Thursday, October 30th, 2025
DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING... Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog in Portions of southwest and west central Iowa and east central, northeast, and southeast Nebraska. The advisory is in effect Until 10 AM CDT this morning. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. Fog in subfreezing temperatures may lead to slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
The Irwin Public Library will discuss the Villisca Axe Murders of 1912 Book Club, Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm. Over 100 years ago a terrible thing happened in Villisca and the crime has never been solved. Come join them for a book club as they talk about the suspects of who could have committed such a horrific thing. Books are available at the library.
Christina at Prairie Rose State Park invites you to join them for owl pellet dissection Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm in the Park Office at Prairie Rose State Park. Owl pellets are things that owls cough up after eating, the undigested fir and bones of their prey. You can tell what an owl ate by looking at their pellets. Owl pellets and tools will be provided. You can take home whatever you find in your pellets. All ages are welcome and the program is free.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS -
Thursday, October 30th - 5 to 7 pm - Spooky at the Elm Haunted House - McKee Room at Elm Crest Senior Center. Come dressed in your favorite costume.
Friday, October 31st - 5 to 7 pm - Community Halloween Party for Elk Horn and Kimballton at the Kimballton Town Hall. Sponsored by the Danish Villages Improvement Organization and the Elk Horn Public Library.
Friday, October 31st - 5 to 7 pm - Halloween at Harlan First Methodist Church.
5:30 to 7 pm - City of Irwin Trick or Treat
5:30 to 7:30 pm - City of Harlan Trick or Treat
5:30 to 7 pm - United Methodist Church in Irwin, Trunk or Treat. Hot Dogs and chips will be served.
6 to 8 pm - City of Portsmouth Trick or Treat
5 to 7 pm - City of Westphalia
Forgotten art – the Artists Show set for November 1st -
(10-23-25) – The 20th annual Forgotten Art – the Artists is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st from 10 to 3 at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. Over 20 artists will be featured with a wide range of art including pottery, jewelry, pastels and acrylic painting, wood working, metal smithing and photography. Multi-media art will be featured and represented by artists Lee Shiney and Alexa Hoffman. Other participating artists include LuAnn Barrett, Ina Burmeister, Corey Burnett-Hanssen, Sandra Clemons, Nikole Collier, Robert DeWaele, Nori Griffith, Tammie Heileson, Erv Heindrichs, Ken Karmann, Nia Karmann, Svtlana Kay, Deborah King, Gaige Lytle, Joe Mahlberg, Haley McAndrews, Jessica Montana Anselmo, Alexandrea North, Joel North, Mary Phillips, Kimberly Piro and Steph Schweiso. The 20th Annual Forgotten Art – the Artists, Saturday, November 1st, 10 to 3 at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan.
LIHEAP funding level unknown, but sign up is underway -
(10-17-25) - (Radio Iowa) – Federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP is not yet known for this year. Utility analyst Keetah Horas told the Iowa Utility Commission the he proposed federal budget zeroed out funding but both the Senate and House had proposed bills at the time of the shutdown to increase total funding. She says some states have paused the program, but Iowa has not.
“The Iowa profile for LIHEAP funding year 2024 indicates that the program served more than 83-thousand households. This includes the one time heating assistance, year round, crisis assistance, and weatherization.” She says sign up for this winter has already begun for one group. “The early application period for households with elderly or disabled members opened on October 1st. Our latest communication with H-H-S reports over 15-thousand applications have been received,” she says.
Horas says other applicants will be able to sign up at the end of this month. “The general application period for all other households begins November 1st. And the deadline for all applications is April 30th. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, specifically, 200 percent of the federal poverty level,” Horas says. She says a family of four making just over 64-thousand dollars annually would qualify for assistance.
The winter moratorium on utility shut offs starts November 1st.
FREE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES CLINICS TO BE HELD IN HARLAN –
(10-22-25) - Iowa Legal Aid will host two free advance directives clinics this fall to help eligible Iowans prepare important legal documents that protect their healthcare wishes. The clinics will provide 10–15 minute appointments with an attorney to assist participants in completing a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney at no cost. The next clinic is The second clinic will be held Friday, November 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Shelby County Courthouse, 612 Court Street, Harlan, Iowa. Advance directives are vital documents that help individuals:Protect their wishes and clarify end-of-life care decisions, Avoid family conflicts by ensuring plans are clearly documented. And Secure free, legally recognized guidance from qualified attorneys.Register by calling 515-400-3662. Iowa Legal Aid will contact participants with more information about the scheduling process.
Leal is sentenced to 50 years in prison -
(10-30-25) - 34 year old Winston Jospeh Leal of Harlan was sentenced Wednesday to a maximum of 50 years in prison in the death of Theresa Kenkel of Earling. Leal was given credit for 89 days already served in connection with the death in late July. Kenkel's body was found when deputies went to conduct a requested welfare check at her residence. Leal was originally charged with First-Degree Murder, but plead guilty to a lesser charge of Second-Degree Murder. 35 year old Ashley McWilliams, Leal's accomplice, was charged with accessory after the Fact. She plead guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17th.
Cass County Sheriff’s arrest report -
(10-30-25) – On Friday, October 24th, the Cass County Sheriff’s office arrested 40 year old Zachary Willliam Shannon of Fremont, NE. He was transferred to the custody of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office on open Cass County warrants for Drug Trafficking 5 gm to 100 kg Meth, Intent to Manufacture/Deliver Fentanyl, 2 counts of Drug Tax Stamp Violations, Unauthorized Credit Card Use less than $1,500, and Possession of Marijuana – 1st. Shannon was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.
And, on October 29th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 50-year-old David William Devall, of Griswold on the charge of Driving while license suspended, denied, revoked, or barred – OWI. Devall was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and later released on his own recognizance.
Montgomery County News -
(10-30-25) - 29 year old Hailey Marie Waters of Red Oak was arrested following a traffic stop at around 7:30 Wednesday evening in the 1000 block of Highway 34. Following the investigation, deputies determined Waters was driving while her license was denied or revoked. Waters was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $1000 bond.
(10-29-25) - 39 year old Donnie Kenneth Pitcher from Tabor was arrested Tuesday night following an investigation into a suspected case of abuse at a group home in Red Oak. Officers arrested Pitcher at around 7-p.m., Tuesday, on two-counts of Dependent Adult Abuse – Intentional/with physical injury. Both are Class-C Felonies. Pitcher was also charged with Dependent Adult Abuse – a Serious Misdemeanor. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $10,000 bond. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office assisted Red Oak Police in conducting the investigation.
And Police in Red Oak arrested 22 year old Jessica Andrea Nunez and 2A year old Kaleb Rylie Toepfer, both of Red Oak Tuesday afternoon, in connection with the theft of lottery tickets. Authorities say the two were arrested a little after 3-p.m., Tuesday, in the 400 block of N. 3rd Street. Nunez was arrested on two felony counts of lottery ticket theft and Theft in the 2nd Degree. Toepfer was arrested as an Accessory after the fact (stealing lottery tickets) – Felony, and Theft in the 2nd Degree, an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Red Oak Police say the pair were arrested following an investigation involving the Iowa Lottery Authority, which resulted in the discovery of more than 500 stolen Lottery tickets and about $1,600 in profit from those tickets. Bond for both suspects was set at $5,000 each. They were being held in the Montgomery County Jail.
3 injured in crash near Coon Rapids -
(10-30-25) – 3 people were injured in a crash east of Coon Rapids Wednesday afternoon. According to the Iowa State Patrol, an SUV driven by 34 year old Robert Edward Everett III was traveling south on Apple Avenue at around 4:35 Wednesday afternoon, just south of 320th street, when for reasons unknown, the vehicle crossed the center line of the road and collided head-on with a Chrysler van. Following the collision, the SUV continued southbound as it came to rest and overturned. The van entered the east ditch and also came to rest overturned. The driver of the van, 41 year old Curtis John Hofbauer, Jr. of Coon Rapids was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. His 76 year old Passenger, Curtis John Hofbauer, Sr. was transported to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines by air ambulance. He was not wearing a seat belt. Robert Everett, III was transported to the hospital in Carroll.
Perry Police make arrest in sex trafficking investigation -
(10-30-25) – The Perry Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced Wednesday that 41 year old Amanda Jean Goff of Belmond has been charged with one count of Human Trafficking in the First Degree. Goff was taken into custody without incident at the Sac County Jail where she had been held on related offenses. Human Trafficking in the First Degree is a Class A felony. It is alleged that in January 2025, Goff took a 14 year old female to a Perry hotel for the purpose of having the victim engage in commercial sexual activity with another person. The investigation was a collaborative effort between city, county, state and federal law enforcement partners. This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
Creston area news -
(10-30-25) – A collision Wednesday afternoon in Creston, caused a police-estimated $8000 damage, but there were no injuries. According to Creston Police, the accident happened a little before noon at the intersection of Highway 34 and Elm Street, when the driver of a 2026 Nissan Rogue SUV, 19 year old Zoey Lynn Shelley of Diagonal, failed to yield as she left a stop sign heading south on Elm Street. Her SUV was struck a 2011 Buick that was traveling west on Highway 34, and driven by a 17 year old Female from Creston. The Buick became disabled from the collision and was towed from the scene. The SUV was able to be driven away. Shelley for Failure to yield the Right of Way.
A Union County woman was arrested recently for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense-Causing Bodily Injury. Creston Police say 29-year-old Crystal Whitney Jacobe, of Creston, was arrested at a residence in the 400 block of Livingston Ave. Jacobe was transported and processed at the Union County Jail and then transported to the Adams County Jail and held until seen by a judge, and later released on her own recognizance.
With SNAP being paused, official warns 'we cannot food bank our way out of this' -
(10-30-25) - The Food Bank for the Heartland received an inadvertently well-timed donation Wednesday morning. Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association provided 570 pounds of pork, delivered in 1-pound tubes of ground meat on a pallet off a Fareway truck, to the food bank. Brian Barks, president and CEO of the food bank, said the pork would be made available to its member food pantries in the Omaha metropolitan area, western Iowa and most of Nebraska. He expected dibs would be made by the end of the day and most of the meat distributed by the weekend. The donation was one of several across a network of food banks serving Iowans, including 1,235 pounds in Davenport, 1,235 pounds in Waterloo and 1,425 pounds in Hiawatha on Tuesday as well as 665 pounds in Sioux City and 4,370 pounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, according to a news release. Joyce Hoppes, consumer information director for the association, said the giving is the result of funds raised by the association's BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark in Des Moines back in June. The event raised $20,000, and Fareway stepped up to support the donations — turning it into 9,500 pounds of ground pork. Brad Lundell, a pork producer based in the Northwestern Iowa community of Kiron, said making the donation was a "great feeling." The donations comes as the Trump administration announced it would halt payments to beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to the federal government shutdown. Nebraska announced late Tuesday it would pause SNAP payments effective Wednesday, while Iowa warned SNAP recipients on Oct. 17 to prepare for November benefits not to be released. Barks said the loss of SNAP benefits for roughly 260,000 Iowans and 150,000 Nebraskans will mean that food banks will "need to stand in a pretty wide gap as those folks look for places to receive food assistance." The additional stress on food pantries locally and across the nation come as demand has increased and financial support has decreased. Barks warned there simply won't be enough support available, but that won't stop anti-hunger advocates and volunteers from helping people who come to them for assistance. With Congress in a stalemate — as Republicans insist upon a clean continuing resolution as the only path forward and Democrats demand assurances about further federal layoffs and a solution to skyrocketing health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act — Barks said he wishes he knew how long people frozen out of their food assistance are expected to endure. Pottawattamie County has about 10,600 residents who will soon lose their food assistance through SNAP. The economic impact of the payments in Pottawattamie and Mills counties is about $3 million. And just for the record, this affects nearly 1 in 8 Americans.
