COUNTY – Bob Cook, commander, Harlan American Legion Post #150, has lived all over the world, but says nothing compares to the American spirit shown right here in Shelby County, Iowa.    “This is the most patriotic place I’ve been,” he said.    That’s why it’s so important to he and other Legion members that the annual July 4 fireworks show continues to be one of the best in the region.  It costs money, however, and even though it’s only O

    COUNTY – Early voting in Shelby County for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election is currently under way, and local officials said they are ready for anyone to cast ballots either by absentee ballot or by just stopping by the courthouse in Harlan to cast votes.    Shelby County Auditor and Election Commissioner Marsha Carter said her office is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    DEFIANCE – The City of Defiance is seeking title to an abandoned property within the city limits through means of a lawsuit filed in Shelby County District Court.    The city has filed a petition for title to abandoned property against defendants David John Schaben, the State of Iowa, Shelby County Iowa Treasurer, and Ash Grove Investments, Inc.  Schaben is believed to be the property’s owner, and others named in the suit may have interest

    SHENANDOAH, TX -- Norma E. Adams, 90, Shendoah, TX, formerly of Harlan, died September 22 in Shenandoah.    Services will be held Thursday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Harlan.  Family will greet friends from 9-11 a.m.

    HARLAN -- Verena Ann Coenen, 90, Harlan, died October 22 at Elm Crest Retirement Community.    Services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 25 at noon at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan with burial in the Woodbine Cemetery at Woodbine.  Visitation was Monday, Oct. 24 from 5-8 p.m. at the church.  A wake service was held Monday at 7:30 p.m.

    AVOCA -- Betty L. Juhl, 88, Avoca, died October 22 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center.    Services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Family greeted friends Monday, Oct. 24 from 6-7 p.m.

    HARLAN -- Richard Wittrup of Harlan and Scituate, MA celebrated his 90th birthday on October 9 with 67 friends and relatives from nine states and one foreign country gathering at the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn to help him celebrate.    Wittrup was born on a farm near Marne on October 2, 1926. Following a career in health care management, he retired in 2001. 

    HARLAN -- Kayla Gray and Kendall Petersen announce their engagement. The couple will exchange marriage vows on November 26 at Fresh Encounter Fellowship in Harlan.    Parents of the couple are Damon and Kim Gray, Omaha; and Kevin and Carrie Petersen, Walnut.           

COUNTY – The Iowa Community Kitchen in Harlan continues to grow this year, adding a new service that is sure to be welcomed for those who wish to have a fresh hot meal every Tuesday of the month.    The community kitchen has partnered with Southwest Iowa Transit to provide free bus service to and from a person’s home to attend the meal.  All you have to do is call 267-0755 to reserve a seat on the bus.    “We have some individuals who would li