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.

    HARLAN -- Teresa Kruse of Harlan will celebrate her 90th birthday at an open house on Saturday, November 28 from 2-4 p.m. at the Therkildsen Activity Center in Harlan.    Hosting the celebration will be her family. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.

    HARLAN -- Frances Johansen of Harlan will mark her 95th birthday on December 1. Her family is planning a card shower in her honor.    Cards will reach her if sent to 2104 12th St., Apt. 227, Harlan, IA 51537.