News
Harlan Man Arrested on Grooming, Obscenity Charges
Harlan resident Jose Isidro Morelos Sandoval, 32, was arrested by Cass County deputies and booked into the Cass County Jail on allegations of grooming and sending obscene material to a minor.
Zach Hammer
Zach, founder of Harlan Insider, launched the project in May 2024 to connect with the community. A marketing consultant, he helps businesses grow with cutting-edge, AI-driven strategies.
Harlan Insider
Harlan Insider - Issue 02.26.2026
Harlan students march to the courthouse in an ICE protest. Staff Sgt. Jack Petersen returns from a seven-month deployment to Iraq and Kuwait. The school audit reveals a 5.4% expense jump tied to infrastructure. Plus a new snow-emergency parking rule, Kayla Anderson's game-winner, and more inside.
Obituaries
Harlan to Host Memorial Service for Michael Kaufman
Michael Kaufman, 88, of Omaha, will be remembered Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan (visitation 1:30). Burial will follow at Harlan Cemetery. See WesternIowaToday.com for the full obituary and updates.
Sports
Harlan Alum Kayla Anderson Nets Game-Winner, Perseveres
Harlan grad Kayla Anderson scored NW Iowa CC’s lone victory with a game-winning goal while fighting a nagging groin injury. She’s rehabbing, getting stronger and optimistic for year two as the Raiders rebuild.
Harlan Students Walk to Courthouse in ICE Protest
About 10 Harlan Community High students walked out at 2:15 p.m., joined by six adults, and marched down Durant Street to the Shelby County Courthouse to protest ICE. District warned absences would be recorded; organizers cited family concerns.
News
Harlan Council Approves Snow‑Emergency No‑Parking Rule
Harlan officials approved a revised snow‑emergency rule banning street and alley parking until plowing is finished — city lots allowed, with clearer signs, maps and alerts to help residents who’ve been confused about where to park.
Harlan School Audit: Two Findings, Infrastructure Costs Drive Expenses
Harlan residents: district revenue edged up 2% while expenses jumped 5.4% — driven by costly infrastructure projects. Auditor flagged two findings on taxpayer funds, one repeated. See what this means for local schools.
News
Harlan’s Staff Sgt. Jack Petersen Returns Home After Seven-Month Deployment
Harlan's Staff Sgt. Jack Petersen is home after a seven‑month stint with Operation Inherent Resolve — five months in Iraq, two in Kuwait. He was among about 250 Iowa Guard soldiers welcomed back; Gov. Kim Reynolds joined the ceremony.
Harlan Insider
Harlan Insider - Issue 02.23.2026
Harlan Council greenlights a new West Nishnabotna river access for boating and fishing. Lady Tigers head to undefeated Bishop Heelan in a regional semifinal showdown. State wrestling photos from Des Moines. Plus corn bids, community events, and remembering two beloved Shelby County residents.
News
Harlan Council Approves West Nishnabotna River Access
Harlan officials approved a grant-funded river access off Hwy 44, signing a construction contract with Christensen Bros. to open West Nishnabotna boat and fishing access for Harlan and Shelby County residents.
Sports
State Wrestling Photos: Harlan’s Snethen & Glenwood Qualifiers
View action shots from Thursday’s Class 2A session in Des Moines: Harlan’s Chayton Snethen in a 157‑lb second‑round match and photos of Glenwood’s seven state qualifiers—must‑see for Harlan area fans. simple abstract illustration, Wrestler in singlet mid-takedown repres
Obituaries
Harlan Mourns Sheila Mikkelsen, Beloved Caregiver, 73
Harlan remembers Sheila Mikkelsen, 73 — longtime caregiver at Elm Crest and Salem Lutheran Homes — who died Feb. 13. Survived by daughter Jeannie, grandchildren and her dog Trixie. Funeral Mass Feb. 24 at St. Michael’s. Read full obituary online.
News
Harlan Corn Bids Feb. 20: Nelson Farm Supply $4.04
Harlan growers: Nelson Farm Supply posted a Feb. corn bid of $4.04. Nearby elevators ranged about $3.96–$4.25; February soybeans roughly $10.62–$10.88. Full elevator bids and links on Western Iowa Today.
Sports
Harlan Fans: Wrestling Finals and Lady Tigers at Bishop Heelan
Harlan’s girls (9–13) travel to undefeated Bishop Heelan (21–0) for a Class 4A regional semifinal — a big postseason test for the Lady Tigers. Plus boys state wrestling finals and placement matches. Read full schedules and coverage.
Sports
Harlan Boys Seek Road Bounce Back at Bishop Heelan
Harlan heads to Sioux City Monday to try to snap a 2-8 road skid against higher-ranked Bishop Heelan (11-9). Local fans can sign up as Harlan’s live scorer—click for box score, stats and real-time updates.
Sports
Harlan Scores Four Points at State Wrestling Finals
Harlan tied for 66th in Class 2A with 4 team points at the IHSAA state wrestling finals. Don Bosco won 1A; nearby Atlantic (17th), Carroll (23rd) and Shenandoah (34th) also placed. See full results and brackets.