HARLAN -- Jerry Lee Hansen, 79, Harlan, died April 9 at his home.    Services will be held Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton with burial in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton.  Family will greet friends Friday, April 12 from 5-8 p.m.

    AVOCA -- Christopher Madsen, 38, Avoca, died April 9 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.  Family will greet friends Sunday, April 14 from 5-7 p.m.

    HARLAN -- The annual STEM Extravaganza is a huge hit each year and this year was no exception.  Held Thursday evening, April 4, participants were able to show off their many STEM related projects and participate in STEM activities.

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors is considering an ordinance that, if approved, would prohibit vaping in public places in Shelby County.    The ordinance proposal comes upon recommendation from the Shelby County Board of Health.  A public hearing on the proposed ordinance will be held on Tues., May 7, at 9 a.m.    Lori Hoch, Director of Public Health at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, said by passing the ordinance the count

    HARLAN -- Andrew Schechinger, a senior at Harlan Community High School, was recently presented the school’s highest agricultural honor, the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award, sponsored by Bayer Crop Science.    Schechinger, the son of Jake and Amy Schechinger of Harlan, received the award for excellence in academics, leadership and agricultural work experience. 

    COUNTY -- Shelby County Sheriff’s Office K9 Corty will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.    K9 Corty’s vest is sponsored by a fund-raiser hosted by Denalyn Allen of San Antonio, TX and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Chucky.” Delivery is expected within 8-10 weeks. 

    DEFIANCE -- The family of Dave Stessman is planning a card shower in honor of his 91st birthday on April 21. He and his wife, Janice, reside in Defiance. Cards will reach him if sent to PO Box 213, Defiance, IA 51527.

    EARLING -- The family of Lois Koesters is requesting a card shower to celebrate her 100th birthday on April 27. Cards will reach her if sent to 508 2100th Street, Earling, IA 51530. Large print cards are appreciated.

 HARLAN (April 4) -- The Harlan Community girls’ string of meet titles ended at three Thursday night, but with an asterisk attached. Competing without several key individuals partaking in State Mock Trials, HCHS still managed to score 23 times in all 19 events and finish with 122 points, but Atlantic scored 132 to take home the team plaque from the Koos Invitational Girls Track Meet at Merrill Field. Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, led by seni