I chided my parents “Depression mind set” about saving every scrap of worthwhile goods for a rainy day -- money, food, furniture or that knotted ball of twine in the corner of the garage. I’m starting to gain a greater appreciation of the whipsaw they went through in their teens during the Depression.    They too had an invisible enemy that was very difficult to tame.

    COUNTY – Shelby County has approved a disaster declaration due to the confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus in Iowa, United States and worldwide.    The Shelby County Board of Supervisors Thursday, March 19 declared a state of emergency authorized under Iowa state statute.  The declaration allows for the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, invokes all mutual aid agreements, and the applying to the state for assistance.  

    STATE -- Businesses and organizations are urged to donate personal protective equipment, or PPE, by contacting their local public health department and the county emergency management agency.    The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging Iowa businesses and organizations to donate extra personal protective equipment to assist health care providers and health care facilities responding to COVID-19.    “This an unprecedented

    REGIONAL – While Shelby County has yet to see a case of COVID-19, individuals who have tested positive are closer to the county.    It was reported this week that a second positive case of coronavirus was identified out of Pottawattamie County Friday, and the individual is only 25 miles away from Harlan.  He is a Neola man with existing medical conditions, and no recent travel history.  Officials said he’s currently at the UNMC Intensive C

    ELK HORN -- On Thursday, March 19, the 2020 Tivoli Fest Committee announced it has decided to cancel the annual festival due to the uncertainty posed by the COVID-19 public health emergency.    Tivoli Fest is Elk Horn’s annual Danish heritage festival that traditionally occurs over the Memorial Day weekend.

    HARLAN – Grocery stores and other outlets don’t have toilet paper, or when they do, it’s sold out immediately.    With the current COVID-19 pandemic, customers are choosing to stock up on toilet paper, leaving shelves at local, state and national retail outlets empty.  Walk into any store that provides commodities and it’s apparent these items are sold out immediately.    That’s concerning, said Harlan Wastewater Superintendent Steve Kenke

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry will have daily updates available on its Facebook page regarding COVID-19.    The update will be posted at 4 p.m.

    HARLAN - A group of local Harlanites have started a grocery shopping service for those who  are elderly or have a chronic or underlying medical condition.  Are you unable to grocery shop due to the COVID-19 outbreak?

    HARLAN - Rumors began spreading Wed., March 18 after some quick internet searches resulted in headlines such as “Shelby County confirms fourth case of coronavirus.”    They were in Shelby County, Tennessee where the City of Memphis (pop.

STATE -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is providing this important information about COVID-19 as it relates to public drinking water to provide clarity to the public.    The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is very low.

With the announcement by the Governor's Office on Tuesday, March 17 not allowing dine in meals at restaurants or bars, we decided to quickly reached out to as many restaurants and businesses in Shelby County who offer food and offered them a free ad that appeared in the Thursday, March 19 Harlan Newspaper that is attached.  The list includes the 30 businesses that replied to our free offer. The Shelby Co.

See attachment for full list of restaurants with their drive-through, carry-out and delivery options.
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    Museum of Danish America and its Genealogy Center closed to visitors until at least April 13.  The Prairie Landscape Park is open.  Staff members continue to work.
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    Shelby County Courthouse doors locked; appointments only.
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• Prohibited social gatherings of more than 10 people
• Restaurants only to provide drive-through, carry-out or delivery orders
• Older persons and those with underlying health conditions should stay home
• Do not visit nursing homes or retirement communities; most have limited/no access
• Wash hands with soap/water for 20 seconds

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Schools will not extend its school year to make up instructional days missed during the four-week school closure that began this week, but will make available educational enrichment activities for students in the interim.    The HCS Board of Education this week gave administration the direction to commit to students and staff not having to make up those days at the end of the school year.  Should the current four-

    STATE -- Gov.