LINCOLN, NE  -- Prevent * Promote * Protect; these are the primary pillars of a newly-formed nonprofit organization set to advocate for sensible reforms within the criminal justice systems of Iowa and Nebraska.    The StoneCatchers Society was unveiled this spring, and through an array of initiatives, programs, and services is working to (Prevent) unnecessary incarceration, (Promote) wellness opportunities, and (Protect) the rights of the

    HARLAN -- Rocky Lee Barnett, 74, Harlan, died July 23 at Myrtue Medical Center.    Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 27 from 5-7 p.m.

 GILBERT (July 19) -- They didn’t decide the final outcome, but the result of each team’s leadoff at-bat set a subtle tone for Monday night’s Class 3A, Substate 8 baseball semifinal between Harlan Community and third-ranked Gilbert. In the top of the first inning, HCHS junior Joey Moser put a charge in the ball, sending Tiger center fielder Owen Blumhagen on a dead sprint to his right.

 GILBERT (July 19) -- The Harlan Community baseball program said goodbye to seven seniors following Monday’s 7-1 substate semifinal loss at third-ranked Gilbert. The large senior group includes three full-time starters in outfielders Isaiah Ahrenholtz and Ben Muenchrath and first baseman Kelby Lasher; a first-year starting pitcher in Thomas Ernst; and reserves Chase Wilwerding and Tyler Mumm.

 PORTSMOUTH -- Top-seeded Portsmouth will take on Council Bluffs in the championship game of the 2021 Iowa Western League Baseball Tournament on Sunday, July 25, at the Portsmouth ball diamond. Game time is 2:00 p.m. Both teams advanced to the title game with semifinal wins last week.July 13: Council Bluffs 11, Walnut 0 (7) Winning pitcher Logan Dirgo struck out 15 Walnut batters in his team’s seven-inning semifinal victory.

Special thanks to Kristina Dotzler for providing the amazing calf photo!  Here are a few highlights from the fair.....

    COUNTY – Charlie Obrecht and Dean Klein were honored as 2021 Shelby County Hall of Fame award winners during ceremonies held at the fair Thursday, July 15.    Accepting the awards were the Obrecht family (above) and Connie and Brian Klein (right).  Following are the award presentations as read by Fair Board President Darren Goshorn Thursday:

    COUNTY – Lorie Knudsen was honored Thursday, July 15 by the Shelby County Extension during ceremonies at the Shelby County Fair as this year’s Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame selection for Shelby County.    Shelby County Fair Queen Candidate Mallory Mulligan made the announcement during the annual queen coronation and hall of fame recognition ceremony.    According to information provided about the selection, each year the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame reco

    COUNTY – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors will act as the fiscal sponsor for a grant that would help fund a trails project in Shelby County, if awarded.    Joe Rueschenberg with Sundquist Engineering explained that the Shelby County Trails Board is applying for a $251,825 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation through the Iowa State Recreation Trails Program.    If funded, the grant would help the project come closer to fru