DENISON —Harlan FFA members competed in various Leadership Career Development Events at the Southwest Iowa District FFA Leadership Conference held at Denison High School Saturday, March 7. Members also participated in Sub-district FFA Contests at Missouri Valley High School on Wednesday, February 11th, most qualifying for the district event.

HARLAN — Bill Owen, a 67-year-old retired tradesperson and former community college educator from rural Harlan, is seeking election to represent House District 11.
Owen, a Democrat who lives between Harlan and Elk Horn, said his decision to run is rooted in a desire to improve collaboration in state government and address issues affecting Iowa’s future. He and his wife, Paula, have seven children and seven grandchildren.

AREA — The Nishnabotna Water Defenders (NWD), a grassroots environmental organization formed after one of the largest environmental disasters in Iowa history, announced Sunday that it has filed a lawsuit against NEW Cooperative Inc. over a massive fertilizer spill that occurred in March 2024.

HARLAN — One thing becomes clear when speaking with Ellen Walsh-Rosmann. Milk & Honey was never just about opening a restaurant.

COUNCIL BLUFFS — Thirteen Harlan Community Middle School students recently competed in the Southwest Iowa Regional MathCounts competition held at the Boys and Girls Club in Council Bluffs February 26. 

MANNING — The 8th annual Wolf Pack for Hunger event will take place Thursday, April 2, and volunteers are still needed. Community members of all ages and abilities, including individuals, families, and groups—are encouraged to participate.
Volunteers will package meals during one-hour shifts from 3:30–5:30 p.m. Financial donations are also still being accepted, with 32 cents providing a bag of soup that feeds six people.

STATEWIDE — Two of the most prominent candidates in Iowa’s 2026 race for governor submitted petition signatures Monday to qualify for the primary ballot.
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and Iowa Auditor Rob Sand both delivered signatures to the Iowa Secretary of State’s office ahead of the March 13 filing deadline.

DES MOINES — Members of Harlan’s RAGBRAI Committee attended the RAGBRAI Overnight Town Meeting in Des Moines February 27, 2026, where Harlan was presented with a $50,000 check for agreeing to host RAGBRAI.

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PANAMA — Some people are remembered for their accomplishments; others, for devotion to their neighbors. Jim Kloewer will be remembered for both. 
For decades, he was known in Panama and throughout Shelby County as a businessman, volunteer firefighter, veteran, and community leader, but those who knew him best remember him simply as someone who showed up when he was needed. 

 HARLAN — The Harlan Fire Department held the Annual Banquet Saturday, March 7 at the Harlan Golf and Country Club. 
 Chad Butler was recognized for 30 years of service. Chad has served in the capacity of Firefighter, Captain, and Assistant Chief. 

SHELBY COUNTY — Crisis management surrounding natural or built environmental disasters is the subject of an upcoming volunteer training in Shelby County. Join Shelby County community members to learn from Iowa disaster relief experts to better understand and prepare for roles in volunteer support and engagement in such an event. 

HARLAN — Myrtue Medical Center has received funding through Iowa’s Rural Health Transformation Program, Healthy Hometowns. This investment will support ongoing innovation in rural healthcare delivery and strengthen services for the communities Myrtue serves. 

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Board of Supervisors received annual reports from the county’s libraries during the Tuesday, March 3, meeting.
Tara Painter, Harlan Community Library director; Paulette Madson, Elk Horn Public Library director; and LaJissa Niklasen, Lied Irwin Public Library director, addressed the Board and discussed the various programs and features each library offers.

HARLAN — A new reserved parking sign installed this week outside Beyond Behavior Autism Clinic in Harlan represents a commitment to safety and inclusion for the families who receive services.

HARLAN — The Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand released the audit report for the City of Harlan for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, showing stable finances alongside areas for improvement in oversight and internal controls.
According to the audit, the City’s total receipts for the year were $8,710,602, a less than 1% increase over the previous year. Disbursements totaled $8,398,131, a decrease of less than 1% from the prior year.