Friday - December 1st, 2023
Message from Shelby County Sheriff’s Office concerning suspicious vehicle -
(11-30-23) - The Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a phone call in the early morning hours of 11/30/23. Dispatch was advised that a black SUV with Nebraska License plate was parked on the side of the in the area of 1600th St. and Ironwood Rd. Additional information from the caller stated there was a male and female outside of the vehicle possibly attempting to wave them to stop. The caller did not stop but continued past and the male and female got into the vehicle and left the area. Responding deputies were advised the vehicle was heading west bound and responded to the area appropriately. A follow up call was then made after a duration of time that the vehicle actually went east bound. Deputies were unable to locate the vehicle and the plate given came back to a green Toyota Tacoma, not a black SUV. To the Public: If you see anything suspicious please call 911 or 712-755-5026 and give as much detail as possible to the dispatch center to assist with a proper response. Thank you for being vigilant and continue to call with anything suspicious.
The Merrill Field Fence Wreath Project continues for the community and the residents of Elm Crest. Wreaths are to be hung up by December 1st. The Harlan Community School District’s National Honor Society will run extension cords to the wreaths to light them up. Contact Jami Andersen at the Harlan High School and let her know if you plan on making a wreath. Wreaths are to be removed by January 6th.
West Central Community Action Annual Adopt a Family Program is now accepting Christmas adoption applications. You must reside in Shelby County. Families with children ages 18 and under or seniors 65 and over can apply. You must be at or below 200% federal poverty level or approved for LIHEAP energy assistance. Call Dena at 755-5602 to sign up. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 1st.
Crop Insurance Discount Program - Sign-Up Begins December 1-
(11-30-23) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the sign-up period for the Crop Insurance Discount Program will begin on Friday, December 1 and will close on Friday, January 26, 2024. To sign-up to participate, visit Apply.CleanWaterIowa.org. Offered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the program provides farmers and landowners who plant fall cover crops the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums. Now in its seventh year, the Crop Insurance Discount Program has enrolled nearly 2,000 farmers who have seeded more than 1 million acres of cover crops to date. To qualify for the program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs. Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices. Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.
Area American Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Saturday, December 2nd 8 am to 1 pm Shelby Community Building
Monday, December 4th Noon to 6 pm St. Joseph's Hall in Earling
First weekend of deer hunting opens this Saturday -
(11-27-23) - Iowa’s most popular hunting season is just a day away when more than 100,000 blaze orange clad hunters will be walking, posting, sitting and standing in Iowa’s timber and field edges hoping to tag an Iowa deer. The first deer gun season is Dec. 2-6; the second deer gun season is Dec. 9-17. The good news is, that Iowa’s deer population is stable to slightly increasing across much of the state, with the exception of certain parts of northwest, west central and southwest Iowa. These two seasons play an important role for our deer herd management with more than 50 percent of the total harvest typically occurring during these 14 days in December.” In 2022, hunters reported harvesting 109,600 deer and officials are predicting a similar harvest this year. So far in 2023, more than 25,000 deer have been harvested, which is slightly higher than each of the last two years’ harvest up to this point. While hunter success in earlier seasons has been good, Mother Nature can play a role when hunting opportunities are much shorter. Cool weather with snowfall on opening day leads to higher harvest; warm weather with rain leads to lower harvest. The way too early forecast calls for above normal temperatures.
The Holiday Pecans, bake and Craft Sale will be held Saturday, December 2nd from 9 to 11 at the Congregational United Church of Christ/ United Methodist Mission at 19th and Durant in Harlan. Please use the lower level entrance to the church. Come and browse plus enjoy a hot holiday beverage and cinnamon roll.
Manilla Christmas Market to be held this Saturday -
(12-1-23) - The Manilla Christmas Market, a very popular craft and vendor show, will take place in several locations on Main Street in Manilla, IA this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be over 150 tables for locals and visitors alike from which to shop located at The Memorial Hall, Wellness Center Gym, and the Little Hawks Daycare Center. Santa Claus will be at the Memorial Hall for pictures from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Furthermore, the area's largest animated display will be shown in the basement of the Memorial Hall.
Atlantic's annual Lighted Parade and Fireworks set for this weekend -
(12-1-23) - The annual Lighted Parade will fill downtown Atlantic with holiday cheer this Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 6 p.m. The Fireworks and Lighted Parade is a holiday tradition that Atlantic families look forward to every year. It’s always fun to see how creative people get with their light displays each year. Each float will have a holiday theme, lighting and music. Awards will be given for: Best Overall, Best Holiday Spirit and Twinkle Twinkle award. Winners will be notified before the parade. Fireworks will kick off the Christmas magic over the Rock Island Depot, starting at 6 p.m. The Lighted Parade & Fireworks are sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott & Son Roofing and Rush, CPA & Associates. Before the parade, Santa will be in his Cabin at City Park from 3-5:30 p.m. Free Carriage Rides, presented by Lloyd & Meredith, will also be at City Park from 3 -5:30 p.m. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by Atlantic Rotary and Farmhouse & Flowers.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to shop and win! For every $25 you spend at participating businesses - look for the "Let's Keep the Cheer Here" sign from December 4th through the 22nd, you will receive a raffle ticket with a limit of 10 tickets per purchase. The drawing will be held o Tuesday, January 2nd.
The Mobile Drive-Thru Food Pantry sponsored by the Foodbank for the Heartland and Harlan Lions Club will be held Monday, December 4th, starting at 4:30 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Building in Harlan. There will be ONLY 1 DRIVE THRU LANE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE VETS BUILDING. NO WALK-INS. You will receive 1 community box, 1 box of produce, 1 loaf of bread and 1 package meat product, donated by Monogram Foods. Limit two sets of food per vehicle. You may go through the line a second time. If you have any questions, call Sharon at 579-0286.
