HARLAN - The Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees approved a new performance raise package for CEO Barry Jacobsen at their late December board meeting.    Under the new salary package presented by board president Jim Zimmerman, Jacobsen will be eligible to receive an increase in compensation equal to the average percentage of increases that all medical center staff receive in accordance with the annual operating budget.

COUNTY – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Shelby County has developed a committee to support the agriculture and natural resources programming for the county.    The committee consists of members of the ag community who have been asked to meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the community needs and to coordinate efforts.    Here is the second in a series profiling committee members.    For information on the committee and its wor

1)  Why did you get involved with your agriculturally-based career?    “I actually got into my gardening business by accident.  My kids sold extra green beans one summer, and it seemed like an easy way to supplement the family income.  About the same time, my husband retired from his construction business.  We built our garden business from there.”2)  What are the greatest challenges with your career?    “Weather is a huge challenge.  We do no

    HARLAN -- Four elected county officials were sworn into office for 2019 on Wednesday, Jan. 2 at the Shelby County Courthouse.   

HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Schools’ jazz program will kick off its contest season this weekend at the Bluffs Jazz Festival in Council Bluffs, followed by performances through April.    This year the HCS jazz program will be fielding four performing groups: the Middle School Red Band, Middle School Black Band, the Harlan Jazz Ensemble, and the Harlan Jazz Experience.    Tom Cronin directs the Jazz Ensemble.

Isabel Segebart, a member of the Exira-Elk Horn/Kimballton Winter Guard, performs recently at a Spartan home basketball doubleheader. 

    COUNTY – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Shelby County has developed a committee to support the agriculture and natural resources programming for the county.    The committee consists of members of the ag community who have been asked to meet on a quarterly basis to discuss the community needs and to coordinate efforts.    Members of the committee include Elaine Baughman, extension council; Amy Thygesen, Farm Credit Services

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Board of Trustees voted Dec. 27 to hike rates for HMU cable and phone effective Feb. 1, 2019.     Basic cable will go up $3 to $33.99 per month with expanded basic going up $6 to $91.99.

HARLAN -- Harlan City Council appointments to committees have been made for the 2019 calendar year.  See the Jan. 4 News-Advertiser for complete listings.

    HARLAN -- Auditor of State Mary Mosiman today released an audit report on the City of Harlan, Iowa.    The City’s receipts totaled $9,032,466 for the year ended June 30, 2018, a 13.5% increase over the prior year.  The receipts included $3,029,712 of property tax, $473,595 of tax increment financing, $2,251,414 of charges for service, $980,738 of operating grants, contributions and restricted interest, $307,909 of capital grants, contribut

REGIONAL – The number of registered sex offenders that call the greater Shelby County area their home has increased in the past three years, according to Iowa’s state sex offender registry.    Shelby County and areas surrounding the county have 34 registered sex offenders as of this month, as opposed to summer, 2016 when there were 26 registered sex offenders listed in the area.  Some offenders are new to the area while others remain on the li

    HARLAN - Volunteers are needed to assist with the removal of Christmas lights in downtown Harlan on Saturday, January 5 at 9 a.m.

■ For your vehicle    • Shovel • First aid kit • Non-perishable food • Flashlight • Candles and matches • Extra clothing • Tire chains • Booster cables • Cellphone with charged battery

    COUNTY -- There are two ways to win in the Harlan Newspapers’ First Baby of 2019 contest.