Harlan Insider - Local News and Events

11/07/2025

🎬 This Week at Harlan Theatre – Nov 7–13
A full lineup on the big screen this week! 🍿

🔥 Predator: Badlands (PG-13)
Fri & Sat — 7:00 PM & 9:10 PM
Sun–Thurs — 7:00 PM
Sun Matinee — 2:00 PM

✨ Soul on Fire (PG)
Fri & Sat — 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM
Sun–Wed — 6:30 PM
Sun Matinee — 1:30 PM

🎸 Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (PG-13)
Fri–Wed — 7:00 PM
Sun Matinee — 2:00 PM

💔 Regretting You (PG-13)
Fri & Sat — 6:45 PM & 9:00 PM
Sun–Thurs — 6:45 PM
Sun Matinee — 1:45 PM

🏃‍♂️ The Running Man (R)
Thurs — 6:45 PM

🎩 Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (PG-13)
Thurs — 7:00 PM

Support your local theater — grab your friends, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a movie night in Harlan! 🎟️

📍 Shared by: Harlan Theatre

11/06/2025

🕊️ Our Community Remembers Mervin Nelson

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mervin Nelson of Harlan. She is survived by her husband, Richard “Nels” Nelson, her son, Ray Schrader, and her siblings Martha Bissen, Verla Mumm, Patricia Kuether, and Judy (Richard) Jones.

Full obituary and service details will be shared by Pauley Jones Funeral Home when available:
🔗 https://www.pauleyjones.com/obituaries/mervin-nelson

Our thoughts are with the family during this time. ❤️

📍 Shared by: Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA

View Mervin Nelson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/06/2025

🐍 Coming to Harlan Theatre on Christmas Day!

Anaconda is hitting the big screen starting Thursday, December 25th!

Whether you’re looking for something fun to do after the holiday festivities or just want a night out at the movies — Harlan Theatre has you covered. 🍿🎬

Stay tuned for showtimes!

📍 Shared by: Harlan Theatre

"ANACONDA", Not Yet Rated
Starts Thursday, December 25!!

11/05/2025

Every business has a beginning.

Patriot's Choice Contracting went from a $40,000 house flip to million-dollar commercial projects serving a two-hour radius around Harlan.

Their journey shows what's possible when military discipline meets small-town entrepreneurship.

Full story below. 👇

11/04/2025

🦊🐰 Coming Soon to Harlan Theatre!

Zootopia 2 is headed to the big screen just in time for Thanksgiving break! 🎉

🎬 Zootopia 2 (Rated PG)
Starts Wednesday, November 26

Perfect for a family movie outing — bring the kids, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a fun night out right here in Harlan! 🍿🎟️

📍 Shared by: Harlan Theatre

"ZOOTOPIA 2", Rated PG
Starts Wednesday, November 26!!

10/31/2025

🎬 Coming Soon to Harlan Theatre!

Mark your calendars, here are the next big movies hitting the big screen:

✨ Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (PG-13)
Starts Friday, November 14

💚 Wicked: For Good (PG)
Starts Friday, November 21

🎮 Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 (PG-13)
Starts Friday, December 5

Grab your popcorn and plan your movie nights right here in Harlan! 🍿🎟️

📍 Shared by: Harlan Theatre

10/30/2025

🚓 New Shelby County Sheriff’s Office App Available

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office - Harlan, IA has launched a free mobile app to help keep the community informed and connected.

📲 Download the App:
https://apps.myocv.com/share/a149051537

(Available in both the App Store and Google Play)

Once downloaded, be sure to enable notifications to receive alerts and updates.

App Features Include:
• Emergency notifications & Sheriff’s Office alerts
• National Weather Service updates
• Submit a tip
• Active warrants & inmate info
• Weapons permits information
• Resource maps and county information
• Sheriff sales and civil information
• Community events (in progress)
• Addiction & recovery resources
• Livestock owner notifications

The app will continue to be updated with new features.

📍 Shared by: Shelby County Sheriff's Office - Harlan, IA

10/30/2025

⚖️ Sentencing Update in July Harlan-area Case

34-year-old Winston Joseph Leal of Harlan has been sentenced to up to 50 years in prison in connection with the July death of Theresa Kenkel of Earling. Leal received credit for 89 days already served.

Leal originally faced a First-Degree Murder charge and later pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder.

35-year-old Ashley McWilliams, who was charged as an accessory after the fact, has also pleaded guilty. She is scheduled for sentencing on November 17th.

📍 Source: KNOD Radio FM 105.3

Leal is sentenced to 50 years in prison -
(10-30-25) - 34 year old Winston Jospeh Leal of Harlan was sentenced Wednesday to a maximum of 50 years in prison in the death of Theresa Kenkel of Earling. Leal was given credit for 89 days already served in connectio with the death in late July. Kenkel's body was found when deputies went to conduct a requested welfare check at her residence. Leal was originally charged with First-Degree Murder, but plead guilty to a lesser charge of Second-Degree Murder. 35 year old Ashley McWilliams, Leal's accomplice, was charged with accessory after the Fact. She plead guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17th.

10/29/2025

📎 Now Hiring: Administrative/Legal Assistant (Full-Time)

Salvo, Deren, Schenck, Gross, Swain & Argotsinger, PC is seeking a detail-oriented Administrative/Legal Assistant to join their thriving general practice.

✅ Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) required
✅ Professional office experience a plus (legal experience not required)
✅ Confidentiality, strong communication, and organizational skills needed
🕒 Flexible scheduling • 💼 Competitive benefits • 💵 Salary DOE
📅 Open until filled

📧 Apply: Send a letter of interest + resume to [email protected]

10/27/2025

🚫 Park Restrooms Temporarily Closed

The City of Harlan has closed park restrooms this week while they are being winterized for the season. We appreciate your understanding as crews work to prepare our outdoor spaces for colder weather ahead.

📍 Shared by: City of Harlan, Iowa

We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.