HARLAN -- Robert “Leroy” Sorensen, 88, a long time resident of Harlan, died April 7.    A memorial service is being planned by his children for later this summer.    Sorensen is survived by children Jan Sorensen (significant other Brenda), Jane (Bill) Penisten, Judy (Robert) Velasquez, Ron (significant other Cheri) Sorensen, Don (Tammy) Sorensen and Jone (Dana) Armentrout; 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-gra

AVOCA -- Firefighters, law enforcement and emergency services personnel gathered along the bridge at the Avoca exit along Interstate 80 Tuesday, May 2 to pay their respects to a deputy from Pottawattamie County who was killed in the line of duty.  The body of Mark Burbridge was on its way back to Council Bluffs from the state medical examiner’s office in Ankeny Tuesday via a motorcade, and it was a similar scene like the one above along nearly

HARLAN – The Harlan City Council has pushed back action to its Tuesday, May 16 council meeting on a proposed amended ordinance regarding time and age requirements for alcohol establishments, following lengthy discussion at its Tuesday, May 2 meeting this week.    Persons under the age of 21 won’t be allowed in a Harlan business that primarily serves alcohol for consumption on-site after 10 p.m.

HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees approved at the end of April the updated MMC Perioperative Department capital request of an additional $60,000 for the purchase of a washer-disinfector.    In March, the MMC Board approved $190,785.25 for perioperative capital spending with $145,000 in equipment purchased.

COUNTY -- The Shelby County Plant Iowa Committee handed out trees to fifth-graders in Shelby County’s schools last week.  Here, Bev Burmeister, Plant Iowa Committee member,  and HCHS FFA members Andrew Schechinger and Miguel Mena presented the trees to HCS elementary students Friday afternoon, April 28.    The committee said they are handing out hundreds of trees this year to the students.  The project has been ongoing for the past 34 years. <

    SANTORINI, GREECE -- Ashley Washington and Andy Chamberlain both of Denver, CO will exchange marriage vows on May 15 at Saint Irene Chapel in Santorini, Greece.    Parents of the couple are Valerie Washington and Jerry Wordlaw, Dallas, TX; and Russ and Joan Chamberlain, Harlan.

BOONE -- Kevin and Deb Brix of Walnut announce the engagement of their daughter, Minden to Sam Huntrods both of Ames. Sam is the son of Bob and LeAnne Huntrods, Collins, IA.    The couple will marry on August 12 in a ceremony at Seven Oaks Lodge in Boone.

PERSIA -- The family of Cleo Elias is planning a card shower in honor of her 85th birthday on May 13. Cards will reach her if sent to 408 4th Avenue, Persia, IA 51563.

 AUDUBON -- The girls and boys track teams from IKM-Manning and Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton battled brutal conditions for five hours Tuesday night, combining to win four events and place 39 times at the Audubon Wheeler Co-Ed Relays. The meet featured falling temperatures into the mid-40’s, a strong northwest wind and even some light rain during the final few events. Treynor swept the team titles on the night and took home a combined nine gold me