HARLAN -- Thursday was a busy night with the crowning of the fair queen and announcement of Hall of Fame honors at the Shelby County Fair.

EARLING -- In a way, August 4 will be just another day.    In another sense, the day represents the end of a long recovery – as well as a new beginning – for Don Wageman and his family.    It is a year after the last of his eight surgeries.

    REGIONAL -- Anyone who has encountered mosquitoes and ticks knows that they bite.    Depending on the summer season, however, there may be more or less to worry about. Weather, temperature and rainfall all affect these insects.

    COUNTY -- Most memories of the fair are fixated around your favorite, whether that be the food or the fun that was had.    The Shelby County Fair is attempting to make new memories with its latest performers, Balloon Artist Poppin’ Penelope and Papa Bear, a woodcarver.    “[Poppin’ Penelope is] a balloon artist, but it’s also whole family fun,” said Shelby County Fair Board President Justin Ahrenholtz.

COUNTY – Shelby County Engineer Dan Ahart has announced his retirement effective November 15 following 21 years of service to the county.    Ahart made the announcement Tuesday, July 11 at a regular meeting of the Shelby County Supervisors.  Ahart said, “It is my intent, after thoughtful consideration, to retire this November of 2017.  My last working day will be November 15, 2017. 

    HARLAN -- How many people have original works from local artists?    That is one question that Brian Byrnes is asking as he officially opens the doors to the Brick Wall Gallery on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16.    The opening will last from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. On Saturday, featured artists Frank Poepsel and Clay Cunningham will be present.

    HARLAN -- Health care questions hailed upon Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) during her town hall meeting Monday morning, July 10 at Harlan Community High School in Harlan.    The questions came from constituents who formed a crowd of approximately 150.

KIRKMAN -- The Kirkman 1992 Time Capsule came out on July 8 after spending 25 years inside of the town’s bell.    The time capsule was pulled out as part of the celebration for Kirkman’s Quasquicentennial, the 125th celebration of its incorporation.

When the point-of-sale giant NCR decided to shutter its Viroqua, Wisconsin, factory in January 2009, 80 or so jobs disappeared, and the town of 4,300 joined the ranks of rural communities left reeling by the downturn.

HARLAN -- The Bill Riley Talent Search will have a local show in Harlan at the Shelby County Fair on July 14 at 6 p.m. The show is open to the public.    The Bill Riley Talent Search offers an opportunity to help young Iowans experience the  excitement and dedication necessary to help them succeed in life as well as on stage.

COUNTY -- Eleven young women are in the running to be crowned Shelby County Fair Queen this week.    Coronation will take place Thursday evening, July 13 in the show ring at the fairgrounds at 8 p.m.

    COUNTY -- It all started with a Facebook video, according to Jennifer Obrecht.    After Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach Educator Mary Taggs saw the video, she talked around to see who would be interested in getting a program started.    The Obrechts were part of that conversation. Jennifer Obrecht and her daughters, Allyssa and Addison, have had rabbits for seven or eight years now.

HARLAN -- Although the exact time frame is yet to be determined, it is likely by the end of August 3D mammography service will be available at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    The MMC Board of Trustees approved the equipment purchase of the Hologic Selenia Dimensions at a five year cost projection of $439,568.

DES MOINES – Consumer Protection Division representatives will be in Harlan and Atlantic next week to provide “mobile office” access for Iowans with consumer-related questions or complaints, Attorney General Tom Miller announced.
Division representatives will be on hand to provide information, answer questions, and assist with consumer protection matters, including complaints from consumers.

HARLAN -- Green and white balloons were released Monday, June 26 as part of the Green Out activities during HCHS vs.