas this year. She is the daughter of Tracy Christensen of Kimballton.  (Photo by Kim Wegener)

    HARLAN – The Grinch Who Stole Christmas gifts has been arrested and charged with allegedly stealing packages off a doorstep thanks to the quick thinking of a Harlan homeowner who wasn’t going to let a third package be taken from his home this holiday season.    Jeffrey Allen Rowland, Sr., 50, 1215 College Blvd., Harlan, has been charged with aggravated misdemeanor theft.

    REGIONAL – Father Paul Monahan, a priest who served as principal at St.

    COUNTY – Outgoing Shelby County Auditor Marsha Carter and outgoing sheriff Mark Hervey received high praise from the county’s board of supervisors this week, who thanked both for their long-time service to the citizens.    Hervey and Carter’s reigns will end December 31.  Supervisor Chairman Roger Schmitz said, “On behalf of the board and all of Shelby County, we want to thank (Mark) for his 42 years of service.  We really appreciate it.”

    COUNTY – Auditor-elect Mark Maxwell will take on the duties of budget director when he takes office January 1, appointed by the county’s board of supervisors Tuesday, Dec.

    HARLAN -- A group of community leaders has formed a new nonprofit in the area to address initiatives in Harlan and Shelby County.    Community and Rural Initiatives, Inc., known as CARI, will work closely with city and county governments, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry, area school districts, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and area banks and businesses to assess the needs of the county and communities.   

    REGIONAL – The sixth and final adoption list of the Christmas season has been released this week, with the final list of needy families showing all have been adopted this holiday season.    Donations still are being accepted through today, Friday, Dec.

    HARLAN -- HCHS freshmen student council members made ornaments and Christmas cards for the children to color at Santa in the Cabins at the Shelby County Historical Society last week. The cards will be given to veterans and teachers.