COUNTY – This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 22-26, as declared by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service.

    HARLAN – An attorney for the Harlan Municipal Utilities explained last week that a petition asking for a public vote to discontinue and dispose of the HMU communication utility is based solely on a misunderstanding of general accounting practices regarding depreciation, and in the end could cost ratepayers due to legal steps required of HMU once the petition was presented.    Steven Nadel, Ahlers & Cooney,  Des Moines, said the asserti

    COUNTY – Shelby County has signed off on its five-year secondary roads construction plan that includes some innovative solutions to bridge, culvert, and other road-related projects.    Among the most cutting-edge answers is happening now, where old railroad tank cars are re-purposed to use for secondary road culvert projects.  Not only do they hold up well, but they are more financially appealing as well, said Shelby County Engineer Brando

HARLAN -- “You want to blame somebody, blame me.  But don’t blame the employees.”    Those sentiments come from Harlan Municipal Utilities Chief Executive Officer Ken Weber this week, who is making a request of the Harlan community at-large.    He knows residents are upset with their utility bills.    However, “you’ve got a very dedicated group down there with the employees of HMU,” he said.  “Their sole purpose is to make sure the lights come

    HARLAN – A Change.org petition signed by more than 600 individuals requesting electric utility competition in Harlan has no legal standing in Iowa, while gas utility competition is deemed unnecessary duplication and financially unfeasible, according to attorneys who addressed the Harlan City Council this week.    While Harlan residents continue to reel from high energy purchase adjustments on their most recent utility bills due to February

    HARLAN -- Manning native Ben Wegner said it has always been a dream of his to work in law enforcement. His first day as an officer with the Harlan Police Department was February 22.    Wegner is a graduate of IKM-Manning High School and Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville, where he earned an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice. He also attended Iowa State University.

    NATIONAL – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced recently that its Office of Enforcement is examining wholesale natural gas and electricity market activity during February’s extreme cold weather, to determine if any market participants engaged in market manipulation or other violations.    If the Office of Enforcement finds any potential wrongdoing that can be addressed under FERC’s statutory authority, it will pursue t

    HARLAN – Shelby County’s government is hoping not to have to raise property taxes to offset costs associated with increased utility bills from the Harlan Municipal Utilities due to last month’s unprecedented cold weather.    Like other Harlan residents receiving their power purchase adjustments recently, Shelby County government also was hit with “sticker shock,” and is working to determine the best course of action to pay those bills with

Much more in the NA this week. See the paper on the street tomorrow afternoon.

    OMAHA, NE – Joe Wilson was floating.    Up in the corner of the room.  On his back, looking up.    Not much above him to see but air.  It’s white and bright.  Reaching out his hands he grasps at nothing.  Looking around he sees he’s wearing a hospital gown.    “It’s all hazy.  I’m looking up and I’m floating, way, way up high.  It’s just white…that’s it….nothing else,” Wilson said.  Where am I, he asks?    At one point he turns over.    “I

    HARLAN – Nearly 600 individuals have signed a petition on the Change.org website started by Harlan resident Hannah Beeman, requesting a company such as MidAmerican Energy be allowed to provide services in town as utility competition for the Harlan Municipal Utilities.    The petition is in response to a history of what have been deemed higher than average utility bills, exacerbated recently by bills double and triple the norm due to last m

    HARLAN – Dr. Jennifer Barnett, newly-hired Harlan Community Superintendent of Schools, will be paid a base salary of $150,000 in the first-year of a two-year contract, as approved by the HCS Board of Education Monday, March 8.    Full compensation, including salary, insurance, FICA and IPERS, will total $202,790.31 in year one.    Barnett also has been offered a $5,000 stipend for moving expenses.

    HARLAN -- Harlan FFA members competed in various Leadership Career Development Events at the Southwest Iowa District FFA Leadership Conference held at Southwest Valley Schools in Corning on March 6.    Members also participated in Sub-district FFA Contests at Riverside Community Schools in Oakland on February 3, most qualifying for the district event.    On January 28, a district review night of Iowa FFA Degrees and officer interviews were

    AVOCA -- Robert Dewaele grew up on a crop and livestock farm near Crescent, Iowa, where he always worked with his hands. It only felt natural, the Avoca resident said, to become an artist.    Dewaele has worked as a wood sculptor for 39 years, carving the material from its original form into an intricate, curved yet smooth piece of artwork. He also works as a Crops Insurance Claims Adjuster.

    HARLAN – Iowa Freemasons gathered Saturday, March 6 in Harlan to honor and pay tribute to three 2020-21 officers of the Grand Lodge of Iowa of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.    Honorees were Dennis R. Heflin, Grand Master from Harlan; John D. Lloyd, Deputy Grand Master from Osceola; and Donald (Donnie) A.