STATE -- The Iowa State Fair Board, the governing body who oversees the Iowa State Fair, Wednesday voted to postpone the 2020 Iowa State Fair until August 12-22, 2021, amid ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

    HARLAN – Keith Burchett feels lucky.    As one of the first Shelby Countians to have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 back in late March and early April, his was mild, relatively speaking.  It was no picnic, but he feels very fortunate now to be fully recovered.    “All I can say for sure is I’ve never had anything like this before,” Keith said.  He took some time out this week from his busy schedule as owner/operator and contractor with

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center has begun using ultraviolet light protocol to decontaminate and extend the life and usage of N95 masks.    Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used every day by healthcare personnel (HCP) to protect themselves, patients, and others when providing care.

    REGIONAL -- Spring is in full force now and over the past three weeks, Shelby County Conservation and DNR officials have received a slew of phone calls regarding baby animals.

    STATE -- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today announced the state has received $26.2 million in federal relief to ensure education continues for students of all ages impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.    Iowa’s grant is part of the nearly $3 billion Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Library re-opens today, Tuesday, June 9.  It will be a grab and go event with hours as follows:  Tuesday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon.    Curbsyde hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.    Following are guidelines for patronizing the library:    • Face coverings required of all patrons.    • Limited number of people in the library.  Use social distancing while

    ELK HORN -- The 2020 Exira-EHK seniors participated in a commencement parade with their families Sunday afternoon with the last stop at the high school in Elk Horn to pick up their diplomas in a drive-through ceremony. The parade traveled through Exira, Brayton, Kimballton and Elk Horn. Superintendent Trevor Miller presented the graduates their diplomas.

    STATE – Shelby County Republican voters showed continued support for controversial U.S.

    COUNTY -- With an expected spike for need at the beginning of June, donations of food and personal hygiene items are still very much needed at the West Central food pantry in dowtown Harlan.    West Central Community Action Outreach Director Dena Matthews said needed items include food and toiletries (toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, dish soap, laundry soap, body soap, and deodorant).    Because the office remains closed to the public,

    COUNTY -- The recycling container in the former Shopko building parking lot has been removed from service.  The Shelby County Landfill Commission and county engineer’s office made the decision this week due to years of improper usage by the public.  Officials said on nearly any day of the week, piles of garbage (like above) can be seen at the site.  The operator at the landfill also averages three large garbage cans full of trash every tim

    COUNTY -- Over the past several months, Shelby Countians have experienced unprecedented times of change with COVID-19.

    HARLAN – Harlan has re-opened its playgrounds, shelter houses, park restrooms and the skate park this week, after closures prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic this spring.    Portable restrooms at Little George Park and North Park are not yet available.    In addition, the city made an announcement this week regarding the Norman D. Stamp Aquatic Center.  Iowa Gov.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Wastewater Treatment Plant has seen a “significant” reduction in the amount of inappropriate items being flushed down the system during the last two weeks.    “I’d like to thank the public for helping us by being more aware of the items that should not be flushed down the toilet,” said Steve Kenkel, wastewater superintendent.  “The last two weeks we’ve seen a huge difference.”    The plant had been inundated over the p

    HARLAN  -- Auditor of State Rob Sand released an audit report on the City of Harlan recently.    The city’s receipts totaled $7,354,256 for the year ended June 30, 2019, an 18.6 percent decrease from the prior year. Disbursements for the year ended June 30, 2019 totaled $7,859,467, a 9.2 percent increase over the prior year.
 

Prom canceled at IKM-Manning    MANNING -- Prom at IKM-Manning has been canceled for this year.  It had been scheduled for June 20 as a make-up date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.