AVOCA (June 8) -- One night after winning 4-2 at Logan-Magnolia, the AHSTW softball team used three big innings to defeat IKM-Manning 13-1 Tuesday in four innings. The Lady Vikes scored five runs in the first, four in the third and four in the fourth to win by the rule. They totaled eight hits and took advantage of 11 walks. Grace Porter led AHSTW at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and one RBI.

 ATLANTIC (June 5) -- Harlan Community and Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton both finished with 2-1 records while AHSTW went 0-3 at last Saturday’s Atlantic Softball Tournament. The Cyclones’ two wins on the day came by scores of 11-1 over the Spartans and 11-0 vs. the Lady Vikes. The Spartans and Lady Vikes both faced three Hawkeye Ten opponents.

    HARLAN -- City of Harlan and Harlan Municipal Utilities officials are working together on their own water conservation efforts, thinking outside the box in keeping the Norman D.

    COUNTY -- The Shelby County Farmers Market will open Saturday, June 19 with a variety of farm-fresh produce available for purchase.    The farmers market will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon at 2099 Chatburn Ave in the former Shopko parking lot.    The market will take place every Saturday through October 30.    Starting July 7, the market will also be open every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

    HARLAN -- The Harlan 8-Ball Aviation Club will host their 75th annual Flight Breakfast Sunday, June 20 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the airport.    The event will be held at Rushenberg Field at the Harlan Municipal Airport on Hwy 59 South.    The breakfast will consist of bacon, eggs, pancakes and milk, juice or coffee.    The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under.

    COUNTY -- A poverty simulation Monday, June 14 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Harlan helped community members learn more about the experience of surviving in poverty and the challenges of overcoming it.    The Shelby County Prevent Child Abuse Council hosted the simulation.

     DOUGLAS, AZ -- The desert is hot and a half dozen dust devils surround us as we travel from Tucson to Douglas, AZ. As you might expect, it has not rained recently. Charlotte and I are accompanying Sister Joyce Blum FSPA, back to a location she served in the early 2000s. As you might also expect things are not quite the same today in this border community across from Agua Prieta, Mexico, as when she served here...."

    MANILLA -- Debra Jo Veylupek, 68, Manilla, died Monday, June 14 in Harlan.    No services are planned.    Veylupek is survived by her husband, Joe Veylupek, of Manilla; daughter Melissa (Kevin) Turner of Omaha, NE; brother Mark Sefren of Omaha; grandchildren Julia, Lauryn, Aggie and Abbie; other relatives and friends.    Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan is in charge of arrangements.

 DENISON -- The Harlan Community softball team improved its Hawkeye Ten Conference record to 4-1 on Thursday night with an 11-3 win at Denison-Schleswig. Outside of Denison’s three-run fifth inning, HCHS pitcher Emily Brouse was in full command in a complete game, 10-strikeout performance.