REGIONAL -- Eleven students will graduate this week with the highest distinction at Harlan Community High School, ranked as the top senior students at HCHS based on grade point average.      The students will be recognized during commencement ceremonies to be held Sunday, May 20 at 2 p.m.

    COUNCIL BLUFFS -- Students from Harlan Community and AHSTW High Schools competed well in the annual Anti-Gravity Games April 28 at Kanesville Arena on the Iowa Western Community College Campus.

    REGIONAL – Iowa’s top academic students were honored Sunday, April 29 at the 16th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony held at Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines.    Among those recognized were area students, including Kara Rueschenberg from Harlan Community, Jaclyn Ahern from AHSTW, Grace Greving from Exira/EH-K, Hannah Fisher from IKM-Manning and Jakob Orel from Tri-Center (Neola).    The Governor’s Office, the Iowa High School Athletic

    HARLAN -- Jeff and Cyndi Petersen of Harlan announce the engagement of their daughter, Chelsy to Jordan Newcomb both of Harlan. Jordan is the son of Nick and Eleisa Preston, Harlan; and Jeff Newcomb, Post Falls, ID.    The couple will wed on June 30 in a ceremony at the Petersen farm in rural Harlan.

    PANAMA -- Rod and Lois Riessen of rural Harlan announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth to Heath Stein, son of Larry and Carol Stein, rural Portsmouth.    The couple will exchange marriage vows in a June wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama.

    MADEIRA BEACH, FL -- Joni Stork and Andy Ahrenholtz exchanged marriage vows on March 31, 2018 during a sunset ceremony on Madeira Beach in Florida. The groom’s brother-in-law, Eric Fobes of Elkhorn, NE, performed the double ring ceremony.    Parents of the couple are former Manilla residents Jon and Deb Vennink, Sun Valley Lake, Ellston, IA; and Jerry “Gilburt” and Connie Ahrenholtz, Defiance.  

    HARLAN -- Rita Finken of Harlan will mark her 80th birthday on May 22. Her family is requesting a card shower in her honor. Cards will reach her if sent to 612 Hill Street, Harlan, IA 51537.    Rita’s children include Janet Koester, David Finken, Mary Jo Hopper, Diane Hansen and Bill Finken. She has 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

    HARLAN -- Dale Junior Murray, 88, Harlan, died May 5 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Graveside services were held Wednesday, May 9 at 11 a.m.

    REGIONAL – The Rev.