HARLAN -- Allen and Patty (Olson) Cox of Harlan will observe their 50th wedding anniversary on December 2. They plan to celebrate with a family dinner.    Their family includes Jenny and Jim Birch, Harlan; Chris and Sarah Cox, West Des Moines; David (deceased) and foster daughter, Carole and Jerry Juergens, Vinton. Allen and Patty have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

    HARLAN -- The remains of a body were discovered in a vehicle in southwest Harlan late Tuesday night, Nov. 28 following an explosion and vehicle fire in the back yard of a residence along Ridgeway Drive.    Shelby County Sheriff reports indicate at approximately 11:18 p.m., the Harlan Police Department, Medivac Ambulance and the sheriff’s office were dispatched to 4025 Ridgeway Dr.

    HARLAN -- Marlene Christensen, 76, Harlan, died November 17 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan.    Services were held Monday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m.

    AVOCA -- Ruth E. Francis, 95, Avoca, formerly of Harlan, died Sunday, Nov. 19 in Avoca.    Services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Friends may call Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 3-8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5-6 p.m.

HARLAN – This will be the second year the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum, along with the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry will host Santa in the Cabins.  The event will take place on Thursday, Dec.

        COUNTY -- The fifth year of the holiday lighting ceremony in downtown            Harlan will kick off Saturday, Nov.

    COUNTY – Hey kids!  Get ready for Santa to make a stop in your community in December.  Santa Claus is Coming to Town is a new event where Santa will be hosted in your community this season.    The idea was first brought to the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry by Harlan City Councilman Dave Pedersen as a way to kick off the holiday spirit throughout the county.

REGIONAL – The annual holiday adoption program is in full swing with a number of needy families already being adopted, and more needy families added to the list.    Administration of the adoption program is being handled by West Central Community Action, and the Harlan Newspapers remains actively involved in promoting and publicizing the adoptions.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now until December 1.  Child

COUNTY -- Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate made a post municipal election visit to the Shelby County Election Commissioners office on Thursday, Nov.