HARLAN -- These four boys wore masks and provided hand sanitizer at their lemonade stand this week at the corner of 19th and Willow Sts.  As of Tuesday afternoon they had raised $45 at $1 per cup. 

    COUNTY – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate will be mailing absentee ballot request forms to all of Iowa’s active registered voters, it was announced this week.    Auditor and Election Commissioner Mark Maxwell said Shelby County voters will be receiving absentee ballot request forms likely in late August directly from the state for the Nov.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County’s COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 98 percent, according to official numbers from Myrtue Medical Center and Shelby County Public Health.    As of Wednesday, July 22 there have been 127 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Shelby County, with 124 of those listed as recovered.    Three still recovering.  No deaths reported.    There have been 722 negative tests and four are still pending.

Harlan Community Schools’ Return to Learn Plan.
Approved by the HCS Board of Education Thursday, July 23, 2020.
Click on the PDF file below to read the report.

    HARLAN -- Judging of some 4-H projects during the Shelby County Fair last week was held with the help of technology.  The judging was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church to take advantage of internet access and social distancing.  See inside this week’s Harlan News-Advertiser for more photos from this year’s Shelby County Fair.

    HARLAN -- The operating and capital budgets for the 2020-2021 fiscal year have been approved by the Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees in July.    MMC CEO Barry Jacobsen said, “This is a very conservative budget and we believe is the right course during these very uncertain times. We are very pleased that we have been able to keep all staff on the payroll with only temporary furloughs and staffing adjustments.

    COUNCIL BLUFFS -- United States Attorney Marc Krickbaum announced July 13 that Ryan Nicholas Schwery, 43, of Shelby County, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Stephanie M.

Like nation and Iowa, patrons here split on issues
10 speak at meeting
  Somewhat lost on the crowd, however, was the issue of teacher and staff health and safety.  While speakers focused on important student and family needs, and their opinions on face coverings, Supt. of Schools Lynn Johnson and some board members also had staff safety top of mind.

    STATE -- On Friday, July 17, Iowa Gov.

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan is moving forward with a plan to install new welcome signs at the four corners of the community.    The new signs will be located at at the corner of Cyclone Ave. and Highway 59 near the water tower from the north; by Van Diest Supply from the south; by Western Engineering and Counsel from the west; and in the same location by Exchange St. from the east.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community School District patrons should have answers next week to the many questions they have regarding the re-opening of school in August.    HCS Superintendent of Schools Lynn Johnson said hopes are that parents/guardians should have in their hands next week the plan of action on everything from if masks, social distancing and temperature checks will be required, to how lunch, education delivery and busing will be handl

    STATE – Guidance from the Iowa Department of Education released in late June allows schools to re-open with normal activities and without requirements for students and teachers to observe social distancing, have their temperatures checked when entering a building, or be required to wear a mask.    Those decisions are being left to individual school districts, state officials said.    Guidelines were posted on the department’s website to he

    COUNTY -- This summer’s restrictions might find families struggling to find activities that please everyone.  Shelby County Wellness Alliance listed numerous all-age opportunities for your family to experience by exploring what Shelby County has to offer.   •    Bowling   •    Golfing  and driving ranges•    Harlan Public Library: Grab and Go Book Bags.  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer. Free snack 2-3 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Miranda Lingle was crowned the 2020 Shelby County Fair Queen during coronation ceremonies held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds Monday evening, July 13.  First runner-up was Justine Buman (right) and second runner-up was Lucy Borkowski (left).

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Fair kicked off this week with safety and health of those involved top of mind as 4-H’ers and FFA begin to show their animals and projects at the fairgrounds in Harlan.    The Shelby County Fair Board made the decision in late June to proceed with a limited fair, one that will allow the kids to participate but limit the number of spectators and fair-goers as a way to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.    “Th