REGIONAL – Needy families are getting some help from generous donors this holiday season as part of the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program in Shelby County.    The list has grown to 87 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action. Calls will be 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.

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan has filed a petition in Shelby County District Court last month, seeking title to an abandoned property located at 910 Court St.    According to court documents, the defendants are Stephen R. Nichols, owner of the property; and others who may have an interest in the property --  unknown spouse of Stephen R.

    HARLAN – Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz makes it pretty clear that if elected commander in chief, he’ll have a very busy first day in office.    The senator from Texas has leapt into second place in Iowa this week behind Donald Trump in a poll of likely Republican voters, now ahead of Dr.

    HARLAN – A pet treat manufacturing firm has plans to locate in the Harlan Industrial Park, with hopes of bringing upwards of 15 initial jobs and an additional 30 to the community in the future.    Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Todd Valline said last week, the business is interested in possibly acquiring the former MAT Ag building, located to the east of Monogram Prepared Meats in the business park.    “T

COUNTY -- The third year of the holiday lighting ceremony in downtown Harlan will kick off Saturday, Nov. 28 with lots of Christmas cheer and holiday events to start the season in Shelby County.    The kick-off to the holiday season is a special one, with the lighting of the official Christmas tree, and the third year of the exciting lighting display on the courthouse square, completely choreographed to music.    The event kicks off at 5 p.m.

    CEDAR FALLS - Veteran Harlan Newspapers Sports Editor Mike Oeffner has been awarded the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s media award as selected by the IHSAA Board of Control.  He, along with four others, was given the honor at the Class 3A state football championship here on Thursday, Nov.

ELK HORN—2015 is the 37th anniversary of the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa’s Christmas celebration - Julefest on November 27 and 28.  The important elements of a Danish Christmas – good food, warm hospitality, flickering candles and other decorations – will all be a part of this weekend.

CORLEY -- High winds made fighting a garage fire more difficult, but firefighters were able to knock down the blaze fairly quickly Thursday afternoon, Nov. 19 before it had a chance to spread to neighboring residences.    The garage/workshop located at 104 3rd St.

    REGIONAL – Needy families are getting some help from generous donors this holiday season as part of the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program in Shelby County.    The list has grown to 43 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action. Calls will be 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.

    COUNTY – Iowa Western Community College’s Shelby County Center has seen an uptick in enrollment this fall, attributable to everything from adults returning to college and distance learning options to community college affordability and an increase in part-time students.    “We are very lucky to have a community college right here in our county,” said Lori Stitz, IWCC Shelby County Center Director.  “Community colleges provide opportunities

    HARLAN -- Fourteen Harlan FFA members and advisors, Justine McCall and James Shughart, traveled to the National FFA Convention and Expo October 27-30 in Louisville, Kentucky. The members attended several tours and participated in various National FFA Convention activities while on the trip.    On the road trip to Louisville, the group stopped in St.

    HARLAN – The City of Harlan is applying for grant funds to assist local homeowners in fixing up their homes.    The Iowa Economic Development Authority offers a community development block grant (CDBG) program for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation.    If approved, the city would be able to receive funding to rehabilitate approximately 8-10 homes.  The maximum funding for actual rehabilitation costs is $24,999 for each home.  Individual

    REGIONAL – Needy families will get some help from generous donors this holiday season as part of the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program in Shelby County.    The Christmas season is just around the corner and a few families already are signed up for adoption.    Since the program was first started 58 years ago by the Harlan Newspapers, more than 3,900 low-resource families in need of assistance have had a merrier holiday season.  In 20

HARLAN -- Sam Bladt thanks veteran Ken Olson of Harlan for his service following the Harlan Community Elementary School Veteran’s Day program Wednesday morning.    Programs honoring local veterans were held in the elementary and at the middle/high school on Veteran’s Day last Wednesday, Nov. 11. (Photo by Kim Wegener)

COUNTY – Lonnie and Joann Rose called it “experiencing four seasons” all in one day last Wednesday, Nov. 11, as a powerful storm system rolled through the Midwest, including Shelby County, causing damage in its path.    The two were home when a suspected tornado raced through their property at 512 Juniper Rd, just southwest of the Harlan airport, at about 2 p.m.