COUNTY -- The holiday season officially kicked off in Shelby County last weekend with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the courthouse square in downtown Harlan.  A good turnout of people braved the cold and drizzly weather to meet Santa and partake in the official lighting of the Christmas tree on the courthouse lawn.

    ELK HORN -- Julefest was once again considered a huge success last weekend in the Danish villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton.  One of the highlights was the annual Polar Run.  Pictured above are the participants in the event.  At right, Nathan Steen of Bellevue, NE dressed up as Olaf from Frozen for the run.  (Photos by Lori Christensen)

    HARLAN -- Another step forward has been made in the ongoing master facility plan project at Myrtue Medical Center. At the late November MMC Board of Trustees meeting approval was given to contract with Specialized Engineering Solutions (SES) for the design component and oversight of the central utilities plant infrastructure project at MMC.

    HARLAN -- An Eagle Grove man has been charged in Shelby County District Court with third-degree sexual abuse, accused of having sexual relations with a juvenile female.    Devon Dewaine Lentz, 19, 520 SE 1st St., Eagle Grove, is accused of having vaginal sex with a 13-year-old female in the basement of a residence in Harlan sometime between July 1-August 1.  A witness to the abuse provided law enforcement with verbal statements.

    REGIONAL – Today, Friday, Dec. 6 is the deadline to submit applications for families wishing to be adopted this holiday season.  Children 18 and under, along with elderly ages 65+, who are at or below 175 percent poverty level (or LIHEAP eligible) may apply.    For those donating, they can deliver gifts to WCCA’s Outreach Office on the designated drop-off day, Monday, Dec.

HARLAN -- Dean Anderson, 72, Harlan, died December 2 at his home.    Private services will be held at a later date.    Anderson is survived by sons David Anderson and Jamie Anderson, both of Harlan; grandchildren Kelsey Tetzlaff of Harlan, and Kylie Tetzlaff of Omaha, NE; great-grandchildren Ellen Hedglin and Jaelynn Wallace; sister Deanna (Gary) Krummel of Avoca; and sister-in-law Kathy Anderson of Harlan.    Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harl

    HARLAN -- Norma Jean Jacobsen, 96, Harlan, died December 2 at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Private services will be held at a later date.    Jacobsen is survived by stepdaughter Pat Ferry of Johnston; step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many friends.    Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of arrangements.
 

 HARLAN (Nov. 21) -- The Harlan Community girls basketball team defeated IKM-Manning 42-22 Thursday night in a two-quarter jamboree game played in Harlan. HCHS raced out to leads of 8-0 and 13-2 against the Wolves and never looked back.

 HARLAN (Nov. 22) -- Finishing the first half on a 9-3 run and closing the game with an 11-3 spurt, the Harlan Community girls basketball team outlasted Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson 40-33 in a Hall of Pride Scrimmage here Friday night. HCHS struggled to score for much of the game but played good enough defense to win. The Cyclones trailed 11-8 midway through the second quarter before outscoring TJ 9-3 in the last four minutes.