This guidance was created in consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union as a resource for administrators to determine when and how districts and nonpublic schools may begin to engage in school sports seasons while keeping participants and spectators safe.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County Treasurer Carolyn Blum has announced that beginning yesterday, Monday, June 1, her office now is open to in-person transactions by appointments only.  Facial masks are highly recommended and health screening questions will be asked.     The following guidelines will apply until further notice:Driver’s License     Driver’s Licenses will be done by appointment only by calling 712-755-5898 ext 3.    Essential/expired l

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Library Summer Program will again provide fun and challenges for youth and adults but in a different format this year.

    HARLAN -- Harlan Municipal Utilities will now open its doors by appointment for customers as a start to return to what will be a “new” normal business operation.    In other action taken at its May 28 teleconference board meeting, “hero” pay of an additional $3 per hour was discontinued May 31.  Board members said with other businesses re-opening, and some even cutting hours or reducing pay during the pandemic, they felt an obligation to r

    COUNTY – Shelby County has begun the process of re-opening the courthouse in Harlan in a two-phased approach as the city, county and state start the process of lifting restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.    The Shelby County Board of Supervisors Thursday, May 28 approved a courthouse re-opening plan, that initially calls for limited access by appointment only to courthouse offices beginning June 1 through June 16, following by a ten

    HARLAN -- Dewey Andrew Hess, 81, Harlan, died Friday, May 29 in Harlan.    Services will be held Wednesday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan with burial in the Jacksonville Cemetery in Jacksonville.  Friends may call Wednesday from 9-10:30 a.m.

    PANAMA -- Donald Joseph Keane, 86, Panama, died May 28 at Rose Vista Home, Inc.    Private family Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 30 at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama with burial in the St.

    ALEXANDRIA, MN -- Former Shelby County residents Ruben and Evelyn (Roenfeld) Jensen of Alexandria will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11.    Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 1812 Darling Avenue East Apt. 257, Alexandria, MN 56308.

    REGIONAL -- A dry planting season allowed most area farmers to put their corn and soybean crop in the ground at a well-above-average pace this spring.    Consistent late-May rains have followed, quenching surface soils in need of moisture and allowing for strong  and even emergence.    Add in warmer temperatures in next week’s forecast and rapid plant growth is expected in the near future.