HARLAN -- Shelby County Relay for Life had a successful event Friday, June 3 in downtown Harlan, raising more than $103,000 for Cancer research.  Shown above, a number of walkers at the event carry the banner during a survivor’s walk.  See inside today’s Harlan News-Advertiser for a full photo page from Relay for Life.  (Photo by Sarah Muller)

    REGION -- Shelby County residents shouldn’t have to worry much about mosquitoes that transfer the Zika virus this summer, but there likely will be plenty of the insects around to spread other diseases, and generally make life miserable.    Ken Holscher, assistant professor of entomology at Iowa State University, said the Zika virus that has become prevalent mainly south of the United States likely will have a hard time making it far north

    COUNTY – Incumbent Shelby County Supervisors Steve Kenkel and Charles Parkhurst will retain their board seats following a convincing victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary election.    Kenkel earned 540 votes and Parkhurst tallied 478 votes, while newcomer and challenger Loren R.

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HARLAN -- The Shelby County Relay for Life held Friday, June 3 was a great success.  Here, honorary survivor Julie Bruck lights the Torch of Hope, a Shelby County tradition.  See Friday’s Harlan News-Advertiser for complete coverage with photos from the Relay.  (Photo by Sarah Muller)

As Friday night’s rain showers passed, in their wake was a unique double rainbow visible in the eastern sky.

    HARLAN -- As the sun sets on a very cold and snowy winter, a new glow will find its way to Harlan with the help of a newly-formed Christmas lighting committee.    Headed by Todd Valline, Director of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the committee was formed about a month ago to assist the county’s board of supervisors and auditor in lighting up Harlan.    Committee member Denny Siemers said the committee’s goal is to expa

REGIONAL -- A more summer-like weather pattern has settled in to the greater Shelby County area this past week, but not before above average rainfall during the spring created soggy conditions throughout the Midwest.    Local residents are embracing the nicer weather, but according to local and state officials, western Iowa may not be in the clear just yet.    “At this time people are very well aware that the ground is saturated with moisture,

    WALNUT -- The Walnut City Council voted 4-1 May 19 to accept the Walnut School buildings from the school district, but future uses for the buildings still are to be determined.    The newly-formed AHSTW School District becomes official with reorganization July 1, and discussions have been held during the past year about the future of the Walnut school buildings.    With the gifting of the buildings to the City of Walnut, more discussions a

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A gllimpse of Harlan activities at Log Cabin Days and Art in the Park!

COUNTY -- Loren Christensen, Elk Horn; Charlie Parkhurst, Harlan; and Steve Kenkel, Earling; are vying for two county supervisor spots in the Tuesday, June 7 primary election. 
Others on the ballot....U.S. SenatorThomas L Fiegen (D), Robert M. Hogg (D), Patty Judge (D), Bob Krause  (D) and Charles E. Grassley (R)
U.S. Representative District #4Kim Weaver (D), Rick Bertrand (R), and Steve King (R)

    EARLING -- Weighing in at 16 tons, the Shelby County Freedom Rock stands in Earling thanks to the efforts of the Earling’s American Legion Post #615.    The rock was dedicated as one of 42 Iowa Freedom Rocks painted by Iowa native, Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II. Originally inspired by the movie Saving Private Ryan and yearning to give veterans a special recognition, he began painting the boulders.

    HARLAN – City officials should know by August the results of an audit conducted by state auditors at the request of Harlan’s Personnel and Finance Committee, specifically investigating city expense reports.    Auditors will be in town next week, June 7-9, to review the expense reports of former city administrator Terry Cox, as well as a random sample of expense reports from other city employees.    A meeting was held late last month with c

    HARLAN -- Log Cabin Day is hoping to preserve Shelby County’s history with a few of the locals’ favorites during the celebration on Sunday, June 5.    “What we are really focusing on this year is keeping some of our old favorites, but making it better for the visitor experience,” said Nate Buman, director of the Shelby County Historical Museum.

    HARLAN --  Pioneer Park will be vibrant with multiple different artistic activities in full swing at Art in the Park on Sunday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.    “This year’s Art in the Park has some of the strongest artists we’ve ever had,” said Kris Olson-Harmon, art coordinator. “They’re gallery artists, which mean many of them have their own galleries.”    Olson-Harmon explains that the function is family friendly and interactive.