Local Spotlight
Beyond Tex-Mex, Border Fare Restaurant's hidden gem is owner Jeff Swensen's handcrafted super premium ice cream, now nearly a third of their business—a delicious secret many Harlan residents have yet to discover.
Local Spotlight
Tiarks School of Dance has inspired Harlan's youth since 1976. From their downtown studio, Janice Tiarks and daughter Jill Daeges teach tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop and tumbling to children 2-18, creating a space where everyone can shine and build confidence.
Local Spotlight
Annie's Quilting Bee, opened in 2022 by Ann Wooster, brings premium quilting fabrics and community spirit to downtown Harlan. From just 200 fabric bolts to now over 1,200, the shop offers classes, sew days, and quality materials at accessible prices.
Local Spotlight
Inspired by a moment on his parents' roof, Ron French co-founded Shelby County Community Outreach to help elderly and low-income residents with home repairs. Twenty years later, SCCO continues serving through Hero's Attic furniture store, home repair services, and community resource connections.
Local Spotlight
In Vibe Salon, Emily Fineran transforms hair with artistic precision. From natural cuts to vivid colors, her consultative approach and honest expertise have created a thriving business with a months-long waitlist—proof that in small-town Harlan, good hair is worth the wait.
Local Spotlight
Ann Conrad's Professional Home Care LLC helps Harlan's seniors remain in their homes through personalized care services. Drawing from her experience as a CNA and inspired by caring for her own father, Conrad provides companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily tasks.
Local Spotlight
Harlan native Dr. Mary Hoch returned home to establish Cornerstone Dental, offering comprehensive care with small-town warmth. Her team provides extensive services locally, creating a comfortable experience where patients feel like family rather than just another appointment.
Local Spotlight
Studio 712 brings fresh style to downtown Harlan with full-service salon treatments in a family-friendly setting. Founded by Trish Kiesel with three fellow stylists, this team combines experience with small-town charm at their Market Street location.
Local Spotlight
After tragedy, Shari Nichols found purpose at Christian's Rise Donuts. Beyond delicious treats, this Harlan bakery employs people with special needs. Their mission is simple yet profound: "helping people rise" – in more ways than one.
Local Spotlight
Tucked in downtown Harlan, Bigfoot Sales transforms mystery pallets into retail treasure. Les and Cathy Sidman's shop offers discounted returns, handcrafted items, and unexpected finds that keep customers returning to see what's new in this ever-changing local gem.
Local Spotlight
New downtown thrift store Bits 'N Bobs offers quality second-hand clothing at affordable prices. Mother-daughter owners Laurel and Eden Klenda emphasize community support while creating a welcoming, boutique-like shopping experience for Harlan families.
Local Spotlight
The Harlan Community Music Boosters transform community donations into musical excellence across K-12 programs. This volunteer-driven organization doesn't just fund instruments and performances—it fosters an environment where arts education thrives for generations to come.
Local Spotlight
Inside Fresh Encounter Church lies The Grounds, where managers April Williams and Anna Kienast craft creative coffee drinks and foster community. This family-friendly spot offers a unique space where parents can relax while kids play.
Local Spotlight
Brothers Anthony and Mavrick Schmidt have transformed their lifelong passion for automotive repair into Harlan's newest full-service garage. With deep family roots in the community and a commitment to honest service, Schmidt Motor Workx combines expert craftsmanship with small-town values.
Local Spotlight
From playground to inclusive paradise: After nearly 30 years, Harlan's beloved Dream Playground is getting reimagined as Grandma B's Dream Playground - an all-inclusive space designed for all abilities and ages, setting a new standard for accessible recreation in Shelby County.
Local Spotlight
From storing artifacts in garages to preserving historic log cabins, the Shelby County Historical Museum has grown from a passionate community club into a vital cultural institution. Through exhibits, genealogy resources, and free programming, it preserves and shares the rich heritage of rural Iowa.