HARLAN - Two Harlanites, along with the city administrator for the City of Monroe, IA, are finalists for the Harlan City Administrator position to replace former administrator Terry Cox.    Cox resigned effective June 30 after having served 39 years as the city’s administrator.    The  search committee included: Sharon Kroger,  Dave Miller and Greg Bladt.    Tentative plans have the three candidates being interviewed by the City Council as

    COUNTY -- After the last school bell rang, local educators can feel satisfied about their work since having graduation rates over the state average of approximately 90.5 percent and national average of 81 percent.    “Iowa was the first state in the country to exceed a graduation rate of 90 percent, so Iowa has the highest graduation rates in the country,” said Justin Wagner, HCS Superintendent.    Same could be said about the local school

    MINDEN - Steven D.

    EARLING - Garry Gaul, 73, Earling died on Tuesday, August 2 at his home.    A visitation will be held on Sat., August 6 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Earling with  a funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the St.

    HARLAN - Funeral services for Ronald Joseph Beach, 56, Harlan, who died on Sun., July 31, will be held on Friday, August 5 at 5 p.m. at Temple Israel, 13111 Sterling Ridge Dr., Omaha.

    HARLAN -- Ruth Fries of Harlan will celebrate her 80th birthday on August 8. Her family is planning a card shower in her honor. Cards will reach her if sent to 401 8th Street, Harlan, IA 51537.    Ruth and her husband, Roy’s children are daughter, Caryl, deceased; Don and Beth Fries, Harlan; Dave and Brenda Fries, Denison; Brian and Tammy Fries, Kiron; and Duane and Nicole Fries, Council Bluffs.

    TEMPLETON -- Bruce and Anissa Irlmeier of Templeton announce the engagement of their daughter, Miranda to Dustin Christensen of Audubon. Dustin is the son of Lamont and Shelly Christensen, Irwin.    The couple will marry on August 6 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Templeton.

    DEFIANCE -- Allison Marie Kite of Hopkins, MN and Jonathan William Hackbart of Plymouth, MN will wed on August 20 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance.    Allison is the daughter of EAnn and Dan Christensen, Defiance; and Michael and Lorraine Kite, Milton, FL. Jonathan is the son of Jim and Karen Hackbart, Plymouth, MN.

    HARLAN -- Ashley Bruck and Jeff Petersen both of Harlan exchanged marriage vows on May 21, 2016 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan. Father Frost performed the 2:30 p.m. double ring ceremony.    Parents of the bride are Jim and Julie Bruck, Harlan. Parents of the groom are Gaige Petersen, Harlan; and Deanne Kroger, Harlan.