HARLAN -- Iowa Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) and Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison) will host a pre-legislative breakfast session for the public Saturday, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. at Milk & Honey in downtown Harlan.    The public is invited and encouraged to attend the event, where the local legislators will outline some of the important topics facing the Iowa Legislature this coming session.

    REGIONAL – The annual Christmas adoption list has grown to 113 families desiring “adoption,” and potential donors should contact West Central Community Action soon.    Calls are being taken Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4:30 p.m., for persons wishing to be adopted or to adopt a family.

    DES MOINES --  Harlan Community High School’s Sarah Goedken was among the select students nominated to attend the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute Oct. 15-17 in Des Moines, during the Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium, which drew 1,300 people from more than 60 countries to discuss the world’s hunger and food security issues.    The World Food Prize was founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr.

Prescott, AZ  —  Ivan Janssen, 75, died December 5 at his home.  Janssen formerly of Harlan, graduated from hhs in 1958.  He also served 4 years in the Navy.    There will be a celebration of his life Saturday Dec. 12.    Janssen is survived by son Michael of Scottsdale; and daughter Katie of Prescott, az;  brothers Gerald (Patricia) of Peoria, az, Dale (Cheryl) of Camp Verde, az and Lyle of Prescott, and six grandchildren.

PANORA -- Shannon Nicole Neff and Jeremy Daniel Muell both of Casey exchanged marriage vows on October 10, 2015 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora. Father Mike Peters performed the 3 p.m. double ring ceremony.    Parents of the bride are Debora Linquist, Waukee; and Scott Neff, West Des Moines. Parents of the groom are Deb and Dan Muell, Portsmouth. 

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Community Foundation has announced grants totaling $34,340 this fall, awarded to Shelby County non-profit agencies.    With these grants, the foundation has distributed nearly $1.8 million in grant funds and scholarships over the last 15 years.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Association of School Boards recognizes that learning and leadership on the part of school board members makes a difference at the board table and for students.    At IASB’s 70th Annual Convention on Nov.

    DES MOINES -- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has awarded a number of area fire departments grants to aid their efforts in protecting Iowans and their property from wildfires.    Local departments receiving 50 percent cost share grant monies include Elk Horn, Harlan and Irwin.    The grants are made possible through the Iowa DNR Forestry Bureau, and offer assistance for wildfire suppression, personal protective and communications

    PEORIA, IL -- Patrick “Pat” Vern Finken, 58, Peoria, IL, died Wednesday, Dec. 2 in Peoria.    Finken is a former Harlan resident who attended St.