HARLAN --  Harlan Community Schools’ Health Occupations Students of America and a number of other school organizations will host the annual Pink Out fundraiser for breast cancer awareness Tuesday, Jan. 26.    The event will be held in conjunction with the boys/girls doubleheader high school basketball game at Harlan Community vs. Denison-Schleswig.

HARLAN – Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee says he’s hoping Iowans will turn the tables of the election come caucus night, suggesting that the mainstream media has it wrong and that the current frontrunners for the republican nomination may very well not be.    The former Arkansas governor who currently sits in 8th-10th place in national polls, made a Harlan stop Wednesday, Jan.

    HARLAN -- Chad Butler (right) of the Harlan Fire Department receives the Firefighter of the Year for 2015 from Fire Chief Roger Bissen. Butler was presented the award because of his dedicated service and countless hours put toward the fire service in Harlan and the surrounding communities. 

    HARLAN – Jane Smith, Denison, has been hired as the new director of finance/city clerk for the City of Harlan, it was announced this week.    Smith replaces Debra Sawyer, who was terminated October 27, 2015, and discharged from her duties.    Smith will begin duties February 1, said Cox.  She was offered and accepted the position following a nearly three-month search.  Smith comes to Harlan after most recently holding the position of finan

    JACKSONVILLE -- Ashley Nelsen of Harlan and Michael Weddell of Federal Heights, CO exchanged marriage vows on July 18, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Jacksonville. Pastor Ron Rasmussen performed the double ring ceremony.    Parents of the couple are Mark and Donna Nelsen, Harlan; and Michael J. Weddell, Glenwood Springs, CO and Shelly Weddell, Denver, CO. 

    HARLAN – The Harlan Municipal Utilities will mark its 125th anniversary this year, with plans for a celebration this summer to highlight the years of service provided by the governmental agency to the community.    HMU’s annual municipal celebration is scheduled for June 14 and will be expanded this year to help the utilities commemorate the anniversary.    This week is special in itself, as January 20, 2016 marks the 125th anniversary of

    REGIONAL – Jason Andersen has joined the USDA Service Center in Audubon as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist serving Shelby, Audubon and Cass Counties.    Andersen’s role is to work in a joint capacity with Pheasants Forever, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and others on conservation planning and implementation.

    COUNTY – Local governments in Shelby County have debt obligations totaling $39.6 million, most of which can be attributed to the City of Harlan and Harlan Community Schools.    Much of the school’s debt, totaling $12.7 million as of June 30, 2015, directly correlates to construction projects, namely paying off its primary building project.  The city’s debt obligations total $24.4 million, and include the Harlan Municipal Utilities’ debt.  

    DES MOINES – Past and future officers of the Iowa Association of Student Councils (IASC) met here to honor past officers and induct the new officers for the 2015-2016 school year and HCHS sophomore Ellen Keast was named as the new IASC president.    Keast previously served on the HCHS Student Council for the past two years. She will serve on the State Student Council Board for the next two years.