EARLING -- The family of Marie Blum is hosting an open house to celebrate her 90th birthday on Saturday, June 4 from 3-7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Earling. Friends and relatives are invited to attend.    Marie’s family includes Nancy Gaul, Harlan; Betty Blum (the late Darrell Blum), Ankeny; Steve and Marcia Blum, Omaha; Phil and Janet Blum, Earling; Jeff and Judi Blum, Ames; and Pat and Denise Blum, Freeport, IL.

    HARLAN -- Dr. Bruce and Kay Havick of Harlan will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary today, May 27.    The couple has five daughters: Kaylee Havick, Denison; Jodie Havick (deceased); Stacie and Ernie Foss, Harlan; Jill and Scott Schiltz, Earling; and Heather and David Kohles, Panama. The Havicks have eight grandchildren. 

    REGIONAL -- The damp weather and strong winds are affecting this year’s crop planting for farmers and businesses around the region.    “There’s been a large planting window, which might make this year a little unique,” said Mike Witt, ISU Extension crop specialist for southwest Iowa.    Witt said that approximately 95 percent of the corn has already been planted in the region, but the soybeans are still being seeded.    “When it’s dry enou

    HARLAN -- Firefighters from Harlan and Westphalia were called to 1711 6th St. Monday evening, May 23 at approximately 5:25 p.m.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community Schools administration, directors and non-certified staff have been awarded salary and benefits increases for the 2016-17 school year.    The HCS Board of Education approved a 3.13 percent increase for the superintendent, administrators/directors and non-certified support staff.    Total cost to the district for salary and benefits increases for the superintendent, administrators and non-certified support staff is

    HARLAN -- Approximately 25 people turned out Monday, May 23 for the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry-sponsored candidates’ forum at Harlan Community High School.  Answering questions on everything from the budget to economic development were Republican supervisor candidates Charlie Parkhurst, Steve Kenkel and Loren Christensen (l to r).  The three will vie for two open board seats in the June 7 primary election.

 DES MOINES -- What a difference a year makes for AHSTW sophomore sprinter Gage Clay. Last season, Clay did what he could for the Vikings but was hampered by a foot injury that required surgery during the summer.

 DES MOINES -- Senior Marcus Klein brought home two state medals on Saturday, but the Harlan Community boys left Des Moines with a somewhat sour taste in their  mouths following three days of competition at the 2016 Iowa High School Track and Field Championships. Klein placed fourth in the 400-meter dash on Thursday and secured an eighth-place medal in Saturday afternoon’s 200-meter dash final, giving HCHS six points for a 29th-place tie in th

 DES MOINES -- For the first time in many years the Harlan Community girls track team finished scoreless at a state meet this past weekend, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. The Cyclones took eight events to the 2016 State Track and Field Championships and performed at, or close to, a season-best level in most of them.