Hy-Vee Announces $125,000 Donation to Help Feed Local Families -
(10-30-25) - As more people seek assistance in accessing food right now, Hy-Vee is donating a total of $125,000 to help feed local families. On Wednesday, Hy-Vee is donating $100,000 to its Feeding America partner food banks across its region. Food banks and their network of pantries are serving a growing number of people as November approaches. Hy-Vee’s donation will go toward maintaining adequate inventory levels at local food banks to assist families. By working with our food bank partners, we continue to support the health and wellbeing of those impacted in the communities we serve. This is yet another example of Hy-Vee’s steadfast commitment to hunger relief. In addition, Hy-Vee has donated $25,000 to DoorDash’s new initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits, helping families stretch their budgets even further. Hy-Vee’s $125,000 donation is in addition to the more than $70 million it has provided through in-kind food donations over the last year. This number includes the grocer’s food rescue program that has contributed millions of pounds of food to local nonprofits as well as its annual Hams for the Holidays initiative, more than 50 meal giveaway events in underserved communities, school food pantry programs, nearly 400,000 bottles of water through disaster response efforts, nearly 2 million in meals to Meals From the Heartland packaging events, school backpack programs, and its 100 Million Meals initiative to support Feeding America. Hy-Vee has also been recognized as a Visionary Partner by Feeding America, which is the highest level of recognition a company can achieve.
Daycare at two Iowa Head Start programs ends Saturday due to government shutdown -
(10-30-25) - (Radio Iowa) – Hundreds of Iowa families will lose access to their childcare providers next week because of the government shutdown. The Head Start program at Community Action of Eastern Iowa runs out of funding on Saturday. C-E-O Daniel Sheridan says the five-year grant is expiring, but no federal approval can be made to renew it. Forty-five staff members will be laid off and some 300 children will lose access to childcare. Families living in South Central counties will also be impacted by the cuts to Head Start. Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association, says these programs are important, especially for Iowans who are living in childcare deserts. Head Start has been billed as the nation’s leading federally-funded early learning program, with the goal of promoting the school readiness of children ages three to five years.
Man accused of ramming Douglas County deputy's cruiser taken into custody by Council Bluffs police
(10-30-25) - (KETV) - A man accused of ramming a Douglas County deputy's cruiser and then fleeing was taken into custody by Council Bluffs police after his vehicle's wheels "quite literally fell off," officials said. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said investigators located a stolen F-250 pickup in a parking lot in the area of 97th Street and West Dodge Road on Wednesday morning. The vehicle was occupied and law enforcement attempted to surround it and initiate a stop. Officials said the driver rammed a cruiser and fled the area. Law enforcement initiated a pursuit eastbound on Interstate 80 until the suspect crossed into Iowa, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. The Council Bluffs Police Department then continued the pursuit and took the suspect into custody. 43 year old Clarence Brown was arrested on multiple charges, including driving on a suspended license, being a fugitive from justice and theft. He was also wanted on a felony warrant in Douglas County for violating parole. Officials said an arrest warrant will be issued to have Brown extradited back to Nebraska to face charges in Douglas County.
City and School Elections set for Tuesday, November 4th -
(10-29-25) – The Combined City and School Election is set for Tuesday, November 4th. The election includes contests for city and town officials, school board members, community college directors and several public measures. Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm. Absentee and special voter ballots will be counted beginning at 9 am on Tuesday, November 4th at the Shelby County Courthouse. Voters who are physically unable to enter a polling place may vote from their vehicle by contacting the Shelby County Auditor’s Office at 755-3831, extension 6 or contacting [email protected]. Pre-registered voters must show an approved form of identification before receiving a ballot. Voters who register on Election Day or change precincts must also show proof of residence. In person absentee voting will take place Through November 3rd at the Shelby County Courthouse. Other polling locations include the Therkildsen Center in Harlan for Cass-Lincoln, Jackson-and Center Townships and the City of Portsmouth; the Elk Horn City Hall for Elk Horn, Clay-Monroe townships, City of Elk Horn; the Irwin Community Building for Douglas and Polk, Greeley and Jefferson Townships and the cities of Irwin and Kirkman; St. Joseph’s Hall in Earling, Grove, Union, Washington, Westphalia townships, and the Cities of Defiance, Earling, Panama and Westphalia; the Shelby Community Building for Shelby and Fairview Townships and the cities of Shelby and Tennant and the Therkildsen Center in Harlan for Harlan Wards 1 through 4.
A complete listing of candidates for Shelby and Surrounding Counties is available on the KNOD website under news.
Man found guilty of Meth possession -
(10-29-25) - 47 year old Jan Michael Elder was found guilty on a Possession of Methamphetamine charge by a jury for Page County District Court. Elder was acquitted of one count of Domestic Abuse Assault, Causing Bodily injury. The verdicts were returned by the jury after a one-day trial and a little over one hour of deliberations. Elder is currently free on bond and is awaiting a sentencing date. He faces up to 12 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,560.00.
The case was investigated by the Shenandoah Police Department and prosecuted by the Page County Attorney’s Office.
Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation Honors Veterans through Pork for Patriots -
(10-29-25) - 214 Iowa veteran-based organizations are preparing to host Veterans Day celebrations with the support of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Eligible veterans' organizations, community groups and nonprofits received free pork loins and supplies on Oct. 25, 2025 for Veterans Day community events. The pork loins and event kits help communities celebrate and honor veterans in their area, spanning 73 Iowa counties and 142 communities. Encompassing the 214 organizations are 95 American Legions, 33 Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations, 19 Elks Lodges, 21 County Veteran Affairs Offices, 10 AMVETS and 31 other veteran-based groups. This is the third year that pork loins and supplies have been offered. Each organization was offered 48 boneless pork loins and an event kit complete with placemats, plates, cups, napkins, centerpieces, posters and tablecloths. On average, the kits will feed 960 people.
Building on the success of previous years, 88 new organizations requested supplies this year, demonstrating a 33% increase in participation from last year and a 94% increase from the inaugural year. In a survey of participants, 42 reported planning a brand new event due to the offer. Over 75% reported that their current programming would be significantly enhanced.
Pork for Patriots is just one of the foundation's programs devoted to supporting and honoring Iowa veterans and military families. The foundation offers micro-grants through Project Food and Fellowship, outfits veterans through the My Veteran Hero program, delivers Pork Care Package coupons to active military members, sends annual gifts to Gold Star families and sponsors of the Veterans Day parade at the Iowa State Fair.
Mills County Sheriff’s report -
(10-29-25) - The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five people were arrested between Oct. 21st and Oct. 26th
On October 21st, 19 year old David Lucas Leazenby of Mineola was arrested in Glenwood for Making a False Report – an Indictable offense . His bond was set at $1,000. 27 year old Diamond Alexis Marks of Omaha was arrested on the 21st in Glenwood, for Failure to Appear In court. She was being held in the Mills county Jail on a $2,000 bond.
On Oct. 23rd, Mills County Deputies in Glenwood arrested 33-year-old Nile Jonathan Packett, of Pacific Junction, on two counts of Child Endangerment. His total bond amounted to $4,000.
On Oct. 24th, 40-year-old Denny Gene Reeves, of Hastings, was arrested in Glenwood for Harassment in the 3rd Degree. His bond was set at $300.
And on the 26th (Sunday), Mills County Deputies arrested 32-year-old Brent Edward Hanson, of Stanton, for OWI/3rd offense. He was arrested following a traffic stop in Malvern and held on a $5,000 bond.
Woman pleads not guilty to attempted murder -
(10-29-25) 35 year old Jennifer Lynne Rathe of Schaller has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges after allegedly cutting the throat of an individual back in September. According to Sac County District Court records, authorities say on Sept. 15 at 3 a.m. in Schaller, Rathe used a knife to horizontally cut the throat of a victim, then attempted to use the same knife to stab the victim’s eye. Rathe was taken into custody and is being held on a $25,000 bond. She has pled not guilty to two felony charges of attempted murder, a class B felony, and willful injury, causing serious injury, a class C felony. A jury trial has been scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Sac County Courthouse. If convicted, Rathe can face a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison and $13,660 in fines.
Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend -
(10-28-25) - Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Josh Murray, Nebraska-Iowa Regional Communications Director. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Since the start of 2025, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,000 people in Nebraska affected by nearly 300 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
· Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Remember, Working smoke alarms cut risk of home fire deaths in half
Installation of the Christmas Lights for the Harlan Downtown Square and Courthouse is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, beginning at 8 am. Volunteers are asked to gather outside Pizza Ranch before the start time. Your support and participation are essential to ensuring a successful installation and creating a warm, festive atmosphere for the holiday season.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Report -
(10-28-25) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports 4 arrests were made over the weekend.
On Friday, October 24th, 49 year old Ryan Matthew Halsey of Earling was arrested for Failure to Appear. The original charge was Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd or subsequent offense – a class D felony.
Also arrested on October 24th, 55 year old Bridgette Jeannine Lacey of Logan. Lacey was taken into custody for Driving While Barred and Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd offense, both aggravated misdemeanors.
38 year old Amber Delores Randol of Denison was arrested for Failure to Appear. She was arrested on charges that included Keeping a premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation – an aggravated misdemeanor and Possession of a Controlled Substance – marijuana 2nd offense.
Also on the 25th, 32 year old Taylor Sue Wright of Harlan was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree – Insurance Fraud – presenting false information – with a voluntary plea agreement negotiated.
Dow city man pleads not guilty to child endangerment -
(10-28-25) - (Carroll Broadcasting) - 27 year old Zhane Michael Frazier of Dow City has pleaded not guilty and will face a jury trial next year on charges of child endangerment and neglect. According to Crawford County District Court records, Frazier allegedly brought his three-month-old son to Crawford County Memorial Hospital on July 12, after performing CPR on him, believing he was having difficulty breathing and was unresponsive. Medical staff determined the child had significant injuries and transported him by air ambulance to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.. Medical personnel contacted the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to report serious injuries to the infant, including a brain bleed, multiple bone fractures, and retinal hemorrhaging. Allegedly, Frazier was the only adult caring for the infant and another toddler during the incident. He was taken into custody back in August and was released after posting a $50,000 surety bond. Frazier has pled not guilty to three class C felony charges of: child endangerment causing serious injury, neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, and assault while participating in a felony, causing serious injury. A jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026, at the Crawford County Courthouse. If convicted, Frazier could face a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling over $40,000.
