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City of Harlan announces resignation of City Administrator Gene Gettys

HARLAN — The City of Harlanannounced that Gene Gettys hasresigned from his position as CityAdministrator, effective December1, 2024. After serving the communitywith dedication and leadership,Mr. Gettys has accepted anew position in eastern Iowa.During his tenure, Gettys hasplayed a key role in managing cityoperations, fostering growth, andenhancing public services.

City of Harlan will begin sanitary sewer project

SHELBY COUNTY — The City of Harlan has contracted with Municipal Pipe Tool Company to complete sanitary sewer main lining and point repairs this fall.  City Administrator Gene Gettys said the $1.1 million dollar project is made possible due to a $500,000 CDBG award and use of ARPA funding.

Auditor’s office provides information regarding absentee ballot request forms

SHELBY COUNTY —The Shelby County Auditor’s Office has been fielding concerns from voters who have received multiple absentee ballot request forms in the mail.  Not to worry, says Auditor Mark Maxwell.  Once an ballot applications are recorded, other applications from that voter are dismissed, but kept on file.  Many organizations send out mailers with the Auditors office address on them.

Quick-thinking Wellness Center staff members assist patron during emergency

 by Renée Brich, Managing Editor HARLAN  — Ann Holt is no stranger to the staff at the Petersen Family Wellness Center. Holt visits the Wellness Center twice a day five days a week, and once a day on weekends, to walk, lift weights, and ride the stationary bike.

HCHS students gain access to CDL simulator at IWCC

HARLAN — Backing up a 53-foot trailer semi truck is no easy task, but thanks to a new CDL simulator at Iowa Western Community College (IWCC), this skill is now more accessible for aspiring drivers. Funded by an Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRC) Grant obtained by Harlan Community High School, the CDL simulator was installed at the end of September at IWCC.

Four candidates nominated for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Shelby County Extension Council

SHELBY COUNTY – Four Shelby County residents have been nominated to serve 4-year terms on the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Extension Council. Their names will appear on the Nov. 5, 2024, general election ballot. One additional candidate has been nominated for a two-year term to complete an unexpired term.Nate Botine, Harlan, nomination committee chair, announced the names of the candidates.

Danish Ambassador visits Elk Horn

ELK HORN — The Danish Ambassador to the United States visited Elk Horn Friday afternoon. Jesper Møller Sørensen, Chief of Mission at the Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, DC was the featured guest at a “Kaffe og kringler” (Coffee and pastry) reception at Elk Horn’s Museum of Danish America prior to addressing the crowd of approximately 75 people. Ambassador Sørensen toured the Museum, and spoke about the relationship Denmark has with the Uni

Shelby County is “Beyond Ready” to celebrate National 4-H Week

SHELBY COUNTY — It’s National 4-H Week, and Shelby County 4-H members join over six million young people across the country in celebrating.

Former baton twirlers perform at Homecoming

 HARLAN — A group of former Harlan Community High School baton twirlers dusted off their batons to perform during the Homecoming parade and pregame show last Friday. Vicki Strissel’s daughter, Emeri, is the HCHS Marching Band’s lone baton twirler this year, and Emeri has hosted baton camps for the past few years in hope to draw more interest in the activity.

Supervisors approve pay increase for Interim EMS Director, appoint Assistant Director

 SHELBY COUNTY — Upon recommendation from the Shelby County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Advisory Council, the Board of Supervisors voted for an annual wage increase of $2,500 for Interim EMS Director Jordon Sanders at the October 1 Board of Supervisors meeting. The Board also named Shelby County EMA Coordinator Alex Londo EMS Assistant Director.  Londo presented the board with the EMA quarterly report, and noted the Federal Emergency Manag

Nipperts, NVREC shine lights on Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HARLAN —Sometimes great ideas take years to put into action. That axiom is now visible for all to see with the Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (NVREC) tower in Harlan is now adorned with pink lights to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October.NVREC employee Aaron Nippert and his 17-year-old daughter, Kennedy, have been kicking this idea around for years.

Martin takes oath as Harlan Postmaster

 HARLAN — Vanessa Martin, Harlan’s new Postmaster, was sworn in Tuesday, September 10. Martin transferred to the Harlan Post Office in January and accepted the Postmaster in April. Rich Foust, Manager of Post Office Operations, issued the oath of office to Martin. Foust and Martin worked together in Des Moines, and Martin said it was an honor to have him issue the oath.

HCHS students make Harlan better with crosswalk art

 HARLAN — Harlan is even better than it was. Monday, Sept. 9, talented student artists from Harlan Community High School brought something extraordinary to our small town, using their creativity to leave a lasting mark across time, hearts, and streets! Nine students dedicated a full day of work to transform 6 foot by some 50 foot crosswalks of the Harlan Historic Downtown into a vibrant, fun art installation.

Bottled Water Advisory for the City of Shelby

September 9th, the City of Shelby, notified the DNR Atlantic Field Office that it received a complaint about pink drinking water. City staff arrived at the plant to discover that two of the four well pumps did not turn on. Since the flow decreased drastically, potassium permanganate was overfed, causing the water to turn pink. The City immediately began working to remedy the issue.

Myrtue Medical Center welcomes new family physician Nathalie Francis, MD, MPH

    HARLAN – Myrtue Medical Center announces the addition of Nathalie Francis, MD, MPH, as a Family Practice Physician. Dr. Francis joins the Hospital medical staff who serve at Myrtue’s nationally recognized Top 20 and 5-Star Critical Access Hospital and medical clinic. Dr. Francis will see patients in the Harlan Rural Health Clinic starting Wednesday, September 11, 2024.     Dr.

Southwest Iowa Art Tour has Harlan stop featuring Seven Artists

 AREA — The Eleventh Annual Southwest Iowa Art Tour is scheduled for September 21 and 21 with sneak peaks available at limited locations on Friday, September 20. This year, Market Street Gifts, located at 608 Market St.

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