The GriefShare Seminar/Support Group will meet on Mondays, through December 11th from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn Avenue in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Ballpark to Ballpark Trail Donation Drive -
(11-17-23) – The Shelby County Trails, a 501(C)3 organization, is doing a donation drive through December 27th to obtain matching funds for the State Recreational Trails Grant that was received in October. There were 44 applicants for the state grant and the Ballpark-to-Ballpark trail was one of only 7 applications to receive funding. Panama Transfer has pledged to match all donations received up to a maximum of $25,000. All donations are tax deductible. Donations may be dropped off at the Shelby Chamber Office.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON -
(11-28-23) - Festive parties, family gatherings,shopping for loved ones, giving blood? Make giving the gift of life part of your holiday traditions this year! The winter weather and hustle and bustle of the season often keeps people away
from LifeServe Blood Center’s Donor Centers and mobile blood drives, but the warmth a lifesaving donation can bring is worth experiencing. Make plans today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
Manilla Community Blood Drive, 12/04/2023 from 12:00 pm - 04:20 pm at 550 Main St., Manilla.
Denison Community Blood Drive, 12/11/2023 from 12:15 pm - 05:45 pm at 100 Medical Parkway, Denison.
Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.
Fill the trailer is an event that helps Operation Backpack. Operation Backpack is a program that Harlan Community Student Council runs that helps many local students be able to eat when the weekend comes around. The student Council will be at the Fareway parking lot, Saturday. December 9th from 8 to 4. They are looking for canned goods, and non-perishable items. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact Sabre Schmitz at 579-4967.
Carroll County Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Substances -
(12-1-23) - The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa reports a nurse from northwest Iowa, who stole controlled substances from a life care center where she was employed, pled guilty Thursday in federal court in Sioux City. 32-year-old Cassandra Lynne Vonnahme, from Arcadia, entered a guilty plea to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge, and one count of false statements relating to health care matters. Vonnahme had been scheduled to begin a jury trial on December 11, 2023. At the plea hearing, Vonnahme admitted that between November 2020 and December 2020, she diverted controlled substances and falsified related documents. The controlled substances Vonnahme stole and the records she falsified pertained to actual patients. Vonnahme was later convicted of burglary in Carroll County in 2021, where she stole controlled substances from a stranger’s home. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a pre-sentence report is prepared. Vonnahme remains free on bond pending sentencing. Vonnahme faces a possible maximum sentence of 9 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 4- years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Former Missouri Valley missile site leaves behind contaminated wells and land –
(12-1-23) – (KETV) - Landowners near Missouri Valley want to know if their land and water are safe because they’re living on a former missile site. The Air Force scrapped the “Atlas D Missile Site 3” decades ago, but safety questions remain. All of the structures that had been in operation in the 1950’s and 60’s, were demolished in 1988. The area was sold for residential and ag use in 2006. But in 2013, a contaminant called “TCE**” was detected in residential wells. The pandemic forced people in Missouri Valley to wait years to ask questions in person about the safety of their land, and water. On Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers worked to provide them with some answers. The Army Corps of Engineers says out of 140 drinking water wells tested 25 wells had levels of TCE. The Corps of Engineers said they wanted to assure the affected landowners and others, that they’re only trying to help, by cleaning the contamination up and fixing related issues. Engineers says they hope to have an effective plan on how to do so sometime in the next three-years, likely between 2025 and 2026, with a final decision on a remedy sometime between 2026 and 2027.
Montgomery County News -
(12-1-23) - At about 2:45 Thursday afternoon, officers with the Red Oak Police Department were called to the 1100 block of E Reed Street for a report of theft. Upon investigation, officers arrested Ryan Wells for possession of paraphernalia and unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Ryan was transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he was held on $1000 bond.
(11-30-23) - At 3:15 Wednesday afternoon, a Montgomery County deputy stopped a car for speeding at Highway 34 and 8th Street. 36 year old Ashley LaMonte Roberson of Sioux City was arrested for Driving While Barred and Speeding. Also arrested was 40 year old Nicholas LaMonte Roberson of Sioux City on a Woodbury County Warrant for Contempt of Court. Both were being held on $1000 bond.
Shortly after 5 pm Wednesday, Red Oak Police Officers arrested 40 year old Douglas Ray Kirsch in the 800 block of N. Broadway Street on the charge of Theft 5th Degree. Kirsch was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and was being held on $300 bond.
And Red Oak Police officers arrested Bryce Michael McKinnon of Clarinda on Wednesday for Assault and for Interference with Official Acts, both Simple Misdemeanors. McKinnon was being held at the Montgomery County Jail on 300 bond.
Unauthorized vehicle causes lockdown at Offutt Air Force Base -
(12-1-23) Officials at Offutt said that the Air Force base went into lockdown late Thursday night after an "unauthorized vehicle" attempted to enter one of the gates. Around 10 p.m., the vehicle tried to enter the STRATCOM Gate at the base and the 55th Security Forces Squadron enabled the barrier system, according to a Facebook post from Offutt Air Force Base. The vehicle was forced to turn around and squadron defenders fired shots as the vehicle left the area, forcing the base to lock down "out of an abundance of caution," according to the Facebook post. The lockdown was lifted once the situation was cleared. The incident is under investigation.Officials are working with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and Bellevue Police regarding the incident, according to the base.
Clive Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud -
(12-1-23) – 47 year old Zachary James Flaherty of Clive enter a guilty plea Wednesday to a charge of wire fraud. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Flaherty used his position as an insurance agent and annuity salesperson to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings and other money. Flaherty admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud some of his insurance clients, specifically that he intended to defraud some of his clients by making false statements to those clients to obtain financial benefits for himself to the detriment of his clients. Flaherty is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024, and faces a potential sentence of up to twenty years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence Flaherty will receive after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
EMS in Shelby County now countywide system –
(11-30-23) – The Shelby County Emergency Medical Services will start on Friday. A meeting of the Shelby County Supervisors was held Wednesday morning and they approved the purchase of the Medivac building for $95,000. The building will be leased for $1,250 for one month or until the sale transaction of the building is finalized according to County Attorney Marcus Gross. The board also approved $27,550 in equipment from Medivac. All Medivac staff members have been hired by the county, which will include 7 paramedics, six full time and one on-call, and 4 EMTs. The Supervisors also approved an addendum to the Shelby County Ambulance Commission agreement, funding change of the 28E agreement to the county operated service, the approval of an Ambulance and Rescue Service Agreement, approving PCC as the EMS billing provider, setting up a bank account for EMS, too. A hearing date of January 2nd was set for an EMS and health insurance budget amendment. Tax funding for the county will begin in September 2024. The Harlan City Council also met in special session Wednesday to approve the Addendum to the Joint 28E agreement and also approval of using Harlan Fire and Rescue personnel as a transport service for countywide EMS.
