HARLAN -- All Shelby County area schools will close for four weeks, as recommended by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, to slow the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19.    It’s an unprecedented move being made not only by Iowa K-12 schools, but by schools across the country as the United States hopes to stop additional virus cases.    Here is the latest statements from area schools, the governor’s office and the Iowa Association of Schools Board

    CARROLL -- According to Carroll County Public Health the first presumptive positive COVID-19 case has been identified in Carroll County.

    REGIONAL -- On Sunday, March 15, the state received news that Iowa has had its third case of community-acquired COVID-19. Community spread occurs when individuals become infected with the virus in a community and cannot specifically identify the source of the infection (such as international travel or direct exposure to an infected person).

 ATLANTIC (March 2) -- There’s just something about a state tourney-clinching buzzer beater that makes a 36th-year coach run around like his hair is on fire. The Harlan Community boys basketball team could have won Monday night’s substate final with a little less drama in the final minute by simply making an extra free throw or getting one more defensive stop. But the memories might be a little less sweet than the  moment that actually transpi

Class 1AQuarterfinal Pairings: Monday, March 911:15 a.m. - #1 Lake Mills (23-2) vs. #8 Wapsie Valley, Fairbank (18-7)9:30 a.m. - #4 Montezuma (23-2) vs. #5 Martensdale-St. Marys (23-3)1:00 p.m. - #2 Bishop Garrigan, Algona (22-2) vs. #7 Springville (20-5)2:45 p.m. - #3 Remsen St. Mary’s (22-3) vs. #6 West Fork, Sheffield (23-2)Semifinals: Wednesday, March 11 -- 2:00 p.m.

    WOODBINE -- Roland John Wegner, 88, Woodbine, died March 14 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, March 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  A wake service was held Monday, March 16 at 7 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.  Visitation was Monday from 5-7 p.m.

    WALNUT -- Frances Hansen, 96, Walnut, died March 13 at Heritage House.    Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. at the Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.    Hansen is survived by sons Lynn (Jane) Hansen of Anita and Jay (Liz) Hansen of Grinnell; daughter Pamela (James) John of Lee’s Summit, MO; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.    Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca is in charge of arrangements.
 

 DES MOINES -- Longtime Harlan Community teacher, coach and official Jim Bruck was recently inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Wrestling Officials Hall of Fame.

    HARLAN --  The music students perform for their peers, encouraging them to be part of the band when they reach 5th grade.