Here's what to know about Riverside schools' PPEL ballot measure -
(10-30-25) – (Daily Nonpareil) - Voters in the Riverside Community School District are being asked to join the majority of Iowa public school districts that collect additional money earmarked for infrastructure projects.The Pottawattamie County school district that includes Oakland, Carson and Macedonia is asking voters to approve a physical plant and equipment levy of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation to be used toward facility repairs, safety upgrades and equipment purchases. The voted PPEL would be authorized for a decade, although voters could renew its approval. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay an estimated $120.61 more each year in property taxes, or $10,05 per month, according to a district news release. An individual property owner's taxes are a function of their valuation, applicable tax levies and the rollback rate set by the Iowa Legislature. A facility study conducted last year identified concerns related to accessibility, fire alarm systems, secure entries, classroom electrical safety, and outdated heating and cooling systems, according to the release. Riverside taxpayers already pay a PPEL approved by the school board, which brings in about $146,700 annually. But Iowa law allows voters to extend the PPEL amount up to $1.34, while requiring those funds be used for infrastructure and technology — not to support the district's general fund expenditures. Bonds can be issued against expected PPEL revenue. The proposed uses for Riverside's voter-approved PPEL would also include updating buses, rotating student and staff technology, adding interactive classroom panels, and expanding telehealth mental health supports, according to the district. The voted PPEL is expected to generate $595,00 per year in funding, according to a statement from school board President JT Oltman.“The Riverside Community School District stands at an important crossroads — one that calls for shared vision, unity, and a commitment to safe, supportive schools for all students," Oltman said in the statement. Oltman said the voted PPEL is about "continuing to invest in the long-term success of our district and the wellbeing of our students and staff." The funds would not be used to build new facilities, but would be dedicated to maintenance of the existing schools, Oltman said. "This levy is a fiscally responsible way to protect our community’s investment in our schools while providing learning environments that are safe, efficient, and future ready," Oltman said. Along with the state penny of sales tax — Iowa's Secure an Advanced Vision for Education program — PPELs provide dedicated resources for schools to maintain their infrastructure. A voted PPEL requires a simple majority, not the 60% approval threshold that bond issues require in Iowa. Superintendent Stephanie Anderson said that more than 85% of districts in Iowa have a voted PPEL, and many have had them for more than a quarter century. “We are asking our community to allow our district to join them, investing these incredibly useful funds in things like our bus fleet, technology, and mental health supports for students," Anderson said in the release. "A voted PPEL would help protect our schools and strengthen the foundation for future generations.”
Anderson called a voted PPEL a "critical funding tool" for schools in a separate statement, adding: “We believe this is a sensible solution that will provide our school facilities with the resources they need.”
Ballot Language
SA RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT – PPEL - SA
Shall the Board of Directors of the Riverside Community School District, in the County of Pottawattamie, State of Iowa, for the purpose of purchasing and improving grounds; constructing schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; purchasing of buildings; purchase, lease or lease-purchase of technology and equipment; paying debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of libraries; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; renting facilities under Iowa Code Chapter 28E; purchasing transportation equipment for transporting students; lease purchase option agreements for school buildings or equipment; purchasing equipment authorized by law; or for any purpose or purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of ten (10) years to levy and impose a voter-approved physical plant and equipment tax of not exceeding One Dollar Thirty-Four Cents ($1.34) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district, and be authorized annually, in combination, as determined by the board, to levy a physical plant and equipment property tax upon all the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy of property taxes for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and to impose a physical plant and equipment income surtax upon the state individual income tax of each individual income taxpayer resident in the school district on December 31 for each calendar year commencing with calendar year 2026, or each year thereafter?
IWCC Bond Referendum Facts -
(10-16-25) IWCC is asking for your vote on November 4th on their bond referendum. They are looking to build a new Career Training Building. The bond will fund the construction of a new building to provide training in diesel and automotive technology, along with CDL training and logistics. The bond will also fund improvements to expand and enhance career and technical education programs, including welding, electrical technology, HVAC, construction, plumbing and many others. The bond will also help fund expanded career and technical training programs with high schools throughout the region, which currently support more than 600 local students. If passed, the 2025 bond referendum will replace expiring bonds and will NOT increase current property tax rates. For more information go to IWCC.edu.
IKM-Manning placing $20 million bond issue on November 4th ballot -
(10-13-25) - The IKM-Manning School District is placing a nearly $20 million General Obligation bond on this upcoming ballot to finance several expansion and improvement projects across the Manning campus. The district is looking to issue a $19.8 million bond, which would create a levy rate of $2.70 in Fiscal Year 2027. The funding would be used to build, furnish and equip additions; remodel portions of existing building plus other site improvements all at the Manning campus.
After much discussion with the school board, the bond and having all students at the Manning campus feels like the most fiscally responsible move to do with taxpayers’ dollars. Before considering the bond and addition at the Manning campus, board members reviewed different scenarios for other options. A new K-12 building would start at around $80 million, with the district only able to secure a $28.12 million bond. Updates to the Irwin building would cost around $3.324 million, which would not include the addition of adding classrooms. This is the third bond that the district has attempted to pass with a super majority vote at election time, which requires 60 percent plus one vote approving of the bond. There is an approximate 30 percent markup on how much is being constructed with the same amount of funding due to inflation, which will only get worse as time goes on. The average price of a home in the IKM-Manning District is approximately $150,000. If the $2.70 G.O bond is passed, a property owner with a home assessed valuation set at that median will see an annual increase of $192.10, or roughly $16 a month addition to previous year’s tax rates.
Please help Shelby County by completing the Hazard Mitigation Play Survey -
(10-6-25) – It’s time to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County. This is something that is required every 5 years to be eligible for federal grants and it has to be approved through FEMA. Our Emergency Management Coordinator has created a survey for anyone who lives and works in Shelby County to fill out. It goes over different disasters that could have affected you and asks for suggestions on how we could be better prepared for them and minimize their effects. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and all responses are confidential unless you would like to leave your name and contact info at the end of the survey. The link is found on the Shelby County Emergency Management website and also on their Facebook page. Please help out and complete the survey.
Gov. Reynolds issues harvest proclamation -
(10-20-25) - Gov. Kim Reynolds will sign an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer and manure. The proclamation will be effective Saturday, October 18, 2025, and continue through November 17, 2025.The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, soybean meal, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation. This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
The Harlan Community Library has opened a Free Little Food Pantry, located in the entryway of the library. Help them out by dropping off your canned and dry goods. Check out the Library Facebook page for their hours.
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.
A new memorial honoring the veterans of Shelby, Iowa will be added to a section of Shelby's Agri Symbol Park at the northwest corner of Interstate 80 and Highway M16. This project is not just a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms, but also a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and remember the sacrifices made by our veterans. Creating such a meaningful and lasting memorial requires substantial funding. This is where they need your support. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring them one step closer to making this vision a reality. Together, you can create a place of honor and remembrance that our veterans truly deserve. Donations can be sent to: The Shelby Veterans Memorial Park - 505 Center Street - PO Box 120 - Shelby, Iowa 51570.
Need Funds for College?
Grant applications now being accepted for healthcare education
Grant applications for healthcare education from the Endowment for
Education are now being accepted. The grants are made available through the
Lucille Petersen Endowment Fund. The funds will be distributed to selected
applicants seeking short or long-range educational assistance to pursue
healthcare occupations. A November 30th deadline has been set for
applications to be submitted for the spring 2026 semester.
The funds will be distributed as grants—loans that will be forgiven if the
recipient is employed within a 20-mile radius of Harlan in his or her specialized
healthcare occupation following completion of courses. If a recipient cannot fulfill
the service terms under which the loan will be forgiven, the money is subject to a
five percent interest rate and repayment of principal.
Application forms and more information are available by contacting Ruth
Pitkin, Myrtue Medical Center, 1213 Garfield Ave., Harlan, IA, 51537, phone 712-
755-4316 or email [email protected]. The grants can be for new, entrylevel,
or advanced training or certifications.
Join Christina at Prairie Rose State Park Saturday, November 1st at 10 am at the park office to make milkweed seed balls. All materials will be provided. Milkweed is very important for monarch butterflies. It is the only thing that their caterpillars will eat. Participants will make seed balls that they can take home or throw out in the ditches on their way home. The program is free and all ages are welcome
A Fall Dinner will be held at Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Sunday, November 2nd from 11:30 to 1 pm. They'll be serving ham balls, cheesy potatoes, corn, beans, salads, bread and pie all for a free will donation. Carry outs are available. Call 784-3546.
The Kirkman United Methodist Church will have their Spaghetti Supper, 4 to 6 pm, Sunday, November 2nd at the Kirkman Community Hall. They'll be serving spaghetti, salad, bread and desserts. Gluten free is available. Free will offerings will be accepted.
There will be a LifeServe Blood donation opportunity at Schleswig Community, 11/03/2025 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm at 204 2nd Street and in the Denison Community, 11/10/2025 from 12:15 pm to 5:45 pm at 100 Medical Parkway
Holiday schedules, weather, and travel often reduce the number of blood donations at a time when patients' needs remain steady.
The Harlan Community Library Battle of the Book Clubs Soup Edition will be held at 6 pm, Thursday, November 6th. Come be the judge as the Library Book Clubs brig their best soups to the table. Donate to vote for your favorite. Samples are $1; a bowl $5. May the best soup win. This event will be held at the Lounge in Harlan. A variety of desserts will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards the library's Books and Beyond Outdoor Revitalization Project.
Blood Drive at Griswold High School -
(10-27-25) – The Griswold Student Council is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, November 7th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm in the high school gym. Their goal for this drive is to collect 31 units and they have 45 appointments available. Through the American Red Cross High School Scholarship program, Griswold school has the opportunity to help others, while also helping establish a scholarship fund to benefit students as they move on to higher education, so not only are your blood donations helping save lives, you are also contributing to the scholarship fund for graduating seniors at Griswold High school. The Griswold High School Student council members will be calling members of the community asking for appointments, but you can also call the Griswold High School and make an appointment. Walk ins are also welcome.
THE EARLING VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S 58TH ANNUAL FIREMEN’S CHICKEN SUPPER WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH AT ST. JOSEPH’S HALL IN EARLING. SERVING WILL BE HELD FROM 4:30 TO 8 PM FEATURING BROASTED CHICKEN AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS. THERE WILL BE A DRAWING FOR A 2025 MODEL 420 HONDA RANCHER 4X4 OR A 55 INCH LED SMART TV. COST FOR THE SUPPER IS $15 FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN UNDER 12 $10. DINNER TICKETS ARE NOT VALID FOR THE DRAWINGS. EARLING FIREMEN’S CHICKEN SUPPER, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16TH AT ST. JOSEPH’S HALL IN EARLING.
