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 fell 86-46 to top-ranked Bishop Heelan—their heaviest loss since Jan. 20. The Cyclones are 9-14 (4 losses in 5); Bishop Heelan is 21-1 with a 13-game streak. Shelby County fans can see the full box score on MaxPreps.
Obituaries
Peggy Hansen, 88, a longtime Shelby County fixture with roots in Elk Horn, Kimballton and Jacksonville, died Feb. 17 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan. Known for decades of local service and community leadership — visitation Mar. 1; funeral Mar. 2.
News
64-year-old Scott Gau was found trapped under his snowmobile in a creek about 15 minutes west of Harlan on Highway 191; pulled from icy water and later pronounced dead. Shelby County deputies ask anyone with information to come forward.
Harlan Insider
Harlan students took their tech help desk to the State Capitol, new snow-parking rules are now official, and a $10K donation match boosts local schools toward a big goal. Plus Pops Concert week, varsity hoops, and the Jazz Festival. Here’s what locals need to know right now.
News
Shelby County State Bank matched $10,000 after Giving Tuesday for the Harlan Community School District Education Foundation, nudging donations past $100K toward a $250K endowment—see how Harlan residents can give.
News
Four Harlan students brought their student‑run help desk to the State Capitol, demonstrating Chromebook repairs and advanced IT skills funded by an Lt. Governor’s STEM scholarship — advocating for tech career training in Shelby County.
News
Harlan residents: council unanimously approved stricter snow-emergency parking—no vehicles on streets or alleys until plows finish and snowfall stops, with parking banned during active clearing. City-owned lots remain available; read full details.
Sports
Carroll surged in the second half, hitting seven 3s to beat Harlan 66-40 at Harlan — Jared Mohr had a 16-12 double-double and Harlan’s top scorer was limited to six as Carroll rolls into district play 17-5.
Shirley Ann Herbst, Harlan-born paraeducator known for helping children learn to read, died Feb. 17 in Cedar Rapids. Visitation Feb. 21 at FaithLife Church in Marion with a memorial to follow. Read the full obituary for family and service details.
Harlan Insider
Chayton Snethen pinned his way to a district title and heads to state this week — we've got brackets, seedings, and what to watch. Plus: fresh grain prices for western Iowa, scouting is growing locally, and a packed week of basketball, volleyball, and the Pops Concert. All inside today's issue.
News
Feb. 12 cash grain bids across western Iowa show corn about $4.00–4.49/bu and soybeans $10.41–10.87/bu. Nelson Farm Supply in Harlan appears on the list — a timely snapshot Shelby County farmers can use for marketing decisions.
Sports
At a Carroll Chamber coffee, Harlan field director Becky Mahoney and Scouting America leaders highlighted Carroll County as the district’s largest scouting hub and called for volunteers as local programs expand — find how Harlan residents can join.
Sports
Harlan junior Chayton Snethen pinned his way to the 157‑lb district crown at Glenwood and advances to state Feb. 18–20 — a standout moment for Harlan’s deep squad. See full brackets and match results.
Sports
Atlantic dominated District 5 in Glenwood, sending several wrestlers to the state meet at the Casey’s Center. Harlan grapplers (Kimman, Sandquist, Stephens, Gubbels) fought deep in the bracket — read full results and coach comments.
Sports
IHSAA released 2026 wrestling brackets — Harlan junior Chayton Snethen (39-4) is seeded at 157 and opens vs. Iowa Falls Alden's Kyler Patton. Nearby Atlantic sends eight, including Braxton Hass. Live coverage via Western Iowa Today/KSOM.
Harlan Insider
Harlan wrestling heads to Glenwood districts without Brody Bendorf after hip surgery — plus the boys hooped their way to a 72-58 rivalry win over Atlantic while the girls fell in a tough fourth-quarter collapse. Cyclone Cynsation takes the stage Saturday. Full recaps, events & more inside.