HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center generates 553 jobs that add $24.3 million to Shelby County’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association.

    HARLAN – School would start on August 23, 2018 and end on May 24, 2019 under a proposed school calendar being considered by the Harlan Community Schools Board of Education.    Only in draft phase, the calendar is hoped to be presented to the board at an upcoming meeting for final consideration once it has been vetted by administration and staff.    Highlights of the proposed calendar include:    - 80 days in the first semester ending befor

    HARLAN – The Harlan Education Association and Harlan Community Schools Board of Education met Friday, March 9 to present initial bargaining proposals.    The HEA’s initial bargaining proposal was a $150 increase to base wage as well as natural movement on the salary schedule based on years of service.    The HCS Board’s counter proposal included a $150 increase to base wage and also natural movement on the salary schedule based on years of

    HARLAN -- A surprise card shower is planned for Mary Belle Pokorny’s 95th birthday on March 18. Cards will reach her if sent to 1420 College Blvd., Harlan IA 51537.    Her family includes Marie Pokorny and spouse, Bob Thompson, Greenville, NC; Catherine and Jim Lewis, Coralville; Paul Pokorny and friend, Erin Swanson, Omaha; Phil and Patty Pokorny, Kansas City, MO; Thomas Pokorny, Chicago; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

    HARLAN -- Bill and Dorothy Shannon of Harlan will celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary on March 17.    Their family includes Dennis and Diane Shannon, Boone; Rod and Noreen Shannon, Irwin; Janice and Maury Salz, Honey Creek; Joan Shannon, Des Moines; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren with another great-grandchild expected to arrive in August.

    AVOCA -- John Henry Oehlertz, 88, Avoca, died March 8 at Avoca Specialty Care.    Services will be held Tuesday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Avoca.  Family greeted friends Monday, March 12 from 5-7 p.m.

HARLAN – The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL on February 14, where 17 people were killed, has fueled efforts to enhance school safety nationwide.    School security is becoming a growth industry, with everything from bulletproof backpacks and palm scanners to metal detectors, bulletproof glass, remote door locks and even ballistic shelters being considered by school districts nationwide.    According to statistics

    HARLAN – A Harlan teenager has been awarded a scholarship from the Iowa Honey Producers Association to start and manage a beehive.    Miguel Mena will receive a bee hive, beekeeping equipment, honeybees, a mentor and beekeeping classes.  Soon he will receive the equipment and assemble his hive, and in late April he will receive his honeybees and install them into his hive with the help of his mentor. 

    HARLAN – Harlan and Shelby County need a weather observer.    Those words come from Iowa State Climatologist Harry Hillaker who said daily weather observations for Harlan have been non-existent for quite some time, with Harlan relying on automated weather observations made at the Harlan airport.    Hillaker said an official weather observer is much needed as the nearest active National Weather Service coop (cooperative weather observer) st