AVOCA -- On Sunday, July 21, the 47th RAGBRAI® bicycle race across Iowa will make its way through Avoca along Highway 83 and over to Walnut. For months, cities across Iowa have been preparing for a number of riders and visitors to visit their towns. 

    HARLAN – Former Harlan City Administrator Terry Cox won’t be going to jail, but will face probation, have to pay fines, costs and restitution.    During his sentencing hearing Monday, July 15 in Shelby County District Court in Harlan, Fourth District Court Judge Kathleen A.

    COUNTY – A county employee who was recently named in a special audit investigation by the Iowa State Auditor’s Office has filed a lawsuit against the Shelby County Emergency Management Commission (EMC), Shelby County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Shelby County, alleging they have failed to compensate him for his labor, services and paid leave.    Jason Wickizer filed a petition in Shelby County District Court July 2.  In his lawsui

    HARLAN -- Judy Obrecht and Lorie Knudsen were inducted into the Shelby County Fair Hall of Fame during ceremonies held Thursday evening, July 11 at the Shelby County Fairgrounds.    Both were honored for their years of volunteer service to the fair. 

Congratulations to this year’s Shelby County Fair Royalty, honored during ceremonies held at the Shelby County Fairgrounds Thursday evening, July 11. 

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community School District has released total salaries paid for the 2018-19 school year that ended June 30.
See the Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Harlan Tribune for more information.

    HARLAN -- U.S. Representative Steve King (R-Iowa) will make a stop in Harlan Friday, July 19 for a town hall meeting to be held from 3-4 p.m. at the C.G. Therkildsen Activity Center.    King holds town halls this year in 39 of the counties he represents in the fourth district.  He has served as a U.S. representative since 2003. 

    HARLAN – The Harlan City Council has signed off on the plans and specifications for a 1.3-acre dog park on the east edge of town, with hopes of having the park available to pet lovers by late fall or early spring.    The council voted 5-0 this month approving the design plans as provided by Snyder and Associates, Inc., Atlantic, the firm hired to develop the construction plans.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center has received the Mission: Lifeline® Silver Referring Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.

    COUNTY -- On Wednesday, July 10, the Shelby County Fair kicked off its annual celebration in Harlan. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the fair, and in that time many changes have been made.    Shelby County Historical Society records indicate the first Shelby County Fair was held on October 2, 1869 at an unlisted location.

    COUNTY -- With the month of June now gone, planting for farmers has also come to an end.

 COUNTY -- Fair season is finally here and with it comes a number of participants and visitors from around the county to experience the 150th annual Shelby County Fair.    Two of these participants are Kyle and Justin Hansen from the Elk Horn Explorers 4-H Club, who will be showing their projects to judges and livestock animals during the fair. 

    AVOCA -- Avoca celebrated its sesquicentennial last week with activities throughout the July 4 holiday week and weekend. There was food, tractor displays, a history tour, beard competition and lots of art.

    COUNTY -- Nine young women are in the running to be crowned Shelby County Fair Queen this week.    Coronation will take place Thursday evening, July 11 in the show ring at the fairgrounds at 8 p.m. The new queen will reign over the Shelby County Fair as well as represent the county at the state fair in August. 

    HARLAN – Digital speed limit signs will be deployed in various locations in Harlan soon, reminding motorists of their speed while calculating important data such as traffic flow or number of cars speeding.    Harlan City Administrator Gene Gettys, Jr. said it’s a topic that has been evaluated and discussed over the last 18 months, and two signs recently were purchased that could be in place as early as August 1.