HARLAN — Marilyn Johnson of Harlan will celebrate her 90th birthday January 31. Greetings may be sent to Marilyn at 913 10th St., Harlan, IA 51537. Please share memories and wishes, as Marilyn loves to reminisce. Her family includes her late husband, Fairl “Sonny” Johnson. They lived together in Harlan for 60 years, Her children are Peggy Kramer of Harlan and Mike Johnson of Hawkeye.

 WOODBINE—  Emily Throlson and Michael Shiffer, both of Woodbine, announce their engagement. Emily’s parents are Tom Throlson and Amy Hursey of Shelby and Ryan and Trista McLaughlin of Missouri Valley. Michael is the son of the late Samantha Shiffer and Mark and Nichole Smith of Avoca. Emily graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 2021 and is a bank teller at BMO Harris Bank.

 HARLAN ­— Justice Gessert and Dustin Bridgewater of Des Moines were wed October 28, 2023 at St. Michael’s Church in Harlan. Father Clement Owusu officiated. Justice is the daughter of Shawn and Renée Gessert of Harlan. Dustin’s parents are Debra and Alan Shriver of Jefferson and Rebecca and Larry Bridgewater of Texas. Jennifer Brooker of Des Moines was maid of honor.

HARLAN — For decades, Alvin K. Woodraska, Jr. brought the magic of movies to the Harlan community. Woodraska, former owner of the Harlan Theatre and the Harlan Drive-In, passed away Sunday, January 21. He was 89 years old. Woodraska was born in Aberdeen, SD. He served in the Air Force for five years. Following his stint in the service, he attended barber school. There he met and married Dixie Backer in 1958.

 HARLAN —  There was a shortage of truck drivers throughout the United States in 2023, and according to the American Trucking Association, a new record high deficiency in drivers is forecasted for 2024.

HARLAN — Starting on January 1, 2024, the Harlan-based food hub formerly known as FarmTable Procurement and Delivery has transitioned into a new non-profit corporation called Farm Table Delivery.

The HCHS boys wrestling team got back action Tuesday night at Lewis Central High School with a dual against three other schools including Carroll, Creston, and Lewis Central. It was their first meet since Saturday during the Heelan Invite where they were one of 13 schools to compete.

In the fourth quarter with just over a minute remaining and the Cyclones holding onto a 1-point lead, Senior Will Arkfeld got possession of the ball with a pass from Jozef Reisz and made a 3-point shot, putting the Cyclones up by four, en route to a 48-37 victory.

Cyclone Senior Erica Rust led the way in scoring with 18 points Tuesday night on the road against the Denison Monarchs, helping lead the Cyclones to their 3rd consecutive victory and 11th of the season.
“Having this 3-game win streak is good,” Rust said. “It just gives us more confidence to keeping rolling into the playoffs.”