HARLAN – Warm weather this summer has created the opportune time to lay by the pool and relax, but with that luxury comes the realization that there are specific rules in place regarding backyard pool installation.    Harlan Fire Chief and Building Inspector Roger Bissen said this year has seen many residential swimming pools show up in back yards.  Some of these pools are being placed in yards without a fence, he said.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County Emergency Services in Harlan has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the American Heart Association as part of Mission: Lifeline, an American Heart Association community-based initiative aimed at improving the system of care for heart attack patients throughout rural Iowa.    Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans have the most serious type of heart attack known as an ST-elevated myocardial infarction, or STEMI

    HARLAN -- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad will be in Harlan Friday, July 8 hosting an ag industry town hall meeting.    The meeting will be held at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan from 10:30-11:30 a.m.    The public is invited to attend the event.  Hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, updates on local projects will be presented and there will be a question and answer period.

    STATE -- New laws went  into effect July 1 that influences citizens statewide on subjects regarding rural bridges, veterans, farm tenancies and various tax codes.    Senator Jason Schultz weighed in and explained the various changes coming to the region. Representative Steven Holt could not be reached for comment.

COUNTY -- “Ordinary people working together can do extra-ordinary things,” is Ron Chamberlain’s, member of Western Iowa Pioneer Cemetery Association (WIPCA), favorite saying.    WIPCA attempts to do extra-ordinary things while restoring multiple cemeteries and hidden grave sites, especially in Shelby County.    WIPCA celebrated John McIntosh Day with approximately 55 community members during the unveiling of new grave stones they replaced for

    AVOCA -- As part of a project tour organized to demonstrate innovative downtown revitalization efforts, state economic development leaders visited downtown Avoca on June 21.    Hosted by representatives of Avoca Main Street, Inc., Main Street Iowa State Coordinator Michael Wagler was joined by Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Development Administrator Tim Waddell, and IEDA Division Coordinator Leslie Leager. 

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Airport will be updating its runway lights as part of an effort to increase its eco-friendly technology.    “It keeps our municipal airport up-to-date with facilities, equipment and a reliable airport for pilots to fly in and out,” said Gene Gettys, Harlan mayor.    Last year new pavement was put in, and this year’s lighting project continues to modernize the airport.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees has voted to accept low bids for labor and materials toward installing fiber to the premises in parts of Harlan, with work to begin in late July or August of this summer.    Projected as a $2.1 million project, bids came in lower by more than $100,000, and the end of 2016 should complete this project phase.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan community once again will be treated to a fireworks show this Fourth of July, due to the fund-raising efforts of the local American Legion and financial generosity of local residents and businesses.    For more than 30 years Harlan American Legion Post #150 has fund-raised for the firework display.  Donations are pooled to reach a goal of $5,000 each year to put toward the annual fireworks display.    This year’s show

    HARLAN -- As the starting pistol is raised into the warm summer air, swimmers raise their marks on the platforms, parents shifted to the edge of the bleachers and the coaches calmly stare through their sunglasses.    The Harlan Swim Team has developed over the course of decades to be a successful, fulfilling program for the community.

    HARLAN – Sports enthusiasts who have gotten used to parking on the north side of Elm Street near Merrill Field during ball games on football Friday nights may have to find a new place to park their vehicles, should a proposal being considered by the Harlan City Council be approved.    The council is proposing to amend current city code by adding a no parking zone on the north side of Elm St. between 10th and 12th Sts. from 3-11 p.m.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Superintendent of Schools Justin Wagner will be paid a base salary of $167,982.20 in 2016-17 under a contract agreement approved by the HCS Board of Education Monday, June 20.    Total salary and benefits package for Wagner amounts to $224,885.60.    The board approved the contract 5-0 (Lonnie Muxfeldt, Al Hazelton, Angie Monson, Joni Larsen and Amy Rueschenberg voted aye).  Absent were Monte Schechinger and Kathy

    HARLAN -- Due to the overwhelming number of complaints and violations of the state and local fireworks code in recent years, the Harlan Police Department will have extra officers out over the Fourth of July weekend.    Officers will be enforcing the laws.  Officials said it’s a public safety issue and the department is tasked with that responsibility.    Violators can be cited or arrested.

    HARLAN -- Nothing beats an evening at the ballpark.  T-ballers recently wrapped up their season.  Here are some highlights from recent games.

    HARLAN -- “On your mark, get set, read” is this year’s summer reading program theme. Harlan Community Library is teaming up with Petersen Family Wellness Center and Iowa State University Extension Office to present the athletic inspired program.    “It gets them in the library,” said Pat Engemann, children’s librarian. “It get’s them acquainted with Petersen Wellness this summer.