SHELBY COUNTY — Jennifer Sellner, County Youth Coordinator with Shelby County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, has received the Pride of Extension Award for the Southwest Area.  The award was announced as part of the Southwest area County Services awards program held in Atlantic December 19. Sellner said she was honored to receive the award.

 ELK HORN — The Exira-EHK School District is considering the possibility of a four-day school week.  The district had an informational meeting Tuesday, January 7 for parents, guardians, and community members.  Superintendent Trevor Miller said there were approximately 55 in attendance.

 HARLAN  — Gervas Mgonja will be the new Harlan city administrator. The Harlan City Council voted unanimously to appoint Mgonja to the position during the Tuesday, January 7 Council Meeting. Mgonja brings over 20 years of experience in the financial service industry. He holds a master’s degree in business administration with advanced knowledge in strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational leadership.

 ELK HORN — Tim Fredericksen has been caring for the Museum of Danish America (MODA) in Elk Horn since it opened in 1994. After decades of maintaining the building and grounds, Fredericksen has announced his retirement. “I started there right after it opened,” Fredericksen said.

 SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors began the new year with an organizational session January 2. Newly elected officials, Supervisors  Mike Kolbe and Charles Parkhurst and Auditor Taryn Knapp, took the oath of office for their positions. Bryce Schaben was elected Chairman of the Board and Charles Parkhurst will serve as Vice Chairman. Jay Ring was again appointed Weed Commissioner and Taryn Knapp  was named GIS Coordinator.

 STATEWIDE  — Iowa lawmakers will reconvene January 13 for the 2025 session, and the 91st Iowa General Assembly will bring new lawmakers to the Capitol.

HARLAN — In the early 1990’s, the Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU) Board of Trustees began discussing a municipal telecommunications system. However, at the time, several hurdles stood in the way. In May 1995, residents of Harlan voted on two measures to establish broadband cable communications as a municipal utility, which passed, setting the stage for HMU to offer broadband cable and internet service.

SHELBY COUN TY — Myrtue Medical Center welcomed the first baby born in 2025.Baylor William Osbahr was born Friday, January 3. His parents are Brandon and Kynzie of Avoca.He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and has an older sister, Berklee Osbahr, who is one and a half years old.Grandparents are Bill Osbahr and Amy Osbahr of Avoca and Kyle Fichter and Heather Fichter of Randolph.

 HARLAN —  CPM, a leading solutions provider of process equipment, engineered technologies and aftermarket parts and services, announced the acquisition of Jacobs Global in Harlan. Representatives from CPM said the transaction will enhance the company’s product offerings, expand its market reach and add capacity to better serve CPM’s growing global customer base.

 SHELBY COUNTY — After serving on the Shelby County Board of Supervisors for 12 years, Chairman Steve Kenkel presided over his final meeting Tuesday. He was first elected to the Board in 2012, and has served as Board Chairman in 2014, 20117, 2020, 2022 ,2023, and 2024.

 HARLAN — CDS Global, Incorporated has announced the closing of the Harlan location in early 2025. The Harlan facility of the subscription fulfillment company based in Des Moines employs 94 workers, according to the Iowa WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) website. The job losses will take effect February 3, 2025. The decision to close the Harlan location was announced November 26. CDS Global is part of the Hearst Corp.

 HARLAN — Beth Collins has been named the new park manager at Prairie Rose State Park and is looking forward to meeting the park’s visitors. Collins graduated from Iowa Lakes Community College with an Associate’s degree in Environmental Studies, then transferred to Northwest Missouri State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Her carreer with the Iowa DNR began as a seasonal water patrol offic

 HARLAN — The first municipal water well in Harlan was completed in the spring of 1880, less than a year after the city was incorporated. In 1891, an election approved a local light plant and water works in Harlan.

HARLAN — Father Wayne Gubbels, a retired Catholic priest, is Myrtue Medical Center’s (MMC) Hospice Volunteer of the Year.  Father Gubbels has volunteered as a chaplain for MMC Hospice since 2017 and has been a wonderful asset to their patients, families, and hospice team members.  He demonstrates his compassion by how he treats others and how he gives his time so generously.

 HARLAN — A “much beloved tradition” will be revived Saturday, December 7 when the Western Iowa Arts Association (WIAA) and Harlan Community Theatre present “Home for the Holidays”. Tony Buman, member of the production team, said the Christmas Variety Show will feature a community choir, children’s choir, various duet and solo performances, and skits. “We have some very impressive talent involved,” Buman said. “Home for the Holidays” was a Chr