ELK HORN --  It was the first year for the E/EH-K school champion to attend, and Bricker participated and finished with a tie for 25th place out of 60 school champion spellers. She is the daughter of Nikki and John Bricker of Elk Horn.    The champion will advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

    COUNCIL BLUFFS - Allan Hjelle, Elk Horn, will be honored by CHI Health Mercy Hospital on March 24 at the Mid-America Center, where he will be named a Heritage Award recipient which were created to celebrate those who have enriched the community and established a legacy on which future Heritage Award honorees can build.    Hjelle was born on Dec. 23, 1943, to Arnold and Denise Hjelle, a family of educators.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan City Council Tuesday, Feb.

    AVOCA -- Clarence Harder will celebrate his 90th birthday at an open house on Saturday, March 10 from 4-7 p.m. at the Avoca American Legion.    Cards will also reach  him if sent to 204 E. Mill St., Avoca, IA  51521. 

 MAPLETON (Feb.

 HARLAN (Feb.

    WALNUT -- Jeanette Clayton, 81, Walnut, died February 25 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services are pending at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.    Clayton is survived by her husband, Eugene Clayton, of Walnut; children Janine (Bob) Berndt of Avoca, Janelle (Dwayne) Bornholdt of Atlantic, Julie (Kurt) Schwarck of Spencer, and John (Michelle) Clayton of Walnut; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

    SHELBY -- Robert D. Buck, 94, Shelby, died Thursday, Feb. 22 in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Shelby with burial in the Shelby Cemetery.  Friends were asked to call Monday, Feb. 26 from 2-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Maryann Elaine Weddle, 80, Harlan, died February 22 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. at Abundant Life Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Visitation is Tuesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.