“If you are able, save for them a place inside of you … and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go … Take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.” Those words were written in a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O’Donnell before he was killed in action on March 24, 1970.
HARLAN — Rita Gubbels will be turning 95 May 26, and her family would love to help make her day extra special with a card shower. Please join her family in celebrating her special day. Cards can be sent to 2108 12th St. Apt 255, Harlan, IA 51537.
SUN PRAIRIE, WI — A native of Harlan, Norma Jean Hansen was born May 28, 1931 and then grew up on the farm that now hosts Prairie Rose Lake. Norma went to country school near Jacksonville like her brothers, LuVerne and Wayne Hansen. Norma boarded in Harlan apartments with other farm girls so they could continue their education at Harlan High School. She was very active in school, graduated in 1949, and worked at Harlan National Bank.
AREA — Officials with the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency (SWITA) announced Driver Steve Herrington received the 2026 Frontline Hero Award from the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), one of the public transportation industry’s highest honors recognizing outstanding frontline service and dedication to community.
STATEWIDE — Coralville native Zach Wahls is seeking election to the United States Senate, campaigning on lowering costs for working families, defending rural Iowa, and reducing the influence of corporate interests in Washington. Wahls, a 34-year-old Democrat, currently serves as an Iowa State Senator and said his campaign is focused on representing everyday Iowans over political insiders.
GLENWOOD- The Harlan Community Cyclones will be well represented at the Blue Oval starting Thursday after a strong state qualifying meet last Thursday in Glenwood.
ELK HORN — Celebrate Danish heritage during Elk Horn’s 46th Annual Tivoli Fest Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, with food, music, history, Viking demonstrations and family activities across the Danish Villages.
STATEWIDE — The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Main Street Iowa celebrated its 40th anniversary Thursday evening during the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards in West Des Moines, recognizing outstanding efforts to revitalize downtown districts across the state.
STATEWIDE — The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has extended the deadline for nominations for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. The deadline to nominate a farmer or farm family is now Friday, May 22.
SHELBY COUNTY — Shelby County Auditor Taryn Knapp is reminding residents of important dates and office hours ahead of Iowa’s June 2 Primary Election as absentee and early voting begin across the state.