Holiday Pecans and Bake Sale will b e held 9 to 11 am, Saturday, December 6th at the Church on the Hill, Congregational UCC/United Methodist Mission at 19th and Durant in Harlan. Come and enjoy a hot holiday beverage and cinnamon roll.
Candidates on the November 4th City and School Elections Ballot for Shelby County -
DEFIANCE -
MAYOR – James Goetz Jr.
CITY COUNCIL – Brian Arkfeld
EARLING –
MAYOR – Janice A. Gaul
CITY COUNCIL – Jaclyn Frum
Troy Xavier Langenfeld
Joey Muenchrath
ELK HORN –
CITY COUNCIL - Derick Hogberg
Justin Larsen
Samuel Preis
HARLAN –
Mayor – Jay Christensen
CITY COUNCIL – Kyle Lindberg
Aaron Nippert
Sharon Kroger
IRWIN -
MAYOR – Richard Wiig
CITY COUNCIL – Bryce Bruck
Lee Ferry
Greg Gaer
Jessica Holloway
Lana Schweiso
KIRKMAN –
PANAMA –
MAYOR – Larry Keane
CITY COUNCIL – Matt Schmitz
Cindy Schwery
PORTSMOUTH -
MAYOR – Eric Brooks
SHELBY –
MAYOR – Ron Kroll
City Council – Pat Honeywell
Jackie Hursey
TENNANT -
CITY COUNCIL – Todd Hively
Dennis A Oellerich
WESTPHALIA -
MAYOR – Christopher Gordon Von Ahsen
CITY COUNCIL – Brian Arkfeld
Julie Goetzinger
Ross Petersen
AUDUBON COUNTY CANDIDATES -
AUDUBON -
MAYOR - Palle Lansman - vacancy term ending 2027
CITY COUNCIL - Brooke Wegner
Bruce A. Christensen
Jeff Jacobsen
Rodney Benton
BRAYTON -
MAYOR - Cally Lee Christensen
CITY COUNCIL - David L. Hansen
Garrett Wilson
EXIRA -
MAYOR - Mike Huegerich
CITY COUNCIL - Dory Schrader
Christina Nelson
Matt Long
GRAY -
MAYOR - no candidates filed
CITY COUNCIL - no candidates filed
KIMBALLTON -
MAYOR - Ramadasa Jivatma
CITY COUNCIL - Sheila Partricge
Dirk Wasson
Thomas Lake
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES -
AUDUBON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER -
Laurence H. Frakes Jr.
Haillie Bruch
EXIRA-EHK SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR
Anna Schleimer
Nick Fredericksen
Eric Konecne
Deborah King
Beth Larsen
Emily Paulsen
Abby Rasmussen
(Term ending in 2027)
Anthony L. Hough
Cally Lee Christensen
CASS COUNTY CANDIDATES -
ANITA -
CITY COUNCIL - Deanna Andrews
Shelley Hogueison
Kim Miller
Eyon Steffensen
ATLANTIC -
CITY COUNCIL WARD 2 - Jim Behrens
CITY COUNCIL WARD 5 - Dana Halder
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE - Jeremy Butler
MAYOR - Rob Clausen
CUMBERLAND -
CITY COUNCIL - Tatiana Thielen
Randall Anderson Jr.
Matthew Dolch
Dori A Borras (to fill vacancy)
MAYOR - Rachel McCann
GRISWOLD-
CITY COUNCIL - Troy Nicklaus
Jesse Dotte
Nick Demanett
MAYOR - Brad Rhine
LEWIS -
CITY COUNCIL - Russell Miller
Jim Triller
David Raymond
MASSENA -
CITY COUNCIL - Doug Venteicher
Jackson Bissell
WIOTA -
CITY COUNCIL - Charles Bechtold
CRAWFORD COUNTY CANDIDATES -
ASPINWALL -
MAYOR - Thomas Irlbeck
CITY COUNCIL - 6 candidates not listed
BUCK GROVE -
MAYOR - Terry Kolin
CITY COUNCIL - Aaron Schroeder
Michele Stover
CHARTER OAK -
MAYOR - Peggy Staley
Benjamin Heyne
DENISON -
MAYOR - Write in votes
CITY COUNCIL - Jennifer Zupp-Smith - Council at Large
Two council wards remain open for write-ins.
DOW CITY -
MAYOR - Kody Meyer
CITY COUNCIL - Jennifer Williams
Ace Ettleman
MANILLA -
MAYOR - Corey Gaskill
CITY COUNCIL - ONE WRITE-IN REQUIRED
RICKETTS -
no candidates listed
SCHLESWIG -
no candidates listed
VAIL -
MAYOR - Monte Crichton
CITY COUNCIL - Tom McCullough
WESTSIDE -
MAYOR - Michell Simons
CITY COUNCIL - Allen Simons
Kevin Simons
MILLS COUNTY CANDIDATES -
GLENWOOD -
MAYOR - Angela Winquist
Jason Schultz
CITY COUNCIL - Tim Reinert
Mike Lines
Michael Ray Phillips Jr.
EMERSON -
MAYOR - Larry Johnson
CITY COUNCIL - Ann Roth
Cathy Bruce
Dennis Porter
HASTINGS -
MAYOR - Ryan Campbell
CITY TREASURER - Jesse Jones
CITY COUNCIL - Terry Rasco,
Joshuwa Shoemake
Alan Crouse
Troy Hatcher
HENDERSON -
MAYOR - Scott Schondelmeyer
Eva Fipps
CITY COUNCIL - Terry Byers
Kristine McGrew
MALVERN -
MAYOR - Douglas Shere
Donna Miller
CITY COUNCIL - Amber Lidgett
Jim Asselin
Rob Gilreath
Patrick Olsen
PACIFIC JUNCTION -
MAYOR - Andy Young
CITY COUNCIL - Dianna Irick
Terry Parham
Matthew Fritz
Len Nieland
SILVER CITY -
MAYOR - Sharon McNutt
Joseph Jaworski
CITY COUNCIL - Tom Boehm
MONTGOMERY COUNTY CANDIDATES -
RED OAK -
MAYOR - John F. Haidsiak
Tim Fridolph
CITY COUNCIL - John Gross
Jeanice Lester
Levi Franks
ELLIOTT -
MAYOR - Michael Carson
COUNCIL MEMBER AT LARGE - Chris Tisher
Nancy Jo Nelson
GRANT CITY -
MAYOR -
CITY COUNCIL - Zelda Swartz
Lyn Sliger
STANTON -
MAYOR -
CITY COUNCIL -
COBURG -
MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL -
VILLISCA -
MAYOR - Marilyn Halda
City Council -
RED OAK SCHOOL BOARD -
Director at Large and Director at Large TFV
STANTON SCHOOL BOARD
Director at Large
VILLISCA SCHOOL BOARD -
Director at Large
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE -
Director District #1 - #3 - #5 - #6
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY CANDIDATES -
AVOCA -
MAYOR - Tom Bruck
CITY COUNCIL - Deb Calhoon
Dean Krohn
Ryan Petersen
CARSON -
MAYOR - Rodney Morrison
Bret Sherkenbach
Lyndon Taylor
CITY COUNCIL - Andrew Taylor
Tate Brandon
Drake Colvin
Charles Pleak
Drake Roller
COUNCIL BLUFFS -
MAYOR - Shawn Burgstrum
Nathan Mortensen
Jermy Neely
Chris Peterson
Jill Shudak
Matt Walsh
CITY COUNCIL - Cole Button
Ryan Garrison
Steve Gorman
Dustin Harris
Benjamin Thomas Larson
Joseph Thornburg
Brandy Van Riessen
Jessica Vanderpool
CRESCENT -
CITY COUNCIL - Christina Flott
James Aldrich
HANCOCK -
MAYOR - Vince Guyer
CITY COUNCIL - Kerri Christian
Danielle Emmerich
MACEDONIA -
MAYOR - Melia Clark
Paden Knoke
CITY COUNCIL - James Croson
Suzann Duede
Joseph Cope
Paul Faxon
Gary Wax
MCCLELLAND -
MAYOR - Mitchell Kay
CITY COUNCIL - Andy Farrell
Tim FArrell
Kris Magnuson
Dan Willliams
Sam Magnuson
Marc Montanye
MINDEN -
CITY COUNCIL - Gerald Murley, Jr.
Adam McDermott
Nicholas Borden
NEOLA -
MAYOR - Karla Pogge
CITY COUNCIL - Robb Lockey
Nicole Schneckloth
OAKLAND -
MAYOR - Brant Miller
CITY COUNCIL - Collin Applegate
Phil Reed
Darin Ford
Jordan Sherbondy
Coralee Bernard
TREYNOR -
CITY COUNCIL - Adam Gau
Kyle Plumb
David Waymire
UNDERWOOD -
MAYOR - Dennis Bardsley
Josh Madsen
CITY COUNCIL - Jim Pingel
Keith Rodenburg
WALNUT -
MAYOR - Wm. Brett Simpson
Justin Tooley
CITY COUNCIL - Tim Branan
Adrian Griffith
Aiden Akers
Michael Chapman
Kevin Clark
SCHOOL BOARDS -
COUNCIL BLUFFS - Lauren Myers, Patrick Peters and Jared Tripp
LEWIS CENTRAL - Erin Peterson, Dorene Scheffel, Greg Bubba Sturm, Jeremy Bach, Laura Ladehoff, Jolene Miller, Jeni Sandau
AHSTW - Adam Long, Angie Grote, Preston Krohn
EAST MILLS - Matthew Urban, Kent Harry Poncelow, Justin Zeitner, Dana Carter
GLENWOOD - John Zak, Paul Seeling, Steve Jacobs
RIVERSIDE - Charlene Dalby, Teresa Jean Schnack, Jonathan Oltman, Rebecca Schultz
TREYNOR - Philip Waggoner, Rob Wilkie
TRI-CENTER - Mike Olsen, Jeremy VanArsdol, Stephanie Witt
UNDERWOOD - Erin Johnson, Erik Pedersen
IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Chris Blake, Matt Johnson, Tom Riley, Kirk Madsen, Randy Pash
The Irwin Public Library will discuss the Villisca Axe Murders of 1912 Book Club, Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm. Over 100 years ago a terrible thing happened in Villisca and the crime has never been solved. Come join them for a book club as they talk about the suspects of who could have committed such a horrific thing. Books are available at the library.
Christina at Prairie Rose State Park invites you to join them for owl pellet dissection Thursday, October 30th at 6:30 pm in the Park Office at Prairie Rose State Park. Owl pellets are things that owls cough up after eating, the undigested fir and bones of their prey. You can tell what an owl ate by looking at their pellets. Owl pellets and tools will be provided. You can take home whatever you find in your pellets. All ages are welcome and the program is free.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS -
Thursday, October 30th - 5 to 7 pm - Spooky at the Elm Haunted House - McKee Room at Elm Crest Senior Center. Come dressed in your favorite costume.
