AVOCA (July 8) -- It was a frustrating end to a frustrating game for the AHSTW baseball team. Held scoreless for 11 innings in Saturday night’s Class 2-A district quarterfinal vs.

 MANILLA (July 8) -- IKM-Manning senior Sam Gross escaped bases-loaded jams in both the sixth and seventh innings Saturday night, helping the Wolves preserve an 8-6 win over Panorama in the opening round of the Class 2-A, District 15 baseball tournament. IKM-Manning led 7-0 after two innings but struggled to put the finishing touches on a Panther team that closed out the season 4-18 overall. Gross, the Wolves’ third pitcher of the night, enter

    COUNTY -- Most memories of the fair are fixated around your favorite, whether that be the food or the fun that was had.    The Shelby County Fair is attempting to make new memories with its latest performers, Balloon Artist Poppin’ Penelope and Papa Bear, a woodcarver.    “[Poppin’ Penelope is] a balloon artist, but it’s also whole family fun,” said Shelby County Fair Board President Justin Ahrenholtz.

COUNTY – Shelby County Engineer Dan Ahart has announced his retirement effective November 15 following 21 years of service to the county.    Ahart made the announcement Tuesday, July 11 at a regular meeting of the Shelby County Supervisors.  Ahart said, “It is my intent, after thoughtful consideration, to retire this November of 2017.  My last working day will be November 15, 2017. 

    HARLAN -- How many people have original works from local artists?    That is one question that Brian Byrnes is asking as he officially opens the doors to the Brick Wall Gallery on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16.    The opening will last from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days. On Saturday, featured artists Frank Poepsel and Clay Cunningham will be present.

    HARLAN -- Health care questions hailed upon Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) during her town hall meeting Monday morning, July 10 at Harlan Community High School in Harlan.    The questions came from constituents who formed a crowd of approximately 150.

KIRKMAN -- The Kirkman 1992 Time Capsule came out on July 8 after spending 25 years inside of the town’s bell.    The time capsule was pulled out as part of the celebration for Kirkman’s Quasquicentennial, the 125th celebration of its incorporation.

AVOCA -- Bill and Bernadine Hardisty of Avoca will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on July 30. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 317 East Jaycee Street, Avoca, IA 51521.    Their family includes Lance and Marilyn Hardisty, Council Bluffs; and Chad and Kirsten Hardisty, Issaquah, WA. The Hardistys have three grandchildren. 

 FONDA (July 7) -- Talk about peaking at the right time. The St. Edmond softball team entered postseason play last week with a record of 9-17 and defeats in six of its last seven games. Five nights and three wins later, the Gaels are one step away from the state tournament. Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton became St.