Shelby County Fair needs your help for improvements -
(12-1-23) – Each year, the Shelby County Fairboard strives to put on a high quality, fun and educational fair experience for the entire community. In addition to the fair, the fairgrounds annually hosts many other events. Their goal is to continue to hold these great attractions, promote agriculture hands on learning experiences and improve the grounds and facilities for current and future generations. The fairboard would like you to help them improve. Improvements are planned in 4 phases:
Phase 1 will be the Ag Education Pavilion, Morgan Hall Addition and fencing. The Pavilion will feature baby animal barn during the fair, various ag related education displays, space for educational presentations, open air stage for outside presentations. The structure will offer agriculture based education throughout the year. Phase 2 will focus on bathhouse and storm shelter and purchase tables and chairs. Phase 3 will include livestock barn structures and an amphitheater and phase 4 will be an equine complex and grandstand replacement. To donate to the fairgrounds “Build Our Future with Us” project, make checks payable to Shelby County Fair Build Fund and mail to Shelby County Fair – “Build Our Future” Project – PO box 528 – Harlan, Iowa 51537.
Court-appointed monitor questions care at state-run Glenwood home -
(12-1-23) - The state-run Glenwood Resource Center for people with disabilities has allegedly failed to comply with all the requirements of a 2022 settlement agreement with the federal government. The agreement was intended to address claims by the U.S. Department of Justice that the state had violated the constitutional rights of Glenwood residents and exposed them to unreasonable harm. The Department of Justice alleged that harm stemmed from “uncontrolled and unsupervised experimentation” on residents, as well as inadequate physical and behavioral health care. Glenwood is run by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the same state agency that’s charged with protecting the health and welfare of children and dependent adults in Iowa. The agency plans to close Glenwood by the end of 2024. The report indicates Glenwood has failed to meet numerous standards in two critical areas: the protection of residents who are being transitioned into community settings as Glenwood moves toward the planned shut-down in 2024, and the clinical and medical care that’s now being provided to residents, In the area of clinical and medical care, Glenwood was found to be in substantial compliance in only 15 of the 65 standards that were evaluated. In the area of discharge and transition planning, the home was judged to be in substantial compliance in only four of 34 standards.To be considered in substantial compliance with one of the agreed-upon standards, the home had to meet those standards in only 80% of the cases that were reviewed.
Iowa & Nebraska fail in how they handle prosecuting sex traffickers -
(12-1-23) - A non-profit group whose goal is to put an end to the sex trafficking of minors, gives Nebraska and Iowa an F for how the States handle prosecution of the crime. Shared Hope International handed out grades in six different categories. Iowa got a B- for how the state holds traffickers accountable and a C for having other options when it comes to victims testifying against traffickers. But in all other categories, the group claimed Iowa failed.
Nebraska did well in criminal provisions with a B but failed in four other categories including response to victims, tools for victims, and prevention and training. Shared hope said the lack of safe harbor laws plays a major factor in the grading. “Those laws are ones that protect survivors from being re-victimized in the criminal justice system and that also give victims access to services that can help them recover from that. Almost every state surrounding Iowa also got an F in the report.
Cundiff pleads guilty to insurance fraud -
(11-30-23) – On November 17th, 48 year old Christopher Robin Cundiff of Adel entered a plea of guilty to one count of Identity Theft. The Iowa Insurance Division also reports that Cundiff pled guilty to one count of Forgery. An investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau began in January of this year after they received information indicating Cundiff had presented a written document in support of payment from an insurer, knowing it contained false information. Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cundiff on June 12th. Following his guilty plea, Cundiff was placed on supervised probation for two years and was fined a civil penalty of $1,710.
Accident on closed Guthrie County road -
11-30-23 Earlier today Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County said there were no injuries following an accident that took place at around 5-p.m. on Nov. 22nd. According to the sheriff’s report, 23-year-old Cory James Nevitt, of Menlo, was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500ST pickup on 310th Street. He turned onto Zephryr Trail, which is a gated and closed Guthrie County Road. As a result of his actions, the pickup went out of control and collided with a post holding one of the gates for the closed road. The pickup sustained $6,000 damage from the collision. It sustained additional damage when Nevitt tried to leave the scene. He was able to get away from the post and gate, but then backed into a post holding a private property owners’ gate. The Guthrie County Roads Dept. gate sustained about $407 damage. Damage to the Grinstead Farms post was estimated at $605. There were no citations issued.
Two news bird flu cases confirmed in Woodbury County -
(11-30-23) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture says two positive cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in Woodbury County. The cases are both in backyard mixed species flocks. There have now been 17 cases reported in the last two months. Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Mills County sheriff resigns -
(11-30-23) - Mills County needs a new sheriff. Meeting in special session Wednesday, the Mills County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of Travis Oetter. His last day will be Friday. He was elected in 2020. Chief Deputy Josh England will serve as interim sheriff. The board will now either fill the vacancy by appointment or call for a special election. Oetter was elected to his first four-year term as Sheriff in 2020. If the board chooses to appoint, County Attorney DeShawne Bird-Sell notes that the citizens could still call for a special election within 14 days of publishing their intent in the local paper. While no official decision was made on how they want to move forward, board members did consider the possibility of appointing England to fill out the remainder of Oetter's term, which expires in December 2024. However, appointing England would require a 60% buyout of at least his remaining vacation time due to shifting from a county employee to an elected official.
Photo courtesy of KETV
Des Moines Man Sentenced to Federal Prison -
(11-30-23) - The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa report 36 year old Fawnie Allen Avery of Des Moines was sentenced on November 16, 2023 to 13-and-a-half years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Avery was on parole with the State of Iowa when he led officers with the Des Moines Police Department on a nighttime chase through residential neighborhoods after law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of his vehicle. Avery crashed his vehicle, climbed out of his window, and attempted to flee on foot. A uniformed officer attempted to apprehend him. Avery struggled against the officer and pulled a firearm from his waistband. Avery pointed his firearm at a plain clothes officer and chambered a round in the firearm. Police were able to subdue Avery when a third officer arrived on scene. At sentencing, the District Court found that two Des Moines Police officers were victims of Avery’s offense because Avery pulled his gun during the struggle leading to his arrest, pointed his gun at an officer, and chambered a round in his gun. The Court also found that Avery recklessly created a substantial risk of injury or death during the vehicle chase prior to his arrest. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.
