Students and faculty celebrated the week learning the six pillars of character: Trustworthiness; Respect; Responsibility; Fairness; Caring; and Citizenship.

    COUNTY – Bob Cook, commander, Harlan American Legion Post #150, has lived all over the world, but says nothing compares to the American spirit shown right here in Shelby County, Iowa.    “This is the most patriotic place I’ve been,” he said.    That’s why it’s so important to he and other Legion members that the annual July 4 fireworks show continues to be one of the best in the region.  It costs money, however, and even though it’s only O

    COUNTY – Early voting in Shelby County for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election is currently under way, and local officials said they are ready for anyone to cast ballots either by absentee ballot or by just stopping by the courthouse in Harlan to cast votes.    Shelby County Auditor and Election Commissioner Marsha Carter said her office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    DEFIANCE – The City of Defiance is seeking title to an abandoned property within the city limits through means of a lawsuit filed in Shelby County District Court.    The city has filed a petition for title to abandoned property against defendants David John Schaben, the State of Iowa, Shelby County Iowa Treasurer, and Ash Grove Investments, Inc.  Schaben is believed to be the property’s owner, and others named in the suit may have interest

COUNTY – The Iowa Community Kitchen in Harlan continues to grow this year, adding a new service that is sure to be welcomed for those who wish to have a fresh hot meal every Tuesday of the month.    The community kitchen has partnered with Southwest Iowa Transit to provide free bus service to and from a person’s home to attend the meal.  All you have to do is call 267-0755 to reserve a seat on the bus.    “We have some individuals who would li

    COUNTY – Beer enthusiasts get ready for a great event this weekend.    The 2nd Annual International Beer Festival is being held Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6- 9 p.m. at the St.

    HARLAN – There are new guidelines involving the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Leanne Travis, HCHS Guidance Counselor, said all parents of college-aged students should be aware of the changes.    This year is the first time applicants can use information from their already completed 2015 income taxes for the completion of their FAFSA. This is referred to as PPY (Prior-Prior Year).

HARLAN -- It was Fire Prevention Week last week, and local fire departments met with students from area schools to talk about fire safety.     Firefighters from the Harlan Fire Department were guests at the schools in Harlan to not only discuss fire safety such as the stop, drop and roll technique if caught on fire, but also the importance of working smoke detectors in the home and having a fire escape plan.  The students were able to see a fi

    HARLAN – Challenger Mark Maxwell says he’ll bring a fresh perspective with new ideas to the office of county auditor, while incumbent and long-time auditor Marsha Carter touts her years of service, accounting background, budgeting expertise and history of cooperation, communication and success as keys to providing her another term in office.    That’s what the two candidates for office brought to the table at a Shelby County Chamber of Com

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Intermediate and Primary Schools are celebrating Character Counts Week this week, focusing on the six pillars of character:  Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Trustworthiness, Caring and Citizenship.    It’s National Character Counts Week, and the highlight of the week at HCS came Monday with a presentation by the Ned Show, a character education program that centers around three important messages -- Never G

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan is in need of a tree to be donated and used as the official Shelby County Christmas Tree this year.    Anyone with a suitable tree they are willing to donate is asked to contact city hall at 755-5137.  The tree can be removed from the property by city employees and placed downtown on the courthouse square for the holiday season.    A large pine tree is preferred.

    HARLAN – Hands-on learning is exciting, as evidenced by the popularity of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Club participation this fall at the elementary and middle schools in the Harlan Community Schools.    Having a chance to cook homemade meatloaf, interact with nature, construct wind turbines or build a go-cart are just a few of the opportunities that greet the more than 130 students who have signed up for after-school

    HARLAN -- Customers of the Harlan Municipal Utilities may see a drop in their gas bills this winter, depending on usage, due to a drop in the cost of natural gas.    Doug Hammer, Director of Marketing and Stakeholder Relations at HMU, said this week that the price of natural gas will drop 20 cents per 1,000 cubic feet (MCF), or about 4.3 percent, compared to last year.

    REGIONAL -- Protect yourself, your family and community this season with an annual flu vaccine for everyone in your family who is six months and older.    Shelby County Public Health officials say it’s that time of year again where local residents should consider getting a flu shot.  A number of flu vaccine clinics have been held and will continue to be held through the rest of October into November (see schedule).    While the timing of f

    HARLAN – The City of Harlan has signed off on a project spearheaded by volunteers to implement a sound system in downtown Harlan.    The Friends of the Downtown group has worked tirelessly during the past year to fundraise and obtain grants for the project, which will see the installation of a sound system – speakers on the corners of the Harlan downtown square.  Music will be played through the speakers, which also can be utilized as a PA