HARLAN — Nine Harlan FFA members traveled to the National FFA Convention and Expo October 28-31 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The members attended several tours and participated in various National FFA Convention activities while on the trip.

AMES – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach staff members were honored in October at the Iowa 4-H YouthFest professional development conference. Award recipients were recognized for their impact on local communities, accomplishments in their field and embodiment of the ISU Extension and Outreach 4-H mission.The award ceremony was held on Oct.

HARLAN — The generosity of a Shelby County parish has left a missionary pastor shocked, humbled, and eternally grateful.The people of St. Michael Parish in Harlan raised $175,000 that’s being used to build a new church in a rural, poor area of Father Clement Owusu’s home in Ghana. Father Owusu dreamed of building a church as tribute to his late father and to the parish that played an instrumental role in his vocation to the priesthood.

HARLAN —The Harlan Firefighters Association is slated to be the recipient of a Fuel Up and Give Back pilot program by AGRILAND FS that will run October 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. During that time, AGRILAND FS will donate 3¢ for every gallon of gas and diesel fuel sold at their Harlan FAST STOP® location at 2401 12th St.

HARLAN — Betty Andersen will turn 100 November 3, 2025.Her family is requesting a card shower. Greetings may be sent to 2001 18th St., Harlan, IA 51537.Betty is retired. Her family includes her husband Otto, son Roger, and son-in-law Paul Adams. 

KIRKMAN — Julienne (Julie) Wiig will celebrate her 80th birthday November 4, 2025.Please join in to celebrate this milestone with a card shower. Greetings may be sent to: 1629 Road M-36, Kirkman, Iowa 51447.Julie used to work at Tredway Implements, The Chicken Hut and Gussie’s Lounge. She also had her own business, Julie’s Cottage of Flowers, but now has decided to be kick back and enjoy her retirement. 

PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth Knights of Columbus Council #12193 recently held its annual Tootsie Roll drive. Funds were raised September 27 at Fareway and Hy-Vee in Harlan and September 28 at St. Mary’s Our Lady of Fatima in Portsmouth. The KofC thank everyone who donated.Proceeds were divided between Harlan Community Special Olympics and Concerned, Inc.

HARLAN — The Myrtue Medical Center Board announced that Kile Magner has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

HARLAN — A Harlan man convicted in the murder of an Earling woman was sentenced Wednesday to a maximum of 50 years in prison.Winston “Joe” Joseph Leal, 34, was originally charged with first degree murder for the death of Theresa Kenkel in late July. Her body was found when Deputies went to conduct a requested welfare check on her at her residence. Leal plead guilty to a lesser charge of Second-Degree Murder.