AVOCA -- The AHSTW boys basketball team finished just one point shy of the century mark in Tuesday night’s season opener vs. Woodbine, pounding the Tigers 99-20 in non-conference action. The Vikings, who shot 52.6 percent from the field while also grabbing 27 offensive rebounds, led 27-9 after one quarter before extending the margin to 58-14 at the half and 87-18 after three.

 AVOCA -- The AHSTW girls basketball team dropped to 0-2 in non-conference play Monday night, losing a 52-38 home game against CAM, Anita. The Lady Vikes fell behind 30-22 at halftime and were unable to mount a second-half rally. They will open Western Iowa Conference play Friday night at Riverside.

 ELK HORN -- Thirteen Spartan players cracked the scoring column Tuesday night as the Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton girls basketball team opened the season with an 81-18 rout of Paton-Churdan. Ranked third in Class 1-A by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Exira-EHK was led by Sophia Peppers’ 17 points and 15 apiece from Mara Burmeister and Kealey Nelson.

    ELK HORN -- J. Christopher Olesen, 72, Elk Horn, died December 6 at the Salem Lutheran Home.    Services will be held Monday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Avoca.  Visitation will be Sunday, Dec. 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.    Olesen is survived by his wife, Wilma “Willie” (Armet) Olesen of Avoca; sons J.

    WALNUT -- Charles Edward Wyatt, 62, Walnut, died December 5 at his home.    Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.

    MANILLA -- Eugene J. “Gene” Hahn, 76, Manilla, died Sunday, Dec. 4 in Denison.    Services will be held Friday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manilla with burial at 2 p.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Westphalia.  Friends may call Friday from 9-11 a.m.

    ATLANTIC -- Larry Miller, 71, Atlantic, died December 3 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center.    Services were held Thursday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m.

    PHARR, TX -- Former Harlan residents Stan and Veretta Johannsen of Pharr, TX will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on December 9. An open house in their honor will be held in January at Paradise Resort Activity Hall in Pharr.    Their family is planning a card shower in their honor. Cards will reach them if sent to 301 E. Hall Acre Rd. #609, Pharr, TX 78577.

    REGIONAL – The third adoption list of the Christmas season has been released this week, and a number of needy families have been added who could use some help this holiday season.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now until this Friday, December 9.  Children 18 and under, along with elderly ages 65+, who are at or below 175% poverty level (or LIHEAP eligible) may apply.  For those donating, they can delive