AVOCA – The AHSTW Community Schools and community are celebrating homecoming this week with a number of events and activities, including the recognition of the homecoming court and royalty.    King candidates this year include Denver Pauley, Jace Peterson, Jordan Ratzlaff, Garrison Gettler, Jack Burns and Raydden Grobe.  Queen candidates include Halle Hall, Elizabeth Cordes, Darian Hansen, Ally Meyers, Paige Heller and Maddie True.    The

HARLAN – Brothers Stetson and Oakley Thurman were named year-end champions in their respective categories of the TMRA (Tuff-N-Nuff Miniature Rodeo Association) bull riding association following finals competition in Adel last month.    Oakley, 4, and Stetson, 6, the sons of Chris and Lacey Thurman, Harlan, competed well at the event, taking home some top honors and cementing their status among the best riding competitors of their age.    Dad C

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Sept. 28 signed a letter of intent with ISG Engineering, Des Moines, to perform inspection services related to a proposed Midwest Carbon Express pipeline project.    A representative with ISG, Evan Del Val, will be on hand to visit with landowners at a public meeting at noon Wednesday, Oct.

    PANAMA -- Funeral services for Alfred J. Wingert, 80, of Panama will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama. Mass of  Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Wake service will be on Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 4 - 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall.

    HARLAN -- Memorial Services for 89-year-old Marian Riessen of Harlan will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, Oct. 8 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan with inurnment in the Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig.    Riessen died Saturday, Oct. 2 at her daughter’s home in Emerson. The Huebner Funeral Home in Denison is in charge of arrangements where friends may call from 5-7 P.M, Thursday, Oct. 7.    Survivors include  two sons: H.

    HARLAN – Pamela Ann Darrow, 67, Harlan, died Thursday, Sept. 23 in Council Bluffs.    A family directed celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 16 at 11 a.m.

    DEFIANCE – Leo Sonderman, 82, Defiance, died October 2 at the Salem Lutheran Home.    Services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance with burial in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance.  A wake service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the church.  Visitation is Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.

    AVOCA -- Jerry Warner Mez, 81, Avoca, died September 29 at Hansen House Memory Care Assisted Living.    Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca with burial in the Graceland Cemetery.  Visitation is Friday, Oct. 8 from 2-8 p.m.

Check out the special section in this week's Tribune honoring our local fire volunteers. Available today! Harlan firefighters visiting the schools as well -- here, Zachary Jensen with the SCCS 1st Grade Class.