COUNTY -- As Shelby County’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise, now at 31 with 8 tests still pending, local health officials are reminding residents to continue their diligence with social distancing and personal hygiene measures.  Many of Iowa’s businesses are re-opening after the governor relaxed restrictions over the past week and into this week.  Health officials ask that Shelby Countians take personal responsibility

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan has filled its pool at the Norman D. Stamp Aquatic Center, but continues to work to determine a plan of action for pool usage this summer.      Filling the pool was done to protect the integrity of the structure as well as the immediate availability of water due to water tower maintenance.    Iowa Gov.

    STATE – Iowa Gov.

HARLAN – Teachers, staff and administration of the Harlan Community Schools crossed the finish line of the 2019-20 academic year last week, walking away with a gold medal for their efforts to keep their students safe, healthy and engaged in voluntary learning during this unprecedented time dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.    As he watched his staff hand back students’ collected belongings during a socially-distanced, drive-through event las

    AVOCA -- Leo and LaVonne Bargenquast of Avoca will celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary on May 29. Since they are not able to have a formal celebration for this milestone due to the COVID-19 issue, their family is requesting a card shower in their honor.    Cards will reach them if sent to 409 N. Elm St., Avoca, IA 51521-3520. A formal celebration will be held later in the year at a date to be announced.
 

HARLAN -- Shirley (Dreager) Knudtson of Harlan celebrated her 94th birthday on May 16. Cards will reach her if sent to 2105 9th Street, Harlan, IA 51537.    Her family includes Lynn and Maria Knudtson, Cindy and John Masters, Lee and Cathy Knudtson all of Omaha; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 

    HARLAN -- Abigail Lefeber, a junior at Harlan Community High School, has earned first place at the state level in the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, and will represent Iowa competing at the national level.    Lefeber, the daughter of Kelly and Jennifer Lefeber of Harlan, is a student of Doug Renkly, art teacher at HCHS.    The winning state entry was inspired by Lefeber’s desire to spark a happy emotion.

    MANNING -- IKM-Manning seniors throw their graduation caps in the air, excited about being 2020 graduates.  Although the end of the academic year was anything but traditional, the seniors were able to get together for this photo.

    REGIONAL – Iowa’s top academic students have been chosen for the 2020 Governor’s Scholar Program, including five from area school districts that include Harlan Community, IKM-Manning, Exira-EHK, AHSTW and Tri-Center (Neola).    The Governor’s Office, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, and its title sponsor, the Iowa Farm Bureau, are presenting this recognition which began in 2003.