The HCHS Cyclones are working hard preparing for a new season of cross country to begin in a few weeks.

HARLAN — The Harlan Newspapers and three other sponsors are offering everyone the chance to win part of $750. The “Beach You To It” BINGO contest appears in each Tuesday and Friday Harlan Newspaper.$50 cash prizes will be awarded to those who first complete the shape of capital letters “B”, “I”, “N”, “G” and “O”. The first player who covers every space will receive a $500 Grand Prize.

ELK HORN — Deb and James Bieker of rural Elk Horn are the proud winners of the 2022 Prettiest Farm distinction for the Our Iowa magazine. Eight years ago, their family friend Deb Hastert went to the couple’s home and took several pictures of the farm. Hastert then submitted those photos to the magazine as a recommendation to be chosen for the feature.

AREA — Former Harlan resident and WHO Radio broadcaster Jan Mickelson passed away July 29, 2023. He was 74 years old. Mickelson was born in Ft. Dodge to Omar and Evonelle Mickelson. He and his family lived in Harlan from 1963 until he graduated from Harlan High School in 1967. While in Harlan, he was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church, and participated in the youth group.

EARLING — Heather Kohles and Jill Schiltz are siblings and, together, make up the team that runs Logo’d Up in Earling.The business typically completes roughly three orders a day. They have done many orders in the local area, from volunteer shirts to making several county fair t-shirts across the region.Logo’d Up prints on and sells several different types of clothing, such as shirts, koozies, sweatpants, sweatshirts and hats.

SHELBY COUNTY — In 2021 the Lila Rickel family approached the Shelby County Conservation Board (SCCB) with an interest in selling approximately thirteen acres of land in Shelby County. This parcel of land is located on the east side of Highway 59 across the Nishnabotna River and west of the Nishna Bend Recreation Area. Jeff Schmitz of Nishna Land Services, Inc.

 ELK HORN — An attempted bank robbery was thwarted in Elk Horn Monday morning. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office reported a call was received approximately 10 a.m. August 7.

After an 11-22 finish to their 2022 campaign, the Exira-EHK volleyball team is working hard and preparing for a new season. Their first match will be a scrimmage Aug. 19 in Atlantic, where they will be one of 15 schools competing.

The AHSTW Vikings are gearing up for another season of cross country set to begin in a few weeks. The Vikings will have nine athletes on the course this year, including returners Rylie Knop, Caleb Hatch and Caden Geraghty.