PORTSMOUTH -- The family of Robert Grote of Portsmouth is requesting a card shower in honor of his 95th birthday on July 31. Cards will reach him if sent to Box 56, Portsmouth, IA 51565.    Robert is a retired Portsmouth postmaster.

    Emily Zanke and Richard Plagman both of Philadelphia, PA plan to exchange marriage vows on September 16.    Parents of the couple are Jim and Elaine Zanke, Sterling Heights, MI; and Bob and Colette Plagman, Shelby.

    HARLAN -- Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees has approved a three-step water rate increase, effective Sept.

COUNTY -- There’s always a lifetime of memories to be made at the Shelby County Fair. From kids competing in the new 4-H Bottle-bucket Calf Competition to tots eating their cookie after the Pee Wee Cookie Decorating Contest, here are the highlights.

COUNTY – Harlan’s Mike Thraen is being inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, it was announced during award ceremonies at the Shelby County Fair last week.    The Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame recognizes volunteers and staff who have exhibited outstanding service to their county 4-H program.  Each county extension office may select an individual or couple to induct into the Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair 4-H Exhibit building the l

 HARLAN (July 14) -- The performance wasn’t overly impressive, nor an underachievement.

 COON RAPIDS -- The baseball field in Coon Rapids is a beautiful, fan-friendly venue and a yearly host site for Class 1-A district and substate games.

 AVOCA -- Four golfers from Harlan took first-place honors in the Championship Flight of the Avoca Ladies Invitational Golf Tournament on June 21 by shooting a 67. Taking second-place honors was a team from Avoca which also shot a 67.

    EARLING -- Irene Tremel, 86, Earling, died July 13 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling with burial in the St. Joseph’s Cemetery at Earling.  A rosary was held Monday, July 17 from 7-7:30 p.m. at the church.  Visitation was Monday from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and again from 4:30-7 p.m.