Friday, October 31st - 5 to 7 pm - Community Halloween Party for Elk Horn and Kimballton at the Kimballton Town Hall. Sponsored by the Danish Villages Improvement Organization and the Elk Horn Public Library.
Friday, October 31st - 5 to 7 pm - Halloween at Harlan First Methodist Church.
5:30 to 7 pm - City of Irwin Trick or Treat
5:30 to 7:30 pm - City of Harlan Trick or Treat
5:30 to 7 pm - United Methodist Church in Irwin, Trunk or Treat. Hot Dogs and chips will be served.
6 to 8 pm - City of Portsmouth Trick or Treat
5 to 7 pm - City of Westphalia
Forgotten art – the Artists Show set for November 1st -
(10-23-25) – The 20th annual Forgotten Art – the Artists is scheduled for Saturday, November 1st from 10 to 3 at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan. Over 20 artists will be featured with a wide range of art including pottery, jewelry, pastels and acrylic painting, wood working, metal smithing and photography. Multi-media art will be featured and represented by artists Lee Shiney and Alexa Hoffman. Other participating artists include LuAnn Barrett, Ina Burmeister, Corey Burnett-Hanssen, Sandra Clemons, Nikole Collier, Robert DeWaele, Nori Griffith, Tammie Heileson, Erv Heindrichs, Ken Karmann, Nia Karmann, Svtlana Kay, Deborah King, Gaige Lytle, Joe Mahlberg, Haley McAndrews, Jessica Montana Anselmo, Alexandrea North, Joel North, Mary Phillips, Kimberly Piro and Steph Schweiso. The 20th Annual Forgotten Art – the Artists, Saturday, November 1st, 10 to 3 at the Therkildsen Center in Harlan.
LIHEAP funding level unknown, but sign up is underway -
(10-17-25) - (Radio Iowa) – Federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP is not yet known for this year. Utility analyst Keetah Horas told the Iowa Utility Commission the he proposed federal budget zeroed out funding but both the Senate and House had proposed bills at the time of the shutdown to increase total funding. She says some states have paused the program, but Iowa has not.
“The Iowa profile for LIHEAP funding year 2024 indicates that the program served more than 83-thousand households. This includes the one time heating assistance, year round, crisis assistance, and weatherization.” She says sign up for this winter has already begun for one group. “The early application period for households with elderly or disabled members opened on October 1st. Our latest communication with H-H-S reports over 15-thousand applications have been received,” she says.
Horas says other applicants will be able to sign up at the end of this month. “The general application period for all other households begins November 1st. And the deadline for all applications is April 30th. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, specifically, 200 percent of the federal poverty level,” Horas says. She says a family of four making just over 64-thousand dollars annually would qualify for assistance.
The winter moratorium on utility shut offs starts November 1st.
FREE ADVANCE DIRECTIVES CLINICS TO BE HELD IN HARLAN –
(10-22-25) - Iowa Legal Aid will host two free advance directives clinics this fall to help eligible Iowans prepare important legal documents that protect their healthcare wishes. The clinics will provide 10–15 minute appointments with an attorney to assist participants in completing a Living Will and Healthcare Power of Attorney at no cost. The next clinic is The second clinic will be held Friday, November 7, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Shelby County Courthouse, 612 Court Street, Harlan, Iowa. Advance directives are vital documents that help individuals:Protect their wishes and clarify end-of-life care decisions, Avoid family conflicts by ensuring plans are clearly documented. And Secure free, legally recognized guidance from qualified attorneys.Register by calling 515-400-3662. Iowa Legal Aid will contact participants with more information about the scheduling process.
Leal is sentenced to 50 years in prison -
(10-30-25) - 34 year old Winston Jospeh Leal of Harlan was sentenced Wednesday to a maximum of 50 years in prison in the death of Theresa Kenkel of Earling. Leal was given credit for 89 days already served in connection with the death in late July. Kenkel's body was found when deputies went to conduct a requested welfare check at her residence. Leal was originally charged with First-Degree Murder, but plead guilty to a lesser charge of Second-Degree Murder. 35 year old Ashley McWilliams, Leal's accomplice, was charged with accessory after the Fact. She plead guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17th.
Cass County Sheriff’s arrest report -
(10-30-25) – On Friday, October 24th, the Cass County Sheriff’s office arrested 40 year old Zachary Willliam Shannon of Fremont, NE. He was transferred to the custody of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office on open Cass County warrants for Drug Trafficking 5 gm to 100 kg Meth, Intent to Manufacture/Deliver Fentanyl, 2 counts of Drug Tax Stamp Violations, Unauthorized Credit Card Use less than $1,500, and Possession of Marijuana – 1st. Shannon was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and held.
And, on October 29th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 50-year-old David William Devall, of Griswold on the charge of Driving while license suspended, denied, revoked, or barred – OWI. Devall was transported to the Cass County Jail where he was booked and later released on his own recognizance.
Montgomery County News -
(10-30-25) - 29 year old Hailey Marie Waters of Red Oak was arrested following a traffic stop at around 7:30 Wednesday evening in the 1000 block of Highway 34. Following the investigation, deputies determined Waters was driving while her license was denied or revoked. Waters was transported to the Montgomery County Jail and held on a $1000 bond.
(10-29-25) - 39 year old Donnie Kenneth Pitcher from Tabor was arrested Tuesday night following an investigation into a suspected case of abuse at a group home in Red Oak. Officers arrested Pitcher at around 7-p.m., Tuesday, on two-counts of Dependent Adult Abuse – Intentional/with physical injury. Both are Class-C Felonies. Pitcher was also charged with Dependent Adult Abuse – a Serious Misdemeanor. He was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on a $10,000 bond. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office assisted Red Oak Police in conducting the investigation.
And Police in Red Oak arrested 22 year old Jessica Andrea Nunez and 2A year old Kaleb Rylie Toepfer, both of Red Oak Tuesday afternoon, in connection with the theft of lottery tickets. Authorities say the two were arrested a little after 3-p.m., Tuesday, in the 400 block of N. 3rd Street. Nunez was arrested on two felony counts of lottery ticket theft and Theft in the 2nd Degree. Toepfer was arrested as an Accessory after the fact (stealing lottery tickets) – Felony, and Theft in the 2nd Degree, an Aggravated Misdemeanor. Red Oak Police say the pair were arrested following an investigation involving the Iowa Lottery Authority, which resulted in the discovery of more than 500 stolen Lottery tickets and about $1,600 in profit from those tickets. Bond for both suspects was set at $5,000 each. They were being held in the Montgomery County Jail.
3 injured in crash near Coon Rapids -
(10-30-25) – 3 people were injured in a crash east of Coon Rapids Wednesday afternoon. According to the Iowa State Patrol, an SUV driven by 34 year old Robert Edward Everett III was traveling south on Apple Avenue at around 4:35 Wednesday afternoon, just south of 320th street, when for reasons unknown, the vehicle crossed the center line of the road and collided head-on with a Chrysler van. Following the collision, the SUV continued southbound as it came to rest and overturned. The van entered the east ditch and also came to rest overturned. The driver of the van, 41 year old Curtis John Hofbauer, Jr. of Coon Rapids was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll. His 76 year old Passenger, Curtis John Hofbauer, Sr. was transported to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines by air ambulance. He was not wearing a seat belt. Robert Everett, III was transported to the hospital in Carroll.
Perry Police make arrest in sex trafficking investigation -
(10-30-25) – The Perry Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation announced Wednesday that 41 year old Amanda Jean Goff of Belmond has been charged with one count of Human Trafficking in the First Degree. Goff was taken into custody without incident at the Sac County Jail where she had been held on related offenses. Human Trafficking in the First Degree is a Class A felony. It is alleged that in January 2025, Goff took a 14 year old female to a Perry hotel for the purpose of having the victim engage in commercial sexual activity with another person. The investigation was a collaborative effort between city, county, state and federal law enforcement partners. This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
Creston area news -
(10-30-25) – A collision Wednesday afternoon in Creston, caused a police-estimated $8000 damage, but there were no injuries. According to Creston Police, the accident happened a little before noon at the intersection of Highway 34 and Elm Street, when the driver of a 2026 Nissan Rogue SUV, 19 year old Zoey Lynn Shelley of Diagonal, failed to yield as she left a stop sign heading south on Elm Street. Her SUV was struck a 2011 Buick that was traveling west on Highway 34, and driven by a 17 year old Female from Creston. The Buick became disabled from the collision and was towed from the scene. The SUV was able to be driven away. Shelley for Failure to yield the Right of Way.
A Union County woman was arrested recently for Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense-Causing Bodily Injury. Creston Police say 29-year-old Crystal Whitney Jacobe, of Creston, was arrested at a residence in the 400 block of Livingston Ave. Jacobe was transported and processed at the Union County Jail and then transported to the Adams County Jail and held until seen by a judge, and later released on her own recognizance.
With SNAP being paused, official warns 'we cannot food bank our way out of this' -
(10-30-25) - The Food Bank for the Heartland received an inadvertently well-timed donation Wednesday morning. Fareway Stores and the Iowa Pork Producers Association provided 570 pounds of pork, delivered in 1-pound tubes of ground meat on a pallet off a Fareway truck, to the food bank. Brian Barks, president and CEO of the food bank, said the pork would be made available to its member food pantries in the Omaha metropolitan area, western Iowa and most of Nebraska. He expected dibs would be made by the end of the day and most of the meat distributed by the weekend. The donation was one of several across a network of food banks serving Iowans, including 1,235 pounds in Davenport, 1,235 pounds in Waterloo and 1,425 pounds in Hiawatha on Tuesday as well as 665 pounds in Sioux City and 4,370 pounds in Des Moines on Wednesday, according to a news release. Joyce Hoppes, consumer information director for the association, said the giving is the result of funds raised by the association's BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark in Des Moines back in June. The event raised $20,000, and Fareway stepped up to support the donations — turning it into 9,500 pounds of ground pork. Brad Lundell, a pork producer based in the Northwestern Iowa community of Kiron, said making the donation was a "great feeling." The donations comes as the Trump administration announced it would halt payments to beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program due to the federal government shutdown. Nebraska announced late Tuesday it would pause SNAP payments effective Wednesday, while Iowa warned SNAP recipients on Oct. 17 to prepare for November benefits not to be released. Barks said the loss of SNAP benefits for roughly 260,000 Iowans and 150,000 Nebraskans will mean that food banks will "need to stand in a pretty wide gap as those folks look for places to receive food assistance." The additional stress on food pantries locally and across the nation come as demand has increased and financial support has decreased. Barks warned there simply won't be enough support available, but that won't stop anti-hunger advocates and volunteers from helping people who come to them for assistance. With Congress in a stalemate — as Republicans insist upon a clean continuing resolution as the only path forward and Democrats demand assurances about further federal layoffs and a solution to skyrocketing health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act — Barks said he wishes he knew how long people frozen out of their food assistance are expected to endure. Pottawattamie County has about 10,600 residents who will soon lose their food assistance through SNAP. The economic impact of the payments in Pottawattamie and Mills counties is about $3 million. And just for the record, this affects nearly 1 in 8 Americans.
