HARLAN -- In a few short weeks Anja Steiger of Germany, Alfonsina “Bonlli” de Santos Guzman of Mexico and Leonie Finkbeiner of Germany will be returning to their home countries with lots of great memories of Harlan and HCHS.

REGIONAL – Seniors from area high schools will graduate Sunday, May 22 in commencement exercises at their schools.    Harlan Community High School will host pomp and circumstance beginning at 2 p.m.

HARLAN -- The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host a candidates’ forum on Monday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at the Harlan Community High School auditorium.

    HARLAN -- Funeral arrangements are pending at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan for Leona Erb, 95, Harlan, who died Thursday, May 19 at Myrtue Medical Center.    Call the funeral home at 1-800-831-6805 or visit www.pauleyjones.com for more information.

    AVOCA -- Robert “Bob” O’Neill, 91, Avoca, died May 17 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, May 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery.  A rosary service will be held Monday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.  Family will greet friends Monday from 6-8 p.m.

    CALIFORNIA -- Word has been received of the death of Arlene Romancy Krogstad, 99, of California.    Krogstad died May 11 in Sacramento, CA.    Services and inurnment will be held at a later date.    Krogstad is survived by sons Richard (Christine) Krogstad of St.

    HARLAN -- World War II veteran and Portsmouth native Alvin Heller will celebrate his 90th birthday on May 21. His family is requesting a card shower in his honor.    Cards will reach him if sent to Elm Crest Retirement Community, 2104 12th St, Apt #3C, Harlan, IA 51537.

    SHELBY -- Bobbie Jo Shults and Vince Cruise both of Harlan will wed on June 17 at Willow Creek Glass Chapel, rural Shelby.    Parents of the couple are Rick and Roxanne Martin, Harlan; and John and Brenda Cruise, Wesley, IA.

    HARLAN -- Thunderstorms cut the annual elementary track meet short Friday, May 13, but not until these athletes got a chance to compete. See the Harlan Newspapers for more photos!