REGIONAL -- On August 21st, a total solar eclipse will be turning day to night for 14 states in the nation.    The coast-to-coast event is being called the “national eclipse” as it is the first total eclipse to exclusively span over the U.S. mainland since the nation’s founding in 1776. It is the first to be witnessed in the U.S.

HARLAN --  Students can again enjoy an extra week of summer this year before heading back to classes as Harlan Community School District prepares for a new school year.    The first day of school for the 2017-2018 school year at Harlan Community Schools will be on Wednesday, Aug. 23.    Parents and guardians should be aware that the 23rd and 24th will both have a two hour early dismissal.

HARLAN -- For upcoming major projects, Harlan Municipal Utilities accepted bids that came in over $1.3-million less than engineer’s estimates.      The projects, including final overhead to underground on electric lines, fiber to home connections, and substation switchgear work, had pleasing results on bids opened recently and formally approved at the Aug.

 DES MOINES -- Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton junior Sophia Peppers was named first-team All-State and eight other area softball players garnered second team, third team or honorable mention recogniton on the 2017 Iowa Girls Coaches’ Association All-State Softball list released July 31. Peppers, a three-time all-state selection, was one of four Spartans honored by the IGCA in Class 1-A following a 16-11 season that ended in the regional semifinals.

 HARLAN -- Placing first in 33 out of 78 events and setting five school records on the day, Harlan Community’s summer swim team won its 11th consecutive Western Iowa Swim League conference meet championship on Saturday, July 8 at the Norman D.

 PORTSMOUTH -- Heath Stein homered twice and Justin Schaben added a home run and a double to lead Portsmouth over Walnut 5-1 in the championship game of the Iowa Western Amateur Baseball League Tournament on Sunday, July 30, in Portsmouth. Portsmouth outhit Walnut 7-6 and there was just one error in the ball game. Brett Croghan pitched a complete game six-hitter for the win, allowing only Andrew Sachs’ fifth-inning solo home run.

WALNUT -- Neal and Ardythe Smith of Walnut will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary at an open house on Sunday, September 3 from 2-8 p.m. at their farm at 210 Redwood Rd, Walnut. 

WEST POINT, NE -- Caitlin Bak and Jason Eisenmann both of Gretna announce their engagement. The couple plans to wed on September 2 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point. 

HARLAN -- Katie Kroger and Kyle Haake both of Des Moines will marry on September 9 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan.    Katie is the daughter of Jayne and Mark Kohorst, Harlan; and Craig and Deanne Kroger, Harlan. Kyle is the son of Darin and Tammy Haake, Harlan.