HARLAN – Harlan Girl Scout Andrea Rietveld has earned one of the highest honors bestowed in the program - the Silver Award presented to those Girl Scout Cadettes who focus on any issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference.    Rietveld, 14, the daughter of Andy and Tricia Rietveld, earned her Silver Award May 15, 2020, raising funds for and completing a cement bench and leash holder project for the new dog

    HARLAN – The Harlan Municipal Utilities has revised its water conservation policy pertaining to the “usage allocation” section.    HMU is currently operating under a Tier I Water Warning, effective June 11 and continuing, due to drought conditions and well maintenance updates while it also works toward its plan for the drilling of up to four new wells to serve the community.    The HMU Board of Trustees has revised the policy.  The usage a

    MANNING -- The IKM-Manning Community School District and Board of Education will hold several community meetings focused on the September 14 bond issue vote.    The meetings will allow residents to learn more about the district’s needs and the solution that will appear on the ballot.    Attendees will also be able to ask questions and provide feedback.    The meetings will take place Tuesday, Aug.

DESTIN, FL -- Cali Hlavac is a country girl at heart, but she is living out her dreams on the beaches of Florida as a social media influencer, digital marketing specialist and the host of a local fishing show.    Hlavac is the daughter of Lori and Kevin Hlavac, Harlan residents who owned the Do it Best Hardware store for 20 years.    Hlavac was born in David City, Nebraska, but moved to Harlan when she was in the first grade.

By Bob Bjoin, Editor    HARLAN – Harlan residents want more/better retail options, restaurants and biking/walking trails, and point to the school system, safe, small-town living and sense of community/togetherness as key community strengths.    Preliminary results from a community survey recently completed by hundreds of local residents as part of the city’s comprehensive plan effort shows many are very happy to live in the community, but woul

By Bob Bjoin, Editor    HARLAN – The Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees last week received and filed a second appraisal of its telecommunications utility as part of a required process following the presentation of a petition asking for a public vote to dispose of the utility.    HMU Chief Executive Officer Ken Weber said the appraisal from LWBJ is one of three required as a result of the petition.  The first one was accepted earlier

    WALNUT -- The City of Walnut will celebrate 150 years Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 1 with events throughout the weekend on Antique City Drive.    Brett Simpson, committee chairperson for the event, said committee members began planning for the sesquicentennial event last August. The last major celebration in Walnut was to commemorate the town’s 125th anniversary in 1996.    The opening ceremonies will begin Friday at 6 p.m.

By Bob Bjoin, Editor    COUNTY – An estimated 30 people could die and 85 new, invasive cancers could be diagnosed among Shelby County residents this year, according to a new report released recently by The University of Iowa College of Public Health.    Cancer in Iowa 2021 is an annual project produced by the Iowa Cancer Registry, in coordination with the State Health Registry of Iowa, that provides information about the projected top 10 cance

Photo highlights from state.....

    HARLAN – The Harlan Community High School Board of Education and Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry are hosting a meet and greet tonight, Tuesday, July 27 from 5-7 p.m. with new HCSD Superintendent Dr.

    HARLAN -- More than 10 years ago, a shared vision for enriching the health and well-being of the community was realized with the opening of the Petersen Family Wellness Center and Lewis Family Aquatic Complex.    “Our goal always has been to provide local access to an experience that supports people’s physical, mental and social well-being – a place where people feel good,” said Jan Norgaard, president, Shelby County Health Foundation.    

    LINCOLN, NE  -- Prevent * Promote * Protect; these are the primary pillars of a newly-formed nonprofit organization set to advocate for sensible reforms within the criminal justice systems of Iowa and Nebraska.    The StoneCatchers Society was unveiled this spring, and through an array of initiatives, programs, and services is working to (Prevent) unnecessary incarceration, (Promote) wellness opportunities, and (Protect) the rights of the

Special thanks to Kristina Dotzler for providing the amazing calf photo!  Here are a few highlights from the fair.....

    COUNTY – Charlie Obrecht and Dean Klein were honored as 2021 Shelby County Hall of Fame award winners during ceremonies held at the fair Thursday, July 15.    Accepting the awards were the Obrecht family (above) and Connie and Brian Klein (right).  Following are the award presentations as read by Fair Board President Darren Goshorn Thursday:

    COUNTY – Lorie Knudsen was honored Thursday, July 15 by the Shelby County Extension during ceremonies at the Shelby County Fair as this year’s Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame selection for Shelby County.    Shelby County Fair Queen Candidate Mallory Mulligan made the announcement during the annual queen coronation and hall of fame recognition ceremony.    According to information provided about the selection, each year the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame reco