Weekly Fuel Report -
(11-29-23) – As of today, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.91 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices fell 6 cents from last week’s price and are down 33 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.25, down 5 cents from last week’s price. Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 10 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.07. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.88 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 16 cents lower than the national average of $4.23. Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16. Propane prices rose 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.55 per gallon. Home heating oil prices rose 4 cents, with a statewide average of $3.51 per gallon and Natural gas prices fell 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.82.
Animal waste hauler fined again for illegal field spreading –
(11-29-23) – (Southwest Iowa News Source) - A Neola company that transports and disposes of partially digested food from the stomachs of slaughtered animals was recently fined again for improperly spreading the material on fields, that according to the Iowa DNR. Feedlot Service Company of Neola and its owner, Fred Roane, agreed this month to pay a $7,000 fine for disposing of the material on terrain that is too hilly and too close to a water well. It’s the second time in two years that the department has fined the company. The company operates an open cattle feedlot with about 1,500 animals but also hauls paunch manure from a cattle slaughterhouse in Omaha. Roane stated that he hauls paunch manure from the Omaha facility almost daily, stockpiles it and periodically applies it to land to help enrich the soil. He admitted that some who live nearby do not like the smell of it and are quick to complain to the DNR. The DNR fined Feedlot Service Company in 2021 for spreading paunch manure on fields along with animal parts. The company was fined $9,000 then after the DNR received several complaints about those field applications, including that there were animal parts in addition to the stomach contents. It’s illegal in Iowa to dispose of animal carcasses or their parts by spreading them across fields. In February 2023, someone again made an anonymous complaint to the DNR that the company had again spread paunch on hilly terrain and too close to a well. The DNR investigated and confirmed that and noted paunch in a roadside ditch and along the embankment of the nearby creek. As part of the order, Roane again didn’t admit wrongdoing but agreed to abide by state regulations and pay a $7,000 fine and said that it was part of doing business. He also said passersby who see potential violations should contact him instead of the DNR so that he can fix the problems without an investigation and fines. Administrative fines are capped at $10,000 by state law. Higher amounts can by sought in court.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
For a $50 annual fee, the Boy Scout Troop 90B and 90G will place a 3 by 5 foot flag on a 10 foot pole in front of your house on five national holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veteran's Day. Subscription forms can be found online or in the Harlan Tribune.
The new 2023 100 page book on the history of Harlan's downtown is now available. This version provides more anecdotal stories of the building owners and/or mysteries surrounding these buildings, as well as over 400 photos and illustrations. The book is being sold at the Harlan Newspapers and the Shelby County Chamber office for $20 plus tax with proceeds going to fund tourism projects funded by the Hotel/Motel Tax.
Area American Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Wednesday, December 6th 8:30 to 2:30 pm - CAM High School in Anita
12:30 to 6 pm St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap
8 to 2 pm AHSTW High School in Avoca
Noon to 6 pm St. Mary's Parish Center in Panama
Thursday, December 7th 1 pm to 6 pm Neola Community Center
11:30 to 5:30 pm Treynor Community Center
Wednesday, December 13th noon to 6 pm Central Church in Carroll
Thursday, December 14th 8 am to 2 pm Central Church in Carroll
Friday, December 15th noon to 6 pm Sacred Heart Church in Manning
The Shelby County Historical Museum announces that they will host their annual Santa in the Cabins event on Thursday, December 7th. The event will take place from 5:00-7:00 at the Shelby County Historical Museum located at 1805 Morse Avenue in Harlan. The event features pictures with Santa in the historic McIntosh cabin, carnival games, snacks, and take-and-make crafts! This year’s theme is historical Christmas traditions, so the3 activities, snacks, and crafts, will all be tied to Christmas traditions that were brought to Shelby County from Denmark, Germany, England, Mexico, and the Netherlands!”
The event is free and open to the public, and a great way to launch the holiday season while learning about Shelby County’s history!
The Lied Irwin Public Library is looking for volunteers to share their Nativity sets with the community this holiday season. They would like to have them on display for their Holiday Open House on December 9th. You can start bringing them in to the library on November 28th. They will be displayed on top of the bookcases so they will be out of harms way.
Santa Claus is coming to town with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, December 9th. Santa will be at the Elk Horn Library at 9 am; Irwin Library at 10 am; St. Joseph Parish Hall in Earling at 11 am; St. Mary's Parish Center in Panama at 1 pm; St. Mary's Parish Center in Portsmouth at 2 pm and the Old Post Office in Tennant at 3 pm.
The Magical Christmas Cookie Walk will be held Wednesday, December 13th from 11 to 1 at the Harlan First Methodist Church. Enjoy soup, sandwich, pie or dessert, eat in or take out, cookie boxes and pre-boxed cookies too. For pre-boxes, call Beth by December 12th at 579-1870 or the church office at 755-5172.
The Shelby County Conservation Board and Iowa DNR are teaming up with the Harrison County Conservation Board to host a winter women’s event. This event will be held February 2 to 4 at Willow Lake Recreation Area. Some activities included in this workshop are ice fishing, archery, hiking or snowshoeing, candle making, stargazing, owl calling, winter survival, and wild game cooking. To sign up or see the full schedule please follow the link: https://conta.cc/3R6h1cF If you have any questions, please reach out to Christina at 712-744-3403.
(11-30-23) - The Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a phone call in the early morning hours of 11/30/23. Dispatch was advised that a black SUV with Nebraska License plate was parked on the side of the in the area of 1600th St. and Ironwood Rd. Additional information from the caller stated there was a male and female outside of the vehicle possibly attempting to wave them to stop. The caller did not stop but continued past and the male and female got into the vehicle and left the area. Responding deputies were advised the vehicle was heading west bound and responded to the area appropriately. A follow up call was then made after a duration of time that the vehicle actually went east bound. Deputies were unable to locate the vehicle and the plate given came back to a green Toyota Tacoma, not a black SUV. To the Public: If you see anything suspicious please call 911 or 712-755-5026 and give as much detail as possible to the dispatch center to assist with a proper response. Thank you for being vigilant and continue to call with anything suspicious.
