HARLAN – The telecom committee of the Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU) will be meeting later this month to develop a plan for the future of the telecom utility and present its findings to the full board at HMU’s first meeting in February.    The move comes after a nearly 80-minute open meeting Tuesday, Jan.

    WESTPHALIA -- The community of Westphalia and St. Boniface Parish are celebrating 150 years since its founding in 1872.    On January 29, the town will be kicking off its 150th celebration at the parish hall with doors opening at 5 p.m. and a meal to be served at 6 p.m. The event will be a free will donation and will also include a raffle and sales of 150th apparel.
Full article in the NA!

HARLAN -- Iowa Rep. Steve Holt (R-Denison) and Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) will host a legislative briefing Saturday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce & Industry atrium in Harlan, sponsored by St. Croix Hospice.    The public is invited to attend to learn more about the current session.    Additional briefings will be held February 19, March 19, and April 16.

    HARLAN – Harlan Community’s tradition-rich jazz program is gearing up for an exciting contest season that kicks off this week with a first trip ever to the Triton Jazz Festival at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge on Friday, Jan.

    HARLAN – A song that Kailee Coleman wrote to teach her day care children about different families has gone viral on the social media forum TikTok, and has led to the development of a book entitled And That’s Their Family!

    HARLAN – Stephen P.

    HARLAN -- Docia Ann Linde, 93, Harlan, died January 12 at Myrtue Medical Center.    Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Harlan with burial in the Harlan Cemetery.  Public visitation will be Saturday from 9-10 a.m.

    AVOCA -- Steven Donald Osbahr, 73, Avoca, died January 11 at Myrtue Medical Center.    No services will be held.    Osbahr is survived by his wife, Rita Osbahr, of Avoca; sons Chris Osbahr of Harlan, Darren (Laurie) Osbahr of Kansas City and Joe Osbahr of Avoca; stepdaughter Teena (Jeff) Schoemann of Avoca; stepson Travis (Angie) Hargens of Avoca; three grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren, one brother, four sisters, many nieces, nephew

    WALNUT -- Gladys Anne Petersen, 92, Walnut, died January 10 at Myrtue Medical Center.    Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca.  Public visitation is Jan. 22 from 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home.    Petersen is survived by daughter Jackie (Dan) Riessen of Avoca; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.