HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Utilities is reporting that the month of August has extremely high water usage, and customers are being asked to scale back on usage.    During August, the HMU water plant produced more than 29 million gallons of water, making it one of the highest production months in 10 years. 

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Area Solid Waste Agency is sponsoring their annual Free Cleanup Crew Event for residents wishing to dispose of household hazardous waste from their homes.  The event will be held on Saturday, September 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

    AVOCA – The AHSTW community and school are gearing up for an exciting homecoming week, with the AHSTW Student Council hard at work planning activities under the theme Viking Victory is Sweet!    Homecoming court and attendants were elected earlier this month and include:    King candidates:  CJ Best, son of Jason and Joy Best; Kyle Branan, son of Josh and Wendy Branan; Ben Ehlers, son of Todd and Darla Ehlers; Gabe Pauley, son of Gene and

    SHELBY --  Approximately 326 kids from Harlan Community Schools, Underwood, AHSTW, Riverside, Tri-Center and home schools attended the Carstens Farm Days event to learn about farming in the olden days.     last weekend.

EXIRA -- The Spartans hosted a big game vs. Glidden-Ralston Friday night at 7 p.m. in Exira.  Photo highlights of last week’s win over Audubon are pictured.

    HARLAN – Amy Rueschenberg was elected president and Jessica Anderson vice president of the Harlan Community Schools Board of Education Monday, Sept.

    ELK HORN -- Jerry Evans has been the Elk Horn wastewater superintendent for 22 years and is preparing to retire in April of 2020. Andy Ring will be replacing him.    Evans worked construction and then was involved in an accident. A job became available in Lewis and he decided to take the job. He then decided to move back to his hometown and take the position as superintendent. 

AVOCA -- Their school and national spirit was shown off at the AHSTW-Shenandoah football game recently.

    HARLAN – A public hearing on a proposal by a housing development group to purchase 25 lots in the Dye Street subdivision in north Harlan for future housing construction will be held at the next city council meeting Tuesday, Sept.

    HARLAN – Volunteer John Leinberger is proposing a Potter Park basketball court renovation this month, has secured donations, and now is looking for volunteers.    Leinberger said he has secured all the funding for the project and is in the process of getting the materials and supplies.  Upwards of 15 volunteers are needed to help with renovations at the basketball court on Saturday, Sept.

    HARLAN -- The Shelby County Historical Museum is excited to announce their newest fall event: Sundown Hoedown. This event will take place on Saturday, September 22 at 6 p.m. and will include line dancing, BBQ dinner, backyard games, a silent auction and more! All are invited to attend. 

    WESTPHALIA -- Tom Musich’s 127-year-old house had a surprising journey from the hands of his parents to his.    In 1975, Tom Musich’s parents, Lavern and Helen Musich moved off of a farm to 401 Webber after raising 10 kids.    In around 1991, Lavern moved to Elm Crest. After garage sales and an estate auction, his mother moved to the 64 club apartments.

    HARLAN -- Future organizational goals and goals from the past fiscal year which ended June 30 were highlighted at the Myrtue Medical Center Board of Trustees August meeting. Goals under the six pillars were reviewed by MMC CEO Barry Jacobsen.

    PORTSMOUTH -- Margaret Petsche fills her time with hobbies and grandchildren. Petsche is a sacristan at St. Mary’s in Portsmouth. She has three children, Donald, David and Patti Jo, and five grandchildren who all participate in an array of activities.    Petsche became a sacristan after the previous individuals retired in 2016. As a sacristan, Petsche has a variety of duties, but her favorite is making flower arrangements. 

Harlan Community Schools Superintendent Justin Wagner’s latest attempt to provide requested information about his daily attendance and school leave this past contract year is inconsistent with what he has provided before, shows some discrepancies, and is in conflict with what sources have provided to the Harlan Newspapers.    The central question being asked by the community is whether or not Wagner was paid more than required by the district