DES MOINES —Brandt and Stacy Ferry of Kirkman were one of 44 families recently chosen to receive the Iowa Farm Environmental Leadership Award at the 2024 Iowa State Fair. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect our state’s natural resources, including our soil and water, serving as leaders within their communities.
 

 by Renée Brich,Managing Editor STATEWIDE  — Voters in Iowa can now request an absentee ballot for the November 5 general election. County auditors will send the requested ballot October 16, the same day voters will be able to start early in-person voting. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is reminding voters to make a plan to participate in the upcoming election.

 SHELBY COUNTY — Jay Goodvin, known as “The Iowa Gallivant”, recently made two stops in Shelby County for his popular travel blog. Goodvin travels Iowa, promoting tourism and dining throughout the state for his 50,000 followers.

    HARLAN — US Representative Randy Feenstra took questions from several local community and business leaders in Harlan Wednesday during a forum hosted by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Feenstra, a Republican serving Iowa’s 4th District, also received recognition for his military service and congressional productivity from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.    U.S.

 STATEWIDE — Ninety-two restored barns, including one in Shelby County, will be featured on a statewide tour organized by the Iowa Barn Foundation. The foundation raises money to preserve the state’s decreasing number of barns, and all barns on the tour have received a grant from the Iowa Barn Foundation to assist with restoration. The tour will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AREA ­— The Shelby-Tennant Alumni Association is asking former students and classmates to help preserve the memory of the school by donating Shelby-Tennant yearbooks. Chuck Martens, member of the Alumni Association said it is uncertain what happened to the school library’s yearbooks when the school consolidated with what was AvoHa in 1996 to form the A-H-S-T (now AHSTW) School District. “Schools are a mainstay in a community.

After this Labor Day Weekend concludes, you can stay close to home and come to the country near Shelby, Iowa September 7 & 8. Smoke, steam, straw and family fun will fill the air at Carstens 1880 Farmstead during the 42nd Annual Carstens Farm Days show. Farm Days is an event that aims to preserve and celebrate Iowa’s Farm History through live demonstrations of antique farm equipment and a blend of unique exhibits and crafts.

  SHELBY COUNTY —The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was a recipient of the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) Excellence in Action Award. The competitive award recognizes innovative county government employees, programs and projects.

HARLAN —As adults, we know how we see and if we don’t see things clearly. But do we really know how children see? Can a child tell us that a straight line doesn’t have a sharp, straight edge?

HARLAN — This year, professional development for Harlan Community School District looked different with a new program called Capturing Kids’ Hearts.For two days in the full week of their professional development, teachers became students, gaining tools for a program they will be implementing immediately at the start of the 2024-25 school year.

 HARLAN — Visitors and residents of Harlan are being welcomed to the city in two new ways. The City has replaced the entrance signs at the city limits on both the north and south sides of Highway 59. Harlan City Administrator Gene Gettys said the project had been in the planning process for several years.

ELK HORN — Elk Horn’s 44th Annual Tivoli Fest will be held Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25. Organizers said there will be plenty of activities for “A Celebration of Danish Roots”.A new website, TivoliFest.com will provide up-to-date schedule information. Shaun Sayres, Manager of the Danish Windmill, said the website will feature a much more comprehensive overview of what Tivoli will offer this year.

SHELBY COUNTY — April 15 marked one year since the 28E Law Enforcement agreement between the City of Harlan and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department went into effect. Due to ongoing staff shortages with the Harlan Police Department, the agreement disbanded HPD, leaving law enforcement coverage of the city solely under the Sheriff’s Department. Shelby County Sheriff Neil Gross feels the transition went very smoothly.

HARLAN —  For 60 years, Nelson Farm Supply has been “Not just a feed store, but a whole lot more” for Harlan and the surrounding area.“We sold bulk and bag feed when we started,” Joel Berndt said. “Now it’s turned into a little of everything.”It’s the little of everything that has made the agricultural service company one of Shelby County’s longest lasting family owned businesses.