DES MOINES --  Harlan Community High School’s Sarah Goedken was among the select students nominated to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Oct. 15-17 in Des Moines, during the Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium, which drew 1,300 people from more than 60 countries to discuss the world’s hunger and food security issues.    The World Food Prize was founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $34,340 this fall, awarded to Shelby County non-profit agencies.    With these grants, the foundation has distributed nearly $1.8 million in grant funds and scholarships over the last 15 years.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Association of School Boards recognizes that learning and leadership on the part of school board members makes a difference at the board table and for students.    At IASB’s 70th Annual Convention on Nov.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded a number of area fire departments grants to aid their efforts in protecting Iowans and their property from wildfires.    Local departments receiving 50 percent cost share grant monies include Elk Horn, Harlan and Irwin.    The grants are made possible through the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, and offer assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications

    HARLAN -- Students from the Shelby County Catholic School at St. Michael’s Center will be presenting their Christmas program Monday, Dec. 7 in the school gym.  The program at 7 p.m. follows the anticipatory 5:30 p.m. Mass in the church for the Holy Day of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is Dec.

    HARLAN -- The Annual Harlan Community Blue Out for men’s cancer awareness and fundraising will take place tonight, Friday, Dec.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Middle School’s Varsity Mock Trial team was crowned state runner-up at the state mock trial competition held November 16-17 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.    In addition, HCMS’s junior varsity team took home 11th place at the state level.  Both teams competed well, with each bringing home a trophy as the top 12 teams placed at the event.  The Harlan Community groups advanced to the state level after comp

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Harlan Municipal Utilities, Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative and MidAmerican Energy, are sponsoring a holiday home lighting contest this season.    Winners will be awarded $100, $50 or $25 in chamber gift certificates, and the contest is open to everyone in Shelby County.    To enter, submit your photo to KNOD FM at 909 Chatburn Ave, Harlan,

    HARLAN -- The Harlan American Legion Posts 150 and VFW Post 941 performed a Flag Retirement Ceremony (Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable Flags) at the Lawrence and Pam Rold acreage east of Harlan on October 17.    The ceremony pays proper respect to flags that have become unserviceable after being flown over the departed comrades graves as well as businesses, organizations and homes in the area.  Girl Scouts from Troops 56, 417, 350 and B

    ELK HORN -- Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) is seeking applications from low to moderate income homeowners in the City of Elk Horn.    Income-qualified homeowners who live in the target area may be eligible to receive a five year forgivable loan to provide housing repairs. 

    REGIONAL – Needy families are getting some help from generous donors this holiday season as part of the annual Adopt-A-Family Christmas program in Shelby County.    The list has grown to 87 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action. Calls will be 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.

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan has filed a petition in Shelby County District Court last month, seeking title to an abandoned property located at 910 Court St.    According to court documents, the defendants are Stephen R. Nichols, owner of the property; and others who may have an interest in the property --  unknown spouse of Stephen R.

    HARLAN – Republican Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz makes it pretty clear that if elected commander in chief, he’ll have a very busy first day in office.    The senator from Texas has leapt into second place in Iowa this week behind Donald Trump in a poll of likely Republican voters, now ahead of Dr.

    HARLAN – A pet treat manufacturing firm has plans to locate in the Harlan Industrial Park, with hopes of bringing upwards of 15 initial jobs and an additional 30 to the community in the future.    Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Todd Valline said last week, the business is interested in possibly acquiring the former MAT Ag building, located to the east of Monogram Prepared Meats in the business park.    “T

COUNTY -- The third year of the holiday lighting ceremony in downtown Harlan will kick off Saturday, Nov. 28 with lots of Christmas cheer and holiday events to start the season in Shelby County.    The kick-off to the holiday season is a special one, with the lighting of the official Christmas tree, and the third year of the exciting lighting display on the courthouse square, completely choreographed to music.    The event kicks off at 5 p.m.