ROCK SPRINGS, WY - Lynn Edward Laver (an Irwin native), 66, Rock Springs, WY, passed away December 17, 2017 at his home after a sudden illness.    He was born November 1, 1951 in Harlan, the son of Ralph and Vera Cutler Laver.    He married Norma Pittson September 9, 1989 in Rock Springs.    Survivors include his wife Norma Laver; sons Trace Laver and wife Alisa, Troy Laver and wife Mandi; daughter Traci Stewart and husband Russ; brothers

HARLAN -- Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months, and local fire officials are urging residents to stay safe this winter season.    The Harlan Fire Department, National Fire Prevention Association and the U.S.

HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center CEO Barry Jacobsen was awarded by the Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees a three-year renewal on his annual contract which included an 11.86 percent base salary increase to $230,000.    In addition in 2017, as part of Jacobsen’s incentive package, he received a $10,280 bonus for meeting his 2017 goals.    Following a recommendation by the compensation committee, the board of trustees voted to award Jacobsen

COUNTY – Employees of the Shelby County Emergency Management Association (EMA) who received positive performance evaluations will see their one percent merit raise effective January 1, 2018 after all.    The Shelby County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 Tuesday, Jan.

HARLAN – Faith Sound, the interdenominational, contemporary music group based out of Harlan, is kicking off its concert season with performances in Harlan and the surrounding area during the next few months.    The first performance of the year was Sunday, Jan. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Harlan.

SHELBY -- Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc. will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, January 9 at the Shelby Community Hall in Shelby at 7:30 p.m.    An election for positions on the board of directors will be held. 

 GRISWOLD (Dec. 19) -- AHSTW’s 23 steals matched Griswold’s total field goal attempts last Tuesday as the Viking boys basketball team extended its winning streak to five games with a 60-25 rout of the Tigers. Jake Martin led three AHSTW seniors in double figures with 17 points, shooting 8-for-8 from the field, R.J. Harris scored 13 points and Jack Paulson had 12.

 CHURDAN (Dec. 19) -- Close losses continue to haunt the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton boys basketball team as the season calendar flips from December to January. On Tuesday night, the Spartans led the entire game until the last 22 seconds in a frustrating 53-50 defeat at Paton-Churdan.

 CHURDAN (Dec. 19) -- Kealey Nelson pumped in a career-high 29 points while adding nine rebounds and seven steals last Tuesday night, leading the fifth-ranked Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton girls to an easy 82-40 win at Paton-Churdan. Nelson made 12-of-22 field goals and 5-of-6 free throws as the Spartans improved to 6-0 (all Rolling Valley Conference games) going into Saturday’s contest vs.