HARLAN -- Neil and Diane Hansen of Harlan announce the engagement of their daughter, Haley Nicole to Caleb Paul Bissen both of Harlan. He is the son of Eugene Bissen, Earling; and Lyle and Carol (Fuhs) Obrecht, Harlan.    The couple plans to marry on July 9 at the Fresh Encounter Fellowship in Harlan.

COUNTY -- “Ordinary people working together can do extra-ordinary things,” is Ron Chamberlain’s, member of Western Iowa Pioneer Cemetery Association (WIPCA), favorite saying.    WIPCA attempts to do extra-ordinary things while restoring multiple cemeteries and hidden grave sites, especially in Shelby County.    WIPCA celebrated John McIntosh Day with approximately 55 community members during the unveiling of new grave stones they replaced for

    AVOCA -- As part of a project tour organized to demonstrate innovative downtown revitalization efforts, state economic development leaders visited downtown Avoca on June 21.    Hosted by representatives of Avoca Main Street, Inc., Main Street Iowa State Coordinator Michael Wagler was joined by Iowa Economic Development Authority Community Development Administrator Tim Waddell, and IEDA Division Coordinator Leslie Leager. 

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Airport will be updating its runway lights as part of an effort to increase its eco-friendly technology.    “It keeps our municipal airport up-to-date with facilities, equipment and a reliable airport for pilots to fly in and out,” said Gene Gettys, Harlan mayor.    Last year new pavement was put in, and this year’s lighting project continues to modernize the airport.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan Municipal Utilities Board of Trustees has voted to accept low bids for labor and materials toward installing fiber to the premises in parts of Harlan, with work to begin in late July or August of this summer.    Projected as a $2.1 million project, bids came in lower by more than $100,000, and the end of 2016 should complete this project phase.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan community once again will be treated to a fireworks show this Fourth of July, due to the fund-raising efforts of the local American Legion and financial generosity of local residents and businesses.    For more than 30 years Harlan American Legion Post #150 has fund-raised for the firework display.  Donations are pooled to reach a goal of $5,000 each year to put toward the annual fireworks display.    This year’s show

 SERGEANT BLUFF -- For six innings, it was simply a competitive high school baseball game between two top-10 teams with state tournament aspirations next month. The top of the seventh, however, was about as far from ordinary as it gets. When it was all said and done - following an overturned call at first base, the tying run being sent back to third, a long discussion, a protested finish and a section of lights going out - Sergeant Bluff-Luton

 AREA -- The Western Iowa Conference baseball and softball tournament pairings were released on Saturday, with the Treynor baseball and Logan-Magnolia softball teams earning this year’s top seeds based on regular-season conference records. Tournament play began Monday for baseball and will continue with the semifinals Wednesday and the finals on Friday at Manilla. The WIC Softball Tournament will begin Tuesday with first round games and quarte

 SHENANDOAH -- The Harlan Community softball team welcomed back last year’s ace pitcher and recorded its first doubleheader sweep of the season Thursday night, beating Shenandoah 11-4 and 16-2 (six innings) to improve to 7-8 inside the Hawkeye Ten Conference. Lexi Larsen and Logan Schaben both homered on the night and combined for 10 hits and 11 RBI as HCHS (11-14 overall) exploded for 40 hits and 27 runs overall.