HARLAN (Dec.

 CLARINDA (Dec. 19) -- Twelve Harlan Community wrestlers went 2-0 Thursday night as the Cyclones easily swept a double dual at Clarinda with wins of 78-0 over Shenandoah and 67-9 vs. the host Cardinals.

    REGIONAL – The annual weather summary from the Farmers Almanac says this winter will be milder than normal and wet, but not necessarily the precipitation being all snow.    December has shown some snow, but the cold temperatures this month aren’t what the almanac has forecasted thus far for the winter, but that could all change soon.  In general, it’s forecasted to be above average temperatures and particularly wet.    The almanac paints a

    COUNTY – Local residents considering a run for public office in Shelby County are being made aware this month of filing periods for the 2020 election, courtesy of Shelby County Auditor Mark Maxwell.    County offices up for election in 2020 include the auditor (Maxwell), sheriff Neil Gross and supervisors Steve Kenkel and Charlie Parkhurst.    The first day to file nomination papers for county office is Mon., March 2, with the deadline bei

    REGIONAL – The number of registered sex offenders that call the greater Shelby County area their home has increased in the last six months, according to Iowa’s state sex offender registry.    Shelby County and areas surrounding the county have 44 registered sex offenders as of this month, as opposed to December, 2018 when there were 34 registered sex offenders listed in the area.

 LOGAN (Dec. 19) -- The AHSTW basketball teams went into Christmas break on a high note Thursday night with a varsity doubleheader sweep at Logan-Magnolia.

 ELK HORN (Dec. 20) -- The Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton boys basketball team evened its record at 3-3 going into the holiday break with a 55-39 home win vs. West Harrison here Friday night. Senior Creighton Nelson had another big game for the Spartans, making 12-of-14 field goals and 9-of-11 free throws on his way to 33 points and 11 rebounds.

 ELK HORN (Dec. 20) -- Hot three-point shooting and defense carried the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton girls past West Harrison 82-22 Friday night in the final game before Christmas break. The Spartans improved to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the Rolling Valley Conference, hitting 12-of-26 threes and totaling 20 steals and 22 assists.

    MESA, AZ - A Celebration of Life service for John Christiansen, 75, formerly of Harlan and recently residing in Mesa, AZ, will be held at 11 a.m.