Hy-Vee Announces $125,000 Donation to Help Feed Local Families -
(10-30-25) - As more people seek assistance in accessing food right now, Hy-Vee is donating a total of $125,000 to help feed local families. On Wednesday, Hy-Vee is donating $100,000 to its Feeding America partner food banks across its region. Food banks and their network of pantries are serving a growing number of people as November approaches. Hy-Vee’s donation will go toward maintaining adequate inventory levels at local food banks to assist families. By working with our food bank partners, we continue to support the health and wellbeing of those impacted in the communities we serve. This is yet another example of Hy-Vee’s steadfast commitment to hunger relief. In addition, Hy-Vee has donated $25,000 to DoorDash’s new initiative to waive delivery and service fees for customers who receive food assistance benefits, helping families stretch their budgets even further. Hy-Vee’s $125,000 donation is in addition to the more than $70 million it has provided through in-kind food donations over the last year. This number includes the grocer’s food rescue program that has contributed millions of pounds of food to local nonprofits as well as its annual Hams for the Holidays initiative, more than 50 meal giveaway events in underserved communities, school food pantry programs, nearly 400,000 bottles of water through disaster response efforts, nearly 2 million in meals to Meals From the Heartland packaging events, school backpack programs, and its 100 Million Meals initiative to support Feeding America. Hy-Vee has also been recognized as a Visionary Partner by Feeding America, which is the highest level of recognition a company can achieve.
Daycare at two Iowa Head Start programs ends Saturday due to government shutdown -
(10-30-25) - (Radio Iowa) – Hundreds of Iowa families will lose access to their childcare providers next week because of the government shutdown. The Head Start program at Community Action of Eastern Iowa runs out of funding on Saturday. C-E-O Daniel Sheridan says the five-year grant is expiring, but no federal approval can be made to renew it. Forty-five staff members will be laid off and some 300 children will lose access to childcare. Families living in South Central counties will also be impacted by the cuts to Head Start. Lori Ferris, executive director of the Iowa Head Start Association, says these programs are important, especially for Iowans who are living in childcare deserts. Head Start has been billed as the nation’s leading federally-funded early learning program, with the goal of promoting the school readiness of children ages three to five years.
Man accused of ramming Douglas County deputy's cruiser taken into custody by Council Bluffs police
(10-30-25) - (KETV) - A man accused of ramming a Douglas County deputy's cruiser and then fleeing was taken into custody by Council Bluffs police after his vehicle's wheels "quite literally fell off," officials said. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said investigators located a stolen F-250 pickup in a parking lot in the area of 97th Street and West Dodge Road on Wednesday morning. The vehicle was occupied and law enforcement attempted to surround it and initiate a stop. Officials said the driver rammed a cruiser and fled the area. Law enforcement initiated a pursuit eastbound on Interstate 80 until the suspect crossed into Iowa, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said. The Council Bluffs Police Department then continued the pursuit and took the suspect into custody. 43 year old Clarence Brown was arrested on multiple charges, including driving on a suspended license, being a fugitive from justice and theft. He was also wanted on a felony warrant in Douglas County for violating parole. Officials said an arrest warrant will be issued to have Brown extradited back to Nebraska to face charges in Douglas County.
City and School Elections set for Tuesday, November 4th -
(10-29-25) – The Combined City and School Election is set for Tuesday, November 4th. The election includes contests for city and town officials, school board members, community college directors and several public measures. Polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm. Absentee and special voter ballots will be counted beginning at 9 am on Tuesday, November 4th at the Shelby County Courthouse. Voters who are physically unable to enter a polling place may vote from their vehicle by contacting the Shelby County Auditor’s Office at 755-3831, extension 6 or contacting [email protected]. Pre-registered voters must show an approved form of identification before receiving a ballot. Voters who register on Election Day or change precincts must also show proof of residence. In person absentee voting will take place Through November 3rd at the Shelby County Courthouse. Other polling locations include the Therkildsen Center in Harlan for Cass-Lincoln, Jackson-and Center Townships and the City of Portsmouth; the Elk Horn City Hall for Elk Horn, Clay-Monroe townships, City of Elk Horn; the Irwin Community Building for Douglas and Polk, Greeley and Jefferson Townships and the cities of Irwin and Kirkman; St. Joseph’s Hall in Earling, Grove, Union, Washington, Westphalia townships, and the Cities of Defiance, Earling, Panama and Westphalia; the Shelby Community Building for Shelby and Fairview Townships and the cities of Shelby and Tennant and the Therkildsen Center in Harlan for Harlan Wards 1 through 4.
A complete listing of candidates for Shelby and Surrounding Counties is available on the KNOD website under news.
Man found guilty of Meth possession -
(10-29-25) - 47 year old Jan Michael Elder was found guilty on a Possession of Methamphetamine charge by a jury for Page County District Court. Elder was acquitted of one count of Domestic Abuse Assault, Causing Bodily injury. The verdicts were returned by the jury after a one-day trial and a little over one hour of deliberations. Elder is currently free on bond and is awaiting a sentencing date. He faces up to 12 months of incarceration and a fine of up to $2,560.00.
The case was investigated by the Shenandoah Police Department and prosecuted by the Page County Attorney’s Office.
Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation Honors Veterans through Pork for Patriots -
(10-29-25) - 214 Iowa veteran-based organizations are preparing to host Veterans Day celebrations with the support of Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation. Eligible veterans' organizations, community groups and nonprofits received free pork loins and supplies on Oct. 25, 2025 for Veterans Day community events. The pork loins and event kits help communities celebrate and honor veterans in their area, spanning 73 Iowa counties and 142 communities. Encompassing the 214 organizations are 95 American Legions, 33 Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations, 19 Elks Lodges, 21 County Veteran Affairs Offices, 10 AMVETS and 31 other veteran-based groups. This is the third year that pork loins and supplies have been offered. Each organization was offered 48 boneless pork loins and an event kit complete with placemats, plates, cups, napkins, centerpieces, posters and tablecloths. On average, the kits will feed 960 people.
Building on the success of previous years, 88 new organizations requested supplies this year, demonstrating a 33% increase in participation from last year and a 94% increase from the inaugural year. In a survey of participants, 42 reported planning a brand new event due to the offer. Over 75% reported that their current programming would be significantly enhanced.
Pork for Patriots is just one of the foundation's programs devoted to supporting and honoring Iowa veterans and military families. The foundation offers micro-grants through Project Food and Fellowship, outfits veterans through the My Veteran Hero program, delivers Pork Care Package coupons to active military members, sends annual gifts to Gold Star families and sponsors of the Veterans Day parade at the Iowa State Fair.
Mills County Sheriff’s report -
(10-29-25) - The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports five people were arrested between Oct. 21st and Oct. 26th
On October 21st, 19 year old David Lucas Leazenby of Mineola was arrested in Glenwood for Making a False Report – an Indictable offense . His bond was set at $1,000. 27 year old Diamond Alexis Marks of Omaha was arrested on the 21st in Glenwood, for Failure to Appear In court. She was being held in the Mills county Jail on a $2,000 bond.
On Oct. 23rd, Mills County Deputies in Glenwood arrested 33-year-old Nile Jonathan Packett, of Pacific Junction, on two counts of Child Endangerment. His total bond amounted to $4,000.
On Oct. 24th, 40-year-old Denny Gene Reeves, of Hastings, was arrested in Glenwood for Harassment in the 3rd Degree. His bond was set at $300.
And on the 26th (Sunday), Mills County Deputies arrested 32-year-old Brent Edward Hanson, of Stanton, for OWI/3rd offense. He was arrested following a traffic stop in Malvern and held on a $5,000 bond.
Woman pleads not guilty to attempted murder -
(10-29-25) 35 year old Jennifer Lynne Rathe of Schaller has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges after allegedly cutting the throat of an individual back in September. According to Sac County District Court records, authorities say on Sept. 15 at 3 a.m. in Schaller, Rathe used a knife to horizontally cut the throat of a victim, then attempted to use the same knife to stab the victim’s eye. Rathe was taken into custody and is being held on a $25,000 bond. She has pled not guilty to two felony charges of attempted murder, a class B felony, and willful injury, causing serious injury, a class C felony. A jury trial has been scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Sac County Courthouse. If convicted, Rathe can face a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison and $13,660 in fines.
Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks back this weekend -
(10-28-25) - Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 2, and the American Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Josh Murray, Nebraska-Iowa Regional Communications Director. “Every second counts when there’s a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.” Since the start of 2025, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help over 1,000 people in Nebraska affected by nearly 300 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.
· Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.
· Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer instructions.
• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.
• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.
If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install one, the Red Cross may be able to help. Contact your local Red Cross for help. Remember, Working smoke alarms cut risk of home fire deaths in half
Installation of the Christmas Lights for the Harlan Downtown Square and Courthouse is scheduled for Saturday, November 8th, beginning at 8 am. Volunteers are asked to gather outside Pizza Ranch before the start time. Your support and participation are essential to ensuring a successful installation and creating a warm, festive atmosphere for the holiday season.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Report -
(10-28-25) – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reports 4 arrests were made over the weekend.
On Friday, October 24th, 49 year old Ryan Matthew Halsey of Earling was arrested for Failure to Appear. The original charge was Possession of a Controlled Substance – 3rd or subsequent offense – a class D felony.
Also arrested on October 24th, 55 year old Bridgette Jeannine Lacey of Logan. Lacey was taken into custody for Driving While Barred and Possession of a Controlled Substance – 2nd offense, both aggravated misdemeanors.
38 year old Amber Delores Randol of Denison was arrested for Failure to Appear. She was arrested on charges that included Keeping a premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation – an aggravated misdemeanor and Possession of a Controlled Substance – marijuana 2nd offense.
Also on the 25th, 32 year old Taylor Sue Wright of Harlan was arrested for Theft in the 5th Degree – Insurance Fraud – presenting false information – with a voluntary plea agreement negotiated.
Dow city man pleads not guilty to child endangerment -
(10-28-25) - (Carroll Broadcasting) - 27 year old Zhane Michael Frazier of Dow City has pleaded not guilty and will face a jury trial next year on charges of child endangerment and neglect. According to Crawford County District Court records, Frazier allegedly brought his three-month-old son to Crawford County Memorial Hospital on July 12, after performing CPR on him, believing he was having difficulty breathing and was unresponsive. Medical staff determined the child had significant injuries and transported him by air ambulance to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.. Medical personnel contacted the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to report serious injuries to the infant, including a brain bleed, multiple bone fractures, and retinal hemorrhaging. Allegedly, Frazier was the only adult caring for the infant and another toddler during the incident. He was taken into custody back in August and was released after posting a $50,000 surety bond. Frazier has pled not guilty to three class C felony charges of: child endangerment causing serious injury, neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, and assault while participating in a felony, causing serious injury. A jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 6, 2026, at the Crawford County Courthouse. If convicted, Frazier could face a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison and fines totaling over $40,000.
