HARLAN —Harlan Community Elementary students participated in a variety of track and field events at Merrill Field Friday during the annual track and field competition, showing teamwork, determination and plenty of school spirit throughout the day. (Blake West, photos)

HARLAN — Road construction began in Harlan Monday, May 4.
Western Engineering is  completing road milling and overlay throughout the city.
To help ensure safety and efficiency, no parking will be allowed on the streets while work is being completed.
Day 1: 5th from Cyclone to Hill; 5th from Hill to Market; Baldwin from 4th to 5th; and Durant from 5th to 3rd.

SHELBY COUNTY — Correctional officers routinely work in high-stress environments where tensions can escalate quickly, requiring constant vigilance and sound judgment. 

NATIONWIDE — The U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step toward updating the nation’s agriculture policy Thursday, passing a long-awaited five-year farm bill as Iowa lawmakers and agricultural groups continue pushing for certainty amid ongoing economic challenges in rural America.

NATIONWIDE — Iowa law-makers, ethanol advocates, and farm leaders are reacting after the U.S. House approved legislation that would allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 fuel blends. 

HARLAN — The Harlan City Council voted to approve a new 28E agreement with Shelby County Ambulance Service without committing any city funds for the coming year. The decision came after extensive discussion about how to cover the mounting costs of ambulance equipment and operations following the county’s takeover of EMS responsibilities from Medivac Corp in late 2023.

HARLAN — Elaine Baughman, a longtime educator, volunteer, and community advocate, was recently recognized as a finalist for the Inspiring Women of Iowa Character Award during the annual Inspiring Women of Iowa luncheon hosted by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and presented by Lincoln Savings Bank.

NASHVILLE, TN — Seventeen Harlan Community High School students and three advisors attended the Business Professionals of America National Competition May 6-10, 2026, in Nashville, TN.
Advisors Chad Swanson, Jacie Stuerman, and Dan Ahrens accompanied the students to the event, which drew more than 6,900 students from 30 states. The conference was hosted at the Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center.

DES MOINES — Shelby County is no longer included in the proposed route for Summit Carbon Solutions’ carbon sequestration pipeline after the company announced Wednesday it is refining portions of its Iowa project footprint to “focus on the strongest and most efficient path forward.”