STATE -- The following statement was released Monday morning by the Iowa high school Unified Activities partners in regards to a four-week suspension of all high school activities throughout the state.“Following Sunday’s announcements from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, all spring activities of Iowa’s high school Unified Activities partners – the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa High Schoo

    HARLAN -- On social media over the weekend, Elm Crest Retirement community, and specifically its parent company American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, made this statement regarding its nursing and retirement homes:    “Although there is no presence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, Elm Crest Senior Living is taking a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19.    “Age is a risk factor for COVID-19, so that

    STATE -- Last week, Gov.

    DES MOINES – Today, regarding the upcoming County Conventions on March 21, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Mark Smith released the following statement:    “Today, the Iowa Democratic Party is announcing it will postpone County Conventions to a future date to be determined.

HCS Cancelled Events•  State Individual Speech, March 14•  State Special Olympics, March 13-14•  Westwood Show Choir, March 14•  BV Indoor Track, March 20•  IHSMA 3A Solo/Small Group, March 28•  State HOSA March 15 (virtual conference may be held at later date•  Show Choir at Underwood March 21•  Indoor track meets March 21 and 24 at Northwest Missouri State University

    HARLAN -- “As you may be aware, the World Health Organization has officially declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. It is our belief that preparedness, prevention and transparency will help us work through this stressful time.    “We love our customers and our staff. Here are some updated procedures we will be following to prevent the potential spread of the virus.    “CLEANING.

    REGIONAL -- Try finding some toilet paper in the region.  Good luck.

    COUNTY -- If you have election day polling place concerns with the COVID-19 virus, you may vote at home by requesting an absentee ballot for the June 2 Primary Election now.    Call the Auditors office at the following number 712-755-3831 ext. 6.

        COUNTY -- Shelby County Auditor Mark Maxwell released this statement early Monday morning, March 16:    “Containment and mitigation will not take place without cooperation by everyone. Public owned buildings like the Courthouse are definitely a place that gets a big cross- section of population, which includes many demographics.