Santa made a stop at the Elk Horn Public Library to visit with children in December.

    SIOUX FALLS, SD – A former Harlan resident and 2003 graduate of Harlan Community High School has been honored with one of the highest honors bestowed upon a military serviceman, the Purple Heart, awarded to service members wounded or killed in any action against an enemy of the United States, or as a result of an act of any such enemy or opposing armed forces.    But it took nearly nine years before he could receive that recognition due to

    HARLAN – Keeping sufficiently warm during the winter months can prove challenging, particularly when frigid temperatures persist, as they have already during the past couple of months.    While portable space heaters can help generate heat, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and local fire officials are reminding the public that they do present potential fire hazards and must be used with caution.    According to the NFPA, hea

    HARLAN – The Shelby County Center of Iowa Western Community College’s nursing program continues to grow, highlighting not only that interest in the program is increasing, but that the local center is attracting students from throughout Southwest Iowa.    The fall LPN class was 24, up from the average 14-15 students per semester, and students come from throughout the area, including Pottawattamie, Cass and Harrison Counties.    Nursing inst

    HARLAN -- Jay Peterson, 62, Harlan, died December 11 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services were held Saturday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.

    REGIONAL -- After having seen a slight increase in 2017, the average value of an acre of farmland in Iowa saw a slight decrease in 2018.  The average statewide value of an acre of farmland is now estimated to be $7,264.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community High School STEM program competed in the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa Carpentry Competition on November 30 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and finished third in the state competition.

HARLAN -- Iowa Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison), left, and Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) spoke with about 15 people at the first legislative coffee Saturday, Dec. 15 in Harlan.  The two spoke about what they see could be discussion items in the upcoming legislative session and answered questions from those in attendance.  Additional legislative sessions are planned in January-April and the public is invited to all of them.

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Compensation Board has recommended a 4.5 percent across-the-board salary increase for elected officials and their deputies for the 2019-20 fiscal year, following a meeting of the board November 15.    The county’s board of supervisors, who have the ultimate decision on pay raises for elected officials, will make a decision on the recommendation during its budgeting process for the next fiscal year.  The board can