REGIONAL – Warm, dry and windy conditions over the past few weeks have allowed farmers to harvest nearly half of the state’s corn for grain.    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service reports the harvest has progressed rapidly for both corn and soybeans due to the favorable weather conditions, despite rain mid and late week last week.    The forecast this week also calls for cooler condit

    REGIONAL -- Dry and windy conditions Monday fueled field fires throughout southwest Iowa, including this blaze southeast of Harlan Monday afternoon.  Harlan Fire Chief Roger Bissen said crews were called to the area of 700th/800th Sts. and Oak Road about 3:37 p.m.

HARLAN -- On Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Iowa Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Harlan, in the case State of Iowa v. Taquala Monique Howse.    The proceeding will take place at Harlan Community High School’s auditorium.  The oral arguments are open to the public and begin at 7 p.m.    The court will hear attorneys argue in the case.    In State of Iowa vs.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County will pay $20 each for beaver tails from November 1-April 1 as part of an ongoing effort to minimize the damage the critters cause to roadways and structures throughout the county.    The county’s board of supervisors re-authorized the bounty this month, with a total dollar limit outlay of $5,000.  Payments will be made on a first come, first served basis. 

    HARLAN -- Toshia Kasperbauer, an instructor at the Harlan Community Middle School, will be awarded the Iowa Association of Student Council’s Warren E.

      HARLAN -- The 2014-15 Harlan Municipal Utilities audit released recently shows increased operating sales revenues of $60,653 over last year’s figures and decreased expenses of $27,968.    The financial statements include a “Statement of Net Position” which indicates the Utility’s combined net position increased $1,771,245 or 5.4 percent, growing to $34,509,280.    Total operating revenue for the fiscal year was $14,875,557.    Because of

    HARLAN – Star Wars is the theme for this year’s Harlan Harvest Fest celebration, to be held Saturday, Oct. 24, with trick-or-treating at businesses, a parade, children’s games, scary story time and Street Market among the events scheduled for the one-day event.

    COUNTY – Beer enthusiasts save the date…Saturday, Oct. 24.  The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first-ever International Beer Festival from 6-9 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium in Harlan.    Tickets are available in advance by calling 755-2114.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County Emergency Service Officials, including Fire Chiefs, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Management will begin twice weekly updates on local fire danger conditions.    Signs placed strategically in each community, primarily at the fire stations will indicate what the fire danger is for any particular day.     This program, implemented in 2010, resulted in a reduction of fire responses county-wide.

    COUNTY --     Local residents getting calls regarding applying for a business property tax credit can do so for free at the assessor’s office.    Shelby County Assessor Tony Buman said some residents are reporting having received a letter in the past week from a company offering to assist them in filing an application for the Iowa Business Property Tax Credit, for a fee.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Community Chest has kicked off its annual fund drive with hopes of raising $40,000 this year for local organizations.    Shelby County Community Chest raises funds for agencies which provide valuable services to youth, for area residents and to communities in the Shelby County area. The SCCC board currently is conducting a direct mail campaign during the month of October.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community music students have embarked on a Magical Mystery Tour this fall, as marching band students are preparing an exciting Beatlemania show that culminates this season at the state marching contest in Glenwood this weekend.    The 75-student-strong marching Cyclones will take the field at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct.

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Conservation Board and Iowa Department of Natural Resources are partnering to offer a full-time naturalist position serving both entities for the next two years.    A two-year agreement has been signed providing Christina Roelofs’ services, with the option of extending the agreement up to five years.    “We are thrilled with this arrangement,” said Roelofs.  “It eases the financial burden of the Shelby County Con

    REGIONAL -- Iowa State Representative Jack Drake (R-Griswold) died Sunday, Oct.

    HARLAN -- While Harlan Community High School’s football team looks to beat Adel DeSoto Minburn Community High School on October 23, local supporters can help the American Heart Association defeat the nation’s number one and five leading causes of death: cardiovascular diseases and stroke.    Fans are asked to wear red to the football game on Friday, Oct. 23 in support of the school’s third “Red Out.”