SHELBY -- Peg McCool hoped for the Grandparents Gifts Foundation (GGF) to pass on vessels of memories to the younger generations.    Peg has worked on a project with her husband, Gene McCool, to professionally record a variety of interviews from the older generation to reflect the stories of the past.

    HARLAN -- The Myrtue Medical Center’s Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Jeanine Larsen as a newly appointed board member, following the resignation of Carmen Hosack.    Larsen graduated from Buena Vista University and pursued her CPA license with the State of Iowa.   

    EARLING -- Funeral arrangements are pending for Leonard Kwapiszeski, 93, who died Saturday, May 28 at The Little Flower Haven Nursing Home in Earling.    Contact Pauley Jones Funeral Home at 712-755-3135 or www.pauleyjones.com for more information.

    HARLAN -- A memorial service celebrating the lives of Allan and Verlee (Poldberg) Henningsen will be held at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1010 Umbrella Road, Harlan, on Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. 

    EARLING -- The family of Marie Blum is hosting an open house to celebrate her 90th birthday on Saturday, June 4 from 3-7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Earling. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    Marie’s family includes Nancy Gaul, Harlan; Betty Blum (the late Darrell Blum), Ankeny; Steve and Marcia Blum, Omaha; Phil and Janet Blum, Earling; Jeff and Judi Blum, Ames; and Pat and Denise Blum, Freeport, IL.

    HARLAN -- Dr. Bruce and Kay Havick of Harlan will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary today, May 27.    The couple has five daughters: Kaylee Havick, Denison; Jodie Havick (deceased); Stacie and Ernie Foss, Harlan; Jill and Scott Schiltz, Earling; and Heather and David Kohles, Panama. The Havicks have eight grandchildren. 

    REGIONAL -- The damp weather and strong winds are affecting this year’s crop planting for farmers and businesses around the region.    “There’s been a large planting window, which might make this year a little unique,” said Mike Witt, ISU Extension crop specialist for southwest Iowa.    Witt said that approximately 95 percent of the corn has already been planted in the region, but the soybeans are still being seeded.    “When it’s dry enou

    HARLAN -- Firefighters from Harlan and Westphalia were called to 1711 6th St. Monday evening, May 23 at approximately 5:25 p.m.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Schools administration, directors and non-certified staff have been awarded salary and benefits increases for the 2016-17 school year.    The HCS Board of Education approved a 3.13 percent increase for the superintendent, administrators/directors and non-certified support staff.    Total cost to the district for salary and benefits increases for the superintendent, administrators and non-certified support staff is