AREA — The Nishnabotna Water Defenders (NWD), a grassroots environmental organization formed after one of the largest environmental disasters in Iowa history, announced Sunday that it has filed a lawsuit against NEW Cooperative Inc. over a massive fertilizer spill that occurred in March 2024.

HARLAN — One thing becomes clear when speaking with Ellen Walsh-Rosmann. Milk & Honey was never just about opening a restaurant.

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Thirteen Harlan Community Middle School students recently competed in the Southwest Iowa Regional MathCounts competition held at the Boys and Girls Club in Council Bluffs February 26. 

MANNING — The 8th annual Wolf Pack for Hunger event will take place Thursday, April 2, and volunteers are still needed. Community members of all ages and abilities, including individuals, families, and groups—are encouraged to participate.
Volunteers will package meals during one-hour shifts from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Financial donations are also still being accepted, with 32 cents providing a bag of soup that feeds six people.

STATEWIDE — Two of the most prominent candidates in Iowa’s 2026 race for governor submitted petition signatures Monday to qualify for the primary ballot.
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and Iowa Auditor Rob Sand both delivered signatures to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office ahead of the March 13 filing deadline.

DES MOINES — Members of Harlan’s RAGBRAI Committee attended the RAGBRAI Overnight Town Meeting in Des Moines February 27, 2026, where Harlan was presented with a $50,000 check for agreeing to host RAGBRAI.

or
PANAMA — Some people are remembered for their accomplishments; others, for devotion to their neighbors. Jim Kloewer will be remembered for both. 
For decades, he was known in Panama and throughout Shelby County as a businessman, volunteer firefighter, veteran, and community leader, but those who knew him best remember him simply as someone who showed up when he was needed. 

AMES — The Harlan Community girls track and field team officially opened its season Thursday at the IATC Indoor State Championships in Ames, taking a limited squad to compete in the early-season meet. 

Qualification for the event was based on athletes’ best marks from the previous season.

HARLAN — The Harlan Community girls track and field team looks to be competitive again this season in the Hawkeye 10 Conference and at the state meet after placing 18th in Class 3A a season ago.