REGIONAL – The number of registered sex offenders that call the greater Shelby County area their home has remained steady in the last 12 months, according to Iowa’s state sex offender registry.    Shelby County and areas surrounding the county have 45 registered sex offenders, as opposed to December, 2019 when there were 44 registered sex offenders listed in the area.

    HARLAN – As the Harlan Police Department’s expert and chief investigator of sex crimes, Steve Davis has seen his share of tragic situations.    Interviewing sexual predators who have abused their spouses, family members, strangers, or other acquaintances is a part of police work that admittedly, Davis said, not many consider taking on.    “I’ve done the stuff that really nobody wants to do,” Davis said.    It’s a position he found himself

    COUNTY -- Shelby County received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine last week.  Officials with Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan said 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine were brought to the hospital on Tuesday, Dec.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Community Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted from organizations providing charitable services in Shelby County.    As part of this spring grant cycle, approximately $90,000 is available to support Shelby County nonprofit organizations and community projects.    The deadline to apply for funds through the online application process is February 1, 2021.

    COUNTY -- There are two ways to win in the Harlan Newspapers’ First Baby of 2021 contest.

    MANILLA -- Gerald H. Bruck, 95, Manilla, died December 24 at the Manilla Manor.    Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Dec. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Earling with burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Earling.    Bruck is survived by sons Jody Bruck of Avoca, Jerry (Aline) Bruck Jr.

    PERSIA -- Donna M. Leonard, 89, Persia, died December 24 at her home.    Services were held Monday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan with burial in the Valley View Cemetery in Persia.  Visitation was Monday from 1-2 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Joe C. Pennington, 70, Harlan, died December 23 at Bergan Mercy Hospital.    A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 28 at 1 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Paul “Tootles” Leinen, 94, of Harlan, formerly of Portsmouth, died on Friday, Dec. 25, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.      Visitation Services will be Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 3-7 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, Jan. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth with interment at St.