IRWIN – Singles hoping to find that special someone are invited to an exciting speed dating event in Irwin Friday, July 12, with proceeds from the event being provided to the Shelby County Animal Shelter, also known as Four Paws, in Harlan.    Shelva Slifer, Harlan, and Tammy Larsen, Irwin, are organizers of the event, and they say not only will the event raise funds for Four Paws, but it will be a fun local avenue for singles to meet and

    COUNTY -- With the Shelby County Fair quickly approaching, FFA members, 4-H members and volunteers from across the county came to clean up the fairgrounds in Harlan on Tuesday, July 2.    The fair will begin July 10 and will last until July 14. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the fair.

    HARLAN -- According to the latest economic impact study by the Iowa Hospital Association, Myrtue Medical Center generates 613 jobs that add $29.7 million to Shelby County’s economy.    A multiplier methodology is used to determine the level of impact, which means that the health sector and employees in the health sector purchase a large amount of goods and services from local businesses, having a multiplying effect in the community.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center CEO Barry Jacobsen received a 2.5 percent salary and benefits increase effective July 1. The $5,750 increase will bring his salary to $235,750 for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

    COUNTY – RSM, the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, has been contracted by Shelby County to provide special audit services.    Although no specific details about the audit services have been provided, the Shelby County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved engaging RSM to provide special auditing services for Shelby County.    Costs for the service have not been disclosed, but

DEFIANCE -- On Monday, July 1, the Defiance Fire Department with mutual aid from the Irwin, Earling, and Panama Fire Departments, were dispatched to a structure fire at an abandoned farmstead near Defiance.    Upon arrival, officials said the structure was fully involved with about one-third of the roof consumed in fire.  Due to safety concerns, defensive operations were conducted.  The Shelby County Sheriffs Office and Shelby County Emergency

    AVOCA -- Starting on Wednesday, July 3 Avoca will be celebrating its 150-year anniversary of establishment.

    HARLAN -- With the July 4 holiday only a few days away, local officials are saying it’s important to remember the dangers the holiday can present when it comes to fireworks.

    REGIONAL -- This last session of legislation provided a wide range of debates and changes for Iowa Citizens ranging from tax relief to how the judicial system operates.    The Republican lead majority was able to get a number of bills passed that were implemented on July 1.

    HARLAN -- The yearly firework show will once again be on display at J.J. Jensen Park on Thursday, July 4. The show has entertained numerous Harlanites for more than 30 years. However, the show is impossible to be put on without the help of Harlan American Legion Post #150.    Every year the Legion attempts to raise $5,000 for the fireworks show.

    SHELBY -- The WHO Tractor Ride was a huge success Tuesday, June 25 as it made its way to Carstens Farm, Shelby.     The riders were based in Council Bluffs and took day excursions, and had lunch in Shelby Tuesday. 

    HARLAN – Lynn Johnson has been hired to serve the Harlan Community School District as interim superintendent for the 2019-20 school year.    School officials said Johnson was identified as the right choice to lead the district after hearing feedback from a mixed interview team, tour guides and full consideration of the candidates’ experience and qualifications.

    HARLAN – A vote of school patrons of the Harlan Community Schools for the continuation of the district’s Instructional Support Levy and Physical Plant and Equipment Levy tentatively has been pushed back to the November general election.    The HCS Board of Education initially considered a September date for the vote, but has decided to wait until the November election for a variety of reasons, including cost savings, allowing the newly-app

    HARLAN -- On Tuesday, June 25, a 911 call reported a rollover accident on Nishna Avenue east of Harlan at approximately 4 p.m. with a trapped individual and possible agricultural-related chemical spill. Responding units located a 1994 International semi, which for unknown reasons left the roadway and rolled into the south ditch. The driver, 71-year-old Dale Hemminger, Harlan, had to be extricated from the vehicle using mechanical means.

    COUNTY – Shelby County has seen an outbreak of Painted Lady butterflies during the past week with thousands descending on Harlan and neighboring communities.    The painted lady, or Vanessa cardui, has become widespread in the region this year.  Donald R. Lewis, Iowa State University Entomologist, said the swarm is similar to 2017 when the area saw many painted lady butterflies as well.