HARLAN -- Congratulations to Emma Ahrenholtz who was crowned Shelby County Fair Queen during coronation ceremonies held Thursday, July 14 at the fairgrounds in Harlan.  Ahrenholtz, 18, Defiance, is the daughter of Troy and Lyn Ahrenholtz, and represents the Lincoln Leaders 4-H Club.  First runner-up was Jamie Schechinger, 18, Earling, the daughter of Jay and Cindy Schechinger.  She represents the Helping Hands Clover Kids 4-H Club.  Second run

    WALNUT -- The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors has recently approved the dedication of a bridge to Kerrie Orozco, an Omaha Police Office who was killed in the line of duty.    Orozco graduated from Walnut High School in 2004 after growing up in Walnut. She dedicated seven years to the Omaha Police Department before she died in May 2015 while conducting surveillance on a suspect.

    ELK HORN -- One bottled calf brought a couple together to form Brun Ko Farm which creates produce and education for the community.    “There’s just so much of a disconnect,” Emily said. “Food comes from the grocery store. Milk comes in a gallon jug. That’s not how it is.”    Three years ago Nate Paulson was ready to start an agricultural career with a bottle calf. He got in touch with Emily who was originally from Spencer.

    ELK HORN -- When the school bell rings indicating the end of the day, Kristen Rutherford walks from the high school part of the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton Schools to the elementary side once a month to pick up her students for Clover Kids.    “When you’re little you get to explore,” Rutherford said.

    COUNTY -- The sound of carnival rides, smell of various foods and the sight of people gathering for the Shelby County Fair has returned after almost a year of planning by the Shelby County Fair Board.    “The Shelby County Fair means the world [to the community],” said Justin Ahrenholtz, Shelby County Fair Board President.

    HARLAN -- Tori’s Angels Foundation has recently accepted 8-year-old Jaxon Rold, son of Trent Rold and Devin Mahoney of Harlan, as their 20th sponsored child.      He is undergoing chemo and radiation treatments to fight a brain tumor.

    COUNTY -- Twelve young women are in the running to be crowned Shelby County Fair Queen this week.    Coronation will take place Thursday evening, July 14 in the new show ring at the fairgrounds at 8 p.m.

    HARLAN -- As the Shelby County Fair gets closer, the Rueschenberg family starts participating in some sweet sibling rivalry.    “It can get kind of crazy in the family,” said Amy Rueschenberg, the mother.    The 4-H groups are split up into older and younger age groups. The younger group bakes muffins while the older ones can choose between apple and cherry pies. Most of the groups split up into teams of two to prepare their dessert. 

    HARLAN -- Brian Klein, Panama, sprays water at his friends during fair clean up in the show ring on Wednesday, July 6.  Shelby County 4-H’ers spent the day cleaning up the fairgrounds in anticipation for the Shelby County Fair this week.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan City Council met on Tuesday, July 5, at 5:15 p.m. and addressed fuel bids, grants, dates to take note of and city ordinance.    One of the action items was the fuel bids for the fiscal years of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Bids were submitted by Agriland FS which offered 10 cents off the daily pumped price, FSC which bid eight cents off and Taylor’s Quick Pik that gave three cents off.

    HARLAN -- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad met with about 30 people in Harlan Friday, July 8 as part of an ag forum sponsored by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.    Discussion centered on ag related job creation, tourism, funding for roads and bridges, and economic development.

    ELK HORN -- Last summer, Salem Lutheran Homes in Elk Horn announced they’re breaking ground for multiple projects. This year the projects continue to be developed.    “We’re meeting consumer expectations now,” said J.R. Moss, administrator of Salem Homes. “The focus of our facility is on rehabilitation.”    Salem Lutheran Homes is a Christian based medical center that caters to outpatient and inpatient therapy as well as senior living.

    COUNTY – Shelby County Crimestoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of persons involved in the tagging of a brand new bridge along 1400th St. recently.    Shelby County Engineer Dan Ahart said Class of 2016/18 was written in spray paint on the bridge at the intersection of 1400th St.

    COUNTY -- The Bill Riley Talent Search and state wide presenting sponsor, Hy-Vee, are excited to announce a local show in Harlan. The show will be held as part of the Shelby County Fair at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 15.

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees has given the approval of the operating and capital budgets for the 2016-2017 year following a presentation by MMC Chief Financial Officer Kristy Hansen.
Operating budget outline    MMC is projecting total revenues to grow 7.6 percent from an anticipated $60.8 million in 2016 to $65.4 million in 2017.