HARLAN -- It was Fire Prevention Week last week, and local fire departments met with students from area schools to talk about fire safety.     Firefighters from the Harlan Fire Department were guests at the schools in Harlan to not only discuss fire safety such as the stop, drop and roll technique if caught on fire, but also the importance of working smoke detectors in the home and having a fire escape plan.  The students were able to see a fi

    HARLAN – Challenger Mark Maxwell says he’ll bring a fresh perspective with new ideas to the office of county auditor, while incumbent and long-time auditor Marsha Carter touts her years of service, accounting background, budgeting expertise and history of cooperation, communication and success as keys to providing her another term in office.    That’s what the two candidates for office brought to the table at a Shelby County Chamber of Com

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Community Intermediate and Primary Schools are celebrating Character Counts Week this week, focusing on the six pillars of character:  Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Trustworthiness, Caring and Citizenship.    It’s National Character Counts Week, and the highlight of the week at HCS came Monday with a presentation by the Ned Show, a character education program that centers around three important messages -- Never G

    HARLAN -- The City of Harlan is in need of a tree to be donated and used as the official Shelby County Christmas Tree this year.    Anyone with a suitable tree they are willing to donate is asked to contact city hall at 755-5137.  The tree can be removed from the property by city employees and placed downtown on the courthouse square for the holiday season.    A large pine tree is preferred.

    HARLAN -- Edward Michael Stephany, 69, Harlan, died October 13 at his home.    Services were held Monday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. at St.

    HARLAN -- Lucille Paulsen of Harlan will celebrate her 95th birthday on October 27. Her family is requesting a card shower in her honor. Cards will reach her if sent to 2106 12th Street Apt. 3B, Harlan, IA 51537.    Her children and their spouses are Rev. Dr. Wayne and Julie Paulsen, Middleton, OH; Reuben and JoAnn Paulsen, Overland Park, KS; and Mary Kay and Rev. Kjeld Grarup, Hjorring, Denmark.

    PORTSMOUTH -- The family of Mary Ellen Reisz is planning a card shower in honor of her 85th birthday on October 19. Cards will reach her if sent to P.O. Box 171, Portsmouth, IA 51565.    Her family includes Joan and Keith Potter, Harlan; Phil Reisz, Portsmouth; the late Carol and Randy Musich; Peg Patten, Storm Lake; and John and Pat Reisz, Bellevue, NE. Mary Ellen has 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. 

    FRENCH CREEK, WV -- Hannah Winfree of Oberlin, OH and Robert Galo of Lakewood, OH were married on June 25, 2016 in an outdoor ceremony in a scenic hollow near French Creek.    The bride’s cousin, Pastor Matthew Winfree, performed the 5 p.m. double ring ceremony. 

    HARLAN – Hands-on learning is exciting, as evidenced by the popularity of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Club participation this fall at the elementary and middle schools in the Harlan Community Schools.    Having a chance to cook homemade meatloaf, interact with nature, construct wind turbines or build a go-cart are just a few of the opportunities that greet the more than 130 students who have signed up for after-school