Here's what to know about Riverside schools' PPEL ballot measure -
(10-30-25) – (Daily Nonpareil) - Voters in the Riverside Community School District are being asked to join the majority of Iowa public school districts that collect additional money earmarked for infrastructure projects.The Pottawattamie County school district that includes Oakland, Carson and Macedonia is asking voters to approve a physical plant and equipment levy of $1.34 per $1,000 of taxable valuation to be used toward facility repairs, safety upgrades and equipment purchases. The voted PPEL would be authorized for a decade, although voters could renew its approval. The owner of a $200,000 home would pay an estimated $120.61 more each year in property taxes, or $10,05 per month, according to a district news release. An individual property owner's taxes are a function of their valuation, applicable tax levies and the rollback rate set by the Iowa Legislature. A facility study conducted last year identified concerns related to accessibility, fire alarm systems, secure entries, classroom electrical safety, and outdated heating and cooling systems, according to the release. Riverside taxpayers already pay a PPEL approved by the school board, which brings in about $146,700 annually. But Iowa law allows voters to extend the PPEL amount up to $1.34, while requiring those funds be used for infrastructure and technology — not to support the district's general fund expenditures. Bonds can be issued against expected PPEL revenue. The proposed uses for Riverside's voter-approved PPEL would also include updating buses, rotating student and staff technology, adding interactive classroom panels, and expanding telehealth mental health supports, according to the district. The voted PPEL is expected to generate $595,00 per year in funding, according to a statement from school board President JT Oltman.“The Riverside Community School District stands at an important crossroads — one that calls for shared vision, unity, and a commitment to safe, supportive schools for all students," Oltman said in the statement. Oltman said the voted PPEL is about "continuing to invest in the long-term success of our district and the wellbeing of our students and staff." The funds would not be used to build new facilities, but would be dedicated to maintenance of the existing schools, Oltman said. "This levy is a fiscally responsible way to protect our community’s investment in our schools while providing learning environments that are safe, efficient, and future ready," Oltman said. Along with the state penny of sales tax — Iowa's Secure an Advanced Vision for Education program — PPELs provide dedicated resources for schools to maintain their infrastructure. A voted PPEL requires a simple majority, not the 60% approval threshold that bond issues require in Iowa. Superintendent Stephanie Anderson said that more than 85% of districts in Iowa have a voted PPEL, and many have had them for more than a quarter century. “We are asking our community to allow our district to join them, investing these incredibly useful funds in things like our bus fleet, technology, and mental health supports for students," Anderson said in the release. "A voted PPEL would help protect our schools and strengthen the foundation for future generations.”
Anderson called a voted PPEL a "critical funding tool" for schools in a separate statement, adding: “We believe this is a sensible solution that will provide our school facilities with the resources they need.”
Ballot Language
SA RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT – PPEL - SA
Shall the Board of Directors of the Riverside Community School District, in the County of Pottawattamie, State of Iowa, for the purpose of purchasing and improving grounds; constructing schoolhouses or buildings and opening roads to schoolhouses or buildings; purchasing of buildings; purchase, lease or lease-purchase of technology and equipment; paying debts contracted for the erection or construction of schoolhouses or buildings, not including interest on bonds; procuring or acquisition of libraries; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; renting facilities under Iowa Code Chapter 28E; purchasing transportation equipment for transporting students; lease purchase option agreements for school buildings or equipment; purchasing equipment authorized by law; or for any purpose or purposes now or hereafter authorized by law, be authorized for a period of ten (10) years to levy and impose a voter-approved physical plant and equipment tax of not exceeding One Dollar Thirty-Four Cents ($1.34) per One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) of assessed valuation of the taxable property within the school district, and be authorized annually, in combination, as determined by the board, to levy a physical plant and equipment property tax upon all the taxable property within the school district commencing with the levy of property taxes for collection in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and to impose a physical plant and equipment income surtax upon the state individual income tax of each individual income taxpayer resident in the school district on December 31 for each calendar year commencing with calendar year 2026, or each year thereafter?
IWCC Bond Referendum Facts -
(10-16-25) IWCC is asking for your vote on November 4th on their bond referendum. They are looking to build a new Career Training Building. The bond will fund the construction of a new building to provide training in diesel and automotive technology, along with CDL training and logistics. The bond will also fund improvements to expand and enhance career and technical education programs, including welding, electrical technology, HVAC, construction, plumbing and many others. The bond will also help fund expanded career and technical training programs with high schools throughout the region, which currently support more than 600 local students. If passed, the 2025 bond referendum will replace expiring bonds and will NOT increase current property tax rates. For more information go to IWCC.edu.
IKM-Manning placing $20 million bond issue on November 4th ballot -
(10-13-25) - The IKM-Manning School District is placing a nearly $20 million General Obligation bond on this upcoming ballot to finance several expansion and improvement projects across the Manning campus. The district is looking to issue a $19.8 million bond, which would create a levy rate of $2.70 in Fiscal Year 2027. The funding would be used to build, furnish and equip additions; remodel portions of existing building plus other site improvements all at the Manning campus.
After much discussion with the school board, the bond and having all students at the Manning campus feels like the most fiscally responsible move to do with taxpayers’ dollars. Before considering the bond and addition at the Manning campus, board members reviewed different scenarios for other options. A new K-12 building would start at around $80 million, with the district only able to secure a $28.12 million bond. Updates to the Irwin building would cost around $3.324 million, which would not include the addition of adding classrooms. This is the third bond that the district has attempted to pass with a super majority vote at election time, which requires 60 percent plus one vote approving of the bond. There is an approximate 30 percent markup on how much is being constructed with the same amount of funding due to inflation, which will only get worse as time goes on. The average price of a home in the IKM-Manning District is approximately $150,000. If the $2.70 G.O bond is passed, a property owner with a home assessed valuation set at that median will see an annual increase of $192.10, or roughly $16 a month addition to previous year’s tax rates.
Please help Shelby County by completing the Hazard Mitigation Play Survey -
(10-6-25) – It’s time to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the County. This is something that is required every 5 years to be eligible for federal grants and it has to be approved through FEMA. Our Emergency Management Coordinator has created a survey for anyone who lives and works in Shelby County to fill out. It goes over different disasters that could have affected you and asks for suggestions on how we could be better prepared for them and minimize their effects. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and all responses are confidential unless you would like to leave your name and contact info at the end of the survey. The link is found on the Shelby County Emergency Management website and also on their Facebook page. Please help out and complete the survey.
Gov. Reynolds issues harvest proclamation -
(10-20-25) - Gov. Kim Reynolds will sign an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer and manure. The proclamation will be effective Saturday, October 18, 2025, and continue through November 17, 2025.The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, soybean meal, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation. This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa (excluding the interstate system) and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code § 321.463 (6) (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
For farm news and market information, visit www.brownfieldnetwork.com.
Upcoming events -
The Harlan Community Library has opened a Free Little Food Pantry, located in the entryway of the library. Help them out by dropping off your canned and dry goods. Check out the Library Facebook page for their hours.
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.
A new memorial honoring the veterans of Shelby, Iowa will be added to a section of Shelby's Agri Symbol Park at the northwest corner of Interstate 80 and Highway M16. This project is not just a tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms, but also a lasting legacy for future generations to appreciate and remember the sacrifices made by our veterans. Creating such a meaningful and lasting memorial requires substantial funding. This is where they need your support. Every contribution, no matter how small, will bring them one step closer to making this vision a reality. Together, you can create a place of honor and remembrance that our veterans truly deserve. Donations can be sent to: The Shelby Veterans Memorial Park - 505 Center Street - PO Box 120 - Shelby, Iowa 51570.
Need Funds for College?
Grant applications now being accepted for healthcare education
Grant applications for healthcare education from the Endowment for
Education are now being accepted. The grants are made available through the
Lucille Petersen Endowment Fund. The funds will be distributed to selected
applicants seeking short or long-range educational assistance to pursue
healthcare occupations. A November 30th deadline has been set for
applications to be submitted for the spring 2026 semester.
The funds will be distributed as grants—loans that will be forgiven if the
recipient is employed within a 20-mile radius of Harlan in his or her specialized
healthcare occupation following completion of courses. If a recipient cannot fulfill
the service terms under which the loan will be forgiven, the money is subject to a
five percent interest rate and repayment of principal.
Application forms and more information are available by contacting Ruth
Pitkin, Myrtue Medical Center, 1213 Garfield Ave., Harlan, IA, 51537, phone 712-
755-4316 or email [email protected]. The grants can be for new, entrylevel,
or advanced training or certifications.
Join Christina at Prairie Rose State Park Saturday, November 1st at 10 am at the park office to make milkweed seed balls. All materials will be provided. Milkweed is very important for monarch butterflies. It is the only thing that their caterpillars will eat. Participants will make seed balls that they can take home or throw out in the ditches on their way home. The program is free and all ages are welcome
A Fall Dinner will be held at Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Sunday, November 2nd from 11:30 to 1 pm. They'll be serving ham balls, cheesy potatoes, corn, beans, salads, bread and pie all for a free will donation. Carry outs are available. Call 784-3546.
The Kirkman United Methodist Church will have their Spaghetti Supper, 4 to 6 pm, Sunday, November 2nd at the Kirkman Community Hall. They'll be serving spaghetti, salad, bread and desserts. Gluten free is available. Free will offerings will be accepted.
There will be a LifeServe Blood donation opportunity at Schleswig Community, 11/03/2025 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm at 204 2nd Street and in the Denison Community, 11/10/2025 from 12:15 pm to 5:45 pm at 100 Medical Parkway
Holiday schedules, weather, and travel often reduce the number of blood donations at a time when patients' needs remain steady.
The Harlan Community Library Battle of the Book Clubs Soup Edition will be held at 6 pm, Thursday, November 6th. Come be the judge as the Library Book Clubs brig their best soups to the table. Donate to vote for your favorite. Samples are $1; a bowl $5. May the best soup win. This event will be held at the Lounge in Harlan. A variety of desserts will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards the library's Books and Beyond Outdoor Revitalization Project.
Blood Drive at Griswold High School -
(10-27-25) – The Griswold Student Council is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, November 7th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm in the high school gym. Their goal for this drive is to collect 31 units and they have 45 appointments available. Through the American Red Cross High School Scholarship program, Griswold school has the opportunity to help others, while also helping establish a scholarship fund to benefit students as they move on to higher education, so not only are your blood donations helping save lives, you are also contributing to the scholarship fund for graduating seniors at Griswold High school. The Griswold High School Student council members will be calling members of the community asking for appointments, but you can also call the Griswold High School and make an appointment. Walk ins are also welcome.
