PANAMA -- Donald Joseph Keane, 86, Panama, died May 28 at Rose Vista Home, Inc.    Private family Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, May 30 at St. Mary’s of the Assumption in Panama with burial in the St.

    ALEXANDRIA, MN -- Former Shelby County residents Ruben and Evelyn (Roenfeld) Jensen of Alexandria will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on June 11.    Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 1812 Darling Avenue East Apt. 257, Alexandria, MN 56308.

    REGIONAL -- A dry planting season allowed most area farmers to put their corn and soybean crop in the ground at a well-above-average pace this spring.    Consistent late-May rains have followed, quenching surface soils in need of moisture and allowing for strong  and even emergence.    Add in warmer temperatures in next week’s forecast and rapid plant growth is expected in the near future.

DILLON SEARS (JR.)Western Illinois University (NCAA Division I) • Westphalia, IA • 2017 Harlan Community graduate2020 Season - Sears, a Physical Education major at WIU, started eight games for the Leathernecks before the season was cancelled. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound middle infielder was hitting .250 (6-for-24), highlighted by a three-hit game at Butler on February 22, and had an on-base percentage of .357.

    HARLAN -- Katie Stern, representing the Harlan Girl Scouts, places flowers at the memorial site during Memorial Day services at the Harlan Cemetery Monday, May 25.  More photos inside today’s NA.

    COUNTY -- Shelby County voters will head to the polls Tuesday, June 2 to cast ballots in this year’s primary election.  Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

    HARLAN --  The Harlan Theatre will officially be back in business on Friday, June 5, reopening after a two-and-a-half month hiatus due to COVID-19.    Sharon Lucke, co-owner and operator of the Harlan Theatre along with her husband, Kevin, said that all safeguards and precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of customers and compliance with state health guidelines.    By orders of Governor Kim Reynolds, the theater closed its doors

    STATE -- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has announced this week additional business sector openings as well as the loosening of restrictions on other sectors beginning June 1.    Highlights of the changes include restaurants and bars will be allowed to seat groups up to 10 individuals, an increase from the previous limit of six.  Speedways or racetracks, including horse and dog racetracks, may allow spectators beginning June 1.

    HARLAN -- Eric Jon Sorensen, 58, Harlan, died May 27 at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Services were held Monday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.    Sorensen is survived by sister-in-law Donna Sorensen of Harlan.