Harlan -- Walking through the towering brick church building at the corner of 7th Street and Victoria in Harlan two months ago, one would have found many relics from the congregation that used to gather there for services. Hymnals sat in stacks on the pews. Books lined the shelves. A vase of silk flowers even graced the altar.

MANNING — With board and community approval, construction for the IKM-Manning School District facility improvements and additions moves into the schematic design process. The district appreciates the community’s support in passing the Sales Tax Revenue vote in March.“We have the big overview, but now we break it down into what furniture, what the walls look like, what the gym looks like,” IKM-Manning Superintendent Trevor Miller said.

SHELBY COUNTY —  Emergency Medical Service (EMS) staff and volunteers throughout Shelby County currently work together to respond to ambulance calls around the clock and transfer patients to facilities where they can be provided the care they need.

HARLAN — The Harlan Senior Center will be closing its congregate meals due to lower meal counts and decreased funding from the government.The Harlan Senior Center has held congregate meals for roughly 30 years. Prior to the pandemic, it was a popular event due to the social aspect of it. After the pandemic, meal counts started to decrease, which led to the meal program being canceled.

HARLAN — Junkin in June is back for its second year with a new twist. Roughly 70% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to send teens to the Champions 4 Christ youth camp in Branson, MO. This camp is five days long and combines fun activities and powerful messages with the goal of bringing teens closer to God.The 2nd Annual Junkin in June will take place on June 10.

HARLAN — Several programs and activities are planned over Memorial Weekend at Prairie Rose. Kayaking: Saturday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m.  Attendees will meet on the east side of the lake/east side of County Road M47.  Kayaks, life jackets, and paddles will be provided.  Instructors will go over basic water safety and paddling and head out to paddle.

 SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors held the first of three required public hearings to declare Emergency Medical Service (EMS) an essential service in Shelby County. If the resolution is approved by the Supervisors, the decision to provide a county-funded EMS will be on the ballot November 7. The public measure would need 60% approval to pass. Currently, a private business provides this service to the county.

HARLAN — Adults and kids can find their voice by participating in the summer programs offered by the Harlan Community Library.The library wants to encourage ongoing reading and learning during the summer months with free enrichment activities and events.

 AREA — Local cemeteries  and churches will honor those who lost their lives in service to the country during several Memorial Day services planned throughout the area Monday, May 29. · Harlan, Vets Auditorium, 10 a.m. followed by ceremony at Harlan Cemetery. VFW will be putting up flags at 6 a.m. Monday and removing flags at 6 p.m.

 STATEWIDE — Home owners 65 and older have until July 1 to file for a new property tax exemption. Earlier this month Gov.

 AREA — On Tuesday, KETV Channel 7 made the trip over to Union Township Cemetery in Defiance to spotlight soon-to-be 91-year-old William Ahrenholtz.Ahrenholtz has worked at the cemetery for over 30 years. He continues to take care of the cemetery despite being 90 years old.

SHELBY COUNTY — Every year, the Nishnabotna Valley REC picks an organization in its service area and spends a day giving back to the communities. This year, they chose to work with Shelby County Conservation. On May 17, all 21 employees and three members from the board of directors showed up to help.  During the work day, 50 trees were removed due to damage caused by emerald ash borer beetles.