$32,734 granted to Shelby County non-profit agencies

    COUNTY -- Shelby County non-profit agencies were awarded grants from the Shelby County Community Foundation last week in a ceremony held on the courthouse steps in downtown Harlan.
    Gene Gross, chairman of the foundation, said $32,734 in total was awarded to a number of local non-profit agencies.  With these grants, the foundation has distributed nearly $2.1 million in grants and scholarships over the last 19 years.
    The following non-profit organizations, which submitted applications to the foundation by the September 1 deadline, were awarded grants by the board of directors:
    •  City of Elk Horn, $4,000, fitness center relocation and renovation.
    •  City of Harlan, $4,551, Harlan Community Library lighting.
    •  City of Irwin, $4,200, new roof for concession stand/restrooms in city park.
    •  City of Portsmouth, $5,000, upgrade city park equipment.
    •  Concerned, Inc., $2,000, construct partial walls to break up the area to allow for more work stations for staff to assist clients.
    •  Country Care Center Corporation, $1,000, safety and security cameras.
    •  Iowa Community Kitchen, $1,500, small kitchen appliances and other items.
    •  Irwin Fire and Rescue, $750, personnel lighting for firemen entering smoke-filled and dark buildings.
    •  Kirkman Centennial Committee, $3,000, community center renovations, adjacent building removal for additional parking, flooring and ceiling reparations.
    •  Shelby County Community Outreach, $1,500, purchase new office equipment for newsletters, invitations, flyers, etc.
    •  Shelby County Conservation Board, $1,382.55, AED defibrillator for Manteno Park.
    •  Time for Tots, $2,900, coat lockers and storage bins.
    •  West Central Community Action, $950, computer system for clients’ use.

    Nonprofit representatives receiving grant awards, 1st row from left to right:  Sharon Oman, Clint and Kathy Kienast, Kirkman Centennial Committee; Amanda Brewer, Harlan Community Library.  2nd row: Danielle Nordby, Concerned, Inc.; Bre Fuhs, Country Care Center; Marian Greer Stokes, Shelby County Community Outreach; Dena Matthews, West Central Community Action. 3rd row: Jim Borcher, City of Irwin Parks; Lynn Gaskill, Irwin Fire Department; Nick Preston, Shelby County Conservation Board; Alissa LaCanne, City of Elk Horn. 4th row: Shelby County Community Foundation board members Gene Gross, Chair, and Allan Hjelle, Vice Chair.  (Photo contributed)