KIMBALLTON -- Nicole Kay Schechinger and Todd Joseph Shults both of Westphalia were married on April 2, 2016 at the Cottonwood Barn in Kimballton. The 3 p.m. double ring ceremony was performed by Pastor Steve Kerr.    Parents of the couple are Tom and Kay Schechinger, Harlan; and William and Kathy Pickens, Harlan.

    COUNTY -- Twelve young women are in the running to be crowned Shelby County Fair Queen this week.    Coronation will take place Thursday evening, July 14 in the new show ring at the fairgrounds at 8 p.m.

    HARLAN -- As the Shelby County Fair gets closer, the Rueschenberg family starts participating in some sweet sibling rivalry.    “It can get kind of crazy in the family,” said Amy Rueschenberg, the mother.    The 4-H groups are split up into older and younger age groups. The younger group bakes muffins while the older ones can choose between apple and cherry pies. Most of the groups split up into teams of two to prepare their dessert. 

    HARLAN -- Brian Klein, Panama, sprays water at his friends during fair clean up in the show ring on Wednesday, July 6.  Shelby County 4-H’ers spent the day cleaning up the fairgrounds in anticipation for the Shelby County Fair this week.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan City Council met on Tuesday, July 5, at 5:15 p.m. and addressed fuel bids, grants, dates to take note of and city ordinance.    One of the action items was the fuel bids for the fiscal years of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Bids were submitted by Agriland FS which offered 10 cents off the daily pumped price, FSC which bid eight cents off and Taylor’s Quick Pik that gave three cents off.

    HARLAN -- Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad met with about 30 people in Harlan Friday, July 8 as part of an ag forum sponsored by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.    Discussion centered on ag related job creation, tourism, funding for roads and bridges, and economic development.

   Cole J. Andersen died at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan. Funeral services for Andersen will be held Friday, July 15 at 11 a.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.    Visitation will be Thursday, July 14 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

    AVOCA -- Donald Carl Hipnar, 88, Avoca, died July 9 at Amelia Place.    Services will be held Wednesday, July 13 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery at Avoca.  Visitation is Tuesday, July 12 from 4-8 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

    DENISON -- Bill and Susie Russell of Denison announce the engagement of their daughter, Megan Frances to Benjamin Stephen Claypool both of Denison. Benjamin is the son of Rob and Sharon Claypool, Denison.    The couple will marry on July 30 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison.