AVOCA -- Vernon L. Karstens, 94, Avoca, died January 9 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center.    Services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Avoca.  Family greeted friends Monday, Jan. 11 from 5-7 p.m.

    SHELBY -- Patricia Mortensen, 92, Shelby, died Saturday, Jan. 9 in Omaha.    Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m.

 HARLAN -- There was a strange feeling in the air last February when the Harlan Community wrestling season came to a close at the district meet in Atlantic. The 2014-15 Cyclones had improved their dual win total by three - going 18-8 - placed sixth in the rugged Hawkeye Ten dual standings and conference tournament for the second straight season and advanced five wrestlers from sectionals to districts for the sixth year in a row.

 AREA -- Following a two-week break for the holidays, area high school sports teams resume their seasons this week with several intriguing basketball games highlighting the schedule. On Tuesday night, the 7th-ranked Harlan Community boys (5-1) will play at No. 6 Atlantic (8-0) in a key matchup for Hawkeye Ten Conference supremacy. The varsity game will tip off at approximately 7:30 p.m., following the JV game at 6:00.

    COUNTY – Shelby County has signed a five-year agreement with Myrtue Medical Center to provide community health services for the county.    Costs will begin at $130,000 in the first year, and raise by $10,000 increments over the five years to $170,000 in the fifth year.  The agreement comes on the heels of a three-year agreement at $100,000 each year between the medical center and Shelby County.    Providing the services at that rate create

    COUNTY – The well-being of Shelby County children continues to be better than average, according to the National Kids Count Initiative sponsored by the Annie E.

    Shelby – Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc. will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Shelby Depot in Shelby at 7 p.m.    An election for positions on the board of directors will be held.  Members will be voting for three board members this year.

    COUNTY -- Gene Gross, chairman of the Shelby County Community Foundation, announced that approximately $108,000 in grant funds are available for local nonprofit organizations and that applications are due no later than February 1, 2016.      Detailed application procedures, fact sheets, and a link to the application form can be obtained online at http://omahafoundation.org/swiowa.

    EARLING -- John and Judy Thraen of Earling will mark their 50th wedding anniversary on January 8. Their family is planning a card shower in their honor.    Cards will reach them if sent to 1003 2000th Street, Earling, IA 51530.