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 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 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 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 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
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 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 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’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 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 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.
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.