ATLANTIC -- Danielle Marie Hansen and Jamie Lee Meek both of Atlantic were married at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic on October 10, 2015. The 4 p.m. double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Melissa Warren.    Parents of the couple are Joey and Jennifer Hansen, Harlan; and Jeff and Dawn Meek, Lewis.

    DES MOINES – Harlan’s Barb Jorgensen was honored recently by the American Red Cross for her efforts in alerting a neighbor to a fire in their home last December.    Jorgensen was one of six individuals recognized by the Red Cross of Central Iowa as 2016 Heroes of the Heartland at ceremonies held Friday, April 8.  They were honored as outstanding citizens who have demonstrated courage, compassion and unselfish character in the eyes of their

    HARLAN – The last day of school for students in the Harlan Community Schools next year will be May 23, regardless of whether or not snow days or other activities cause cancelled school days throughout the year.    Those words come from district officials who approved the calendar last week.  The HCS Board of Education passed the calendar 4-0 Monday, April 11.  Board members Al Hazelton, Lonnie Muxfeldt, Amy Rueschenberg and Angie Monson vo

    HARLAN – The Harlan Community Schools Board of Education has reached an agreement with the Harlan Education Association, calling for a 3.13 percent package increase for teacher staff next year.    HCS Board members Lonnie Muxfeldt, Amy Rueschenberg, Angie Monson and Al Hazelton approved the agreement Monday, April 11.  Board members Monte Schechinger, Joni Larsen and Kathy Mahlberg were absent.    The HEA also has ratified the agreement.

    HARLAN - The Shelby County Public Health KidsFest Health and Safety Event was held on Saturday, April 16 at Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium with HCHS Athletic Director, Mitch Osborn acting as the 2016 guest of honor for over 425 in attendance.

    COUNTY – Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan has reported a laboratory-confirmed case of Mumps in Shelby County last week.    The most common symptoms of Mumps are fever, headache, and swollen glands under the jaw.  Other symptoms can include tiredness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.  Mumps is an infectious viral disease that is spread by sneezing, coughing, or other saliva contact.  After exposure it usually takes 12-25 days for symptoms

    ELK HORN -- Melvin August Coenen, 93, Elk Horn, died April 16 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, April 19 at 11 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia with burial in the St. Boniface Cemetery.  A wake service was held Monday, April 18 at 7 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.  Visitation was Monday from 5-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

    RURAL HARLAN -- Ronald and Charlene Ruffcorn of rural Avoca will mark their 40th wedding anniversary at an open house on Saturday, April 23 from 1-4 p.m. at Altamont Baptist Church, 516 Quince Rd., rural Harlan. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    Their children are Nickolas and Lisa Ruffcorn, Kansas City, MO; and Jeremiah Ruffcorn, Forever 29. The Ruffcorns have two granddaughters. 

    DEFIANCE -- Ronald and Rita Gross of Defiance will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 30. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor.