ults from the Iowa Western Community College bond issue shows the referendum gained 63.5 percent voter approval across southwest Iowa in Tuesday’s vote.    The measure asked voters if IWCC could issue $14.5 million in school bonds for security and safety measures at the Council Bluffs campus as well as satellite facilities in other southwest Iowa communities, including Shelby County.    Shelby County voters gave the issue 69.2 percent approval

    AMES -- The Iowa Small Town Poll, an Iowa State University survey that gauges quality of life in rural Iowa, will soon hit mailboxes in communities across the state.  Harlan has been chosen to participate in the poll, and residents already may have received a postcard in the mail during the last few weeks.    The poll’s organizers have announced plans to conduct the survey every two years, rather than every 10 years as in the past.

    HARLAN -- Calling all Shelby County residents ages 18-55!      The American Cancer Society has called on  Harlan Community High School HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) students to once again sponsor a Delete Blood Cancer (DKMS) drive today and tonight, Friday Dec.

    REGIONAL – The third adoption list of the Christmas season has been released this week, and a number of needy families have been added who could use some help this holiday season.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now until this Friday, December 9.  Children 18 and under, along with elderly ages 65+, who are at or below 175% poverty level (or LIHEAP eligible) may apply.  For those donating, they can delive

    HARLAN -- The annual Harlan Community Blue Out for men’s cancer will take place on Friday, Dec. 9 at the HCHS vs. Denison-Schleswig boys and girls basketball games.    The theme for this year’s Blue Out is I Can Fight Cancer.    There will be a silent auction as well as a bake sale at the event.  A Blue Out Bucket Run also will be held where those at the games can donate to the cause with any extra cash they may have.

    COUNTY – Shelby County is implementing a three-year budget reduction plan as a proactive measure due to expected losses in tax revenues due to everything from a struggling ag economy to decreasing population.    The county’s board of supervisors will put the plan in motion as it develops the budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year.  Hopes are that the cost savings measures will help when revenues grow stagnant or drop.    Supervisors Roger Schm

    COUNTY -- Shelby County non-profit agencies were awarded grants from the Shelby County Community Foundation last week in a ceremony held on the courthouse steps in downtown Harlan.    Gene Gross, chairman of the foundation, said $32,734 in total was awarded to a number of local non-profit agencies.  With these grants, the foundation has distributed nearly $2.1 million in grants and scholarships over the last 19 years.    The following non-

    COUNTY – Shelby County will be a few weeks behind its normal schedule in developing the next fiscal year’s budget come January 1, but hopes are the process will go smoothly once initiated.    Newly-elected auditor Mark Maxwell will take office the first of the year, and among the items the county’s board of supervisors want to know is if Maxwell will take on the duties of budget director like his predecessor Marsha Carter.  Maxwell defeate

    REGIONAL – Voters in Shelby County and the surrounding area will head to the polls Tuesday, Dec.

Elliott man dies in rollover accident
JACKSONVILLE -- An 18-year-old Elliott man died as a result of injuries sustained in a one-vehicle rollover accident on Timber Road near Jacksonville Saturday morning, Dec. 3.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday at approximately 9:45 a.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident in the 1100 block of Timber Raod. 

    HARLAN -- The downtown Christmas lighting ceremony was a huge success Saturday evening, Nov. 26 with hundreds turning out to meet Santa and kick off the festive season.

    COUNTY -- Four Shelby County residents were elected to the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Shelby County Council in the Nov. 8 general election. They are: Kathy Fara, Irwin; Julie Klein, Harlan; Michele Monson, Irwin; and Sheila Rihner, Shelby.    Current members of the county extension council who were re-elected to four-year terms are Klein & Monson.

    COUNTY – Shelby County Auditor Marsha Carter is calling for a mid-year audit of her office to be completed as she leaves the position January 1.    Carter told the Shelby County Board of Supervisors last week that it’s an important step to make sure all is taken care of financially as she leaves.  Incoming auditor Mark Maxwell will take over the office January 1 after defeating incumbent Carter in the general election November 8.

    HARLAN – Shelby County will have to decide how to proceed with Christmas light storage and programming in the future as a four-year agreement with a Harlan company will soon come to an end.    Off Kilter Media has notified the county that the 2016 Christmas season will be its last in providing support and storage for the light display.  “Our business has grown in another direction since we originally took on this project, and we will no lo

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees has approved the annual audit report following a presentation by Chris Nelson of Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C. CPAs, Atlantic.    Nelson outlined the highlights of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.    “A lot of positives that are shown on your statement of net position of your balance sheet.