HARLAN – Budgeting issues will monopolize this year’s Iowa legislative session, as legislators discuss how best to handle built-in expense increases with less-than-expected revenues.    Those words come from Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison) and Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) who met with constituents Saturday, Dec.

COUNTY – Shelby County this week approved a first reading of an amendment to its winter road maintenance ordinance that, if approved, would spell out financial penalties for residents who push snow into the roadway.    A second reading of the amendment will be presented at the county board of supervisors’ January 4 meeting.    In essence, the amendment calls for penalties for rural residents who push snow from their lanes across the roadway, l

    HARLAN -- If you shovel it, they will come.

    HARLAN – The annual Christmas Adoption program is coming to a close, but there are more than 50 families still needing to be adopted this holiday season.    Dena Matthews with West Central Community Action, said it’s hoped many of the remaining families will be adopted for Christmas later this week.  “But for those who do not get adopted, we are still requesting monetary donations so that we may provide the “unadopted” families with gift c

 Meghan Zach, a junor at Exira/EH-K, performs with the winter guard during a recent performance during halftime of a boy/girl basketball doubleheader at Elk Horn.

COUNTY – A Shelby County deputy suffered bruises and abrasions after being attacked in rural Shelby County after being called to a possible car accident near Defiance Monday evening, Dec. 7.    Authorities aren’t releasing the name of the deputy, but sheriff reports said at approximately 10 p.m.

    DEFIANCE – The City of Defiance is seeking title to three properties within the city limits that officials have determined to be abandoned.    Petitions filed in Shelby County District Court outline the following properties the city is requesting the court grant it title to:    •  Property at 303 5th St., owned by Maria G.

    HARLAN – The Harlan Community Schools Board of Education has approved the formation of the teacher leadership compensation (TLC) selection committee, the first step in the schools’ TLC process.    The district should be notified by March if it has been selected to receive $435,563.24 in funding.  An application was submitted to the state Department of Education, and if approved, the monies will be used for the hiring of new teachers in coa

HARLAN -- The annual Blue Out for men’s cancer awareness and research was held Friday, Dec. 4 at Harlan Community High School, raising $9,500 for the cause.
The evening included a number of activities, including a bone marrow drive.  (Photos by Mike Oeffner)

    HARLAN -- Harlan Community High School senior cheerleaders Shea Ehlert, April Olmos, and Ashley Hastert (l to r) were recently selected as members of the 2015 Iowa Cheer Honor Squad, and performed during half-time of two of the Iowa high school football championship games at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls on Monday, Nov.

    HARLAN – A Harlan man has been charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance and using a racial slur directed at another individual during a second-grade Christmas vocal concert at Harlan Community High School Thursday, Dec.

HARLAN – The Harlan Community Schools Board of Education Monday, Dec. 7 approved the formation of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Student Club, paving the way for the group to become an official club within the school district.    The board voted 6-0 (Kathy Mahlberg, Al Hazelton, Angela Monson, Joni Larsen, Amy Rueschenberg and Monte Schechinger aye) approving the club.  Board member Lonnie Muxfeldt was absent from the meeting. 

    REGIONAL – The annual Christmas adoption list has grown to 136 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action soon.    Calls are being taken Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m., for persons wishing to be adopted or to adopt a family.

OUNTY – Shelby County is proposing an amendment to its winter road maintenance ordinance that would spell out financial penalties for residents who push snow into the roadway.               The county’s board of supervisors will have a first reading of the ordinance change at its next meeting Tuesday, Dec.

    HARLAN -- Iowa Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison) will host a pre-legislative breakfast session for the public Saturday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. at Milk & Honey in downtown Harlan.    The public is invited and encouraged to attend the event, where the local legislators will outline some of the important topics facing the Iowa Legislature this coming session.