HARLAN — Guests at Harlan Community High School were treated to  the kickoff of the Jazz Band season with several performances. The seventh- and eighth-grade jazz groups were directed by Matt Polson. The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Tom Cronin and the Jazz Experience is directed by Bill Kearney.  
 

HARLAN — Eight people graduated Monday night from the ESL class at Monogram Foods. The program was taught by Regina Guinn, a teacher from the Omaha area.Jessica Castaneda, Leo Marquez, Xipatli Marquez, Selena Gomez, Sulma Baches, Azucena DeLeon, Elica Noriega and Faby Oro were this year’s graduates.
 

Shelby County- The Shelby County Trails Committee received a $6,000 donation from organizers of the Bikeapalooza Bike ride during it’s monthly meeting November 22 in Panama.  This is the most recent of several generous gifts from proceeds of the Bikeapalooza ride held in August. The annual scavenger hunt/adventure ride stretches from Persia to Panama, with the 2023 event set for Aug.

HARLAN — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the Christmas tree made its way across town to the square. Mike and Tammy Kolbe donated the tree.    Street superintendent Jeff Musich said the decision on what tree becomes the holiday tree depends on if they see one they may ask if people are willing to donate or if people volunteer.

Exira-EHK Sophomore Bella Muller continues to dominate in weightlifting taking home first place in the Iowa-Nebraska Weightlifting State Organization Championship.
Muller also took home first place in her age group and had significantly less body weight than the other girls she competed against.

 COUNTY ­— Summit Carbon Solutions filed a law suit against Shelby and Story counties late last week. The law suit, Couser v. Shelby County, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. It states the ordinance adopted by the Shelby County Board of Supervisors earlier this month attempts to preempt state and federal oversight.

Students from the W.I.S.E. (Women in Science and Engineering) program at Iowa State University visited the Harlan Elementary fourth-graders November 8 and conducted a program with the students called “Making DNA.”The fourth-graders also attended four workshops at Harlan’s Iowa Western Community College campus Tuesday. 

Downtown Avoca invites you to celebrate Holidays on Main on Saturday, November 26th from 2:30 to 7 p.m.  This year’s event is a Holiday Hoedown, offering fun, prizes, food and unique entertainment for all ages, including free mustaches.    The activities begin with a vendor/craft fair at the United Church of Avoca from 1 to 6 p.m.

    REGIONAL – The annual holiday adoption program is under way with a number of needy families hoping to receive some assistance this holiday season.    Administration of the adopt-a-family program is being handled by West Central Community Action (WCCA), and the Harlan Newspapers remains actively involved in promoting and publicizing the adoptions.    Applications for families wishing to be adopted will be accepted now through December 2.  F