HARLAN – A Harlan man has been charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance and using a racial slur directed at another individual during a second-grade Christmas vocal concert at Harlan Community High School Thursday, Dec.

HARLAN – The Harlan Community Schools Board of Education Monday, Dec. 7 approved the formation of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Student Club, paving the way for the group to become an official club within the school district.    The board voted 6-0 (Kathy Mahlberg, Al Hazelton, Angela Monson, Joni Larsen, Amy Rueschenberg and Monte Schechinger aye) approving the club.  Board member Lonnie Muxfeldt was absent from the meeting. 

    REGIONAL – The annual Christmas adoption list has grown to 136 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action soon.    Calls are being taken Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m., for persons wishing to be adopted or to adopt a family.

OUNTY – Shelby County is proposing an amendment to its winter road maintenance ordinance that would spell out financial penalties for residents who push snow into the roadway.               The county’s board of supervisors will have a first reading of the ordinance change at its next meeting Tuesday, Dec.

    HARLAN -- Iowa Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison) will host a pre-legislative breakfast session for the public Saturday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. at Milk & Honey in downtown Harlan.    The public is invited and encouraged to attend the event, where the local legislators will outline some of the important topics facing the Iowa Legislature this coming session.

    REGIONAL – The annual Christmas adoption list has grown to 113 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action soon.    Calls are being taken Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m., for persons wishing to be adopted or to adopt a family.

    DES MOINES --  Harlan Community High School’s Sarah Goedken was among the select students nominated to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Oct. 15-17 in Des Moines, during the Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium, which drew 1,300 people from more than 60 countries to discuss the world’s hunger and food security issues.    The World Food Prize was founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $34,340 this fall, awarded to Shelby County non-profit agencies.    With these grants, the foundation has distributed nearly $1.8 million in grant funds and scholarships over the last 15 years.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Association of School Boards recognizes that learning and leadership on the part of school board members makes a difference at the board table and for students.    At IASB’s 70th Annual Convention on Nov.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded a number of area fire departments grants to aid their efforts in protecting Iowans and their property from wildfires.    Local departments receiving 50 percent cost share grant monies include Elk Horn, Harlan and Irwin.    The grants are made possible through the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, and offer assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications

    HARLAN -- Students from the Shelby County Catholic School at St. Michael’s Center will be presenting their Christmas program Monday, Dec. 7 in the school gym.  The program at 7 p.m. follows the anticipatory 5:30 p.m. Mass in the church for the Holy Day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is Dec.

    HARLAN -- The Annual Harlan Community Blue Out for men’s cancer awareness and fundraising will take place tonight, Friday, Dec.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Middle School’s Varsity Mock Trial team was crowned state runner-up at the state mock trial competition held November 16-17 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.    In addition, HCMS’s junior varsity team took home 11th place at the state level.  Both teams competed well, with each bringing home a trophy as the top 12 teams placed at the event.  The Harlan Community groups advanced to the state level after comp

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Harlan Municipal Utilities, Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and MidAmerican Energy, are sponsoring a holiday home lighting contest this season.    Winners will be awarded $100, $50 or $25 in chamber gift certificates, and the contest is open to everyone in Shelby County.    To enter, submit your photo to KNOD FM at 909 Chatburn Ave, Harlan,

    HARLAN -- The Harlan American Legion Posts 150 and VFW Post 941 performed a Flag Retirement Ceremony (Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags) at the Lawrence and Pam Rold acreage east of Harlan on October 17.    The ceremony pays proper respect to flags that have become unserviceable after being flown over the departed comrades graves as well as businesses, organizations and homes in the area.  Girl Scouts from Troops 56, 417, 350 and B