THE EARLING VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S 58TH ANNUAL FIREMEN’S CHICKEN SUPPER WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH AT ST. JOSEPH’S HALL IN EARLING. SERVING WILL BE HELD FROM 4:30 TO 8 PM FEATURING BROASTED CHICKEN AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS. THERE WILL BE A DRAWING FOR A 2025 MODEL 420 HONDA RANCHER 4X4 OR A 55 INCH LED SMART TV. COST FOR THE SUPPER IS $15 FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN UNDER 12 $10. DINNER TICKETS ARE NOT VALID FOR THE DRAWINGS. EARLING FIREMEN’S CHICKEN SUPPER, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16TH AT ST. JOSEPH’S HALL IN EARLING.
Holiday Pecans and Bake Sale will b e held 9 to 11 am, Saturday, December 6th at the Church on the Hill, Congregational UCC/United Methodist Mission at 19th and Durant in Harlan. Come and enjoy a hot holiday beverage and cinnamon roll.
Candidates on the November 4th City and School Elections Ballot for Shelby County -
DEFIANCE -
MAYOR – James Goetz Jr.
CITY COUNCIL – Brian Arkfeld
EARLING –
MAYOR – Janice A. Gaul
CITY COUNCIL – Jaclyn Frum
Troy Xavier Langenfeld
Joey Muenchrath
ELK HORN –
CITY COUNCIL - Derick Hogberg
Justin Larsen
Samuel Preis
HARLAN –
Mayor – Jay Christensen
CITY COUNCIL – Kyle Lindberg
Aaron Nippert
Sharon Kroger
IRWIN -
MAYOR – Richard Wiig
CITY COUNCIL – Bryce Bruck
Lee Ferry
Greg Gaer
Jessica Holloway
Lana Schweiso
KIRKMAN –
PANAMA –
MAYOR – Larry Keane
CITY COUNCIL – Matt Schmitz
Cindy Schwery
PORTSMOUTH -
MAYOR – Eric Brooks
SHELBY –
MAYOR – Ron Kroll
City Council – Pat Honeywell
Jackie Hursey
TENNANT -
CITY COUNCIL – Todd Hively
Dennis A Oellerich
WESTPHALIA -
MAYOR – Christopher Gordon Von Ahsen
CITY COUNCIL – Brian Arkfeld
Julie Goetzinger
Ross Petersen
AUDUBON COUNTY CANDIDATES -
AUDUBON -
MAYOR - Palle Lansman - vacancy term ending 2027
CITY COUNCIL - Brooke Wegner
Bruce A. Christensen
Jeff Jacobsen
Rodney Benton
BRAYTON -
MAYOR - Cally Lee Christensen
CITY COUNCIL - David L. Hansen
Garrett Wilson
EXIRA -
MAYOR - Mike Huegerich
CITY COUNCIL - Dory Schrader
Christina Nelson
Matt Long
GRAY -
MAYOR - no candidates filed
CITY COUNCIL - no candidates filed
KIMBALLTON -
MAYOR - Ramadasa Jivatma
CITY COUNCIL - Sheila Partricge
Dirk Wasson
Thomas Lake
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES -
AUDUBON SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER -
Laurence H. Frakes Jr.
Haillie Bruch
EXIRA-EHK SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR
Anna Schleimer
Nick Fredericksen
Eric Konecne
Deborah King
Beth Larsen
Emily Paulsen
Abby Rasmussen
(Term ending in 2027)
Anthony L. Hough
Cally Lee Christensen
CASS COUNTY CANDIDATES -
ANITA -
CITY COUNCIL - Deanna Andrews
Shelley Hogueison
Kim Miller
Eyon Steffensen
ATLANTIC -
CITY COUNCIL WARD 2 - Jim Behrens
CITY COUNCIL WARD 5 - Dana Halder
CITY COUNCIL AT-LARGE - Jeremy Butler
MAYOR - Rob Clausen
CUMBERLAND -
CITY COUNCIL - Tatiana Thielen
Randall Anderson Jr.
Matthew Dolch
Dori A Borras (to fill vacancy)
MAYOR - Rachel McCann
GRISWOLD-
CITY COUNCIL - Troy Nicklaus
Jesse Dotte
Nick Demanett
MAYOR - Brad Rhine
LEWIS -
CITY COUNCIL - Russell Miller
Jim Triller
David Raymond
MASSENA -
CITY COUNCIL - Doug Venteicher
Jackson Bissell
WIOTA -
CITY COUNCIL - Charles Bechtold
CRAWFORD COUNTY CANDIDATES -
ASPINWALL -
MAYOR - Thomas Irlbeck
CITY COUNCIL - 6 candidates not listed
BUCK GROVE -
MAYOR - Terry Kolin
CITY COUNCIL - Aaron Schroeder
Michele Stover
CHARTER OAK -
MAYOR - Peggy Staley
Benjamin Heyne
DENISON -
MAYOR - Write in votes
CITY COUNCIL - Jennifer Zupp-Smith - Council at Large
Two council wards remain open for write-ins.
DOW CITY -
MAYOR - Kody Meyer
CITY COUNCIL - Jennifer Williams
Ace Ettleman
MANILLA -
MAYOR - Corey Gaskill
CITY COUNCIL - ONE WRITE-IN REQUIRED
RICKETTS -
no candidates listed
SCHLESWIG -
no candidates listed
VAIL -
MAYOR - Monte Crichton
CITY COUNCIL - Tom McCullough
WESTSIDE -
MAYOR - Michell Simons
CITY COUNCIL - Allen Simons
Kevin Simons
MILLS COUNTY CANDIDATES -
GLENWOOD -
MAYOR - Angela Winquist
Jason Schultz
CITY COUNCIL - Tim Reinert
Mike Lines
Michael Ray Phillips Jr.
EMERSON -
MAYOR - Larry Johnson
CITY COUNCIL - Ann Roth
Cathy Bruce
Dennis Porter
HASTINGS -
MAYOR - Ryan Campbell
CITY TREASURER - Jesse Jones
CITY COUNCIL - Terry Rasco,
Joshuwa Shoemake
Alan Crouse
Troy Hatcher
HENDERSON -
MAYOR - Scott Schondelmeyer
Eva Fipps
CITY COUNCIL - Terry Byers
Kristine McGrew
MALVERN -
MAYOR - Douglas Shere
Donna Miller
CITY COUNCIL - Amber Lidgett
Jim Asselin
Rob Gilreath
Patrick Olsen
PACIFIC JUNCTION -
MAYOR - Andy Young
CITY COUNCIL - Dianna Irick
Terry Parham
Matthew Fritz
Len Nieland
SILVER CITY -
MAYOR - Sharon McNutt
Joseph Jaworski
CITY COUNCIL - Tom Boehm
MONTGOMERY COUNTY CANDIDATES -
RED OAK -
MAYOR - John F. Haidsiak
Tim Fridolph
CITY COUNCIL - John Gross
Jeanice Lester
Levi Franks
ELLIOTT -
MAYOR - Michael Carson
COUNCIL MEMBER AT LARGE - Chris Tisher
Nancy Jo Nelson
GRANT CITY -
MAYOR -
CITY COUNCIL - Zelda Swartz
Lyn Sliger
STANTON -
MAYOR -
CITY COUNCIL -
COBURG -
MAYOR
CITY COUNCIL -
VILLISCA -
MAYOR - Marilyn Halda
City Council -
RED OAK SCHOOL BOARD -
Director at Large and Director at Large TFV
STANTON SCHOOL BOARD
Director at Large
VILLISCA SCHOOL BOARD -
Director at Large
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE -
Director District #1 - #3 - #5 - #6
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY CANDIDATES -
AVOCA -
MAYOR - Tom Bruck
CITY COUNCIL - Deb Calhoon
Dean Krohn
Ryan Petersen
CARSON -
MAYOR - Rodney Morrison
Bret Sherkenbach
Lyndon Taylor
CITY COUNCIL - Andrew Taylor
Tate Brandon
Drake Colvin
Charles Pleak
Drake Roller
COUNCIL BLUFFS -
MAYOR - Shawn Burgstrum
Nathan Mortensen
Jermy Neely
Chris Peterson
Jill Shudak
Matt Walsh
CITY COUNCIL - Cole Button
Ryan Garrison
Steve Gorman
Dustin Harris
Benjamin Thomas Larson
Joseph Thornburg
Brandy Van Riessen
Jessica Vanderpool
CRESCENT -
CITY COUNCIL - Christina Flott
James Aldrich
HANCOCK -
MAYOR - Vince Guyer
CITY COUNCIL - Kerri Christian
Danielle Emmerich
MACEDONIA -
MAYOR - Melia Clark
Paden Knoke
CITY COUNCIL - James Croson
Suzann Duede
Joseph Cope
Paul Faxon
Gary Wax
MCCLELLAND -
MAYOR - Mitchell Kay
CITY COUNCIL - Andy Farrell
Tim FArrell
Kris Magnuson
Dan Willliams
Sam Magnuson
Marc Montanye
MINDEN -
CITY COUNCIL - Gerald Murley, Jr.
Adam McDermott
Nicholas Borden
NEOLA -
MAYOR - Karla Pogge
CITY COUNCIL - Robb Lockey
Nicole Schneckloth
OAKLAND -
MAYOR - Brant Miller
CITY COUNCIL - Collin Applegate
Phil Reed
Darin Ford
Jordan Sherbondy
Coralee Bernard
TREYNOR -
CITY COUNCIL - Adam Gau
Kyle Plumb
David Waymire
UNDERWOOD -
MAYOR - Dennis Bardsley
Josh Madsen
CITY COUNCIL - Jim Pingel
Keith Rodenburg
WALNUT -
MAYOR - Wm. Brett Simpson
Justin Tooley
CITY COUNCIL - Tim Branan
Adrian Griffith
Aiden Akers
Michael Chapman
Kevin Clark
SCHOOL BOARDS -
COUNCIL BLUFFS - Lauren Myers, Patrick Peters and Jared Tripp
LEWIS CENTRAL - Erin Peterson, Dorene Scheffel, Greg Bubba Sturm, Jeremy Bach, Laura Ladehoff, Jolene Miller, Jeni Sandau
AHSTW - Adam Long, Angie Grote, Preston Krohn
EAST MILLS - Matthew Urban, Kent Harry Poncelow, Justin Zeitner, Dana Carter
GLENWOOD - John Zak, Paul Seeling, Steve Jacobs
RIVERSIDE - Charlene Dalby, Teresa Jean Schnack, Jonathan Oltman, Rebecca Schultz
TREYNOR - Philip Waggoner, Rob Wilkie
TRI-CENTER - Mike Olsen, Jeremy VanArsdol, Stephanie Witt
UNDERWOOD - Erin Johnson, Erik Pedersen
IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES - Chris Blake, Matt Johnson, Tom Riley, Kirk Madsen, Randy Pash
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