The Merrill Field Fence Wreath Project continues for the community and the residents of Elm Crest. Wreaths are to be hung up by December 1st. The Harlan Community School District’s National Honor Society will run extension cords to the wreaths to light them up. Contact Jami Andersen at the Harlan High School and let her know if you plan on making a wreath. Wreaths are to be removed by January 6th.
West Central Community Action Annual Adopt a Family Program is now accepting Christmas adoption applications. You must reside in Shelby County. Families with children ages 18 and under or seniors 65 and over can apply. You must be at or below 200% federal poverty level or approved for LIHEAP energy assistance. Call Dena at 755-5602 to sign up. The deadline to apply is Friday, December 1st.
Crop Insurance Discount Program - Sign-Up Begins December 1-
(11-30-23) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced today that the sign-up period for the Crop Insurance Discount Program will begin on Friday, December 1 and will close on Friday, January 26, 2024. To sign-up to participate, visit Apply.CleanWaterIowa.org. Offered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the program provides farmers and landowners who plant fall cover crops the opportunity to apply for a $5 per acre discount on their spring crop insurance premiums. Now in its seventh year, the Crop Insurance Discount Program has enrolled nearly 2,000 farmers who have seeded more than 1 million acres of cover crops to date. To qualify for the program, the cover crop acres cannot be enrolled in other state or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cost share programs. Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Center to learn about other cost share funding available to support the implementation of conservation practices. Some insurance policies, such as Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or those covered through written agreements, may be excluded. Participants must follow all existing farming practices required by their respective policy and work with their insurance agencies to maintain eligibility.
Area American Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Saturday, December 2nd 8 am to 1 pm Shelby Community Building
Monday, December 4th Noon to 6 pm St. Joseph's Hall in Earling
First weekend of deer hunting opens this Saturday -
(11-27-23) - Iowa’s most popular hunting season is just a day away when more than 100,000 blaze orange clad hunters will be walking, posting, sitting and standing in Iowa’s timber and field edges hoping to tag an Iowa deer. The first deer gun season is Dec. 2-6; the second deer gun season is Dec. 9-17. The good news is, that Iowa’s deer population is stable to slightly increasing across much of the state, with the exception of certain parts of northwest, west central and southwest Iowa. These two seasons play an important role for our deer herd management with more than 50 percent of the total harvest typically occurring during these 14 days in December.” In 2022, hunters reported harvesting 109,600 deer and officials are predicting a similar harvest this year. So far in 2023, more than 25,000 deer have been harvested, which is slightly higher than each of the last two years’ harvest up to this point. While hunter success in earlier seasons has been good, Mother Nature can play a role when hunting opportunities are much shorter. Cool weather with snowfall on opening day leads to higher harvest; warm weather with rain leads to lower harvest. The way too early forecast calls for above normal temperatures.
The Holiday Pecans, bake and Craft Sale will be held Saturday, December 2nd from 9 to 11 at the Congregational United Church of Christ/ United Methodist Mission at 19th and Durant in Harlan. Please use the lower level entrance to the church. Come and browse plus enjoy a hot holiday beverage and cinnamon roll.
Manilla Christmas Market to be held this Saturday -
(12-1-23) - The Manilla Christmas Market, a very popular craft and vendor show, will take place in several locations on Main Street in Manilla, IA this Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be over 150 tables for locals and visitors alike from which to shop located at The Memorial Hall, Wellness Center Gym, and the Little Hawks Daycare Center. Santa Claus will be at the Memorial Hall for pictures from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Furthermore, the area's largest animated display will be shown in the basement of the Memorial Hall.
Atlantic's annual Lighted Parade and Fireworks set for this weekend -
(12-1-23) - The annual Lighted Parade will fill downtown Atlantic with holiday cheer this Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 6 p.m. The Fireworks and Lighted Parade is a holiday tradition that Atlantic families look forward to every year. It’s always fun to see how creative people get with their light displays each year. Each float will have a holiday theme, lighting and music. Awards will be given for: Best Overall, Best Holiday Spirit and Twinkle Twinkle award. Winners will be notified before the parade. Fireworks will kick off the Christmas magic over the Rock Island Depot, starting at 6 p.m. The Lighted Parade & Fireworks are sponsored by A.M. Cohron & Son, McDermott & Son Roofing and Rush, CPA & Associates. Before the parade, Santa will be in his Cabin at City Park from 3-5:30 p.m. Free Carriage Rides, presented by Lloyd & Meredith, will also be at City Park from 3 -5:30 p.m. Santa’s Cabin is sponsored by Atlantic Rotary and Farmhouse & Flowers.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry invites you to shop and win! For every $25 you spend at participating businesses - look for the "Let's Keep the Cheer Here" sign from December 4th through the 22nd, you will receive a raffle ticket with a limit of 10 tickets per purchase. The drawing will be held o Tuesday, January 2nd.
The Mobile Drive-Thru Food Pantry sponsored by the Foodbank for the Heartland and Harlan Lions Club will be held Monday, December 4th, starting at 4:30 pm at Veteran’s Memorial Building in Harlan. There will be ONLY 1 DRIVE THRU LANE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE VETS BUILDING. NO WALK-INS. You will receive 1 community box, 1 box of produce, 1 loaf of bread and 1 package meat product, donated by Monogram Foods. Limit two sets of food per vehicle. You may go through the line a second time. If you have any questions, call Sharon at 579-0286.
The GriefShare Seminar/Support Group will meet on Mondays, through December 11th from 5:30 to 7 pm at the First Baptist Church on Chatburn Avenue in Harlan. For more information, call the church office at 755-2711.
Ballpark to Ballpark Trail Donation Drive -
(11-17-23) – The Shelby County Trails, a 501(C)3 organization, is doing a donation drive through December 27th to obtain matching funds for the State Recreational Trails Grant that was received in October. There were 44 applicants for the state grant and the Ballpark-to-Ballpark trail was one of only 7 applications to receive funding. Panama Transfer has pledged to match all donations received up to a maximum of $25,000. All donations are tax deductible. Donations may be dropped off at the Shelby Chamber Office.
