STATEWIDE — Scientists for Iowa are calling for a shift toward renewable energy and stronger building standards to address the growing impact of climate change on insurance costs.About 180 Iowa researchers and educators from 26 colleges and universities across the state released the Iowa Climate Statement Monday, warning that higher temperatures and increasingly destructive weather events are contributing to rising insurance premiums.“Each of

HARLAN — The Harlan Community School District honored those who have served at a Veteran’s Day program, which featured keynote speaker Retired USMC Col. Jim Shelton.  Pictured clockwise are: Student speakers included  Annelyse Sheehan (at podium) and (left to right) Sofia Gallardo Barajas, Manasseh Bauman, Dominic Scherder, and Jayden Lacy; Col.

HARLAN — This past summer, HCHS band director William “Bill” Kearney got an unexpected email stating how the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton (E-EHK) students would be merging with the Harlan Community High School Band for this school year. The situation came about after the E-EHK band director, Cody Parmley, accepted a new position at the Harlan Community Elementary School.

HARLAN — “The Church on the Hill” (Congregational UCC/First United Methodist Mission Church) raised funds for Tori’s Angels Foundation as part of the church’s state mission project for 2025.Tori’s Angels Foundation assists Iowa families who have a child with a life-threatening medical condition by paying for medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Harlan — The Western Iowa Arts Association (WIAA) and the Harlan Community Theater (HCT) extend heartfelt gratitude to Harlan and the surrounding communities for their generous support throughout the 2025 season.This year’s productions — The Last Five Years, Shrek: The Musical, the Kids Camp production of The Wizard of Oz, and the upcoming Home for the Holidays — have all been made possible through community patronage.

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with TheSheriffapp.com to release a free app to the public.Users may download the app on a mobile device by searching in the App Store or Google Play Store, scanning the QR Code found at the right, or by visitng https://apps.myocv.com/share/a149051537 The app will have prompt information which can be sent to the public via not

SHELBY COUNTY — The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with TheSheriffapp.com to release a free app to the public.Users may download the app on a mobile device by searching in the App Store or Google Play Store, scanning the QR Code found at the right, or by visitng https://apps.myocv.com/share/a149051537 The app will have prompt information which can be sent to the public via not

by Renée Brich, Managing EditorSHELBY COUNTY — A total of 1,560 of Shelby County’s 8,367 registered voters cast ballots in the 2025 City/School Election on Tuesday, November 4.In addition to selecting local officials, voters were asked to decide on two bond referendums—one for Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) and another for the IKM-Manning Community School District.The majority of Shelby County voters supported the $55 million IWCC bond,

AREA — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides nutrition benefits to help low-income families afford food. However, benefits did not reach accounts as expected on November 1 after the U.S.

MANNING — For more than two decades, former IKM-Manning resource teacher Beth Hagedorn has helped save lives — not just through her own donations, but by inspiring generations of students to do the same.Hagedorn was recently recognized by the American Red Cross for her many years of service hosting and donating at blood drives — contributing more than 50 donations over the years.

MANNING — Stockings for Soldiers was started by Burke and Boni Johnson who currently have two sons serving with the Iowa National Guard overseas. The Johnson’s became aware that there are some soldiers who may not be receiving much from home, and decided to start this project to reach as many troops as they can for Christmas.The care package is a tactical Dopp/toiletry kit packed with Darn Tough socks and other stocking stuffers.

HARLAN — Nine Harlan FFA members traveled to the National FFA Convention and Expo October 28-31 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The members attended several tours and participated in various National FFA Convention activities while on the trip.

AMES – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff members were honored in October at the Iowa 4-H YouthFest professional development conference. Award recipients were recognized for their impact on local communities, accomplishments in their field and embodiment of the ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H mission.The award ceremony was held on Oct.

HARLAN — The generosity of a Shelby County parish has left a missionary pastor shocked, humbled, and eternally grateful.The people of St. Michael Parish in Harlan raised $175,000 that’s being used to build a new church in a rural, poor area of Father Clement Owusu’s home in Ghana. Father Owusu dreamed of building a church as tribute to his late father and to the parish that played an instrumental role in his vocation to the priesthood.

HARLAN —The Harlan Firefighters Association is slated to be the recipient of a Fuel Up and Give Back pilot program by AGRILAND FS that will run October 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. During that time, AGRILAND FS will donate 3¢ for every gallon of gas and diesel fuel sold at their Harlan FAST STOP® location at 2401 12th St.