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.

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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. 

 HARLAN — The Harlan Fire Department held the Annual Banquet Saturday, March 7 at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. 
 Chad Butler was recognized for 30 years of service. Chad has served in the capacity of Firefighter, Captain, and Assistant Chief. 

SHELBY COUNTY — Crisis management surrounding natural or built environmental disasters is the subject of an upcoming volunteer training in Shelby County. Join Shelby County community members to learn from Iowa disaster relief experts to better understand and prepare for roles in volunteer support and engagement in such an event. 

HARLAN — Myrtue Medical Center has received funding through Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program, Healthy Hometowns. This investment will support ongoing innovation in rural healthcare delivery and strengthen services for the communities Myrtue serves. 

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors received annual reports from the county’s libraries during the Tuesday, March 3, meeting.
Tara Painter, Harlan Community Library director; Paulette Madson, Elk Horn Public Library director; and LaJissa Niklasen, Lied Irwin Public Library director, addressed the Board and discussed the various programs and features each library offers.

HARLAN — A new reserved parking sign installed this week outside Beyond Behavior Autism Clinic in Harlan represents a commitment to safety and inclusion for the families who receive services.

HARLAN — The Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand released the audit report for the City of Harlan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, showing stable finances alongside areas for improvement in oversight and internal controls.
According to the audit, the City’s total receipts for the year were $8,710,602, a less than 1% increase over the previous year. Disbursements totaled $8,398,131, a decrease of less than 1% from the prior year.

By Renée Brich, Managing Editor
HARLAN — The Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU) Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to discontinue the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply, citing recent federal findings, court action and a review of current research.

HARLAN — Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird visited Harlan Community High School Thursday, February 25, meeting with students, touring recently renovated facilities, and taking part in a question-and-answer session with the school’s Mock Trial team.

    HARLAN — Myrtue Medical Center, Myrtue’s Public Health, along with the Shelby County Board of Health, and other community providers, need your help in learning more about the specific health needs of Shelby County residents.  This information will be used to develop plans for future health improvements to the community. 

DES MOINES ­— February 12 found Farm Bureau leaders from around the state at the Iowa Capital. Priority issues were discussed with area representatives.
Above: Joel Wahling of Shelby,( center) discusses an issue with State Senator Jason Schultz.
At right: Pictured from left are Mark and Kim Riesselman of Crawford County and Paulette and Larry Madson of Shelby County with State Senator Jason Schultz. (Bob Bjoin, photos)

HARLAN —Prairie Rose Lake in Shelby County has once again been listed as impaired in the 2026 Integrated Report released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 
The impaired waters list evaluates retroactive monitoring data to determine whether a water segment meets established criteria for its designated uses. When a waterbody is classified as impaired, it enters a restoration process under the federal Clean Water Act.