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.
Local Spotlight
In the heart of Harlan's town square, Austin Staley is teaching more than just Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What began as extra training sessions in a church room has evolved into Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where students ages 7 to 50+ learn valuable life lessons on and off the mat.
Local Spotlight
Air Force veteran Tim Locatis brings expert stringed instrument repair to Harlan through his home-based workshop, 5th Street Guitar Repair. From vintage restorations to making beginner guitars playable, he's bringing professional-grade service with hometown convenience.
Local Spotlight
From a living room startup to a multi-state IT powerhouse, LightBox Systems delivers enterprise-level expertise with small-town values. Founded in 2017, they've transformed how local organizations approach technology by offering comprehensive solutions with a personal touch.
Local Spotlight
A Harlan-based company is working to Revitalize rural healthcare through innovative technology solutions. Healthcare Efficiencies Inc. helps medical facilities recover lost revenue and optimize operations, enabling them to better serve their communities while facing today's healthcare challenges.
Local Spotlight
Stephanie Gifford's Soothing Hands began as a single massage room and has grown into a wellness hub on Harlan's square. For ten years, she's helped residents feel their best through therapeutic massage, nail services, and holistic care.
Local Spotlight
The Petersen Family Wellness Center isn't just Harlan's premier fitness facility - it's a vibrant community hub where exercise meets connection. With over 3,600 members in a town of 4,880, the center has mastered the art of making wellness accessible and relationships lasting.
Local Spotlight
From Vegas to Harlan's dirt tracks, Greg Gregersen and his motorsports team are racing with purpose. What started as a return to family tradition has evolved into a platform for community connection, with their "Driving for Life" message reaching far beyond the speedway's finish line.
Local Spotlight
From a mobile coffee shop to a cornerstone of Harlan's downtown square, CoffeeGirl has grown into one of Southwest Iowa's favorite coffee destinations. Owner Carrie Petersen's vision for a cozy community space has evolved into multiple thriving locations that bring people together.