HARLAN -- Harlan Community school patrons will head to the polls Tuesday, Dec. 11 to cast ballots on a number of issues, including a proposed $28.5 million bond issue as well as renewal votes for the district’s physical plant and equipment levy and instructional support levy.    Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at the C.G. Therkildsen Ctr.

    REGIONAL – Shelby County voters will be able to cast ballots Tuesday, Dec.

    REGIONAL -- Shelby County and southwest Iowa farmers have about 13 percent of their corn yet to be harvested on average, due to a wetter than normal fall that put the harvest season behind average by about four days.    According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service report released by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, 96 percent of the state’s corn for grain crop has been harvested, but in southwest

HARLAN -- Two Harlan Community Middle School mock trial teams will compete today-Thursday, Nov.

HARLAN -- The HCHS Drama Department will present A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas this weekend at the HCHS auditorium.    Under the direction of Kayla Weis, the comedy about how the holidays can bring out the best and worst in all of us will have three performances -- Friday-Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and a Sunday, Dec.

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 7.  Child

    HARLAN -- Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees approved the annual audit report for the 2017-2018 fiscal year following a presentation by Chris Nelson of Gronewold, Bell, Kyhnn & Co. P.C. CPA, Atlantic.

ELK HORN—2018 is the 40th anniversary of the Danish Villages of Elk Horn and Kimballton, Iowa’s Christmas celebration called Julefest, which will be held on November 23-24.

    COUNTY – It’s almost time!  Get ready, kids, 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 under way 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 7.

    The Harlan Newspapers, Hy-Vee and Keast Auto Center have again teamed up to sponsor a coloring contest for children in Pre-K thru 5th grades. The winning entry and artist will be featured on the covers of this year’s Holiday Greeting issues Dec. 18 and Dec. 21

AVOCA -- Downtown Avoca is celebrating a Fabulous Frosty Event on Saturday, November 24 from 3-7 p.m. to celebrate Holidays on Main, and everyone is invited.  The event offers food, fun, and unique entertainment for all ages.      The fun-filled afternoon begins at 3 p.m.

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

NDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Ten Harlan FFA members traveled to the National FFA Convention and Expo on October 24-27 in Indianapolis, IN. The members attended several tours and participated in various National FFA Convention activities while on the trip.

    HARLAN -- Allan Hjelle of Elk Horn has announced his intention to retire as a member of the Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees. Hjelle read a prepared statement at the October 30 MMC board meeting. The November board meeting will be his last meeting as a board member. Hjelle has served as a board member for 25 years.