COUNTY -- It’s apparent that Shelby Countians are taking the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, and are doing everything correctly to stop the spread of the coronavirus should it eventually show here locally.    As of Thursday morning, there still are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shelby County, according to Shelby County Public Health and Myrtue Medical Center.    Statewide, that number jumped this week to 145 with Iowa recording its first

    STATE -- The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) learned Tuesday of the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The individual was an older adult, 61-80 years of age, and a resident of Dubuque County.    “Our hearts are heavy with the first loss of an Iowan to COVID-19. The thoughts and prayers of our state are with the family during this difficult time,” said Iowa Gov.

    NATION -- The federal government has delayed requirements that all Americans obtain a Real ID to travel, citing the COVID-19 pandemic.  The deadline had been October 1, 2020.    The law requires people to have the Real ID in order to board planes, enter federal buildings or gain access to nuclear plants.    The government has not set a new deadline date for Americans to obtain the Real ID.

    COUNTY – On March 20, Iowa Gov.

    COUNTY – The primary election still will be held June 2, but local and state officials are urging voters to consider absentee ballots this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.    Shelby County Auditor and Elections Commissioner Mark Maxwell said this week Secretary of State Paul Pate issued a directive this week that extends the absentee voting period to 40 days for Iowans who choose to vote by mail in the June primary.    The directive also

    HARLAN -- Dennis Zang, 77, Harlan, died March 22 at his home.    No services are planned at this time.    Zang is survived by his wife, Pamela Zang, of Harlan; son Joseph (Molly Jacobsen) Zang of Harlan; brother Matt Zang; and sister Mary Zang of Chaptico, MD.    Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
 

    AVOCA -- Betty Jean Holtz, 88, Avoca, died March 23 at Avoca Specialty Care.    Private family services were held Wednesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m.

    HARLAN -- The Feed the Children meal program offered by the Harlan Community Schools is going strong.    HCS Director of Wellness, Food and Nutrition Ellen Walsh-Rosmann said Tuesday they are serving about 450 meals per day, with 350 of those being delivered to people’s doors.    “Our most important goal is to make things as normal as possible for children and to provide at least two meals a day to them,” said Walsh-Rosmann.    “They are g

    HARLAN – In conjunction with the free meal program for kids being coordinated and offered for the Harlan Community Schools, there is a sharing table of donated items kids/families can grab on their way out.    During the grab-n-go meal service, a table is provided with a number of fresh, ready-to eat items for participants to take home for supplemental food. Items will be kept at appropriate food safety temp.