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON -
(11-28-23) - Festive parties, family gatherings,shopping for loved ones, giving blood? Make giving the gift of life part of your holiday traditions this year! The winter weather and hustle and bustle of the season often keeps people away
from LifeServe Blood Center’s Donor Centers and mobile blood drives, but the warmth a lifesaving donation can bring is worth experiencing. Make plans today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.
Manilla Community Blood Drive, 12/04/2023 from 12:00 pm - 04:20 pm at 550 Main St., Manilla.
Denison Community Blood Drive, 12/11/2023 from 12:15 pm - 05:45 pm at 100 Medical Parkway, Denison.
Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter.org or call 800.287.4903.
Fill the trailer is an event that helps Operation Backpack. Operation Backpack is a program that Harlan Community Student Council runs that helps many local students be able to eat when the weekend comes around. The student Council will be at the Fareway parking lot, Saturday. December 9th from 8 to 4. They are looking for canned goods, and non-perishable items. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact Sabre Schmitz at 579-4967.
Carroll County Nurse Pleads Guilty to Stealing Controlled Substances -
(12-1-23) - The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa reports a nurse from northwest Iowa, who stole controlled substances from a life care center where she was employed, pled guilty Thursday in federal court in Sioux City. 32-year-old Cassandra Lynne Vonnahme, from Arcadia, entered a guilty plea to one count of acquiring a controlled substance by means of misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge, and one count of false statements relating to health care matters. Vonnahme had been scheduled to begin a jury trial on December 11, 2023. At the plea hearing, Vonnahme admitted that between November 2020 and December 2020, she diverted controlled substances and falsified related documents. The controlled substances Vonnahme stole and the records she falsified pertained to actual patients. Vonnahme was later convicted of burglary in Carroll County in 2021, where she stole controlled substances from a stranger’s home. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a pre-sentence report is prepared. Vonnahme remains free on bond pending sentencing. Vonnahme faces a possible maximum sentence of 9 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 4- years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
Former Missouri Valley missile site leaves behind contaminated wells and land –
(12-1-23) – (KETV) - Landowners near Missouri Valley want to know if their land and water are safe because they’re living on a former missile site. The Air Force scrapped the “Atlas D Missile Site 3” decades ago, but safety questions remain. All of the structures that had been in operation in the 1950’s and 60’s, were demolished in 1988. The area was sold for residential and ag use in 2006. But in 2013, a contaminant called “TCE**” was detected in residential wells. The pandemic forced people in Missouri Valley to wait years to ask questions in person about the safety of their land, and water. On Thursday, the Army Corps of Engineers worked to provide them with some answers. The Army Corps of Engineers says out of 140 drinking water wells tested 25 wells had levels of TCE. The Corps of Engineers said they wanted to assure the affected landowners and others, that they’re only trying to help, by cleaning the contamination up and fixing related issues. Engineers says they hope to have an effective plan on how to do so sometime in the next three-years, likely between 2025 and 2026, with a final decision on a remedy sometime between 2026 and 2027.
Montgomery County News -
(12-1-23) - At about 2:45 Thursday afternoon, officers with the Red Oak Police Department were called to the 1100 block of E Reed Street for a report of theft. Upon investigation, officers arrested Ryan Wells for possession of paraphernalia and unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Ryan was transported to the Montgomery County Jail where he was held on $1000 bond.
(11-30-23) - At 3:15 Wednesday afternoon, a Montgomery County deputy stopped a car for speeding at Highway 34 and 8th Street. 36 year old Ashley LaMonte Roberson of Sioux City was arrested for Driving While Barred and Speeding. Also arrested was 40 year old Nicholas LaMonte Roberson of Sioux City on a Woodbury County Warrant for Contempt of Court. Both were being held on $1000 bond.
Shortly after 5 pm Wednesday, Red Oak Police Officers arrested 40 year old Douglas Ray Kirsch in the 800 block of N. Broadway Street on the charge of Theft 5th Degree. Kirsch was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and was being held on $300 bond.
And Red Oak Police officers arrested Bryce Michael McKinnon of Clarinda on Wednesday for Assault and for Interference with Official Acts, both Simple Misdemeanors. McKinnon was being held at the Montgomery County Jail on 300 bond.
Unauthorized vehicle causes lockdown at Offutt Air Force Base -
(12-1-23) Officials at Offutt said that the Air Force base went into lockdown late Thursday night after an "unauthorized vehicle" attempted to enter one of the gates. Around 10 p.m., the vehicle tried to enter the STRATCOM Gate at the base and the 55th Security Forces Squadron enabled the barrier system, according to a Facebook post from Offutt Air Force Base. The vehicle was forced to turn around and squadron defenders fired shots as the vehicle left the area, forcing the base to lock down "out of an abundance of caution," according to the Facebook post. The lockdown was lifted once the situation was cleared. The incident is under investigation.Officials are working with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and Bellevue Police regarding the incident, according to the base.
Clive Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud -
(12-1-23) – 47 year old Zachary James Flaherty of Clive enter a guilty plea Wednesday to a charge of wire fraud. According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa, Flaherty used his position as an insurance agent and annuity salesperson to defraud elderly individuals out of their retirement savings and other money. Flaherty admitted to engaging in a scheme to defraud some of his insurance clients, specifically that he intended to defraud some of his clients by making false statements to those clients to obtain financial benefits for himself to the detriment of his clients. Flaherty is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2024, and faces a potential sentence of up to twenty years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence Flaherty will receive after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement.
EMS in Shelby County now countywide system –
(11-30-23) – The Shelby County Emergency Medical Services will start on Friday. A meeting of the Shelby County Supervisors was held Wednesday morning and they approved the purchase of the Medivac building for $95,000. The building will be leased for $1,250 for one month or until the sale transaction of the building is finalized according to County Attorney Marcus Gross. The board also approved $27,550 in equipment from Medivac. All Medivac staff members have been hired by the county, which will include 7 paramedics, six full time and one on-call, and 4 EMTs. The Supervisors also approved an addendum to the Shelby County Ambulance Commission agreement, funding change of the 28E agreement to the county operated service, the approval of an Ambulance and Rescue Service Agreement, approving PCC as the EMS billing provider, setting up a bank account for EMS, too. A hearing date of January 2nd was set for an EMS and health insurance budget amendment. Tax funding for the county will begin in September 2024. The Harlan City Council also met in special session Wednesday to approve the Addendum to the Joint 28E agreement and also approval of using Harlan Fire and Rescue personnel as a transport service for countywide EMS.
