REGIONAL -- According to a message on its website about the assistance effort, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has $2 billion earmarked to reimburse the families of COVID-19 victims for actual funeral expenses.    The funds are for individuals and households with coronavirus-related funeral expenses incurred between Jan. 20, 2020 and Dec.

    HARLAN -- One of the longest-serving barbers in Iowa, Leo Goeser, died last week.    Services are pending at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.    Goeser was a Harlan icon, cutting hair from his downtown Harlan shop for generations.  He was especially known for his story-telling and jokes.    Watch the Harlan Newspapers for service information.

    HARLAN -- Delores Ann Anderson, 87, Harlan, died Friday, March 26 in Council Bluffs.    A private funeral service will be held.    Public viewing will be held Tuesday, March 30 from 3-8 p.m.

    OMAHA -- Paige Hansen and Andrew Boldt, both of Omaha, exchanged marriage vows on February 27, 2021 at A View on State in Omaha. The 5 p.m. double ring outdoor ceremony was performed by Jodi Wendt.    Parents of the bride are Joey and Jennifer Hansen, Harlan. Parents of the groom are Jared and Jennifer Boldt, Gretna, NE; and Michelle Pagliuca, Elkhorn, NE.    The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, Joey Hansen.

HARLAN -- Following 27 outstanding seasons, Steve Daeges this week announced his retirement as the head baseball coach at Harlan Community High School.Daeges, who guided the Cyclones to three state titles and five runner-up finishes during a hall of fame coaching career, notified HCSD Activities Director Davis Pattee, his players and assistant coaches of his decision on Tuesday, March 23.A 1972 graduate of Harlan Community, Daeges returned to

    ELK HORN – Peggy and Rollie Hansen hadn’t been able to hold hands or hug for nearly seven months before they finally got the chance recently due to newly-updated guidance on care facility visitations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).    Rollie is a resident of the Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn, with Peggy living in town.  Married for 66 years, the pair has had to communicate from afar due to safety concerns with

    HARLAN -- Multi-colored animal skulls hung on the wall of Kimberly Piro’s art studio while she explained her love for creating what she describes as ‘weird art.’ The remnants of a pale winter sun shone through the dimly lit studio, producing a natural light pleasant to any eye, even through a Zoom call.    The former graphic designer-turned multi-disciplinary artist and teacher teaches grades K-2 and 6-12 at Riverside Community Schools in

    HARLAN – The Harlan Community Schools has approved a 2021-22 budget that calls for a steady levy but an increase in tax asking for expenses associated with its management fund and from property valuation increases.    The HCS Board of Education Tuesday, March 23 unanimously approved the proposed budget, with a tax asking increase of $205,889.    While the overall school levy will remain the same at $12.30 per $1,000 taxable valuation, the

HARLAN -- The annual HCS Jazz Dance will be held Saturday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.  The HCMS Jazz Band will kick things off at 7 p.m. followed by the HCHS Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m.