by Mackenzie Bodell, News InternHARLAN — When Steve Lawson arrived in Harlan in 1970 to begin his decades long career as the Harlan Community School High School jazz band and middle school band director, contemporary Christian music was just at the forefront of new music. Along with that, the combination of instrumental and rock and roll was also on the rise.

 by Renée Brich, Lifestyles Editor  SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors gave final approval for a resolution declaring Emergency Medical Service (EMS) an essential service in Shelby County following a third and final public hearing Tuesday, June 13. Resolution 2023-29, passed unanimously, allows taxation to fund emergency services.

HARLAN — The Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees met Thursday, June 8 to discuss and approve several plans and policies.The trustees approved the contract for the new raw water system improvements. They plan to install four new wells with new piping, electrical and controls. McCarthy Trenching out of Avoca will be the contractor for the project. Construction is expected to start around the middle of July.

PANAMA ­— The annual Panama picnic is being held on June 10 and 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. This event has been held for the past several years on Friday and Saturday nights in June on Father’s Day weekend. It is a great way for people to get together and socialize while also serving as a major fundraiser for St. Mary’s Parish.New for this year, there will be steak sandwiches, tater tots, funnel cakes and root beer floats.

SAC COUNTY — Two Harlan teenagers sustained injuries during a collision between a personal watercraft (PWC) and a pontoon around 3:17 p.m. Sunday, June 11. According to a report issued by the Iowa DNR, the accident occurred on Black Hawk Lake near Lake View. The report stated the pontoon was operated by Charles Lierman, 75, of Ankeny, and was traveling an estimated 15 miles per hour.

SHELBY COUNTY — The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office of Shelby County welcomes two new interns for the summer.Julia Biehl is from Belleville, Illinois, and attends Iowa State, where she studies agricultural communication. She will be heading into her sophomore year this fall.

 
 
Starting on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Petersen Family Wellness Center (PFWC) will be open for extended hours while the Harlan outdoor pool is being repaired. The extended hours at the PFWC will be as follows:
 
Monday – Friday: 6 AM – 8 PM. The lap lanes will be closed from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM for Swim Team practice
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6 PM
 

 HARLAN — The existing Dream Playground in Pioneer Park is being re-imagined. Due to the stress and fatigue the playground acquired over the last 27 years of being well-loved, it is being rehabbed to ensure its safety.Currently, there is not an all-inclusive playground in Shelby County. The re-imagined playground is designed to be inclusive of all ages and abilities, which includes those with special needs.

 SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Advisory Council has brought multiple stakeholders together for one common goal: giving the people of Shelby County the best care possible for their tax value. The Board of Supervisors are holding the last of three public hearings to declare EMS an essential service in Shelby County.

AREA — Harlan native of 50 years, Donald Christensen, was awarded his Quilt of Valor May 29 at Peace Haven Retirement Home for his service during the Korean War.A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war.

ELK HORN — The Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn is celebrating 40 years of “Danish roots and American dreams”. In 1976, more than 300 volunteers rebuilt a Danish windmill in Elk Horn.

 HARLAN — After a steady decline in volunteers, the residency requirement for members of the Harlan Fire Department was changed during the Tuesday, June 6 city council meeting. The council approved changes to Article VIII, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Harlan Fire Department.Chief Roger Bissen said the department has always had stipulations on residency. Originally, members had to live within Harlan City limits.

SHELBY COUNTY — Relay For Life has grown and evolved over the last 25 years it has taken place in Shelby County. It is a community celebration for survivors and those who have felt the weight of cancer at any point in their life.The annual Relay For Life event will take place June 9, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the town square.

Community members joined architects, engineers and community stakeholders for a kick-off meeting discussing the future plans for the current Avoca Legion Hall. Previously, the building was owned by the American Legion but recently was taken over by the city of Avoca.Building renovations will next enter the design phase. Contractors from The Franks Design Group, P.C.

 HARLAN — A group of over 20 volunteers donated their time and efforts to assist in the removal of approximately 70 trees at the Harlan Golf & Country Club last week. Paul Leinen, member of the club’s Tree Committee, said the trees were removed to counteract the effects of the emerald ash borer and banded ash borer beetles. “Two years ago, the drought weakened the trees,” Leinen said.