Shelby County Fair needs your help for improvements -
(12-1-23) – Each year, the Shelby County Fairboard strives to put on a high quality, fun and educational fair experience for the entire community. In addition to the fair, the fairgrounds annually hosts many other events. Their goal is to continue to hold these great attractions, promote agriculture hands on learning experiences and improve the grounds and facilities for current and future generations. The fairboard would like you to help them improve. Improvements are planned in 4 phases:
Phase 1 will be the Ag Education Pavilion, Morgan Hall Addition and fencing. The Pavilion will feature baby animal barn during the fair, various ag related education displays, space for educational presentations, open air stage for outside presentations. The structure will offer agriculture based education throughout the year. Phase 2 will focus on bathhouse and storm shelter and purchase tables and chairs. Phase 3 will include livestock barn structures and an amphitheater and phase 4 will be an equine complex and grandstand replacement. To donate to the fairgrounds “Build Our Future with Us” project, make checks payable to Shelby County Fair Build Fund and mail to Shelby County Fair – “Build Our Future” Project – PO box 528 – Harlan, Iowa 51537.
Court-appointed monitor questions care at state-run Glenwood home -
(12-1-23) - The state-run Glenwood Resource Center for people with disabilities has allegedly failed to comply with all the requirements of a 2022 settlement agreement with the federal government. The agreement was intended to address claims by the U.S. Department of Justice that the state had violated the constitutional rights of Glenwood residents and exposed them to unreasonable harm. The Department of Justice alleged that harm stemmed from “uncontrolled and unsupervised experimentation” on residents, as well as inadequate physical and behavioral health care. Glenwood is run by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the same state agency that’s charged with protecting the health and welfare of children and dependent adults in Iowa. The agency plans to close Glenwood by the end of 2024. The report indicates Glenwood has failed to meet numerous standards in two critical areas: the protection of residents who are being transitioned into community settings as Glenwood moves toward the planned shut-down in 2024, and the clinical and medical care that’s now being provided to residents, In the area of clinical and medical care, Glenwood was found to be in substantial compliance in only 15 of the 65 standards that were evaluated. In the area of discharge and transition planning, the home was judged to be in substantial compliance in only four of 34 standards.To be considered in substantial compliance with one of the agreed-upon standards, the home had to meet those standards in only 80% of the cases that were reviewed.
Iowa & Nebraska fail in how they handle prosecuting sex traffickers -
(12-1-23) - A non-profit group whose goal is to put an end to the sex trafficking of minors, gives Nebraska and Iowa an F for how the States handle prosecution of the crime. Shared Hope International handed out grades in six different categories. Iowa got a B- for how the state holds traffickers accountable and a C for having other options when it comes to victims testifying against traffickers. But in all other categories, the group claimed Iowa failed.
Nebraska did well in criminal provisions with a B but failed in four other categories including response to victims, tools for victims, and prevention and training. Shared hope said the lack of safe harbor laws plays a major factor in the grading. “Those laws are ones that protect survivors from being re-victimized in the criminal justice system and that also give victims access to services that can help them recover from that. Almost every state surrounding Iowa also got an F in the report.
Cundiff pleads guilty to insurance fraud -
(11-30-23) – On November 17th, 48 year old Christopher Robin Cundiff of Adel entered a plea of guilty to one count of Identity Theft. The Iowa Insurance Division also reports that Cundiff pled guilty to one count of Forgery. An investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau began in January of this year after they received information indicating Cundiff had presented a written document in support of payment from an insurer, knowing it contained false information. Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Cundiff on June 12th. Following his guilty plea, Cundiff was placed on supervised probation for two years and was fined a civil penalty of $1,710.
Accident on closed Guthrie County road -
11-30-23 Earlier today Sheriff’s officials in Guthrie County said there were no injuries following an accident that took place at around 5-p.m. on Nov. 22nd. According to the sheriff’s report, 23-year-old Cory James Nevitt, of Menlo, was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 3500ST pickup on 310th Street. He turned onto Zephryr Trail, which is a gated and closed Guthrie County Road. As a result of his actions, the pickup went out of control and collided with a post holding one of the gates for the closed road. The pickup sustained $6,000 damage from the collision. It sustained additional damage when Nevitt tried to leave the scene. He was able to get away from the post and gate, but then backed into a post holding a private property owners’ gate. The Guthrie County Roads Dept. gate sustained about $407 damage. Damage to the Grinstead Farms post was estimated at $605. There were no citations issued.
Two news bird flu cases confirmed in Woodbury County -
(11-30-23) – The Iowa Department of Agriculture says two positive cases of Avian Influenza have been confirmed in Woodbury County. The cases are both in backyard mixed species flocks. There have now been 17 cases reported in the last two months. Commercial and backyard flock owners should prevent contact between their birds and wild birds. Sick birds or unusual deaths among birds should be immediately reported to state or federal officials. Biosecurity resources and best practices are available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website. If producers suspect signs of HPAI in their flocks, they should contact their veterinarian immediately. Possible cases must also be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present a public health concern. It remains safe to eat poultry products. As a reminder, consumers should always utilize the proper handling and cooking of eggs and poultry products, including cooking to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Mills County sheriff resigns -
(11-30-23) - Mills County needs a new sheriff. Meeting in special session Wednesday, the Mills County Board of Supervisors accepted the resignation of Travis Oetter. His last day will be Friday. He was elected in 2020. Chief Deputy Josh England will serve as interim sheriff. The board will now either fill the vacancy by appointment or call for a special election. Oetter was elected to his first four-year term as Sheriff in 2020. If the board chooses to appoint, County Attorney DeShawne Bird-Sell notes that the citizens could still call for a special election within 14 days of publishing their intent in the local paper. While no official decision was made on how they want to move forward, board members did consider the possibility of appointing England to fill out the remainder of Oetter's term, which expires in December 2024. However, appointing England would require a 60% buyout of at least his remaining vacation time due to shifting from a county employee to an elected official.
