COUNTY -- The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency has purchased a 3D printer and has begun making personal protection equipment for use by county first responders.    EMA Director Alex Londo said the agency purchased the printer for roughly $300, and is hoping to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which in disasters such as the coronavirus pandemic offer reimbursements of up to 75 percent for COVID-19 related e

    ELK HORN -- Gerald “Jerry” McCreary, 69, Elk Horn, formerly of Harlan, died Sunday, May 17 in Elk Horn.    Services will be held Friday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at Harvest of Hope Church (formerly First Assembly of God) in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Friends may call Thursday, May 21 from 2-8 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Helen Avis Fischer, 91, Harlan, died Sunday, May 17 in Harlan.    Private graveside services will be held.    Fischer is survived by daughters Sandy (Tom) Cuscino of Harlan and Karla (Mike) Dillard of Iowa City; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.    Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of arrangements.
 

    WALNUT -- Louie Troll will observe his 90th birthday on May 22. His family is planning a card shower in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to 223 North St., Walnut, IA 51577.    Louie and his wife Lois (Eilts) have lived in the Walnut area their entire married life. Their family includes two daughters and spouses: Linda and Charles Ploen, Walnut; Leanne and Jeff Krueger, Walnut; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

    HARLAN -- Robert and Catherine Glenn of Harlan will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on May 20. The Glenns live at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Their family is requesting a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to Bob and Catherine Glenn, % Sharon Kroger, 905 Court Street, Harlan, IA 51537.
 

    COUNTY -- A Kansas man who asked a Shelby County District Court judge to allow a trial by combat with melee weapons in a child custody situation has passed a psychological evaluation, and in turn has filed a lawsuit against the county, judge, attorneys and his ex-wife for violating his constitutional rights.    David Zachary Ostrom, 40, Paola, KS, provided the Harlan Newspapers with a copy of his court-ordered evaluation, which indicates h

 SIOUX CITY -- Former Harlan Community bowlers Bailey Portwood, Jessica Phipps and Joshua Grote were members of the Morningside College bowling teams during the 2019-20 season. Portwood was a senior majoring in General Business, Phipps was a junior majoring in Elementary Education and Grote was a senior majoring in American and World History. The Morningside women’s and men’s bowling teams both advanced to the semifinal round of bracket play i

 COUNCIL BLUFFS -- Former Harlan Community High School bowlers Devin Wilson, Bailey Schmitz, Lucas Schmitz and Tara Hansen were sophomore members of the highly successful Iowa Western Community College bowling teams during the 2019-20 season. The Schmitz brothers are from Westphalia, Wilson is an Earling native and Hansen is from Harlan.

 AREA (May 7) -- Perhaps even more than usual, golf has become a recreational escape for many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Local golf courses have seen a strong turnout of both members and guest golfers during the early weeks of the season. Some clubhouses have opened up for dining again - with social distancing - while others are taking to-go orders for “patio side” pick up. As the spring weather continues to improve, the course traffic is o