REGIONAL – Many high school seniors in southwest Iowa were treated to a virtual commencement ceremony this past weekend, and are anxiously awaiting the possibility for in-person graduation in June or July.    To further celebrate their accomplishments and offer encouragement during an unprecedented time of COVID-19 and the year-end school disruptions, an innovative Facebook project aims to “adopt” a senior and provide gifts, cards, etc.

    REGIONAL – Shelby County residents have turned out in a positive way to fill out the Census.  It’s an important step in ensuring the community will receive its fair share of federal funds, grants and support for local hospitals, first responders, health clinics and many other programs such as the school lunch program and services for needy families.    To date, Shelby Countians have done well filling out the 2020 Census, with 68.4 percent

    HARLAN -- The Boy Scouts of Troop 90 announce that they will place flags in and around Harlan on Memorial Day as usual.    During these challenging times when we have been unable to celebrate important events together and publicly as usual, the Scouts are committed to providing this “Star Spangled Streets” service to the residents of Harlan to allow the community to come together in pride and patriotism to honor those who died while servin

    REGIONAL -- Harlan Memorial Day services will take place at the Harlan Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25. Post 941 Veterans of Foreign Wars will host this year’s event with the assistance of American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post #150 and local veterans. Those wishing to process to the Harlan Cemetery Memorial with the Honor Guard will meet at the west entrance. The procession of the flag will go down the center of the road.

    STATE -- The state’s COVID-19 website is now offering data in real-time, Iowa Gov.

    STATE -- Due to planned systems maintenance beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, May 22, through 6 a.m. Monday, May 25, some Iowa state agency websites will be down, or in some cases not updating.    For example the State’s Coronavirus website, coronavirus.iowa.gov, will not reflect accurate counts during the maintenance period.  All case counts will be brought up to date by 6 a.m.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has re-opened its lobby door for regular business to resume. Office hours of the office lobby are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County Fair officials announced on Facebook® May 16 that a decision on any changes to the Shelby County Fair will be made the first week of June.    Officials are working with the extension staff and FFA teachers to provide the best possible experience for the youth who have been working on projects to showcase at the fair, while maintaining the respect for current state and local guidelines regarding the coronavirus pande

    HARLAN -- Shelby County officials will meet Thursday, May 28 to consider re-opening of the courthouse in Harlan, and the rules and regulations that would accompany an opening.    Once a decision has been made, an announcement will be made to the public.    Harlan city officials tentatively are planning to open city hall to the public on June 1.