HARLAN — Heartland Funeral Homes (formerly Burmeister Johannsen) is proud to announce a new chapter of service and care as Tina Bartelson and Danielle (Sondag) Mikels assumed ownership in September 2024.

COUNCIL BLUFFS – A Shelby County man was sentenced on January 14, 2025 to more than 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Richard D.

 HARLAN — After a distinguished 42-year career at the Harlan Newspapers, Mike Kolbe is retiring January 31. Kolbe began his newspaper career as an advertising account executive in Harlan in 1983 after graduating from Iowa State University, where he received a degree in journalism/mass communications. Harlan Newspaper Graphic Design Manager Lori Christensen and Kolbe both started at the newspaper office the same month. “I couldn’t have asked fo

AREA — Senior students throughout southwest Iowa can apply for multiple scholarships using one application now through March 15th, thanks to local nonprofit Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation (SWIEF).

Harlan – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Shelby County will host an Ag Pest Control Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The program, provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), is available at office locations across Iowa.The local attendance site is 906 6th Street, Harlan. Preregistration may be required.

  HARLAN— Harlan Community School District was one of many schools across the United States and Canada recently involved in a cyberattack of the cloud-based educational software company PowerSchool. PowerSchool, which provides K-12 software to more than 18,000 schools to support some 60 million students in the United States, confirmed the breach in early January.

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds delivered her eighth Condition of the State address at the Iowa State Capitol Tuesday, January 14.

 SHELBY COUNTY — Iowans have until May 7 to obtain their REAL ID to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. At the end of 2024, 73.5% of Iowa driver’s licenses were REAL ID compliant. Shelby County Treasurer Carolyn Blum said 85.51% of Shelby Countians have switched to REAL ID. To check if a driver’s license is REAL ID, check the upper-right corner. If there is a gold star, it is a REAL ID.

SHELBY COUNTY — In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Shelby County will bring Mental Health First Aid training to Harlan Thursday, February 13, 2025.

 HARLAN — Learn about the Harlan Community Library’s outdoor revitalization project at a family friendly event,“ Books & Beyond Kick-Off”, Thursday, January 23 at 5 p.m.  The event will feature a kids’ activity and refreshments will be served. “The library has become so very active the last eight years.

 SHELBY COUNTY — Four officers were elected during the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Shelby County extension council organizational meeting January 7, 2025.

 OMAHA — A Harlan native is finding out what the hype is with the Pro Volleyball Federation. Chloe Brouillard was chosen as a member of the inaugural hype squad for the Omaha Supernovas. Brouillard said the purpose of the squad, which includes cheer, dance, tumbling and stunts, is to add to the energy during home matches.

 STATEWIDE  — Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Larson Christensen of Harlan addressed a joint convention of the General Assembly on the Condition of the Judiciary Wednesday, January 15 in the House Chambers of the Iowa State Capitol. The theme of Christensen’s fifth Condition of the Judiciary speech focused on commitment, while calling for a “modernization” of the state’s magistrate system,  increasing state district court judge pay and

 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.