Photo courtesy of KETV
Des Moines Man Sentenced to Federal Prison -
(11-30-23) - The U-S Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa report 36 year old Fawnie Allen Avery of Des Moines was sentenced on November 16, 2023 to 13-and-a-half years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Avery was on parole with the State of Iowa when he led officers with the Des Moines Police Department on a nighttime chase through residential neighborhoods after law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop of his vehicle. Avery crashed his vehicle, climbed out of his window, and attempted to flee on foot. A uniformed officer attempted to apprehend him. Avery struggled against the officer and pulled a firearm from his waistband. Avery pointed his firearm at a plain clothes officer and chambered a round in the firearm. Police were able to subdue Avery when a third officer arrived on scene. At sentencing, the District Court found that two Des Moines Police officers were victims of Avery’s offense because Avery pulled his gun during the struggle leading to his arrest, pointed his gun at an officer, and chambered a round in his gun. The Court also found that Avery recklessly created a substantial risk of injury or death during the vehicle chase prior to his arrest. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.
Weekly Fuel Report -
(11-29-23) – As of today, the price of regular unleaded gasoline averaged $2.91 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices fell 6 cents from last week’s price and are down 33 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.25, down 5 cents from last week’s price. Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 10 cents this week with a statewide average of $4.07. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $4.88 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 16 cents lower than the national average of $4.23. Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16. Propane prices rose 1 cent with a statewide average of $1.55 per gallon. Home heating oil prices rose 4 cents, with a statewide average of $3.51 per gallon and Natural gas prices fell 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.82.
Animal waste hauler fined again for illegal field spreading –
(11-29-23) – (Southwest Iowa News Source) - A Neola company that transports and disposes of partially digested food from the stomachs of slaughtered animals was recently fined again for improperly spreading the material on fields, that according to the Iowa DNR. Feedlot Service Company of Neola and its owner, Fred Roane, agreed this month to pay a $7,000 fine for disposing of the material on terrain that is too hilly and too close to a water well. It’s the second time in two years that the department has fined the company. The company operates an open cattle feedlot with about 1,500 animals but also hauls paunch manure from a cattle slaughterhouse in Omaha. Roane stated that he hauls paunch manure from the Omaha facility almost daily, stockpiles it and periodically applies it to land to help enrich the soil. He admitted that some who live nearby do not like the smell of it and are quick to complain to the DNR. The DNR fined Feedlot Service Company in 2021 for spreading paunch manure on fields along with animal parts. The company was fined $9,000 then after the DNR received several complaints about those field applications, including that there were animal parts in addition to the stomach contents. It’s illegal in Iowa to dispose of animal carcasses or their parts by spreading them across fields. In February 2023, someone again made an anonymous complaint to the DNR that the company had again spread paunch on hilly terrain and too close to a well. The DNR investigated and confirmed that and noted paunch in a roadside ditch and along the embankment of the nearby creek. As part of the order, Roane again didn’t admit wrongdoing but agreed to abide by state regulations and pay a $7,000 fine and said that it was part of doing business. He also said passersby who see potential violations should contact him instead of the DNR so that he can fix the problems without an investigation and fines. Administrative fines are capped at $10,000 by state law. Higher amounts can by sought in court.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
For a $50 annual fee, the Boy Scout Troop 90B and 90G will place a 3 by 5 foot flag on a 10 foot pole in front of your house on five national holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veteran's Day. Subscription forms can be found online or in the Harlan Tribune.
The new 2023 100 page book on the history of Harlan's downtown is now available. This version provides more anecdotal stories of the building owners and/or mysteries surrounding these buildings, as well as over 400 photos and illustrations. The book is being sold at the Harlan Newspapers and the Shelby County Chamber office for $20 plus tax with proceeds going to fund tourism projects funded by the Hotel/Motel Tax.
Area American Red Cross Bloodmobiles -
Wednesday, December 6th 8:30 to 2:30 pm - CAM High School in Anita
12:30 to 6 pm St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dunlap
8 to 2 pm AHSTW High School in Avoca
Noon to 6 pm St. Mary's Parish Center in Panama
Thursday, December 7th 1 pm to 6 pm Neola Community Center
11:30 to 5:30 pm Treynor Community Center
Wednesday, December 13th noon to 6 pm Central Church in Carroll
Thursday, December 14th 8 am to 2 pm Central Church in Carroll
Friday, December 15th noon to 6 pm Sacred Heart Church in Manning
The Shelby County Historical Museum announces that they will host their annual Santa in the Cabins event on Thursday, December 7th. The event will take place from 5:00-7:00 at the Shelby County Historical Museum located at 1805 Morse Avenue in Harlan. The event features pictures with Santa in the historic McIntosh cabin, carnival games, snacks, and take-and-make crafts! This year’s theme is historical Christmas traditions, so the3 activities, snacks, and crafts, will all be tied to Christmas traditions that were brought to Shelby County from Denmark, Germany, England, Mexico, and the Netherlands!”
The event is free and open to the public, and a great way to launch the holiday season while learning about Shelby County’s history!
The Lied Irwin Public Library is looking for volunteers to share their Nativity sets with the community this holiday season. They would like to have them on display for their Holiday Open House on December 9th. You can start bringing them in to the library on November 28th. They will be displayed on top of the bookcases so they will be out of harms way.
Santa Claus is coming to town with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, December 9th. Santa will be at the Elk Horn Library at 9 am; Irwin Library at 10 am; St. Joseph Parish Hall in Earling at 11 am; St. Mary's Parish Center in Panama at 1 pm; St. Mary's Parish Center in Portsmouth at 2 pm and the Old Post Office in Tennant at 3 pm.
The Magical Christmas Cookie Walk will be held Wednesday, December 13th from 11 to 1 at the Harlan First Methodist Church. Enjoy soup, sandwich, pie or dessert, eat in or take out, cookie boxes and pre-boxed cookies too. For pre-boxes, call Beth by December 12th at 579-1870 or the church office at 755-5172.
The Shelby County Conservation Board and Iowa DNR are teaming up with the Harrison County Conservation Board to host a winter women’s event. This event will be held February 2 to 4 at Willow Lake Recreation Area. Some activities included in this workshop are ice fishing, archery, hiking or snowshoeing, candle making, stargazing, owl calling, winter survival, and wild game cooking. To sign up or see the full schedule please follow the link: https://conta.cc/3R6h1cF If you have any questions, please reach out to Christina at 712-744-3403.
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