COUNTY – Shelby County and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Naturalist Christina Roelofs is creating educational videos for students and others who are interested in nature during this COVID-19 pandemic.    Roelofs was a regular in area school districts every school year, providing enrichment opportunities for students on everything from snakes and furs to eagles and owls.  She also provides public programs on canoeing, hiking and anim

Shelby County residents consider this....a Happy Heart Hunt!    •  Cut out a heart of any size from any material (craft paper, cardboard, wrapping paper, newspaper, fabric, etc.)    •  Decorate the heart with a positive message or leave it blank.    •  Tape the heart to a street-facing window to show your love to all.    •  As word spreads, go on a safe (keeping six feet distance from others) family walk and see how many happy hearts you can f

    COUNTY -- An account from James White, raised in Harlan and now wintering in California but living in Michigan, gave a recent report of his grandfather, Harlanite Dr. James Bisgard, and actions he took during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918.    Dr.

    HARLAN -- Harlan Community Elementary Schools staff put together a “virtual hello” to their students Friday, April 3, showing them how much they love and miss working with them in the classroom.    Elementary Guidance Counselor Courtney King Crum published the final product Friday.    All teaching staff at HCS continue to offer enrichment opportunities for students through online learning efforts.    Follow this link to see the video: 

    COUNTY -- Schools in Iowa will be shuttered through the end of the month, upon orders from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Thursday, April 2.    Reynolds signed a new proclamation continuing the State Public Health Emergency Declaration.

HARLAN -- Huge shout-out to the Harlan Pharmacy, which has set up a small food pantry/essentials area in the entryway to the business.  Anyone can come in and take what they need, and others can drop off items as donations for anyone to take.    Doors are open during regular business hours and disinfected after each entry/exit.    Anyone donating can put the items on or around the table.  Donations are welcomed and encouraged.    Pharmacist Je

    HARLAN -- The annual Community Service Day provided by Harlan Community Schools students is canceled for 2020.    “We are disappointed to announce that the annual HCSD Community Service Day has been canceled for this year.  The district believes that sponsoring an event that creates any gathering or extraneous contact is not prudent at this time.    “We hope to continue this service project in future years.”

    COUNTY -- Harlan’s West Central Community Action – Food Pantry and Iowa Community Kitchen received a $500 check each to help  provide food during these extremely challenging and unprecedented times.   The checks were given by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Maria Goretti #2498, Portsmouth.

    NEOLA -- Maureen Olson, Neola, died Sunday, April 5 at her home. She was the publisher of the Neola Gazette.    Services are pending Cutler O’Neill Funeral Home, Council Bluffs.